Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about staying with Isla Dreams — from booking to arrival, the island, and everything in between.
Getting
Here
We recommend a shuttle service for a comfortable, affordable transfer — approximately 40 minutes from the airport to the Ultramar ferry dock at Puerto Juárez. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the air-conditioned ride.
Two trusted options: CARM Transfers (26 years of experience, ranked #1 on TripAdvisor) and Happy Shuttle Cancún (20 years in Cancún airport transfers). Both allow you to pre-purchase round-trip ferry tickets at the same time as your transfer — your driver will have them ready when you board.
Other options: private taxi directly to the terminal (approximately $70 USD), or the ADO bus from the airport to downtown Cancún (~$6 USD) followed by a short taxi to Puerto Juárez.
The Ultramar high-speed catamaran departs every 30 minutes from Puerto Juárez and crosses to Isla Mujeres in around 20 minutes. Drinks and food are available at the terminal. You can find the full schedule at the Ultramar Ferry website.
Walking: As you exit the ferry, you can hand your bags to the maleteros (luggage porters) — they know every rental property on the island and will get your bags there safely while you walk alongside. Alternatively, exit the station, turn left onto Medina and follow it north. At the end of the street you’ll see a large statue in the middle of the traffic circle — continue north past it, and the narrow street will take you directly to the Nautibeach Resort gate. Ask at the guard station and they’ll direct you to your condo.
Taxi: Exit the terminal and turn left — the taxi stand is just ahead. It’s a very short ride. Once you arrive, check in at the guard station.
Walking: As you exit the ferry, you can hand your bags to the maleteros (luggage porters) that are on the dock, they’ll deliver them directly to Villas San Miguel while you enjoy the short 5–7 minute walk along side them. Or, if you prefer to walk alone with your luggage, exit the ferry terminal and cross Avenida Medina, continue walking straight up Calle Bravo, past the basketball court and then the church on your left, at the top of the hill turn left, Villas San Miguel will be directly ahead on your right.
Taxi: Exit the terminal, turn left, and you’ll find the taxi stand just ahead. It’s a very short ride.
Arrival &
Check-In
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM at both properties.
Nautibeach: If you arrive after office hours and are a returning guest, make your way to your Condo. If this is your first time to Nautibeach, make your way to the guard station and let the guard know what Condo number you have reserved and you will given directions to your rental. Your condo will be open on arrival with the keys on the table inside.
Villas San Miguel: The front desk is available 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If you arrive after hours, your villa name will be posted on the wall by the entrance — all properties have a name placard outside the door. The door will be unlocked with the keys on the table inside.
Our property manager Candelario is available 24/7 for any assistance — excursions, rentals, medical needs, and general questions. His office is approximately 100 feet south of the Nautibeach Resort guard gate (building with sliding glass doors).
Phone / WhatsApp: +52 998 274 0228
Email: isladreamsrentals@gmail.com
You can also reach the property owner, Keith Turner, by call or text:
USA Cell: +1 (251) 680-0779
Email: keithturner504@gmail.com
Please make sure to stop by the office to sign in for your condo as soon as possible after arrival.
Please turn off the air conditioning if you open windows or doors. Leaving the AC running with open windows or doors causes the refrigerant coils to freeze — and the unit will stop working. This applies at both Nautibeach and Villas San Miguel.
The
Properties
Villas San Miguel are traditional Mexican courtyard villas with wonderful ocean views from private balconies — a unique Caribbean vacation experience in the heart of Centro. Walk to restaurants, shops, and the ferry terminal. Playa Norte is just minutes away.
Nautibeach Condos are two-bedroom villas on Playa Norte — the most popular beach in Mexico — making it Isla Mujeres’ most sought-after beachfront resort. Step off your patio onto the sand in seconds.
Villas San Miguel includes daily maid service (Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM), in-room safe (programmable safe available in the closet in the bedroom), WiFi (details listed on the router inside your villa), air conditioning, television, and two private courtyard pools. Sabor A Mexico — one of the island’s best coffee shops — is located directly on the property. The front desk is staffed 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and can assist with tours, diving, snorkeling, fishing, medical services, and golf cart rentals.
Pool rules: Pool use is for guests only. No noise after 8 PM. No glass containers in the pool area. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking: Villas San Miguel offers secure parking areas located next to your villa for golf carts and other rental vehicles.
WiFi details are listed on the router inside your condo.
Nautibeach guests have full use of the freshwater pool, beach chairs, and umbrellas on Playa Norte. The security guard will set up your beach chairs and umbrella upon request as you exit the pool deck. A ground floor bathroom is accessible off the pool deck (located directly behind the pool — follow the walkway and signs). All pool toys must stay in the pool area.
Non-guests are welcome to use the beach lounge chairs in front of Mayan Beach Club with the purchase of food or drink, but may not use the Nautibeach pool or other property amenities.
Parking: Nautibeach Resort offers secure parking areas located next to your villa for golf carts and other rental vehicles.
