Isla Mujeres Day Trip from Cancun | Private Transfer (No Tour Required!!)

February 24, 2026 by

Staying in Cancun or the Riviera Maya and looking for the best Isla Mujeres day trip without a tour? Well, the good news is that you absolutely don’t need a tour!

Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or a budget-conscious traveler who prefers flexibility over group excursions, visiting Isla Mujeres is one of the easiest and most beautiful day trips you can take.

With CARM Tours & Transfers, you skip the tour buses, skip the strict schedules, and enjoy a smooth private transfer to and from the Gran Puerto Juarez Ultramar Ferry DockIsla Mujeres ferry terminal, on your time. Because after all, it’s your vacation!

No stress.
No waiting.
No hidden fees.
Just a perfect island day your way.

Why Isla Mujeres Is the Perfect Day Trip from Cancun

Just a short ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres feels like a different world. The island is home to Playa Norte, one of the most famous beaches in Mexico, known for it’s crystal-clear turquoise water, soft white sand, calm, shallow sea (perfect for kids) and an easy walk from the ferry.

How to Get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun or Riviera Maya

Step 1: Private Hotel Pickup

We pick you up directly from your hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya at the time YOU choose.

No shared vans.
No multiple hotel stops.
No waiting around.

You can also add on your round trip Ultramar ferry tickets and the driver will hand them to you in the van, so you can SKIP the ferry ticket lines and head straight to the line to board the boat!

Step 2: Enjoy your  comfortable Transfer to the Ferry Terminal

Enjoy a clean, air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver taking you safely and directly to the ferry dock. This is the easiest, most stress free way to organize an Isla Mujeres day trip from Cancun without a tour.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: day trip, ferry, ferry tickets, Food & Drink, Isla Mujeres, Travel Info Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Giving Back in Isla Mujeres & Riviera Maya: How CARM Tours & Transfers Supports Local Children

February 3, 2026 by

Giving Back to the Communities That Welcome You

CARM Drivers Cesar, William & Henrry!

When you vacation in Cancún, the Riviera Maya, or Isla Mujeres, you’re experiencing more than beautiful beaches and turquoise water…you’re visiting vibrant communities that make this region so special. At CARM Tours and Transfers, this is where we live and work, and giving back to these communities is an important part of who we are.

That’s why each year we proudly support Shoes For Children MX, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children in underserved areas of the Yucatán Peninsula by providing a pair of shoes to those in need. The organization was started in 2015 by Brenda & Don Gentry and is still going strong today.

Supporting Communities Beyond the Resorts

While many visitors see the coastline, just a short distance away are small villages where families face daily challenges. We donate vans, and our staff each year, ensuring Shoes with Children MX can safely transport volunteers, supplies, and hundreds of pairs of shoes to children who need them most.

Reliable transportation makes these outreach programs possible, and we’re honored to contribute with vehicles and drivers, as well as having our staff volunteer in a meaningful, hands-on way.

Our Team Volunteers Along the Way

Our involvement goes beyond providing vehicles. Members of the CARM team volunteer their time, sorting shoes, translating, and traveling  to the small rural villages to help with set up, shoe fittings and break down. Thank you to all of the volunteers who make this possible every years and to our CARM staff Sally, Cesar, William & Henrry for traveling to the small village of Tres Reyes near Coba this year to help with this special event.

We’re also proud to support the organization’s annual shoe giveaway on Isla Mujeres, where local children receive new shoes that help them walk safely to school, play comfortably, and stay healthy. Many visitors enjoy the region for a short vacation for it’s charm and beauty. This event supports the families who call the island home year-round.

Why This Matters to Travelers

For many children in the region, a simple pair of shoes can mean fewer injuries, better health, and consistent school attendance. This program addresses this need with care, respect, and long-term commitment to local communities. As a traveler, choosing companies that invest locally helps ensure tourism benefits the people who make your vacation possible. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Isla Mujeres, Stuff for Locals, Things to do in Cancun, Travel Info, Trip Reports Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Kayak Travel Guides: CARM Tours, Activities & Attractions

November 19, 2024 by

We are happy to announce that our tours are now featured on Kayak.com !

