How to Get from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres: 6 Best Options
Wondering about how to get from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres? Find out on this post!
There are many different ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres. While there isn’t a direct ferry between Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres, transportation is not overly complicated.
In this guide, I’ll discuss the best options from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres. So, no matter your schedule and preferences, you can easily hop over to the magical Caribbean island.

How to Get From Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres: Quick Guide
👉🏽 Distance Between Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres
The distance between Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres is 84.7km (52.6 miles).
The distance from Playa del Carmen to the main Isla Mujeres ferry terminal (Puerto Juárez Maritime Terminal) to Isla Mujeres is 71.2km (44.2 miles).
Isla Mujeres is about 13km (8 miles) offshore from Cancun.
👉🏽 How Long Does it Take to Get from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres?
The trip from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres should take between 1.5 hours – 2.5 hours.
Traveling from Playa del Carmen to the Cancun area takes approximately one hour, and the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres takes about 30 minutes.
The total time may vary depending on how you travel from Playa del Carmen to the Cancun area.
For example, a colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Cancun may take much longer than a private transfer or taxi.

Best Ways to Get to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen
1. Renting a Car + Ferry
Renting a car and taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres is one of the easiest ways to get around because you have more independence and freedom.
When you rent a car, you can work on your schedule and not worry about the headache of coordinating transportation.
The main ferry terminals have parking available for the day or overnight.
It’s generally safe, but avoid leaving any valuables or belongings in your car when you leave it unattended for long periods.
If you’re driving from Playa del Carmen to the ferry terminal, I recommend driving to the Puerto Juárez Maritime Terminal (or Gran Puerto Cancun, right next to it).
There’s a large parking lot, and easy to get to.
You can pay around $45 USD a day for a car rental, plus about 300 MXN ($17.50 USD) per day for parking at the ferry terminal.
🚙 Car Rentals at Playa del Carmen
Are you wondering where to rent a car in Playa del Carmen?
There are hundreds of car rental companies in Playa del Carmen. Some are excellent, while others are more “scammy”.
When renting a car in Playa del Carmen, one general rule of thumb is this: if it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t legitimate.
You’ll find a lot of car rental companies listing extremely low prices. Then, when you pick up the car, they’ll try to charge x500 more for “mandatory add-ons” like insurance.
One of the best tools for car rentals is DiscoverCars. You can check out different prices across town and compare them with one another.

2. Private Transfer or Taxi + Ferry
Organizing a private transfer or taxi from Playa del Carmen to the ferry terminals is another easy way to travel.
You don’t have to worry about long travel times or the hassle of renting a car.
You can organize a private driver or taxi for the time you plan to leave and head straight there.
They won’t make additional stops, and you don’t have to worry about sharing your space with anyone else.
Private transfers or taxis from Playa del Carmen to the ferry terminal should cost 600 MXN ($41 USD) to 1,200 MXN ($70 USD), depending on the driver and services.
🚕 Uber from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres Ferry
I don’t recommend taking an Uber from Playa del Carmen to the Isla Mujeres ferry terminals.
Uber in Quintana Roo was approved for operation in January 2023. However, taxi drivers have revolted against Uber drivers.
If you find an Uber driver on the app in Playa del Carmen, it might not be the safest choice.

3. ADO Bus (Cheapest Option) + Ferry
An ADO bus from Playa del Carmen to the ADO Bus Terminal in Cancun, followed by a quick 5-minute taxi to the ferry terminal, is the cheapest way to get there if you’re traveling in a small group.
ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) is a private bus company that offers transfers all over Mexico, particularly in the southern regions. It’s a very safe and affordable form of transportation.
The bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun leaves frequently and is pretty fast.
The buses usually have a bathroom on board, comfortable seats with charging ports (but don’t rely on the charging ports to work all the time), and even a movie playing in Spanish.
Since the bus tickets are per person, it may be cheaper to travel by taxi, van, or private transfer if you have more than three people in your group.
But it’s the most affordable option for just you and another person.
The price of an ADO ticket from Playa del Carmen to downtown Cancun is 240 MXN ($14 USD), though sometimes you can get tickets on sale during “non-busy” departure times.
🚌 ADO Bus Schedule from Playa del Carmen
There are two ADO bus stations in Playa del Carmen; both have regular departures to downtown Cancun.
The most popular ADO bus station is ADO Terminal Turistica Playa del Carmen, located right on 5th Avenue, on the corner with Juarez.
This bus station is closest to all the action and more convenient to get to since it’s right downtown.
The second ADO bus station is ADO Alterna Terminal Playa del Carmen, on Avenue 20 and the corner of Calle 12. This one is only a few blocks back from Fifth Avenue.
When you purchase tickets, you know which bus terminal you depart from. The ticket should clearly say “Turistica Playa del Carmen” or “Alterna Terminal Playa del Carmen.”
Buses leave from both stations every 15-30 minutes, starting around 6:00 a.m. and going until around 1:00 a.m. So, it shouldn’t be a problem getting to downtown Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
You can purchase your ADO tickets through the ADO website, the ADO phone app, or directly at the bus station.

