Getting from the airport to Isla will take at minimum two hours, including deplaning, going through customs, getting a taxi/shuttle/bus, driving to the ferry, and taking the 18 minute ferry across. If you get to the ferry in between departures, feel free to enjoy a beverage at the outdoor ferry bar, or outside the airport while waiting for your taxi. On the return trip, the first ferry leaves Isla at 5:30am, so the earliest you can make it out is on an 8am flight, but that's cutting it close and leaving no room for delays. We suggest booking your return later in the day/week, especially if you plan to properly imbibe with us on Sunday! :)

Step 1) Fly into Cancun! We recommend signing up for flight alerts so you don't miss a great deal. When you get off the plane you will go through customs.

Step 2) Take a shared van (~$20pp) or private car (~$50) from the airport to the Isla Mujeres ferry. Super Shuttle has a bit of a monopoly at the airport, but Green Circle is also an option. Super Shuttle will catch you before you leave the airport and will usually have a pretty long wait line (~20 minutes). If you walk straight out of the airport and to the Green Circle line, they can book you there for the same price and no wait. Expect to pay at least $50; because of the monopolies there's really no room to haggle on a private taxi. If your spanish is strong, find someone offering "taxi" and feel free to negotiate!

Another option is to book a private car in advance, that is waiting for you and ready to go when you walk out of the airport. We have had positive experiences booking with CarM, which will run ~$49 from the airport to the Isla ferry: http://carmtransfers.com/

Lastly, the most budget / efficient option is to take the $5 shuttle (you can ask around for where to catch it) to 'El Centro' and then a $10 taxi to the ferry (or if you cross the street to McDonald's, it's only $5).

Step 3) Take the ferry across from Cancun to Isla (~20 minutes; $17pp round-trip). Ferries run every 30 minutes from Cancun, between 5:30AM and 9:30PM, and then hourly at 10:30PM and 11:30PM.

Step 4) Walk to accommodations if staying in Playa Norte (~10 mins); taxi if staying elsewhere on the island ($7-$10).

The island is really safe! We have never felt uncomfortable walking around at any time of the day, however the sidewalks are uneven and end abruptly, the streets are mainly cobblestone with lots of inconsistencies, and walking is the primary means of transportation. Just pay attention when walking in the street and be aware of which direction cars are coming from.

Mopeds, golf carts, and taxi cars roam the island and are available to rent, but Isla recently introduced a new public bus option that is a great way to explore outside of Playa Norte! For only 10 pesos (~60 cents) you can jump on or off wherever you desire. Otherwise, a taxi will run you ~$8 from Playa Norte to the other end of the island and it can be hard to pick one up coming back. Don't be afraid of the buses (they are clean, brand new, and friendly) but do try to use the smallest bills possible (ideally exact change) and ask for change if you need it. The golf carts are certainly fun and allow for more freedom to explore, but many rental locations have strict return timelines at 5p, and many charge $60+ for a 9a-5p rental. Read the policies before agreeing to terms and don't drink and drive!

The exchange rates change regularly, but you should expect to divide the peso price by ~20 (i.e. take off a zero and then cut in half, but it's really ~17). There are a number of ATMs on the island and most have good rates, including the bank across the street from the ferry, so no need to take cash out before arriving. Just remember to set your travel preferences for your debit and credit cards! Many restaurants and bars take credit cards, but it is always good to carry pesos for tipping and shops that only accept cash. Memorizing the following phrases will certainly help: "Puedo pagar con una tarjeta de credito?" (Can I pay with a card?) "Cuanto cuesta?" (How much does this cost?) "Donde esta el banco?" (Where is the bank/atm?)

Tipping is always recommended. Most countries outside the US are used to 10%, however always feel free to tip more than that for exceptional service or for tabs that you feel warranted more dinero.

The island has lots of vendors selling lovely items - from artwork to bags, clothing and home goods, jewelry and blankets. Do feel free to haggle but know that most vendors prefer pesos (many will also accept cash) and most will let you walk away from the lowest price they offer. No shame in going back to accept the item for that price - just bring a bag with enough room to take home some goodies!

Isla has an open bottle policy - feel free to imbibe responsibly as you travel from one party to the next. There is a large ex-pat population on the island, but also a lot of Mexicans on vacation. Please don't be "that guy" - treat people with respect, don't be obnoxious, and please please please don't do anything that will require an ambulance to be called!

Grocery and corner stores will not sell alcohol after 5p on Sundays. Bars and restaurants will, but just be advised.