Ferries Cancún

The ferry companies serving Cancún routes often have special discounts for certain groups of travelers. These discounts vary from one company to another, but generally, infants and children under the age of 1 or 5 travel for free and children aged up to 11 are entitled to reduced prices on ferry ticket prices. Also, there are special rates for Quintana Roo residents.

While there are regular departures throughout the day (every half hour) and the connection is available all year round, we recommend booking your tickets at least a few days in advance, especially if you are traveling in high season (Easter, summer, Christmas or long weekends). This way, you will secure your spot on board at the schedule that works best for you.

In any case, if you are traveling on very popular dates or with a big group of people, it is advisable to book a few weeks before your trip.

Cancún, the gateway to the Mexican Caribbean, is a must-see destination for beach, history, food and water sports enthusiasts. It is divided into two parts: the Hotel Zone, with a more than 20 km long coastline, and the actual city of Cancún, home to the locals, with fewer tourists and a much more authentic atmosphere. With so many beaches to choose from, these are some of our top recommendations: Delfines, Caracol, Linda and Tortugas.

If you are into diving, a not-to-be-missed experience is the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), with more than 500 submerged sculptures. And of course, while in the Yucatán Peninsula, it is mandatory to visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá, Cobá and Tulum, three magical symbols of the Mayan civilization.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Cancún and your stay:

• We recommend arriving at the port at least 30-45 minutes before departure, as the ports of Cancún tend to get quite busy.
• Sargassum is a seaweed that, as a result of global warming, has become quite a problem in the Riviera Maya. Normally, it is more abundant between the months of April and October. El Niño, Tortugas, Delfines and Caracol are some of the beaches with less sargassum in Cancún.
• The boats traveling from the ports of Cancún to Isla Mujeres (and the other way around) usually have an open deck. If you decide to sail outside, don't forget to bring a hat, eco-friendly sunscreen and sunglasses.
• There are ferries to Isla Mujeres from the 4 ports of Cancún and they arrive at the main port of Isla Mujeres, located in the heart of the town. Playa Norte, the most iconic beach of the island, is only a 10-minute walk from here.

Ferries to and from Cancún offer a wide range of amenities to make the short journey enjoyable, including bars, canteens with snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi, and occasionally live entertainment. You can choose to sit on the open-air deck or relax in the air-conditioned indoor lounge, enjoying the Caribbean views your way.

There are no cabins on the high-speed ferries, but they are designed for comfort and accessibility, with seats and facilities to accommodate travelers with disabilities. Most ferry operators allow up to 25 kg of luggage per passenger, though policies may vary slightly between companies, and there is an area on board to leave your bags.

Pets are generally welcome on board, as long as they are kept on a lead at all times during the trip.

Cancún has 4 ports:

• Puerto Juárez: just 10 minutes from downtown Cancún, Puerto Juárez is one of the most popular departure points for Isla Mujeres. The area is lively and well-served, with plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of the terminal.
• Playa Tortugas: located in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, this “port” (it doesn’t have any facilities, docks or terminals) is especially convenient for travelers staying at nearby resorts. It features a small beach, basic services, and a few casual dining options, making it a relaxed spot to catch the ferry.
• Playa Caracol: also in the Hotel Zone, near the Punta Cancún area and shopping centers like Plaza Caracol. This port/beach is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and shops, offering a vibrant atmosphere and easy access for travelers.
• Embarcadero: situated at kilometer 4.5 of the Hotel Zone, the terminal is well-equipped and conveniently located for nearby accommodations. It features a ferry terminal for the two companies operating the routes from Cancún, Ultramar Xcaret Xailing. Also, don’t miss the Torre Escénica (Scenic Tower), an impressive 80-meter tower with a rotating viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the coastline!

All ports are easily accessible by car or bus via Boulevard Kukulcán or Avenida López Portillo. Cancún International Airport is about 20 to 30 minutes away by taxi or shuttle.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Cancún, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.