4. Shared Van + Ferry
A shared van from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres ferry terminal in Cancun is another cost-effective and convenient travel method.
Shared vans are convenient because they’ll pick you up directly from your hotel or chosen location. And they’ll likely drop you off at the ferry terminal or very close to downtown Cancun.
One of the downsides to a van is it might take longer depending on how many other passengers are going and when you’re picked up.
For example, if the van has eight different passengers, and you’re the first to be picked up, you’ll have to ride in the van while the others are being picked up.
There are many tour agencies and shared van services around Playa del Carmen. A shared van should cost around 350 MXN ($20 USD).
5. Playa Express (Colectivo) + Ferry
The absolute cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres is with the Playa Express (colectivo) and the Isla Mujeres ferry in Cancun.
However, it’s a bit more challenging to navigate.
The Playa Express is a public bus service that regularly operates between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Vans leave every 10-15 minutes, regardless of whether it is full or not.
Playa Express begins on Highway 307, near Benito Juarex Avenida, Chedraui, and Mcdonald’s.
However, if it has space, you can hop on the colectivo/van at any point to Cancun. Simply head to the highway and flag it down.
Playa Express from Playa del Carmen to Cancun costs 55 MXN ($3.20 USD) and drops off at the ADO station in downtown Cancun.
You can take a quick taxi ride to Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal to make the last leg to Isla Mujeres.

6. Tours + Ferry
If all of that is too complicated, the easiest thing you can do is hop on an Isla Mujeres tour from Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen is a tourist hotspot, so there are plenty of options for all those tourists. There are dozens of different tours to choose from.
Most tours organize roundtrip transportation to and from your hotel doorstep, meals, drinks, entrance fees, and other associated costs. This is by far the easiest way to visit Isla Mujeres.
It’s also a great way to meet people. Most tours have a small group of travelers, so you can easily make new companions if traveling alone.
If you’re traveling with your family or a group of friends, it makes the planning much more manageable.
It’s also great if you’re on a limited schedule. If you’re trying to squeeze in a lot of activities in a short time, a tour can help you fit it all in by having everything pre-planned and prepared.
The downside is you don’t get to plan your activities or work on your own time. Instead, you’ll likely be with a small group, going to the main tourist spots where all the tours go.
Here are three of the best Isla Mujeres tours from Playa del Carmen.
👍🏼 Isla Mujeres Unlimited! Fun & Party with Transportation
4.5 ⭐️ 101 Reviews
This Isla Mujeres Unlimited! Fun & Party Tour is the perfect option for solo travelers, small groups, and couples looking for the most exciting and action-packed way to visit Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Playa del Carmen.
From Playa del Carmen, you’ll hop on a 9-hour tour with unlimited alcoholic beverages and refreshments, a buffet-style lunch, and two snorkel stops.
You’ll also have a few hours in Isla Mujeres, where you can relax on the beach, roam around town, or lay out at the beach club (the entrance is included in the price).
Considering how expensive and time-consuming transportation can be from Playa del Carmen, this is a great deal. And you’ll have plenty of drinks, food, and fun guaranteed.
Staff was really friendly and made the tour super enjoyable. Everything was perfect!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Carlos_L, Aug 2023

👍🏼 Isla Mujeres All-Inclusive Tour from Playa del Carmen
4.0 ⭐️ 68 Reviews
This Isla Mujeres All-Inclusive Tour from Playa del Carmen is another excellent option, including a trip to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy.
The tour offers round-trip transportation from your hotel in Playa del Carmen and takes you on a fun 8-hour adventure on a high-speed catamaran.
Throughout the day, continental breakfast, buffet lunch, beers, and refreshments are included.
You’ll be able to enjoy the buffet lunch peacefully while on Isla Contoy, an uninhabited island.
The tour also stops at several snorkel spots, where you can explore the beautiful Mesoamerican Reef and see the lively marine life.
You may even get lucky and get to swim with sea turtles!
This is a less “party-focused” tour with more emphasis on the stunning nature and beautiful wildlife of the Riviera Maya and the Caribbean Sea.
It’s perfect for small groups, families, and solo travelers.
Fantastic experience! The guides were super helpful, knowledgeable, and kept the drinks flowing. They made the entire experience very fun! 😁 Would highly recommend and already want to come back!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kyle_L, Jun 2023

👍🏼 Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen
5.0 ⭐️ 4 Reviews
This Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour is another action-packed full-day adventure around the Caribbean Sea. The six-hour tour begins at your hotel in Playa del Carmen.
From there, you’ll head to the marina with the group and sail on a catamaran to Isla Contoy.
The guide will take you to all the best snorkeling spots near Isla Contoy, so you’ll hopefully catch a glimpse of some of the incredible marine life here.
Afterward, you’ll sail to Isla Mujeres, where you’ll enjoy relaxing on the white sand beaches or wandering through downtown Isla Mujeres.
This tour includes round-trip transportation, meals, unlimited drinks, and all the equipment you need on the boat or snorkeling.
This is a fun, low-key adventure from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres that couldn’t make the Isla Mujeres day trip any easier.
If you are in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, I suggest you do this tour! The beaches are really beautiful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cristian_A, Jul 2023

Taking the Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres
⛴ Puerto Juárez Maritime Terminal
Several ferry operators run out of Puerto Juarez Maritime Terminal and Cancun. Ultramar is the most popular ferry provider for tourists.
The Puerto Juarez Maritime Terminal, or Gran Puerto, is 5 miles from downtown Cancun. It’s really easy to get to.
The trip from Gran Puerto to Isla Mujeres takes about 25 minutes.
🎫 Ferry Price for Adults: 270 MXN ($16 USD) one way, 540 MXN ($31 USD) roundtrip.
⏰ Ferry Schedule: Every half hour from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and every hour from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
⛴ Ultramar Terminal Playa Tortugas
Ultramar Terminal Playa Tortugas is in Cancun’s hotel zone at KM 7. The terminal is much easier for tourists in the hotel zone, but the Isla Mujeres ferry schedule is more limited.
The trip from Terminal Playa Tortugas to Isla Mujeres takes about 40 minutes.
🎫 Ferry Price for Adults: 270 MXN ($16 USD) one way, 540 MXN ($31 USD) roundtrip.
⏰ Ferry Schedule: 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:15 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm.

⛴ Ultramar Terminal Playa Caracol
Terminal Playa Caracol is also in Cancun’s hotel zone at KM 9.5. There is a dock fee at Playa Caracol, so tickets will be more expensive than what’s listed on the website.
The dock fee is usually between $3 to $5 USD.
The trip from Terminal Playa Tortugas to Isla Mujeres takes about 40 minutes.
🎫 Ferry Price for Adults: 270 MXN ($16 USD) one way, 540 MXN ($31 USD) roundtrip.
⏰ Ferry Schedule: 9:45 am, 11:15 am, 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm, 3:15 pm, 4:45 pm, 6:15 pm.
⛴ Punta Sam Terminal
Punta Sam Terminal is the cargo or car ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. The ferry takes about 45 minutes and runs on a more constricted Isla Mujeres ferry schedule.
While the ride is smooth sailing, bringing your own vehicle to Isla Mujeres is not recommended. The roads are tiny and narrow. They aren’t really made for regular cars.
Punta Sam Terminal is about 50 minutes from downtown Cancun and 30 minutes from Cancun’s ADO terminal.
🎫 Ferry Price: A traditional family car is 440 MXN ($25 USD), including the driver, and a motorcycle is 150 MXN ($9 USD), including the driver. Each adult passenger in a car is an additional 230 MXN ($13 USD).
⏰ Ferry Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 4:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