Yes. The property manager operates a laundry service on the island. Give your laundry to the housekeeping staff and it will be professionally cleaned and returned the same day or the following morning.
On
the Island
Golf carts are the classic and most popular way to explore the island — easy to rent, fun to drive, and perfect for the island’s scale. Taxis are readily available, mopeds and bicycles are also rentable, and the Isleños public bus runs several routes from Playa Norte to Punta Sur. Many guests at Villas San Miguel find they can walk to most things they need.
Golf Cart Rental Details:
- Driver requirements: Must be 18+ with a valid driver’s licence
- Payment: Most companies accept credit cards online; some may require a deposit
- Rental length: Hourly, daily, and weekly options available
- Delivery & pickup: Many providers offer delivery to your hotel or the ferry terminal
- Insurance: Basic insurance is usually included — confirm details with the provider
- Fuel: Some rentals include gasoline — please confirm when booking
We recommend arranging your golf cart through the front desk at Villas San Miguel or our local travel agency located approximately 100 feet before the Nautibeach Resort guard gate. Secure parking for golf carts is available at both properties.
Beaches: Playa Norte is the island’s most famous beach — shallow, calm turquoise waters and soft white sand, consistently ranked as the most popular beach in Mexico and one of the most popular in the world. Playa Lancheros is a tranquil spot ideal for snorkeling and enjoying local seafood dishes. Playa Garrafón is known for its clear waters and opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking.
Punta Sur: Punta Sur is a place of both geographic and spiritual significance on Isla Mujeres. It marks the easternmost point of Mexico — the first place in the country to receive the sun’s light each morning. Rising about 20 meters (65 feet) above sea level, it is also the highest natural elevation on the island, offering dramatic cliffside views over the Caribbean. In pre-Hispanic times, the Maya revered this site as sacred, dedicating it to Ixchel, the goddess of the moon, fertility, and childbirth. The ruins of the Temple of Ixchel are still present. Pilgrims once traveled here to honor her, believing the first light of dawn carried blessings and renewal. Today, Punta Sur remains a powerful landmark where history, mythology, and geography converge, and where each sunrise continues a tradition of first light that has spanned centuries. If you’re on the island for New Year’s Eve, a quiet pilgrimage begins just before dawn — people make their way to Punta Sur, drawn by tradition and hope, gathering in stillness to greet the very first sunrise of the new year, a moment believed to carry a magical, spiritual blessing to all who witness it.
Isla Mujeres was designated a Pueblo Mágico in 2015 — one of only a few island destinations in Mexico to receive this recognition from Mexico’s tourism authority for its beauty, culture, history, and unique charm.
MUSA — Underwater Museum of Art: Over 500 life-sized sculptures submerged between Isla Mujeres and Cancún, forming living artificial reefs. An extraordinary experience for snorkelers and divers alike.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Vibrant coral reefs teeming with sea turtles, colourful fish, and marine life. Several reputable dive centres operate on the island — see the scuba diving question below for recommended shops.
Whale Shark Excursions: From May to September, embark on guided tours to swim with the world’s largest fish in their natural habitat. A true bucket-list experience.
Isla Contoy: A protected national park and bird sanctuary for over 150 species, including pelicans and frigatebirds. An easy day trip from the island.
Pirate House (Finca de Mundaca): Explore the ruins of a 19th-century pirate’s estate, complete with lush gardens and a poignant love story.
Golf Cart the Island: The classic Isla Mujeres experience — rent a cart and spend a day exploring at your own pace, from the lively streets of Centro to the dramatic cliffs at Punta Sur.
Several reputable dive centres operate on the island, each offering different specialties — from the underwater sculpture park and whale shark tours to cenotes and reef dives. Our concierge can help you choose and book based on your experience level and interests.
Recommended dive shops: Pocna Dive Center, Aqua Adventures Eco Divers, Carey Dive Center, and Squalo Adventures.
Main supermarket: Chedraui — the island’s largest, with a full grocery selection, bakery, butcher, alcohol, and ATMs.
Smaller supermarkets: Súper Akí (two locations on-island), Súper Willys on Av. Juárez, and several Super Xpress mini-markets.
Local markets: Mercado Municipal “Adolfo López Mateos” for fresh produce and local foods. Great for fruit, vegetables, and local ingredients.
Convenience: Multiple OXXO locations for snacks, drinks, and basics. Independent tiendas and panaderías (bakeries) are on nearly every block.
Prefer not to shop on arrival? Taste of Isla delivers food staples, snacks, and beverages to your door — you can order before you arrive.
Yes — the island has several useful services our guests rely on:
Isla Delivery — delivers food from local restaurants to your door, like a local Uber Eats.
Taste of Isla — delivers groceries, snacks, and beverages. Order before arrival to have your fridge stocked when you check in.
True Isla Concierge — full-range concierge services for anything else you need.
