Isla Mujeres is a small island off the coast of Cancun in Mexico. Known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and laid-back vibe, Isla Mujeres is a popular destination for travelers looking to relax and enjoy island life. But before you book your trip, you’ll want to have an idea of how much it will cost. Here is a breakdown of the main expenses to expect when visiting Isla Mujeres.
Getting to Isla Mujeres
Since Isla Mujeres is an island, you’ll need to take a boat or ferry to get there. There are a few options:
- Passenger ferry from Cancun – US$14 roundtrip
- Fast ferry from Cancun – US$28 roundtrip
- Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juarez – US$14 roundtrip
- Private boat charter – US$300-500 roundtrip
The most common option is to take the passenger ferry from Cancun. Ferries depart about every hour and take around 30 minutes each way.
To get to the Cancun ferry terminal, you can take a taxi from your hotel for about US$15 each way. Or you can take the R1 bus for around US$1.25 each way.
The fast ferry cuts the crossing time in half but costs twice as much. Private charters offer the most flexibility but are quite expensive.
Accommodation
Isla Mujeres has a wide range of accommodation from luxury resorts to budget hostels. Nightly rates can vary greatly depending on the season and type of lodging. Some average costs are:
- Hostel dorm bed – US$10-15 per night
- Basic hotel room – US$50-100 per night
- Mid-range hotel room – US$100-200 per night
- Luxury hotel/resort – US$200-500+ per night
Hostels offer the most budget-friendly option, while luxury resorts provide the full island getaway experience. There are also many Airbnbs and vacation rentals available. Make sure to book early, especially if traveling during high season when rates are higher.
Food
Isla Mujeres has restaurants ranging from taco stands to high-end seafood restaurants. Meal costs per person:
- Budget meal – US$5-10
- Moderate meal – US$15-25
- Upscale meal – US$25-50+
Groceries and markets provide an affordable way to stock up on food. Expect to pay around US$30-50 per day on meals if you mix groceries with some local restaurants. Alcoholic drinks can add US$5-15 per drink on top of meals.
Activities
Some costs for popular Isla Mujeres activities:
- Snorkel gear rental – US$10-15 per day
- Scuba diving – US$100-150 for 2 tank dive
- Kayak/paddleboard rental – US$15-30 per hour
- Golf cart rental – US$45-60 per day
- Fishing trip – US$250-500+ for 4-6 hours
- Garrafon Natural Reef Park – US$25 per person
- Swim with whale sharks (seasonal) – US$125-150 per person
You can keep costs lower by sticking to beach activities like swimming, snorkeling from shore, and exploring the island. But budget extra for special excursions like whale shark tours or deep sea fishing.
Transportation on Isla Mujeres
Getting around Isla Mujeres is very easy without a car. Options include:
- Taxis – US$5-10 per ride
- Bus – US$1-2 per ride
- Golf cart rental – US$45-60 per day
- Scooter/ATV rental – US$25-50 per day
- Bicycle rental – US$10-15 per day
Taxis are readily available but can add up. The island bus is incredibly cheap but runs on a limited schedule. Renting a golf cart is the classic island way to explore beaches and coastline. Scooters offer more independence at a lower cost than golf carts.
Estimated Total Costs
The total cost of a trip to Isla Mujeres can vary greatly depending on your travel style. Here is an estimate for a 3 night stay for one person:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Roundtrip ferry ticket | $28 |
| 3 nights mid-range hotel | $300 |
| Food & drinks | $150 |
| Activities (snorkel, kayak, etc.) | $100 |
| Transportation | $50 |
| Total | $628 |
This provides a comfortable mid-range trip with plenty of activities. You could easily spend more on higher end hotels and dining. Or lower costs by staying in a hostel, preparing your own meals, and sticking to free beach activities.
Traveling as a couple or group brings down the per person costs. But extra nights on the island will increase the overall budget. Make sure to factor in travel costs to Cancun/Puerto Juarez as well.
When to Visit Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres enjoys a tropical climate all year long. But there are some important considerations for when you visit:
- High season (late Dec – April) – Great weather but busy and most expensive. Book early.
- Shoulder season (May, early Dec) – Warm with lighter crowds. Good deals on hotels.
- Low season (June – Nov) – Hotter & humid. Lower prices but some shops/restaurants closed.
- Whale shark season (May – Sept) – For seasonal whale shark tours.
Many travelers opt for shoulder season when the weather is ideal and costs are lower. If you want to snorkel with whale sharks, aim for summer months when they migrate here.
Saving Money in Isla Mujeres
Some tips to lower your costs in Isla Mujeres:
- Stay in a hostel or budget hotel
- Shop at grocery stores and markets
- Eat street food and cheaper restaurants
- Rent a golf cart instead of a scooter or ATV
- Share rides and activities with other travelers
- Avoid high season rates
- Take the passenger ferry instead of the fast ferry
- Skip expensive fishing trips and water activities
- Look for free beach activities like swimming and snorkeling
Choosing more budget-friendly lodging, dining, and transportation will keep your costs down. But you can still splurge on a few special tours or meals while here.
Booking Your Isla Mujeres Trip
Here are some tips for booking your visit to Isla Mujeres:
- Book lodging and ferries 2-3 months in advance for high season visits
- Look for package deals that include hotel, ferry transport, and/or activities
- Consider booking through a travel agency specializing in the area
- Read reviews carefully when choosing hotels or vacation rentals
- Reserve excursions like swimming with whale sharks well ahead of time
Package deals can offer big savings compared to booking everything separately. Avoid disappointment by reserving whale shark and other specialty tours early.
Use travel review websites to choose hotels with good value. Consider renting an apartment or villa for a large group or extended stay.
Conclusion
Visiting Isla Mujeres offers the quintessential Caribbean island escape. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and island ambiance attract travelers from around the world. With some planning, you can customize a trip to match your interests and budget.
Most travelers spend around $600-800 for 3-5 nights on the island. You can lower costs by choosing cheaper eats, stays, and transportation around the island. Activities, high-end dining, and luxury hotels can all raise your daily spending. Opting to visit during shoulder season provides warmer weather and lower prices.
Isla Mujeres gives you the island life without a super high price tag. But extra splurges on water activities, boat trips, and ocean-view rooms also abound for those looking for a special tropical vacation. With a little research and advance planning, you can have an affordable island getaway in Mexico.