Discover more things to do in Cancun at KAYAK!

We are celebrating our 25th year in business this year! Since 1999, we have been your on-site specialist for all of your excursions whether you are staying in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or anywhere in the Riviera Maya!

Have you ever wanted to see Mayan ruins, fly above the jungle on zip lines, explore underground cenotes, swim with sea turtles, or visit Pueblo Magicos (magical cities in Mexico)?…. Check out our private tours to Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Coba, Tulum, cenotes and more….:

Private Tour to Chichen Itza Ruins with Cenote & Lunch: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/tours/chichenitza-ikkil-private.asp

Private Tour to Tulum Ruins & Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/tours/tulum-akumal.asp

Private Tour to Ek Balam ruins & Xcanche Cenote with Zipline: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/Tours/ekbalam-private.asp

Private Tour to Coba Ruins:                        https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/tours/coba.asp

Private Tour to Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Ruins with Cenote & Lunch: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/tours/chichenitza-ikkil-ekbalam.asp

Private Tour to Chichen Itza & Coba Ruins with Cenote & Lunch: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/tours/chichenitza-ikkil-coba.asp

Private Tour to Tulum & Coba Ruins:          https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/Tours/tulum-coba.asp

Private Cenote Snorkel & Canopy Zipline Tour: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/Tours/aktun-chen.asp

And you can see more options for exploring the Mayan ruins & cenotes here: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/tours/clasification.asp?code=RUINS

Or maybe you prefer activities on the water such as snorkeling, catamaran tours or swimming with whale sharks!…:

Best Reef Snorkel Tour:                       https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/tours/snorkel.asp

Isla Mujeres Catamaran Day Trip (Public): https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/tours/Catamaran.asp

Isla Mujeres Catamaran Day Trip (Private): https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/tours/Catamaran-Private.asp

Swim with the Whale Sharks on Isla Mujeres: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/Tours/whalesharkisla.asp

 

What are you waiting for? Start planning your vacation now! We love living in Cancun and Isla Mujeres, and helping visitors make the most of their vacation. Let CARM help you too!

Filed Under: About Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Stuff for Locals, Things to do in Cancun, Travel Info, Trip Reports Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Avoiding Scams at the Cancun Airport!

August 3, 2023 by
We want to help you be aware of SCAMS at the Cancun Airport!
We ALWAYS tell clients not speak to anyone at the Cancun Airport. Once you have left Customs and make your way outside, a barrage of people will approach you with offers and questions: A simple “No gracias” and continuing to walk away is sufficient to the many people who may approach you.

See below for popular scams, and valuable advice on how to avoid them:

Unauthorized taxi drivers & time shares sales people will say anything to get you to go with them. They are very organized teams and the scams are usually the same:

? They tell you that even if you have pre-booked transfers, you must go with them prior to exiting to a kiosk to do an additional required check in for “Corona virus/COVID-19”. This is FALSE. They will ask for personal info/tell you your transportation has left and that you should take their taxi/van and pay an exorbitant amount & and CARM will reimburse you later FOR BOTH YOUR MISSED VAN AND THE TAXI. This is untrue. You have been scammed.
? They ask if you need help FINDING your transportation company. Or they say that they ARE your transportation company. Or that your company LEFT you. They say: “I’ll call the office myself for you and have you talk to them.” They call on their own phone or your phone, actually dialing the number of a friend who is part of the scam. The person on the phone goes as far as to ask for your name, confirmation #, and tells you that your CARM driver left (or that you must wait 3 additional hours), so you should take this taxi at an outrageous price & CARM will reimburse you “later” FOR BOTH YOUR MISSED VAN AND THE TAXI. They will even write you a very official looking receipt. And you have been scammed.

