Whale Shark Snorkel Tour on Isla Mujeres

May 31, 2018 by

(UPDATED 2022)

Did you know that Whale Sharks are technically not a whale and not a shark? They are the ocean’s largest FISH. The area around Isla Mujeres, in the Mexican Caribbean, is blessed to be a migration stop for these beautiful, gentle giants for a few months every year. People travel from all over the world for the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close. Are you ready to check this off of your bucket list? Or are you looking for more information about what to expect? If you will be in the area from Mid-May  to Mid-September, you do NOT want to miss this opportunity. Bonus: we have seen so many whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and even the occasional dolphin on this tour also! Here is our guide for everything you need to know about [Read more…]

Filed Under: About Cancun

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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Can I use US dollars in Mexico?…

September 27, 2017 by

PHOTO CREDIT: CLOVR https://www.clovr.com/

We get this question a lot: “Can I use US dollars in Mexico?” The short answer is: Yes, almost everywhere.

While we always recommend using the currency of the country you are in, if you absolutely must use US dollars, here are some tips to know before you come and during:

*The banks (and shops and restaurants, etc) will not accept any denomination of dollar bills if they have tears, writing, tape, or if they are too worn. Therefore, we always recommend you check any dollars you plan to use or exchange in Mexico, as anything listed above will be un-usable.
*Do not leave US coins (or coins from any country) as tips. They have zero value in Mexico. Coins cannot be exchanged at any bank/cambio.
*Expect your change in pesos
*Bring small denominations of bills
*Be aware that if you are using denominations of dollars that are too high (ex: a $20.00 USD bill for a pack of gum, the store may not be able to accept the transaction due to lack of change). Some shops have limits of how much change they can give for a purchase
*Almost every store and restaurant will accept dollars. But, be aware that when doing so, the exchange rate is at their discretion and is usually not competitive with bank exchange rates. All shops and restaurants make their own exchange rate. Just remember that they are doing you a favor by accepting dollars. They have to take their time to go to the bank and stand in line to exchange or deposit your US dollars (perhaps at a loss as the exchange rate changes daily.) And businesses also have a set limit to the amount of US dollars they can deposit each month into Mexican bank accounts.
*Don’t forget, you must bring your passport when exchanging dollars at any bank/cambio. Always ask for small bills in pesos too!

 

PHOTO CREDIT: CLOVR https://www.clovr.com/

Filed Under: About Cancun

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:
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