ISLEÑO BUS ROUTE INFO
Travel Isla Mujeres like a local! Jump on and jump off the island’s busses, Isleños Bus. With 2 routes across the island, each traveling to different parts of Isla Mujeres, this is a great and cheap way to explore and see Mexico’s Caribbean paradise.
Are you coming off the ferry and wanting to head to Punta Sur to enjoy one of its stunning beach clubs for the day? If you’re in no rush to get to your destination on Isla Mujeres and want to save some money to enjoy an extra beer, why not hop onto an Isleños Bus to take you there?
Isleños Bus is the island’s newest form of public transportation and its only bus company.
They have 4 routes covering the island from the North End to Mid-Island, Punta Sur or Sac Bajo. Based next to Isla Mujeres’ Convention Centre, close to Playa Norte, the buses leave every 10 minutes, passing Playa Centro and stopping by the ferry terminal, before covering the rest of their route. If you are waiting for a bus along with one of their routes, you will need to be patient as they pass approximately every 20 minutes.
Route information can be found below…
When you jump on a bus, check with your driver to see if they pass your destination and you can pay for a single ticket from your location to your stop, or if you are planning on traveling more throughout the day, you can purchase an All Day Pass, their hop on hop off ticket ($7 USD), valid on any bus journey on that day, across the island, from 7AM - 9PM. Flag down an Isleños Bus bus from the main road, get on, pay and press the stop button or tell the driver when you want to get off.
Isleños Bus buses run across the island from 7AM - 9PM (they are usually all returned to the station at 9PM so be sure to get on before 9PM).
All Day Bus Pass - Isleño Bus
Hop on and hop off the buses along the bus routes of Isla Mujeres, with the Isleños Bus All Day Pass. The All Day Pass is valid on any bus journey in a single day, across the island from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM. With this pass you can see the whole of Isla Mujeres in one day ... travel from the bustling north end of the island to the picturesque south end of the island, and the island’s peninsula of Sac Bajo. Explore local, hidden treasures in the middle of the island with this great All Day Pass. Flag down a bus, show your wristband, and tell the driver your next stop.
General Info: Flag down the bus of your choice along one of the bus routes.
$7 All Day Pass
Per Person
BUS ROUTE 1
Bus Route 1 Sac Bajo
Wanting to visit a Zama Beach Club or the Ice Bar on the island’s peninsula of Sac Bajo? Or Maybe you want to take a trip to Isla’s Totuganja turtle farm. This is the route that you will need to take. This route goes along the main road (Avenida Rueda Medina) from Playa Norte, stopping at the Ultramar ferry terminal, and going straight down the Cancun side of the island, past Hacienda Mundaca and right at the roundabout and down to Sac Bajo, turning around at the end Sac Bajo, and following the same route back to downtown Isla Mujeres.
BUS ROUTE 2
Bus Route 2 Punta Sur
This is the only bus route that does a complete circle of the island from north to south and back.
If you’re staying in an accommodation in Punta Sur, or are looking for a great Beach Club to spend the day, or if you want to visit the most southern point of the island, including some great photo opportunities at Templo Ixchel and the lookout point at Garrafon, then this is the perfect route for you.
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How far is Isla Mujeres from Cancun?Isla Mujeres is 8 miles (13 km) North East from Cancun.
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How long is the ferry ride? Is there a lot of space?The ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and back is approximately 20 minutes. The ferry is spacious, however, we recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your desired ferry to make sure you get a spot, as it can sometimes get busy.
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Can I exchange pesos at the Ultramar ferry terminal in Cancun?No, there is currently not a currency exchange at the ferry terminal in Cancun. However, at the Ultramar ferry terminal in Isla Mujeres there is a currency exchange.
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Can I buy medicine on Isla Mujeres?Yes, there are several pharmacies located around the island where you can buy medicines that you need. (You may need a prescription for certain medications).
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Is there a grocery store on Isla Mujeres?Yes, there are several grocery stores on the island. The largest grocery store is Chedraui, located mid-island. You can also find Super Aki, a smaller grocery store in the main plaza in downtown Isla Mujeres, and one in Colonia La Gloria. There are also smaller convenience/corner stores dotted around the island with essentials (look for the signs that say SIX).
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Is beach access free?Yes. All beaches in Mexico are public, which means that they are free to use. Lay out your towel or take your beach chair and relax. However, expect to pay at the beach clubs, the use of their chairs, beds and facilities does often cost money.
