Playa Puerto Juárez Cancún
Puerto Juarez: Cancun's local heart and the vibrant ferry hub to Isla Mujeres. Experience authentic dining and relaxed beaches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Playa Puerto Juárez Cancún
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Puerto Juarez: Cancun's local heart and the vibrant ferry hub to Isla Mujeres. Experience authentic dining and relaxed beaches.
"A local gem offering authentic flavors and a gateway to paradise."
Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Take the Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juarez for a quick trip to Isla Mujeres. Ferries run frequently! :ferry:
Local Seafood Delights
Try Marbella Fish Market for fresh seafood or Puerto Santo for beachside dining. :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playa El Niño
Puerto Juarez
A local favorite beach with calm waters, perfect for a relaxed day. Enjoy the sea breeze and local atmosphere.
Ultramar Ferry Terminal
Puerto Juarez
The gateway to Isla Mujeres. Experience the bustling departure point and enjoy the short, scenic ferry ride.
Marbella Fish Market
Puerto Juarez
A unique spot offering fresh seafood by weight with your choice of preparation. Enjoy ocean views with your meal.
Planning Your Visit
Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Local Vibe & Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Take the Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juarez for a quick trip to Isla Mujeres. Ferries run frequently! :ferry: 
Local Seafood Delights
Try Marbella Fish Market for fresh seafood or Puerto Santo for beachside dining. :fish:
Getting Around Locally
Consider Ubers or local buses for convenient travel within Puerto Juarez. :bus:
Beach Day at El Niño
Playa El Niño is a great local beach for a relaxed day. Bring pesos for local vendors. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Take the Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juarez for a quick trip to Isla Mujeres. Ferries run frequently! :ferry:
Local Seafood Delights
Try Marbella Fish Market for fresh seafood or Puerto Santo for beachside dining. :fish:
Getting Around Locally
Consider Ubers or local buses for convenient travel within Puerto Juarez. :bus:
Beach Day at El Niño
Playa El Niño is a great local beach for a relaxed day. Bring pesos for local vendors. :moneybag:
Safety in Puerto Juarez
While it may look 'sketchy' to some, Puerto Juarez is generally safe. Be aware of your surroundings. :shield:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Puerto Juarez is appreciated for its authentic local feel and as a convenient gateway to Isla Mujeres. Visitors enjoy the fresh seafood options and the relaxed atmosphere of Playa El Niño. Some find the area visually less polished than the hotel zone, but generally consider it safe and worthwhile for its local charm and affordability.
"Not a good beach for swimming. It is filled with boats, seaweed, and trash. I tried to swim here, but I kept getting hit with pieces of trash that were in the water. The sand was also completely covered in seaweed. It was not even possible to get into the water without walking on seaweed for a few feet, but there were workers putting it into wheelbarrows and trying to clear it away. The waves were also much faster and stronger than any other beach I've come to in Cancún. They almost knocked me down a few times. If you want to go boating though, I think this beach is much better suited to that than swimming or relaxing in the sand."
Savannah Warren
"Good place to take the catamaran has good trip times every 30 min"
Alyssia Hagger
"Not a good place for family day at the beach"
Gbgabriel Enriquez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended ways are pre-booked private transfers like CARM, USA Transfers, or Canada Transfers, which can cost around $90-$120 USD for a group of 6. Alternatively, the ADO bus to downtown Cancun followed by a colectivo van to Puerto Juarez is a cheaper option. Ubers are available but can be tricky to get from the airport itself. +2
For convenience, consider pre-booking a transfer with companies like CARM, which can also include ferry tickets. If you're on a budget, take the ADO bus to downtown Cancun and then a colectivo van to Puerto Juarez. Taxis are also an option, but always agree on the price in pesos before getting in. +1
Yes, Ubers are generally available in Puerto Juarez and can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you're not comfortable with taxis. Some travelers have reported issues with Uber availability at the airport, but it's usually fine within Cancun. +1
Taxis are readily available near the ferry terminal and are a reliable option. Agree on the fare beforehand. Ubers are also an option. Red cabs are also mentioned as a possibility.
Yes, you can take local buses. Route 1 from the hotel zone goes inland, and you can then walk towards the beach. Colectivo vans are also a common and cheap way to get to Puerto Juarez from downtown Cancun.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round trip ferry ticket from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres typically costs around 28 Euros (approximately $30 USD), but prices can vary. Some transfer companies like CARM offer packages that include ferry tickets.
