Xcaret Xailing Review: Is It Worth It in 2024?
Are you thinking about taking Xcaret Xailing’s new ferry service from Cancun to Isla Mujeres? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Xcaret Xailing is a brand-new ferry service that promises a fast, convenient, and luxurious way to get to the beautiful island paradise of Isla Mujeres.
As a travel blogger that lives in nearby Playa del Carmen, I’ve personally been on the Xcaret Xailing ferry and am here to let you in on what it’s really like.
In this post, I’m sharing my honest Xcaret Xailing review and everything you need to know about taking this new ferry service including the location, ticket prices, schedules, amenities, and more.
Ready to find out if Xcaret Xailing is right for you? Let’s get started!
🏆 Best for those staying in Cancun Hotel Zone
Pros:
✅ Modern & Sleek
✅ Food + Wifi
✅ Pet Area
Cons:
❌ More Expensive
❌ Longer Journey
❌ Harder to Get To
Coupon Code: FERRYWEB
Discount: 10% off
Is Xcaret Xailing Worth It?
From my experience, the new Xcaret Xailing ferry is definitely worth it if you’re staying in the Cancun Hotel Zone or at one of the Xcaret hotels.
It’s a very new and sleek ferry service that offers an elevated mode of transportation to Isla Mujeres over the older Ultramar ferries.
However, if you’re not staying near the Cancun Hotel Zone, it’s a bit simpler just to go to the Ultramar ferry terminal at Puerto Juarez and not have to deal with Hotel Zone traffic.
But if you simply want to ride over to Isla Mujeres on a larger and more luxurious catamaran, then Xcaret Xailing is definitely worth checking out!
🤑 Get 10% off Xcaret Xailing tickets with coupon code FERRYWEB!
What is Xcaret Xailing Like?
Xcaret Xailing (pronounced “Ish-ka-ret Shale-ing”) is a new ferry service from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, operated by Grupo Xcaret–the same owners as the Xcaret adventure parks.
This new service promises quick, easy, and luxurious travel between the two destinations.
The luxury ferries are large, sleek catamarans that hold up to 650 passengers with indoor air-conditioned seating, as well as outdoor decks to enjoy the ocean views.
Xcaret Xailing offers a variety of onboard amenities including food and drinks for purchase, wifi, restrooms, luggage storage, and even an area dedicated to pet owners!
🤑 Get 10% off Xcaret Xailing tickets with coupon code FERRYWEB!
Where is Xcaret Xailing?
Xcaret Xailing’s ferry terminal is located in the Cancun Hotel Zone, just south of Puerto Juarez. On Isla Mujeres, the ferry goes to the main ferry terminal on the island.
Its location makes it ideal for those staying in the Cancun Hotel Zone, as it’s closer than Puerto Juarez and just a short walk or taxi ride away depending on the location of your hotel.
Who is the Xcaret Ferry Best Suited For?
The new Xcaret ferry to Isla Mujeres is best suited for:
- Those staying in the Cancun Hotel Zone: Xcaret Xailing’s ferry terminal is located in the Cancun Hotel Zone, making it convenient for those staying nearby.
- Those staying at one of the Xcaret hotels: Xcaret Xailing is included in Xcaret’s “all fun-inclusive” concept, meaning that all guests staying at one of the Xcaret hotels (Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, or La Casa de La Playa) receive complimentary ferry tickets to Isla Mujeres.
- Those that are looking for a new and luxurious ferry service: Xcaret Xailing offers a luxurious and modern experience with a variety of amenities, making it perfect for those seeking a more upscale way to take a day trip to Isla Mujeres.
How to Get to the Xcaret Xailing Ferry Terminal
Here’s how to get to the Xcaret Ferry Terminal from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen:
From Cancun
From Cancun, it’s pretty quick and easy to get to the Xcaret ferry terminal. Depending on the location of your hotel, you can walk or take a quick taxi ride.
From Playa del Carmen
From Playa del Carmen, you can get to the Xcaret Xailing terminal by driving or renting a car, taking a taxi, or using public transportation via the ADO bus or the Playa Express.
If you choose to drive, a paid parking garage is available on-site.
Taxi
The easiest and most convenient way to get to the ferry terminal in Cancun from Playa del Carmen is to take a taxi.
The drive will be about 1 hour and should cost around $1000 pesos each way (~$50 USD). Taxis are more expensive so this is a better option for groups.
Public Transportation
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can also take the ADO Bus or the Playa Express van service to Cancun.
Both drop you off at the ADO station in Cancun so you’ll then need to take a 10-minute taxi ride to the Xcaret ferry terminal.
ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
The ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is a large charter-style bus that has several departures each day and costs around $108 MXN (~$6 USD) each way.
The bus leaves from either the “ADO Playa del Carmen Turistica Station” (on 5th Avenue) or the “ADO Playa del Carmen Alterna Station” in downtown Playa del Carmen and the final destination is the ADO bus station in Cancun.
From there, you’ll need to take a taxi to the Xcaret Xailing ferry terminal, which takes about 10 minutes and should cost around $250 pesos (~$13 USD).
Playa Express from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Alternatively, the Playa Express is a large Mercedes Sprinter-style van service that is a bit cheaper than the ADO bus but still very comfortable.
You can get on the Playa Express in downtown Playa del Carmen at Avenida Juarez just on the other side of main highway 307 (📍Google Maps location).
You’ll take the Playa Express all the way to the last stop in Cancun, which will be the main ADO bus station.
The cost should be around $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD) each way and you will pay upon exiting.
From there, you’ll need to take a taxi to the Xcaret Xailing ferry terminal, which takes about 10 minutes and should cost around $250 pesos (~$13 USD).
🧳 The Playa Express doesn’t have much luggage storage, so you’re better off taking the ADO if you are bringing any luggage with you to Isla Mujeres.
How Much Does Xcaret Xailing Cost?
Here are the current prices for Xcaret Xailing. Payments can be made in cash or credit card. And when booking tickets online, you’ll get an automatic 10% discount.
- Tourist Roundtrip: $560 MXN (~$29 USD)
- Tourist One-Way: $290 MXN (~$15 USD)
- Quintana Roo Resident Roundtrip: $280 MXN (~$14 USD)
- Quintana Roo Resident One Way: $150 MXN (~$7.50 USD)
🗼 Tickets also include a complimentary visit to the scenic tower in Cancun.
How to Book Xcaret Xailing Tickets
The nice thing about Xcaret Xailing is that tickets can be booked online on the official website in advance and you’ll automatically receive a 10% discount.
When booking online, you can save time and won’t have to wait in line at the ferry terminal to get your tickets.
And if you book an open ticket, you’ll have 6 months from the date of purchase to use the Xcaret Xailing service.
You can also purchase tickets in person at the Xcaret Xailing ferry terminal in either Cancun or Isla Mujeres.
🤑 Get 10% off Xcaret Xailing tickets with coupon code FERRYWEB!
Xcaret Xailing Schedules
The Xcaret Xailing ferry service runs approximately every hour from 9:00AM-7:00PM.
It’s important to note that the exact departure times may vary depending on the day and weather conditions, so be sure to check the Xcaret Xailing website to confirm the schedule before making your trip.
Xcaret Xailing Amenities
These are the amenities you can expect while onboard the Xcaret ferry:
- Food and drinks for purchase: Xcaret Xailing offers snacks, drinks, and some alcoholic beverages for purchase, so you won’t have to worry about getting hungry or thirsty during your journey!
- Wifi Onboard: Xcaret Xailing also offers free wifi onboard their ferries so you can stay connected while cruising the waters.
- Restrooms: Clean restrooms are available onboard Xcaret Xailing’s ferries in case you need to use the bathroom or freshen up.
- Luggage Storage: Xcaret Xailing offers luggage storage, so you have a safe place to leave your luggage and won’t have to keep your bags with you while seated.
- Pet Area: Xcaret Xailing is pet-friendly and has a dedicated outdoor seating area for pet owners.
What’s the Difference Between Xcaret Xailing and Ultramar?
The main differences between Xcaret Xailing and the original Ultramar ferry to Isla Mujeres are the location, price, and newness of the boats.
Xcaret Xailing’s ferry terminal is located in the Cancun Hotel Zone, making it closer and more convenient for travelers from that area. Ultramar, on the other hand, is located just north at Puerto Juarez.
Xcaret Xailing is also slightly more expensive at $560 MXN ($29 USD) round trip or $290 MXN ($15 USD) one way, compared to Ultramar’s $540 pesos ($28 USD) or $270 MXN ($14 USD) one way.