✍️There are 4 separate terminals at the Cancun Airport. All of our CARM, employees are waiting outside the terminals at the designated reunion point in each terminal as noted on your detailed confirmation vouchers. They are wearing shirts with our CARM name/logo and holding a sign with YOUR RESERVATION NAME on it. It is important to follow these instructions. If you ever need assistance, feel free to call any of the contact numbers (never allow strangers to dial our numbers for you)!

Book your private transfers today!:

Contact us!:

US Phone (rings to Cancun, calls only): 407-284-1673
Cancun Phone (calls only): +52 998-273-2970
Cancun Cell (calls, texts, WhatsApps): +52 998 235 7135
Email: office@cancunandrivieramaya.com
Filed Under: About Cancun, Cancun Airport, Isla Mujeres, Stuff for Locals, Things to do in Cancun, Travel Info, Trip Reports Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

CARM Tours & Transfers COVID-19 Update

June 9, 2020 by

Hello, everyone! As a small, local, family business, we can’t express how much we appreciate your support during this difficult time. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, your safety and the safety of our staff has always been and will continue to be our #1 priority. We have used this time to learn, prepare, teach & train for the new travel regulations. Below you can find our new health & sanitary protocols for our private transfers & tours:

  • All of our vehicles will be thoroughly cleaned & sanitized between each service with hospital grade cleaning products. (We have only ever offered private transfers and will continue to do so)
  • All of our employees have taken courses in the prevention of Covid-19, and received official certification from the Mexican government to operate safely.
  • We have received the stamp of approval of the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) for operating safely and following all of the protocol and sanitary guidelines for prevention of Covid-19
  • We will have daily employee health screenings with temperature checks
  • Carbon air filters for AC’s that kill all viruses have been installed in all of our vans
  • Our airport greeters and drivers will be wearing face masks
  • You will be provided with hand sanitizer before entering the vehicle & all vehicles will have on board
  • We have an alcohol based spray for the bottom of your shoes before entering the van
  • Our drivers will spay and air sanitizer in the van before you enter
  • We will ask if you would like us to spray your luggage with an alcohol solution
  • We kindly ask that our clients wear masks when in the vehicle. If you do not wish to wear a mask, we will ask you to please abide by social distancing regulations and ride in the middle or passenger side seats so you are not directly behind the driver
  • You have the option to use AC, windows, or a combination of both

The above steps have been thoughtfully prepared with your safety & comfort in mind. They are subject to modifications as we navigate through the changing regulations of state & national government. More below!…

On another note, what has our CARM family been up to?….

Unlike other transportation & tour companies in our area, we are very proud to be able to say that during this difficult time: We kept our ENTIRE staff employed & taken care of, and did not lay anyone off. Our employees are like our family (and in some cases they are family-we have fathers, daughters and brothers working side by side). 

Our ENTIRE customer service staff also dedicated their full time work hours during this crisis to giving back to our community on Isla Mujeres. CARM supported various families privately with food donations, and headed up Isla Animal’s Pet Food Project. This project was created to provide free pet food & flea/tick medicine delivery to residents so people can use their money for food/bills for their family and avoid abandoning pets on the street (This also included a 2 day free spay/neuter clinic). We also worked with groups delivering food for residents, offered future services as prizes for raffles/auctions to raise funds for unemployed residents and for a local child in need of a kidney transplant. Giving back to our home community is very important to us!

We look forward to seeing you again soon in paradise. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

Book your private airport transfers here: https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/transfers/

Email: office@cancunandrivieramaya.com

US Phone: 407-284-1673

Cancun Phone: 998-273-2970

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CARMToursTransfers/

Instagram: @carmtransfers

Filed Under: About Cancun, Cancun Airport, Isla Mujeres, Travel Info Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Terminal 4 at Cancun Airport – BEWARE OF TRANSPORTATION SCAMS!