You can purchase ferry tickets directly at the Ultramar terminal in Puerto Juarez. Some private transfer companies, like CARM, also offer the option to buy ferry tickets as part of their service for added convenience.
Ferries from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres typically start running around 6:00 AM, with the last return ferry departing late at night, often around midnight. It's always best to check the latest schedule upon arrival.
While you can buy tickets at the port, booking in advance, especially if using a transfer service like CARM, can save time and ensure availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Playa El Niño is a public beach and generally free to access. You may encounter local vendors selling food and drinks, so having pesos on hand is recommended.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities
Playa El Niño is a popular local beach known for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere. It's a great spot for a less crowded beach experience compared to the hotel zone.
Besides enjoying Playa El Niño, Puerto Juarez is the main hub for taking the ferry to Isla Mujeres. You can also explore local restaurants and experience a more authentic side of Cancun.
Yes, Playa El Niño is known for its calm and shallow waters, making it suitable for swimming and relaxing. It's a family-friendly option.
Yes, the El Meco Mayan ruins are located a few kilometers north of Puerto Juarez and offer a glimpse into ancient history.
Once on Isla Mujeres, you can visit the stunning Playa Norte, rent a golf cart to explore the island, and enjoy the vibrant Hidalgo Street for dining and drinks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Marbella Fish Market and Restaurant is a highly recommended spot where you can buy fresh seafood by weight and have it prepared your favorite way. Puerto Santo is another great option right on the beach.
Puerto Juarez offers several good dining options, particularly for seafood. Marbella Fish Market and Puerto Santo are frequently mentioned for their fresh catches and pleasant settings.
You can expect authentic Mexican cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood due to its coastal location. Many local eateries offer delicious and reasonably priced meals.
Generally, dining in Puerto Juarez is more affordable than in the hotel zone. You can find great value, especially at local seafood spots. However, be mindful of the 'gringo tax' and try to pay in pesos.
Yes, there's a Seven Eleven near the ferry terminal in Puerto Juarez where you can purchase snacks and drinks before your ferry journey.
📸 📸 Photography
Playa El Niño offers scenic beach views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The area around the Ultramar ferry terminal can also provide interesting shots of the boats and the water.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting for photography. Weekday mornings can also be good for capturing the local life with fewer people around.
Yes, there's a mural located on the beach in Puerto Juarez that can be a great spot for photos.
Beach photography, street photography capturing local life, and shots of the ferry terminal and boats heading to Isla Mujeres are popular.
Absolutely! The ferry ride offers fantastic opportunities for photos of the Cancun coastline and the approaching Isla Mujeres.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
✈️ Day-Trippers to Isla Mujeres
+1 Consider booking a transfer that includes ferry tickets for seamless travel. Once on Isla Mujeres, rent a golf cart to explore its famous Playa Norte and other attractions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Isla Mujeres from Puerto Juarez
+1Travelers often opt for pre-booked private transfers from Cancun Airport to the Puerto Juarez ferry terminal, with companies like CARM, USA Transfers, and Canada Transfers being highly recommended for their reliability and convenience, especially for groups. For budget-conscious travelers, the ADO bus to downtown Cancun followed by a local colectivo van to Puerto Juarez is a viable and economical alternative.
Once at the terminal, purchasing ferry tickets is straightforward. While taxis are available, many travelers find Ubers to be a convenient and safe option for getting around Puerto Juarez and to the ferry terminal. Always confirm taxi fares in pesos before commencing your journey.
Local Flavors: Dining in Puerto Juarez
Another highly recommended spot is Puerto Santo, situated right on the beach, offering a delightful dining experience with views of the fishing boats. This restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying local dishes. For those seeking a more casual bite, there are numerous local eateries serving authentic Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices.
When dining in Puerto Juarez, it's advisable to have Mexican pesos on hand, as some vendors may apply a 'gringo tax' to card payments or USD. Embracing the local food scene here offers a genuine taste of Cancun's coastal heritage.
Experiencing Playa El Niño
The beach provides a refreshing escape with its gentle waves and sandy shores. Visitors can enjoy the sun, swim in the clear waters, and soak in the local ambiance. There are amenities like showers, bathrooms, and lockers available, and a Seven Eleven nearby for snacks and drinks.
While it offers a tranquil setting, it's recommended to bring pesos for any purchases from local vendors. The beach is also a great starting point for exploring other parts of Puerto Juarez or heading to the ferry for an adventure to Isla Mujeres.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit