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Other Important Travel Tips Ground Transportation After you clear customs and leave the terminal in Cancun, you have a couple of options for reaching Puerto Juárez, where you will board the ferry going to Isla Mujéres:
Currency Bring enough small bills with you to pay for transportation, tickets, beverages, etc. until you reach the island. It is not necessary to exchange money before you come. You can do this when you reach the island. The best exchange rate is directly across from the ferry at HSBC bank (the only bank on the island) and can be done when you arrive if you are not too exhausted from your traveling and have someone to watch your baggage. There is an exchange area in front of the bank which may be faster than dealing with the lines inside the bank. There are also currency exchange offices or shops throughout the island, an ATM machine in front of the bank and inside the supermarket off the main square in town. Some of the local restaurants and shops do not accept Visa or Master Cards so bring enough cash just in case. Most of the merchants and restaurants do accept American dollars and speak English to some extent. They do appreciate our attempts of speaking Spanish if you are not already fluent in their language. Ferry There are two ferry companies leaving from Puerto Juárez to Isla Mujéres. We recommend the "Ultramar" leaving from Gran Puerto in Puerto Juárez. These are large new catamaran ferries, departing every half-hour until about 9PM and then every hour until 12:00 midnight. The ferry ride is about 20 minutes, and costs 35 pesos. You can purchase your tickets at the ferry terminal before you get on the ferry. These ferries are very comfortable with air conditioning and open air seating on the top deck if you would like to view the aqua blue waters and see and smell the wonderful things that you will soon experience. Local Taxis As you reach Isla and depart the ferry you will find a taxi stand just to the left of the dock. The taxi ride to El Castillo Maya should be about $5 (+-) because you have baggage. It should only cost about 20 pesos to go to any place in town, and to most of the places in the Colonial as well. Tips are always appreciated. Once you are settled into the taxi cab tell the taxi driver that you are going to the new house (nueva casa) called "El Castillo Maya" next to Casa Ixchel, across from the kindergarten approximately 3 KM south (sur). Local Contact Lori Dumm will try and meet you at the ferry to welcome you to the island if we know what time your flight arrives in Cancun. It normally takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours to arrive on the island after gathering your baggage, going through immigration, customs, ferry ride, etc. This is not always possible due to delays so we will make sure your room(s) or house is open for you with the keys required for your security. She may make periodic visits to see how you are doing and if you have any questions. Guide Inside each room you will find an Information Pamphlet to help guide you through things to do, emergency phone numbers, places to eat, beaches for fun and sun, etc. You will also have the phone number to call our friend Carlos who cares for the pool and grounds and is a dive instructor on the Island. He can assist you with diving lessons, snorkeling and dive trips. If you need additional assistance you can contact Lori and she will take care of matters concerning house keeping, maintenance issues if necessary, day trips to the Mayan ruins, Isla Contoy (a bird sanctuary island), charter boats for deep sea fishing, etc. This property is brand new with furnishings, beds, linens, and everything needed to ensure your stay will be pleasurable and comfortable with all the comforts of home on a beautiful island—not to be forgotten. Telecommunications Cell phones are used on the island just as they are here in the states however you will need to check with your carrier on this before you leave for Mexico to make sure your phone is equipped to make international calls. For a nominal fee most carriers have a monthly plan (which you can cancel after you get home) that reduces the cost per minute of usage. You will also need to receive specific instructions from your carrier in the states on how to make international or local calls before you leave for Isla. Making calls from public phones on the island can be frustrating at times yet it is easier to do if you purchase phone cards (at the 7-11 or various stores on the island). One last tip for the road... I have been visiting Isla Mujéres for almost 30 years and found it to be the safest of all places in my travels. Feel free to walk about the entire island at any time of the day or night. The local islanders are very friendly and treat us with respect and warmth as most local people I have encountered in Mexico. This wonderful island has not kept up to pace with other developed areas on the Caribbean which makes it known for its laid back and peaceful atmosphere. I hope this information helps you to be prepared to have a wonderful relaxing time and keep coming back for more. |