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Can we drink beer on the beach?Yes, you can take your own alcohol to the beach. If you are at a beach club, you will not be able to consume your own alcohol. Remember to use the trash cans provided afterwards to keep our beaches clean!
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Can I smoke cigarettes on the beach?Yes, you can smoke cigarettes on the beach, use ashtrays provided at the beach clubs, or clean up after yourselves when not at the beach clubs, using the trash cans provided.
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Where can I buy cigarettes on the island?Most convenience stores, supermarkets, and corner shops sell cigarettes.
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I am traveling solo, what is the best transportation on Isla Mujeres?"If you are traveling solo, you can rent a Golf Cart or scooter, or even a bicycle to explore the island at your own pace. You can also travel via a taxi or on the local bus.
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I am traveling with my family, what is the best transportation on the island?"If you are traveling with your family a Golf Cart is probably the best option, (for up to 4 people) or you could all rent bicycles. The taxis can take 4 people maximum, or there is the local bus.
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If I get sick is there a local doctor on Isla Mujeres?Yes, in the unlikely event that you need a doctor while on Isla Mujeres, there are several English speaking doctors you can visit, or who can do house calls to your accommodation if you need.
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Is there a hospital on Isla Mujeres?Yes, there is a public hospital on the island.
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Can I bring CBD products from home to Mexico?There are laws in place which restrict you from bringing products from your home country to Mexico.
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Is cannabis legal in Mexico/on the island?Cannabis is illegal on Isla Mujeres, and throughout Mexico.
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How is the internet access on the island?As we are located on a small island in the Caribbean, off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres’ internet sometimes suffers from bad/flaky internet access due to tropical weather, and when there are lots of people using it on the island. This is the perfect time to disconnect and enjoy Isla Mujeres!
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What is the local currency on Isla Mujeres? Can I bring USD?The local currency on Isla Mujeres is Mexican Pesos. You can use USD, but many places make their own exchange rate. You can change USD to Mexican Pesos at locations downtown in Isla Mujeres.
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Where can I exchange USD to Mexican Pesos on Isla Mujeres?You can exchange money downtown - at the ferry terminal in Isla Mujeres, at Elektra white good store, or at one of the banks (HSBC, Banamex and Cibanco)
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Can I take money out? Are there ATMs on the island?There are several banks in downtown Isla Mujeres, including HSBC, Banamex and Cibanco, which have ATMs inside. You can also find ATMs in the grocery stores - Super Aki and Chedraui.
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Do I need a passport or a visa to get to Isla Mujeres?If you are coming from another country (USA, Canada, Europe etc.) to Mexico you will need a passport to enter into Mexico at the airport/border. You will also need to fill out a visa form before you enter which they will check with your passport at immigration when you arrive. Here you will be issued your visa for your stay for maximum 180 days (KEEP THIS SAFE in your passport during your stay).
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Do I need a license to drive a golf cart?Yes, anyone driving the golf cart must have a valid driver’s license. The rental company will take 1 license as a deposit when you take the golf cart.
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Can my 12-year-old son drive the golf cart?No. Anyone driving the golf cart must have a valid driver’s license. For your safety and the safety of others, and the community on the island, please be responsible while driving the golf cart and do not allow your child to drive or steer the vehicle.
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I had a couple of beers with lunch and feel fine, can I drive the golf cart that we rented?"No. Do not drink and drive on the island. There is zero alcohol tolerance on drinking and driving on the island (on golf carts, scooters and in cars). This includes having open containers in the golf cart. Choose a designated driver who will not drink while out exploring the island. And do not have any open bottles, cans or containers of alcohol while on the vehicle, if you are stopped by the police they can fine you and/or take the vehicle away. There are often random checkpoints set up around the island, and police are constantly patrolling in their vehicles. These rules are in place for your safety and the safety of others on the island.
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Can I drink the tap water while on the Isla Mujeres?No, it is not recommended to drink mains-supply water, this can make you sick. Buy bottled water or drink from the garaffons available at your accommodation this has been purified and is drinkable. Ice on Isla Mujeres has been made from purified water.
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Why are there signs saying not to put paper down the toilet? What do I do with the paper? What can go down the toilets?The waste systems on the island are not designed to have anything unnatural flushed into them. They block easily. Put paper and sanitary products in the waste bins provided next to the toilet. To avoid an inconvenience for yourself and others, avoid unpleasant problems by only flushing natural products down.
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What is the extra cost that has been added to my bill at the bar/restaurant?Check your bills carefully. Some places may add a ‘suggested tip’. Others may add on the tax to the total separately, (the item price shown on the menu usually shows this while the bill may not), don’t be afraid to ask or to check a menu.
