Hi there! We'll be coming there in two weeks and are splitting up our trip this time. We'll be staying on Isla for 5 nights and then 2 nights in Cancun. If I remember correctly (probably not) I think taking a taxi from the ferry at Gran Puerto Cancun to the Gran Melia in the hotel zone was about $45. Is that the correct price? Also, it will be two adults and two kids, is it the same price for all 4 of us? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!! We can't wait to get there.
That sounds cheap to me, I'd reckon a taxi would run 80-100 pesos. Why not take the ferry to the Hotel Zone?
Taxis Oh, sorry, I meant $45. US, not pesos. How would we take the ferry to the hotel zone? We are going to take the ferry from Gran Puerto Cancun over to Isla, and buy a round trip ticket. Is there a different way to do it? Last year we did it that way, and it seemed pretty expensive to take the taxi to our hotel. I was looking at Mapchick's map with the taxi rates and stuff, but couldn't figure it out. Our hotel I think is in zone 11, but I couldn't see how the rates worked. (or maybe we just got ripped off last year with the rates) Thanks again!
To me, US$45 sounds VERY HIGH! A cab costs us US$15 to get from Walmart to HZ Kilometer 20ish. I'd guess US$8 - 10 sounds about right.
You can take a ferry to Isla Mujeres from El Embarcadero which is right there where the bridge is (where the pirate ships are and the scenic tower). But usually the ferry from there is more money than from Gran Puerto Cancun. So I'm not sure you would come out ahead that way. And I think those ferries don't run as often. The taxi should be $100 pesos or so from Gran Puerto Cancun to the HZ.
At $45 USD the driver was taking you for a ride in more ways than one! I would pay 80-100 pesos but maybe 150 max if I was desperate. There are other ferry terminals closer to your hotel. The closest is Club Nautico Dock between the Riu Cancun and Mocambo restaurant at Km 7, (at least I think that one is still running can anyone confirm?) Another is at Playa Tortugas, which is the site of the old Fat Tuesday. I'd guess this at around Km 5.5 without referring to a map. Then there's Embarcadero at Km 4. Please check out my page on How to get to Isla Mujeres and save yourself some money.
Taxis Thanks for all of the information and advice. Yes, we did indeed get ripped off last year, I think they charged us per person instead of per taxi like they should have. I guess we learned our lesson. Someone also had mentioned walk across the street and the taxi would probably be cheaper too than right in the parking lot. We are actually staying on Isla the first part of our trip, so we already have transportation lined up from the airport to the ferry dock with Cancun Valet. (we have used them a couple of times before) So really we are just trying to figure out an easy way to get from the ferry dock to our hotel in Cancun for the last part of the trip, but with all of our luggage and carry on bags and two kids. (but the kids are 11 and 8, so at least they aren't little) Just sounds like now we know what we "should" get charged, and we will just hold to our ground on what rate to agree on. Thanks for all of the help though, I do appreciate it.
No problem. Yeah walking across the street can often help on price. Outside hotels, restaurants, ferry terminals, supermarkets, clubs etc. the taxis are waiting in what is called "sitios" and their prices are more expensive. Re-reading your original question they shouldn't charge more for 4 people, but if you have a lot of luggage they may bump it up a bit since they will have to load / unload etc.