Isla Rentals — your one-stop for anything you need to rent during your vacation. Free delivery and pickup to all locations on the island — hotels, vacation homes, Airbnb, or private homes. Beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, baby/toddler items, walkers, crutches, and more.
Food &
Restaurants
Sabor a Mexico — Traditional Mexican breakfast and lunch café. The perfect place to start every day — located right on the Villas San Miguel property with easy access, great food, and the perfect Mexican environment.
Mayan Beach Club — On the shore of Playa Norte — one of the best beaches in the world. Tropical drinks bar, delicious Mexican-Caribbean food, and unbeatable sunset views. Come for the food, stay for the view.
Olivia — Moroccan, Greek, Bulgarian, and Turkish fusion cuisine. Olivia is a refreshingly diverse restaurant with a loyal following of both local residents and visitors to Isla Mujeres.
Rolandis Pizzeria — Famous for blending fine European cuisine with fresh Caribbean ingredients — delicious wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, seafood, and a lively atmosphere.
Javi’s Cantina — The mission of Javi’s Cantina has always been to serve unforgettable food with a unique twist in a casual ambiance offering a true Mexican island experience.
Asia Caribe — Fine dining restaurant using local fresh ingredients — chili, lime, coconut, lemongrass, basil and more — to create Asian and Asian-inspired dishes. Fresh fish, hand-cut steaks, made-to-order sushi, and homemade desserts including Coconut Cheesecake and Chocolate-Khaula Mousse.
Mercado Municipal — Where fresh flavors, authentic tacos, tropical fruits, and handmade goods come together in a lively, welcoming setting. One of the best breakfast and brunch stops on the island.
La Mexicana Pollos — They only focus on one item — rotisserie chicken. And they do it incredibly well. The chicken is so tender and seasoned it speaks for itself.
Pizza Rock — A variety of pizzas for dine-in or delivery, plus pasta, fajitas, fish, seafood, and steaks. Known for filling portions and good value.
Sonny’s Pizza — An ever-expanding menu of inventive combinations — a pizza stop where every member of your group will find something they love.
Mango Cafe — Known for fresh, flavorful breakfasts and a relaxed tropical vibe. From homemade breads and hearty classics to healthy options and rich coffee, it’s the perfect spot to start your day the Isla way — casual, welcoming, and consistently delicious.
Limón — Immerse yourself in an intimate courtyard where the ambiance is just as exciting as the food. Fusing Mexican and international cuisine, Limón features ocean-to-table seafood, perfectly grilled cuts of beef, and international dishes.
First Time
in Mexico?
Carry Mexican pesos. Pesos are king — locals price things in pesos and you’ll get better value. US dollars are accepted, but exchange rates are typically worse and you may receive change back in pesos at a poor rate.
Best approach: Use your ATM card in Mexico for the best exchange rates. Bring one debit card and one credit card, and notify your bank before you travel. Use pesos for small purchases (tacos, taxis, tips) and card for hotels and tours. Avoid exchanging money at the airport unless you have no other option — rates are poor.
ATMs are widely available on the island and throughout Cancún. Use ATMs inside banks or stores when possible. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist-area businesses, but always carry some cash. Keep your money split — wallet and hotel safe — as a basic precaution.
Documents: Valid passport, photo of passport saved on your phone, travel insurance (strongly recommended).
Phone: Set up international roaming or purchase a Mexican SIM/eSIM on arrival. WhatsApp is how Mexico communicates — make sure it’s installed.
Packing: Lightweight clothes, hat, strong sunscreen (the sun is serious), comfortable sandals and walking shoes, and a small backpack or crossbody bag.
Health: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccines. Commonly recommended for Mexico travel:
- Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus)
- Hepatitis A (food & water related)
- Hepatitis B (longer stays or medical exposure)
Do NOT drink tap water. Use bottled water 100% for drinking. For brushing teeth — some people use bottled water, some don’t, your call. Ice in restaurants is usually purified and generally safe in tourist areas. Make sure to rinse all vegetables. There should be vegetable rinse supplied in each Villa and/or Condo.
Important Note: Eggs in Mexico are not refrigerated in the grocery stores, but are perfectly safe to eat.
Taxis are common — agree on the price before you ride. On Isla Mujeres, golf carts are the go-to. Walking is safe; use your own comfort level.
Mexico is warm, polite, and respectful — and Isla Mujeres is one of the most welcoming places you’ll visit. People are genuinely helpful and kind. A simple “Hola” and “Gracias” goes a long way.
Tipping is customary: 10–15% at restaurants; always appreciated for tour guides, drivers and baggage handlers.
Mexico is not scary. People are helpful and kind. The relaxed pace is normal — things may feel different here, and that’s the point. Everything happens in a Mexican moment.
Most important: have an open mind. Do not be in a rush for anything. Isla Mujeres is one of the most beautiful moments in your life. Make sure to take home amazing memories — and just know that Isla Mujeres will be waiting for your return.
Still Have
Questions?
We’re a small, locally-based team and we’re happy to help. Reach out directly and we’ll get back to you.
