Jetway Ferry: Get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun (Puerto Juarez)

In this article, I will review the new Jetway Ferry service and give you information about their hours, schedules, and pricing.

I am a local on the island and married to an Isla Mujeres native. I have been on Isla Mujeres for a very long time. Plus, I use the ferry service frequently because I go to school in Cancun. 

I will give you valuable insight, so your next visit to Isla will be more fun and enjoyable!

Cancun Airport to Puerto Juarez

To arrive on Isla Mujeres you must first fly to the Cancun International Airport, and in most cases that is a direct flight from many large cities around the world. Always being prepared and organized when flying to such a busy airport is important. 

Once you land and have gone through customs and migration, you can head towards Puerto Juarez Jetway Ferry. Depending on your budget, a tourist can either:

1. Have a shuttle transfer waiting
2. Take a cab
3. Ride the ADO bus company

You can arrange a shuttle transfer in advance through your hotel or with a private company. These services are especially convenient when traveling in large groups or traveling with children or elders. 

Taking a cab is also an option that can be very convenient, but in most cases, prices tend to be higher. 

Last but not least is heading to the ADO bus company stand and purchasing a bus ticket. The bus ticket cost is roughly $10.00 USD. This bus line has A/C and comfortable seating.

Riding the bus is a great option if you are on a budget and want a little more adventure as soon as you get off the plane. 

On the downside, riding the bus requires more patience than taking a shuttle or cab. You must get off at the terminal to jump on another shuttle that takes you to the port. This shuttle is only 10 pesos and drops you off directly at Puerto Juarez Jetway Ferry!

Arriving at Puerto Juarez

Some of the first impressions you’ll have as you arrive will be the maritime smell. The smell is like a mixture of olive brine and seawater. 

It also becomes much breezier since you are now actually on the beach, and most importantly are the friendly faces on the Jetway personnel dressed in yellow uniform shirts. 

Jetway ferry schedules and pricing:

The Jetway ferry opens at 6:30 am and ends at 10 pm every day of the week, with ferries departing every hour. During peak hours, it runs every 30 minutes. 

What helps make this step of the journey so simple is that Jetway has very clear and visible schedules and pricing. The personnel is also friendly and polite and normally speak some English. 

They allow you to pay with most credit and debit cards, pesos, and dollars, for which they tell you the exchange rate. 

Amenities at Puerto Juarez

My favorite part of traveling with Jetway is the amenities at Puerto Juarez. The layout of the port is super simple. 

There is a small convenience store in case you crave snacks and drinks. Opposite are two petit souvenir stores which are also great for buying sunscreen. 

There are also clean restrooms and an interior waiting room, usually at a cool temperature for those hot days. 

Now, what is really awesome about Jetway Ferry in Puerto Juarez is that it has a beautiful beach area. It has multiple coconut trees and small wooden tables and chairs to hang out at while you wait. 

It’s amazing because you are exactly where you want to be, the Caribbean, and this is your first official taste. Right in front of you! 

You will see all the boats that carry tourists on snorkeling and fishing tours. These boats are very colorful; the ocean is all sorts of blues. The port is a very colorful scenery! On the pier, you will even see the Pirate Boat, an attraction both the kids and adults enjoy (more on Isla Mujeres activities for kids).

Finally, you can rest calmly and enjoy the moment. Boarding is within visible distance, and since Jetway is a fairly new and less expensive company, it doesn’t get jam-packed yet, so lines are shorter! 

The experience

One of the many Jetway workers will call for boarding; it’ll be very noticeable. You will present your ticket when it is your turn, and the worker will indicate you to board. 

Once you are on the boat, a team member will greet you and offer to store your luggage. Inside the boat are rows along both sides with tough plastic seats. 

Remember, Jetway is a new way of transportation, so their boats are a little more  ́rustic ́. You can hear the engine roar, and it’s a rockier ride, but it’s all that much more memorable! 

The duration of the voyage is roughly 25 minutes.

Jetway vs. Ultramar

Some may look at Jetway’s ferry and imagine it’s outdated compared to Ultramar. I believe that it is not. 

Aside from the plastic bus-like seats, they have much more in favor than other Ultramar and other ferry companies. They have a communicative English-speaking staff. They accept most methods of payment and maintain service during extended hours. 

Not to mention the outstanding kindness from the tribulation. Jetway is the way to go. 

Arriving at Isla Mujeres

Alright, fellow amigos and voyagers, it is normal if the ride becomes a little bumpy for those who’ve never been on a boat. You will be safe. Boats are not allowed to leave their dock if conditions are not favorable, so no worries.

As your ferry nears the island coast, you can spot Isla Mujeres. It’ll appear on the horizon as a short strip of land. As you get closer to shore, you will first notice the Novena Region Naval, one of Mexico’s most innovative navy bases, right on Isla Mujeres. 

Then, you may also notice a lot of smaller boats as well as catamarans and yachts. And finally, if you arrive at day time, you will soon notice a mixture of people from all parts of the world. 

Once you’ve descended and said farewell to Jetway, you will find yourself in the downtown, or “centro”, of Isla Mujeres. How convenient!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There is no need to stress or worry when vacationing in Isla Mujeres. That is what being on vacation in the Riviera Maya is all about. Jetway is around to help make the visits as pleasant as possible. 

An easy journey from the beach on Puerto Juarez straight to Isla Mujeres Centro, North Beach. Caribbean paradise!