If you're planning a trip to Isla Mujeres, one of the first questions you'll run into is how to actually get there. From Cancun, you have three real options: hop on the public passenger ferry, join a shared catamaran tour, or book a private charter. Each one gives you a completely different day — and the "best" choice really depends on what you're after. Here's an honest, side-by-side breakdown. ⛴️
Option 1: The Public Ferry
The ferry is the fastest and cheapest way to reach the island. Boats leave from Puerto Juárez or Gran Puerto roughly every 30 minutes, and the crossing takes about 20 minutes.
- 💵 Budget-friendly — the cheapest way across (check the operator's current fare before you go)
- ⏱️ Fast — you're on the island in 20 minutes
- 🧭 No itinerary — you explore 100% on your own, no guide, no equipment, no lunch
- 🚕 You'll need a taxi or rental car to reach the terminal, which isn't in the Hotel Zone
The ferry makes sense if you've already been to Isla Mujeres before, you're on a tight budget, or you specifically want total independence for the day.
Option 2: A Shared Catamaran Tour
A shared catamaran tour departs directly from the Hotel Zone (Marina Playa Tortugas) and turns the crossing itself into part of the experience. You sail for 45–60 minutes with an open bar already flowing, stop to snorkel at a reef along the way, then dock near the island for a buffet lunch and free time.
- 🍹 Open bar, snorkeling gear, and buffet lunch included — no logistics to plan
- 🤿 Guided snorkeling stop most ferry riders simply miss
- 👥 Social atmosphere, up to 50 guests aboard
- 🕐 About 7 hours total, including 2–3 hours of free time on the island
This is the option most first-time visitors choose, since it packs sailing, snorkeling, food, drinks, and island time into one easy, all-inclusive day. See what's included on the shared catamaran tour →
Option 3: A Private Catamaran Charter
A private charter gives you the entire boat — no other guests, a custom itinerary, and a dedicated bilingual crew. You decide the pace, the music, the stops, and how long to stay on the island.
- ⛵ Exclusive use of the vessel for your group only
- 🎯 Fully customizable route — snorkeling, island time, or a mix of both
- 🎉 Ideal for celebrations, proposals, or groups who don't want to share the boat with strangers
- 💰 Priced per vessel rather than per person, so it can be excellent value for larger groups
A private charter is the right call when the experience itself is the point of the day — not just the transportation. Explore the private Isla Mujeres charter →
Rather go by motor yacht? Our sister company Cancun Boats offers private yacht charters in Cancun from 27 to 120 ft, with captain and crew.
Side-by-Side: Which Fits Your Trip?
- Tightest budget, repeat visit: Public ferry
- First-time visitor who wants it all handled: Shared catamaran tour
- Celebrating something, or traveling with a larger group: Private charter
- Traveling with young kids: Shared or private catamaran — more space, shade, and a crew that can help
- Want snorkeling included: Shared or private catamaran — the ferry doesn't stop at the reef
Pricing follows the same pattern: the ferry is the cheapest per person, the shared catamaran tour is about $75 USD per person with everything included, and a private charter is priced per vessel — typically $1,000 USD and up — which can work out cheaper per person than the shared tour once your group reaches around 14 guests or more.
Our Honest Take
If this is your first trip to Isla Mujeres, skip the ferry. The catamaran crossing is part of the fun — not just a means to an end — and by the time the ferry drops you on the island, catamaran guests have already snorkeled a coral reef and started on their second drink. The ferry is a perfectly good option, just not usually the most memorable one.
Ready to decide? Book your Isla Mujeres catamaran tour here — shared or private.