Xcaret’s ferry is also brand new, luxurious, and modern, while Ultramar’s is older, smaller, and has fewer amenities.
Xcaret Xailing Review
Here are my honest Xcaret Xailing reviews and what to expect when using the service:
Ticketing
The ticketing process is quick and easy, both online and at the Xcaret Xailing ferry terminal.
Booking in advance is recommended since you’ll get an automatic discount and then you can save time and won’t have to wait in line.
Boarding
After you purchase your ticket, you’ll be directed to the queue area where you’ll wait in line until about 10 minutes before departure.
Once boarding begins, you’ll be asked to show and scan your ticket before proceeding to the ferry dock.
The Boat
The Xcaret Xailing ferries are brand new, spacious, and luxurious. The large catamaran-style boat has both indoor and outdoor seating areas to choose from.
On my journey, there were only about 10 of us onboard so we practically had the whole boat to ourselves! That was a nice perk considering the Ultramar ferries are typically completely full.
The indoor area is air-conditioned with two-levels of padded seating, making for a comfortable ride.
You’ll also find a covered outdoor seating area in the back of the boat, as well as an open outdoor seating area in the front.
The outdoor seating area in the front is great for taking in the picturesque views, but be prepared for it to be hot and sunny!
Overall, I was really impressed by how new and modern the ferries are–they are practically flawless! Everything is very clean, sleek, and well-maintained.
I choose to sit in the front and the sailing felt much smoother since the boats are so large.
Service
The staff onboard Xcaret Xailing were very friendly and helpful. Plus, they are easy to spot in their sailor-themed uniforms!
They were attentive and made sure that everyone was safe during boarding and disembarking. And if you want any food and drinks, they are happy to assist.
Tips for Taking the Xcaret Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Follow these tips to make the most of your Xcaret boat ride experience:
- Book online in advance: It’s best to book your tickets online in advance on the official Xcaret Xailing website so you won’t have to wait in line at the ferry terminal. Plus, you’ll receive an automatic 10% discount.
- Sit on the upper deck for the best views: Xcaret Xailing’s upper deck provides breathtaking views of the bright turquoise water in between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, so it’s definitely worth sitting there for the ride.
- Wear sunscreen: If you choose to sit on the outdoor deck, be sure to wear biodegradable sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Don’t forget the local discount: If you are a local Quintana Roo resident with a valid ID, Xcaret Xailing offers a local discount.
- Check out the scenic tower: Your ticket includes free admission to the scenic tower at the ferry terminal in Cancun. Be sure to check it out for beautiful views of the area and some fun photo ops.
Xcaret Xailing: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Xcaret Isla Mujeres Ferry:
Xcaret Xailing is pronounced “Ish-ka-ret Shale-ing”.
The Xcaret Xailing ferry runs every hour from 9:00AM-7:00PM.
No, Xcaret Xailing currently only runs between Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
Yes, Xcaret Xailing is pet-friendly and has a designated pet area onboard the ferry for those traveling to Isla Mujeres with their pets.
Yes, Xcaret Xailing is slightly more expensive than Ultramar, but the ferry offers a superior experience with more amenities and a much larger boat. Xcaret Xailing’s roundtrip fare is roughly $29 USD compared to Ultramar’s $28 USD.
The ferry crossing on Xcaret Xailing takes less than 30 minutes.
Xcaret Xailing Review Final Thoughts
So, is Xcaret Xailing worth it? Absolutely! Xcaret Xailing offers a luxurious and comfortable ride, with plenty of amenities on board.
While it’s a tiny bit more expensive than the traditional Ultramar ferry, it provides a much newer and more modern experience. Plus, the ferry is much larger than Ultramar, making it a much smoother sailing.
Overall, Xcaret Xailing is an excellent ferry service for travelers staying in the Cancun Hotel Zone, or those that simply prefer something a bit more luxurious.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic ride, luxury service, or just want to get to your Isla Mujeres hotel or destination quickly, Xcaret Xailing is a great option.
And don’t forget to book your tickets online in advance to get a 10% discount ⤵️
🤑 Get 10% off Xcaret Xailing tickets with coupon code FERRYWEB!
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
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🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
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🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
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🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