January 13, 2018 by

Transportation SCAMS at Terminal 4 Cancun Airport

The new terminal 4 at Cancun Airport is having a HUGE problem with the unauthorized taxi drivers scamming people as they arrive. This is the problem:

The design of the building leads people to think they should exit at “Friends & Family” exit (this goes into the DEPARTURES AREA ) instead of the correct exit at “Ground Transportation” (ARRIVALS AREA).

Antonio, your friendly CARM representative. Always look for the CARM logo when you exit!

The unauthorized taxi drivers (called ‘pirate taxis’) cannot enter the Ground Transportation where all of the authorized transportation companies are waiting for their pre-booked arrivals. They must wait for people to take the WRONG exit and then try to get you to go with them. Their spiel is usually the same. They ask if you need help finding your transportation company. Or they say they ARE your transportation company or even say,“I’ll call the office for you and have you talk to them. (they make a call on their own phone, actually dialing the number of  a friend who is part of the scam). The person on the phone goes as far as to ask for your confirmation number, and tells you that your CARM driver left, and it will be 2 hours before they can come back for you. But, you should take this taxi and CARM will reimburse you later FOR BOTH YOUR MISSED VAN AND THE TAXI”. They then charge you an exorbitant rate.  And you have been scammed.

It is important for you to know:

Filed Under: About Cancun, Cancun Airport, Isla Mujeres, Travel Info Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everything you need to know about the ferry to Isla Mujeres

November 9, 2016 by

ultramar-ferry

We were the first transportation company in the area to offer the pre-purchase of round trip Ultramar ferry tickets. Everyone thought we were crazy, but, it has become our most popular Add-On!

Having your tickets waiting is one less thing to worry about. We have seen that the lines to buy tickets are often longer than the line to board the ferry! And it can be incredibly frustrating to arrive at the ferry loaded down with luggage after a long travel day and then watch the boat leave without you because you had to wait in the ticket line for ten minutes. And now you have another 30 minutes to an hour to wait for the next boat. After all, you’re on vacation, who wants to waste any precious time standing in line?

The Ultramar ferry leaves from Gran Puerto Juarez Ultramar ferry dock in Cancun. Also referred to as simply “Gran Puerto”, “Ultramar”, or “Puerto Juarez”. In fact we have two ways to book this on our site under “Isla Mujeres” or “Puerto Juarez”-They are the same exact route.

Ultramar website/routes: https://www.ultramarferry.com/en/routes-and-departures

It’s important to note that the ferry does NOT operate 24 hours a day.  We do not recommend [Read more…]

Filed Under: About Cancun, ferry, ferry tickets, Isla Mujeres, Travel Info Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Transportation on Isla Mujeres

September 24, 2015 by

CARM Transfers definitely has your transportation covered on the mainland, but what about folks that are staying on Isla Mujeres? There are NO private transfer companies allowed on the island (the taxi union has made sure of that). So how do you get around the island? Well, my good friend Katie Milton of BOGO Aqui has written a perfect explanation of all your options. Check it out!

bogologo

“Taxis, golf carts, mopeds, oh my!
Your first trip to Isla can be overwhelming. Who are we kidding, your 15th trip to Isla can be overwhelming too! And travelers are frequently asking:

How do I get Around Isla?!
An important question if you ask me! And in all honesty, there are people who live on Isla and don’t know how to maximize Isla transportation. So I thought would share some tips from personal experience in hopes that it can save just one traveler a transport anxiety attack.

Overwhelm.
The biggest trouble with transport on Isla is that it is overwhelming and unfamiliar. We are going to break down your options and compare the advantages and disadvantages based on several criteria: convenience, cost, physical exertion, and efficiency so that you can make an informed decision for your next Isla vacation.