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How much should I tip at the bars and restaurants?Tips in bars and restaurants is recommended at 15% (plus). Check that a ‘suggested tip’ hasn’t been added onto the total, before tipping twice. Check bills carefully!
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How many people are allowed on a scooter?Maximum 2 people are allowed on a scooter, despite what you may see. If there are more than 2 people you will be stopped by the police.
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Do I need to wear a helmet on a scooter?Yes. Both the driver and passenger on the scooter must have a helmet, this is a legal requirement in place for your safety. If you are not wearing a helmet, you will be stopped by police.
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How many people are allowed on a golf cart?There are 4 person and 6 person golf carts available to rent on Isla Mujeres. You should stick to the maximum capacity. If you have more than 4 people on a 4 person golf cart, the police can pull you over.
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How can I fish on the island?Yes there are tours that go out where you can fish. Including Sport Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing and Bay Fishing.
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Where can I swim on Isla Mujeres safely?We do not recommend swimming along the Caribbean side, even as a strong swimmer, the tide is very strong and it is very rocky. You can swim safely, you can swim at Playa Norte, and Playa Sol in downtown Isla Mujeres. There are also spots along the Cancun side of the island where you can swim (beach clubs), be careful of sea urchins in the seagrass here.
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Are there yoga classes on the island?Yes, there are yoga classes available on the island. There are several great teachers on the island who can provide private lessons or have schedules at some great spots, including on the beach, with views of the Caribbean, and more.
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Can I surf on Isla Mujeres?If you are an experienced surfer, there are some spots along the Caribbean coast where you can surf when the tide is right. There is nowhere to rent boards, if you have your own you can go out opposite the gas station, but be aware that there is a strong tide here and it is very rocky.
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What language is spoken on the island?Spanish is the primary language on Isla Mujeres, however, due to the amount of tourists that visit the island many people can speak English.
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Can I bring my pet to the island?Yes, you can travel with your pet to the island. Dogs and pets are allowed upstairs on the Ultramar Ferry. When you are on the island there are several accommodation options that allow animals. Also there is a dog beach along the Caribbean side of the island, especially for your four-legged friend to enjoy the Caribbean.
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What public transportation is available on the island?Taxis are very easy to catch on the island. Prices vary depending on your location and destination. There is also a local bus that you can catch on the main roads along the island.
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What vehicles are available to rent on Isla Mujeres?Golf Carts are the most common form of rental vehicle on Isla Mujeres. You can also rent scooters or bicycles.
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Is there live music?Yes there is live music on the island. There are several bars and restaurants that have live music.
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What time do the bars and restaurants close?Closing times depend on the license that the business has on the island.
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We want to dance and party, where can we go?"In downtown Isla Mujeres there are several bars with live music and DJs where you can dance and party. With salsa music, rock, and even electronic music available.
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I would like to get my nails done, is that possible?"Yes, there are places where you can have pedicures and manicures on the island.
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Is there someone to do my hair and makeup on Isla Mujeres?Yes, there are hair stylists and makeup artists on the island.
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Are there dentists on the island?Yes, there are dentists on the Isla Mujeres.
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Are there any dangerous insects or animals on the island?Yes, there are some insects which you should avoid. There are scorpions on the island that will give you a nasty sting and spiders that will bite, however, neither are venomous. There are also some beautiful caterpillars that you should avoid. Don’t forget to wear bug repellent for the mosquitos. As for animals, not all of Isla’s dogs are friendly, don’t approach them. Also look out for the crocodile in the Makax Lagoon, and snakes around the island.
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Can I bring a rented car over from the mainland?Yes you can bring over a rented car, on the car ferry, from Cancun.
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Can I take shells and coral when I am snorkeling/diving and take it back home with me?No, help us to protect our oceans and underwater world, unless it is human produced trash, please do not remove anything from the sea or our beaches. Please do not touch the sealife or coral when snorkeling or diving.
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I see a lot of dogs in the street, are they strays? And how do I adopt one?"Most of the time, the dogs in the streets on Isla Mujeres do have owners, they may not be wearing a collar, but usually have been allowed out to roam for the day. If you are looking to adopt a dog or a cat from the island, you can go to Isla Animals or Delfino’s Veterinary Clinic, who can help you to adopt an island animal that needs a home.
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What are some activities to do on rainy days on the island?While we have many sunny, beautiful days on Isla Mujeres, there are also days with bad weather and/or rain. On these days there are some activities that you can do including cooking classes, art classes, bead making workshops etc.