So we have gotten some feedback that spending the day at the Isle and renting a golf cart just touring the island, beaches, Shops and restaurants might be a great short day trip. Who has done this and what tips can you offer? To be honest, we have such a great time at TTR that we don't want to be gone too long and definitely want to be back for dinner and Patty O's!
When you exit TTR just walk left and down the street about 10min.... Or walk down the beach from TTR turn right and go down till you see the pirate ships, you'll see the blue and yellow boats there. We found the signage from the street to be a bit confusing as we were still fuzzy from the night before and tours being offered everywhere, plus the beach walk back seemed to be nicer with our toes in the ocean rather than concrete sidewalks. First ferry of the day leaves at 10:30am and it is $19 USD each for round trip and last ferry returning is 5:30pm. It runs all day back and forth between those hours. The gold cart rentals are $42 USD for a all day rental, you will need to bring your drivers license as "Insurance" or use your Room Key and have NO Insurance on the golf cart. Once you exit the ferry there are 2 golf cart rental places, one just outside the exit of the ferry on the right opposite side of the street and the other if they don't have any available is to the left on the opposite side of the street about a 5 min walk. This one is beside the jewellery store, small door and carts are all parked outside. If you travel to the other end of the island you can have a great view of the ocean breaking wave against the cliffs, beer, booze, and pub style food is available there. I would travel along the far back side of the island to get to any destination as the side where you land on from the ferry is very depressing as in you will see the poor side of things there.
We spent most of a day there first week of March and had a good time. I purchased the "mapchick maps" for the island. There are 4 maps with a ton of info (way more that you need for a day trip). One of the maps is a golf cart route with the highlights and food stops. We had a great lunch at a tiny place in the middle of the island, La Bruja, MA even got a hug and a kiss from the owner when we left. There are some very nice beach areas, and one of the maps gives info on the beach clubs. As Lenni and Jodie said, use the Ultramar ferry. Don't book a golf cart on the ferry though, we heard a bad story from someone about that.
We did Isla Mujeres last may and had a great time. I recommend that you bring pesos as most places will only give 9 or 10 pesos to the dollar if you use USD. Shopping can be pricey in the island and some of the merchants got a bit hostile over me haggling with them. We rented a cart from the ferry office and had no problems with it but we have heard of others that did have problems. A map is a good thing even though the island is small. There is a drive-in beer store that you literally drive your cart into, grab your beer and drive out. Totally cool and you can drink your beer while driving the cart. If you like ceviche try Restaurant Justicia Social. It's a locals kind of place on the main drag to the right of the ferry dock a couple of blocks. It's across from the Navy base and the ceviche was the best we have ever had anywhere.
Mango cafe is great to eat, drive thru beer store, beaches, and lighthouse must see, make sure you get the 1030 ferry, or you will feel rushed on the island as last ferry back is 530, bring friends with you for more fun.
We were told by a local that policia is cracking down on golf cart violations, key among them is having three people on any seat at once. She also indicated we should keep our beer on the DL in the front seat. She was an American with a winter house on the island, we took her word for it and played it cool.
The last boat to El Embarcadaro (by TTR) is 530. The boats run til midnight to other ports which are a short cab or bus ride away from TTR
I asked the guy when I rented if I am covered to drink and drive a golf cart as I've heard about people cruising around with a beer in hand. He looked at me and asked why I wanted to spend time in a mexican jail, so I got what he meant. He said maybe 1 beer with lunch just don't be stupid. Things have changed a lot in 2 years! I had a ice tea instead, forgot to mention there is a strip joint on the island too, we didn't go in but was surprised to see one there, maybe next time
