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!
“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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
About CARM
My name is Trina. I moved to Cancun in 2005 from the United States. It was not an easy move and I had to overcome many challenges, but along the way I met some awesome people. I worked for many years for a travel agent here in Mexico before I decided to go out on my own and offer travelers the best service and advice about Cancun that I had learned over the years. This is my dream come true.