  1. Golf Cart. Renting a golf cart is the most popular option for travelers to Isla Mujeres. However, in my opinion, I believe it is overused and many tourists spend more money on golf cart rentals than is necessary. If you are staying exclusively downtown it may not be necessary to rent a golf cart because it is possible to get anywhere downtown on foot given that you are in appropriate physical condition. However, it is advised to rent a golf cart for at least one day to explore the island in its entirety. If you are staying exclusively on the South Point of the island it is advised to budget a golf cart rental for at least the majority of your stay.  Convenience: Easy, Cost: Mid range, Physical Exertion: None, Efficiency: Most
  2. Car. In my opinion it is overkill to rent a car to come to Isla Mujeres. The Island is only 4 miles long, parking is difficult to find, and inexpensive public transport is readily available. It would only make sense to bring a rental car to Isla if you were traveling elsewhere in Mexico and already had a rental car. Convenience: Somewhat tricky, Cost: Mid range, Physical Exertion: None, Efficiency: Least
  3. Moped/Moto. Renting a moped or a moto is also a very popular option on Isla Mujeres. Since it is less expensive to rent a moto than a golf cart it is a budget friendly option. However, it isn’t very budget friendly when you consider the stats on injury. Can you afford road rash during your Caribbean vacation? If not, splurge and go for the cart, a vacation is no time to be messing with a broken ankle. Unless of course you ride frequently at home and know whats up when it comes to two wheels and motors. It is the law to wear a helmet and I encourage you to drive defensively. Good luck. Convenience: Easy, Cost: Budget Friendly, Physical Exertion: Minimal, Efficiency: Mid
  4. Bicycle. Active vacationers love renting bicycles. I think there’s something romantic about riding a beach cruiser in your bathing suit on a Caribbean island, no? Its kind of a rite of passage in my opinion. Overall, Isla is a fairly flat island and somewhat bike friendly especially once you’re out of downtown traffic. Bike helmets are not required by law.  Convenience: Mid, Cost: Mid, Physical Exertion: High, Efficiency: Mid
  5. Foot. Getting around Isla on foot is also one of the most popular ways to traverse the island. Especially since Isla’s main restaurant and shopping street downtown is a designated pedestrian zone; Hidalgo. Since the island is small and dense, getting around on foot makes sense and allows you to get into places you might not have convenient access to otherwise. Convenience: Easy, Cost: Free, Physical Exertion: Medium, Efficiency: Most
  6. Taxi. For obvious reasons, taxis are also popular. More so, when you don’t get a greedy taxista that tries to overcharge you because you’re a tourist. Beware. Taxis are most efficient downtown. There are fewer taxis on rotation on the south point so hailing one the south point can be difficult especially after dark or very early in the morning. Convenience: Mid, Cost: Mid, Physical Exertion: Mid, Efficiency: Mid

​As with most travelers and residents of Isla, your time will likely be split among several different forms of transport.”

Katie Milton
BOGO Aqui

BOGO Aqui is a new concept on Isla Mujeres. BOGO stands for Buy One Get One and is a new smartphone app that will offer consumers buy one get one vacation coupons through the app. The newsletter will keep people informed of the progress of BOGO Aqui and other island related entrepreneurial updates.

Filed Under: Isla Mujeres, Travel Info Tagged With:

Buying Ferry Tickets online with Ultramar: The Results

May 10, 2014 by

Ultramar

With my confirmation print-out I arrived to Ultramar ferry 10 minutes before the next boat was scheduled to depart. There were MANY people in line to purchase tickets and a representative was stationed at a podium in the center, which I had never seen before. I showed her my print-out and she told me I still needed to wait in line to get a ticket.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: About Cancun, Travel Info, Trip Reports Tagged With: ,

Ultramar Ferry: Should I buy my Tickets in Advance?