Getting Around Isla Mujeres
✔︎ Walking
Isla Mujeres is split into two main parts: the north point and the south point.
The ferry from Cancun drops you off right in the center of North Isla Mujeres, where you can easily walk to many of the downtown hotels, restaurants, and the well-known Playa Norte.
Walking to anything you do on the island’s north side is straightforward. And most of what you’ll need regarding food and beach time is found on the north end, anyway.
However, if you want to venture to other parts of Isla Mujeres, like Punta Sur (the easternmost point in Mexico), you’ll need to find a more efficient mode of transportation.
✔︎ Golf Carts
Electric golf carts are the most popular way to zip around the island. The roads are narrow and windy, not exactly built for cars, but perfect for golf carts.
There are golf cart rental companies all over the north side of Isla Mujeres, so it’s pretty easy to find the perfect one.
The rentals cost around 1,200 MXN ($70 USD) for 24 hours, but prices may vary depending on the season and who you’re working with.
When you’re driving around, make sure to explore all parts of Isla Mujeres. There are many beautiful vistas on the other end of the island.
Just watch out for topes or speedbumps. They can pop out of nowhere, and the last thing you want is a damaged golf cart because of a speed bump.

✔︎ Motorbikes/Scooters
You can rent a motorbike or scooter if a golf cart isn’t your thing. These are little electric, automatic motorbikes that usually don’t exceed 65 km (40 mph).
Motorbikes are much more affordable than golf carts and usually cost around 300 MXN ($17 USD) per day.
While motorbikes are really fun to drive around, they’re also very dangerous.
There are multiple scooter accidents daily between Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, some of which are fatal. You have to drive very cautiously.
✔︎ Taxi
Hiring a taxi is the next best option if you don’t want to drive around.
There are many taxi drivers near Playa Norte and downtown Isla Mujeres, so it should be easy to snag one.
If you plan on taking a taxi to the other side of the island, you can look into hiring a driver for the day or a few hours, as there aren’t many taxi drivers without passengers.
Taxis around town usually cost around 50 MXN ($3 USD) to 100 MXN ($6 USD). Taxis from Playa Norte to Punta Sur cost about 150 MXN ($9 USD) each way.
Generally, a taxi driver charges around 300 MXN ($17 USD) per hour if you’d like to hire a driver for a few hours and save yourself the hassle of finding a new driver every time you get out of the cab.

Things to Do in Isla Mujeres
🏝 Explore the Beaches
Isla Mujeres has earned international recognition for its beautiful beaches, so you have to make sure you spend some time exploring some of the best beaches on Isla Mujeres.
Playa Norte is the most notable beach on the island, actually earning a spot on Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards of the best beaches in the world.
Playa Norte is characterized by its white sand beaches, calm turquoise waters, and many exciting beach activities. The water is pretty shallow and almost always warm.
You’ll find beach clubs, bars, and water sports activities lining the beach.
But Playa Norte isn’t the only beach in Isla Mujeres. If you have the time, venture out to other lesser-known sports for fun in the sun.
Here are some other beaches on Isla Mujeres:
🌊 Playa Centro (Central Beach): The first beach visible from the ferry, located in downtown Isla Mujeres close to Playa Norte.
🌊 Playa Albatro (Albatro Beach): On the west coast of Isla Mujeres, a smaller, less populated beach closer to the island’s south side. There’s a beach club here with a few umbrellas and hammocks.
🌊 Isla Contoy: An uninhabited island about 30 km (18 miles) off the coast of Isla Mujeres. You can visit on a day trip and relax on the practically untouched Caribbean Beach.

🏝 Book a Snorkeling Tour
5.0 ⭐️ 1,358 Reviews
Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres, so take some time to get out in the water.
Unfortunately, there isn’t the best snorkeling right offshore, so joining a snorkeling tour is highly recommended.
The Riviera Maya is located on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef behind the Great Barrier Reef.
This reef is full of fun marine life, including sea turtles, colorful fish, starfish, and other sea creatures.
Additionally, the underwater museum is right off the coast of Isla Mujeres.
The museum has over 500 lifesize structures and sculptures, including art pieces, sunken cars, and other unique items.
The underwater structures have become integrated into ocean life over time, as well.
This Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour Adventure is one of the best snorkeling tours on the island.
First, you’ll go to “Lighthouse Reef,” a shallow and fun snorkeling spot.
Next, you’ll visit the underwater museum. And finally, you’ll stop at the largest near Isla Mujeres, “Manchones.”
This Isla Mujeres Snorkeling tour also provides a delicious, fresh ceviche lunch, sandwiches, and beverages on board the boat.
Great trip! Everything was very well organised and the guides did a very good job – in English also! Recommended undoubtedly!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Georgios_P, Aug 2023

