What to do
Playa Norte (north beach) — consistently rated one of Mexico's top white-sand beaches. Shallow turquoise water, calm swimming, beach-club loungers. Punta Sur (south end) — small Mayan temple ruins on cliffs, the eastern-most point in Mexico. Dolphinarium for kids. Golf cart rental ($45–60/day) — drive the island perimeter in 60 min.
Ferry logistics
Ultramar Ferry from Puerto Juárez (downtown Cancún) — every 30 min, 20 min sail, $19 USD round-trip per adult. From Cancún Hotel Zone: take taxi to Puerto Juárez ($10) or shared shuttle. Avoid the Playa Tortugas ferry — slower and more expensive.
“Isla Mujeres is the easiest island day-trip from Cancún — 20 minutes, no passport, and Playa Norte is genuinely one of Mexico's best beaches.”
Half-day or full-day
Half-day (4 hours): ferry + Playa Norte + lunch. Full-day (8 hours): ferry + golf cart + Playa Norte + Punta Sur + dinner. Sunset on Isla is magical — last ferry back to Cancún at 9 PM, so dinner-on-island is feasible.