April 13, 2014 by

Ultramar

We get asked often about purchasing Ultramar ferry tickets in advance, opposed to purchasing them at the booth upon arrival to the dock. I have always said that it is fast and easy to buy your tickets at the dock so there is really no need to pre-purchase them online, however, I thought we should test this out and see which method of buying tickets is the best.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: About Cancun, Travel Info, Trip Reports Tagged With: ,

Isla Mujeres Artist Fair

October 31, 2013 by

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The Isla Mujeres Artist Fair is on the first Thursday of every month from 4pm to 7pm in the Zocalo (town square) on Isla Mujeres. Local artists, food vendors, musicians & Isla’s non-profits celebrate the creative arts with locals, tourists, foreign residents & our neighbors from Cancun.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: About Cancun, Stuff for Locals, Things to do in Cancun, Travel Info Tagged With: ,

Isla Mujeres day trip on the Lupita Catamaran

May 16, 2013 by

One of our goals is to actually GO on all of the tours we sell at CARM Tours & Transfers. This week we joined the catamaran “La Lupita” on their day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. We had a wonderful time. You can book the catamaran Lupita for only $53 USD here.

Turquoise waters between Cancun and Isla Mujeres We checked in at Cancun Bay Resort & Marina, located at KM 3.5 in the Cancun Hotel Zone. Check in was fast so we had about 30 minutes at the palapa before the start of the tour. This worked out well since we had skipped breakfast and the palapa sold croissants and bottled water. We split one of each which cost us $36 pesos (~about $3 USD).Lupita Catamaran

At 10:00 AM we boarded the Lupita catamaran and headed to Isla Mujeres. With the sail raised it took us about an hour to get to the island. We were all given snorkel gear and jumped in the ocean at “El Farito” reef, which means “little lighthouse”. We saw tons of fish including the biggest barracuda I have EVER seen. Amazing. The snorkel guide had a sandwich baggie filled with something the fish really liked so we were surrounded by a school of brightly colored fishes. Large parrot fish, small trigger fish and lots that I could not identify.

snorkeling Isla Mujeres CatamaranBy 11:00 AM we were back on the boat, heading over to the island. Our first stop was at Isla Contoy dock. We had 1 hour free time on the island to shop, rent a golf cart, or hang out at the bars/restaurants. We skipped the golf carts and just walked around a bit, then ended up at the Isla Contoy dock bar where we watched an English fellow eat a scorpion pickled in Tequila. Good times!

Back on the boat for the trip to the beach club for lunch at 1:00 PM. The buffet was good food, as good as most all-inclusive resorts. Drinks here are not included, so be sure to bring some cash. We went back for seconds, then hit the lounge chairs. I loved this part of the day, so relaxing. There were hammocks in the shade and lounge chairs. We cooled off in the ocean, then just relaxed some more.

Isla Mujeres CatamaranWe boarded the boat about 3:00 PM to head back to Cancun. Just before we got there the captain set anchor and put up the spinnaker. The spinnaker is like para sailing, except you are anchored. The video shows it better than I can describe it. It is not very easy, however it looked well worth the effort.

The Lupita catamaran docked back in Cancun at 4:45 PM. I have to say that for only $53 per person, this was a fabulous day on the water, on the island, and it is a great value. This tour is not for the party crowd. The music was current, yet not so loud as to blast your eardrums. The crew was accommodating, yet no one was telling me to put my hands in the air and scream. For us (upper-30-something-couple) it was the perfect day getaway without some 19-year-old throwing up on my shoes.

For more information and to book your day trip to Isla Mujeres on the catamaran Lupita for only $53 USD, CLICK HERE TO BOOK THE TOUR.

Filed Under: Things to do in Cancun, Travel Info, Trip Reports Tagged With: , ,

5K race on Isla Mujeres Feb 9, 2013

January 1, 2013 by

There is a 5K Run / Walk race on Isla Mujeres on February 9th to benefit the stray dogs and cats on the island. The money raised will help provide the spay and neuter clinics, as well as animal adoption efforts.

The race will start and finish at JAX Bar & Grill, the starting time is 8:00 AM.

Categories:
Adult women
Adult men
Girls 17 and under
Boys 17 and under
Teams – 5 person

Entry Fee: $30.00 USD

Come over to Isla Mujeres to run for this wonderful cause.

5K Race Isla Mujeres

Filed Under: About Cancun, Travel Info Tagged With: ,