🏝 Scuba Diving at MUSA
If snorkeling just isn’t enough action for you, try scuba diving in the warm waters around Isla Mujeres. MUSA (the underwater museum) is the most popular dive shop here.
While you can see a lot of the museum snorkeling, you can see even more while scuba diving.
If you’re already scuba certified, this is an excellent two-tank dive to MUSA Underwater Museum and Manchones Reef.
You’ll follow your PADI-certified instructor and can choose between two dive times, depending on what works best for your schedule.
If you’re not scuba certified but up for an adventure, consider a PADI Discover Dive. This is a PADI-instructor lead guide following a brief course in the pool.
This is an excellent way to dip your toes into scuba diving in a safe and comfortable environment.
If you’re still confident, check out this PADI Discover Dive to MUSA and the Manchones Reef.

🏝 Go on a Catamaran Tour
Another excellent way to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea is on one of the incredible catamaran tours.
These boat tours generally include several snorkeling stops, an open bar buffet-style meals, and everything you might need for the day.
This is not only the best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Caribbean but also an excellent way to meet other travelers.
Usually, the groups are pretty small, and other like-minded travelers will be aboard (unless you book a private tour).
If you’d like your private tour from Isla Mujeres, check out this 4-hour Isla Mujeres Private Sunset Trip.
This trip includes a private catamaran for yourself and your family or friends and the use of snorkeling equipment, snacks, water, and beer.
If you’d like to hop on a beautiful catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres from Cancun, check out this incredible Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran.
This is arguably one of the best ways to travel to Isla Mujeres. The tour includes entrance to a private beach club on Isla Mujeres, an open bar, and a buffet lunch.

🏝 Shopping at Downtown Isla Mujeres
If you want to spend more time on land, shop in downtown Isla Mujeres.
Ten or twenty years ago, the island was quiet, with only a large handful of shops and markets.
Recently, tourism has seen a boom, and shopping opportunities have exponentially expanded.
Nowadays, Isla Mujeres is such a fun place to shop. You’ll find practically anything here: island-style outfits, traditional Mexican souvenirs, high-quality tequila brands, handcrafted gifts, local chocolates, and more.

🏝 Visit Punta Sur
Punta Sur is located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres.
It’s an ecological park with a short boardwalk along the ocean, a lighthouse, a Sculpture Garden, and unbeatable views.
Punta Sur was once the home to an ancient temple honoring Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the Goddess of the Moon and wife of the Sun, and was considered a fertility goddess with life-changing healing powers.
Women traveled from mainland Mexico to Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres, for centuries to seek help.
Now, residents of Isla Mujeres gather at Punta Sur on New Year’s morning to greet the sun.
Punta Sur is the first place in all of Mexico to see the sun’s rays every morning, as it’s the easternmost spot in Mexico.
So, visiting Punta Sur, learning more about the history, and enjoying the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea is a must-do while you’re on the island.
Where to Stay Overnight in Isla Mujeres
🛏 Casa Barco Hotel Boutique (Budget)
Casa Barco Hotel Boutique is the best budget hotel, although it doesn’t feel like a budget hotel.
This cute boutique hotel is only 200 meters from Playa Norte and 600 meters from Isla Mujeres Beach.
It also features a small rooftop pool with a nice seating area, making it an excellent place to watch the sunset.
Everything, cannot fault anything. The AC was excellent, the wardrobe, balcony, bedroom, and views were exceptional.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stephanie, AUG 2023
🛏 Izla Hotel (Mid-range)

Izla Hotel is the perfect mid-range accommodation with a large outdoor swimming pool, a private beach, a garden, and an onsite bar and restaurant.
The hotel is a bit further away from the center of Isla Mujeres, so it is not within walking distance of everything.
But with its private beach and endless amenities, you won’t need much while staying here.
Loved how it was a private beach and that it’s really away from the loud party. If you want to really unwind and relax, this is the perfect hotel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ GLORIA, SEPT 2023
🛏 Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets (Luxury)

Impression by Secrets is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort toward the south end of Isla Mujeres.
The hotel is right on the beach, with incredible Caribbean Views. It also has a massive outdoor pool that overlooks the ocean, making it one of the most beautiful places in Isla Mujeres.
Guests can enjoy meals from the highly-rated onsite restaurant or spend the day sipping drinks at one of the two bars.
The Secrets all-inclusive experience is about as good as it gets.
It is a beautiful brand new resort and the butler service is amazing. The restaurant/bar staff are all so kind and helpful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ NICHOLAS, SEPT 2023
Getting Back to Playa del Carmen from Isla Mujeres
Getting back to Playa del Carmen from Isla Mujeres is just as simple as getting to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen.
You can head to the ferry terminal on the north end of Isla Mujeres, where you arrive on the island.
If you bought a roundtrip ticket to Isla Mujeres, head straight to the boarding line. If you still need your ticket, purchase your ferry ticket at one of the ticket counters.
The return ferry takes about 30 minutes from Isla Mujeres to Gran Puerto Terminal.
From here, you can either walk toward the main highway for a bus back to Playa del Carmen, take a taxi to Playa del Carmen, or take a taxi to the nearby ADO station in Cancun and an ADO bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
The trip should take about two hours, depending on how you travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

What to Pack on an Isla Mujeres Trip
Here’s a list of some essential gear you have to bring on an Isla Mujeres trip:
📌 Your swimsuit
📌 Swimsuit coverup
📌 Light jacket for the evenings or riding around the golf cart
📌 Swim shirt to cover up if you burn easily
📌 Reef-safe sunscreen
📌 Comfortable walking shoes
📌 Insulated water bottle
📌 Quick dry travel towel
Best Time to Visit Isla Mujeres
The best time to visit Isla Mujeres is typically from January to April when there is little to no rain, and the temperatures are not sweltering.
The rainiest months tend to be September and October, so you should avoid these months if you think rain will put a damper on your vacation.
That said, prices tend to be much more expensive during the high season, from January to April.
If you want the best deals, consider a trip during the rainy season or shoulder weeks (the beginning and end of the high season).

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres
Is Isla Mujeres Close to Playa del Carmen?
Isla Mujeres is close to Playa del Carmen.
However, there is no direct ferry from Playa del Carmen Isla Mujeres. You’ll have to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun and then take a ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
Is It Difficult to Go to Isla Mujeres?
No, it’s not difficult to go to Isla Mujeres. It’s easy once you know exactly where you’re going.

Can You Go to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen Without a Tour?
You can go to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen without a tour.
Regular ferries depart from several points in Cancun to Isla Mujeres daily; anyone can purchase a ticket.
How Do You Get to Isla Mujeres Without a Car?
You don’t need a car to get to Isla Mujeres.
You can take an ADO bus, colectivo/Playa Express, or taxi from Playa del Carmen to the Gran Puerto or Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal in Cancun. And then you take the ferry to Isla Mujeres.

Is It Better to Stay in Playa del Carmen or Isla Mujeres?
Both Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres are beautiful spots in the Riviera Maya, so it depends on your preferences.
Isla Mujeres tends to be less busy than Playa del Carmen, as it has more low-key island vibes.

Final Thoughts: Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres
Even though there’s no direct ferry, traveling from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres is pretty straightforward.
And Isla Mujeres is such a beautiful place, with so many fun activities; any trouble getting there is worth it.
It’s the best place to relax after spending time in high-energy towns like Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum.
Before You Go…
Here are some useful posts that you may be interested in:

Isabella, author, editor, and founder
A passionate traveler and photographer, in love with life and adventures, Isabella is the founder and editor of Letstraveltomexico where she shares her love for Mexico, a fascinating country that she’s proud to call home. When she’s not exploring a new place you will find Isabella in a cafe, writing on this blog, or on her other sites Boundless Roads, Mexico Cenotes and Ruins and Letstraveltocancun.com where she loves to share her travels on and off the beaten path in Mexico and around the world.

