How to Get to Mexico: Complete Guide for Your BeBlue Adventure in the Mexican Caribbean 🌊
Dreaming of sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, and discovering the vibrant local culture? Organizing your trip is the first step for this unforgettable sailing or catamaran adventure with BeBlue. Here is a complete guide on how to reach Mexico, focusing on the most relevant destinations for our cruises.
✈ FLIGHTS
Mexico is well connected with the rest of the world through numerous international airports. Depending on your BeBlue cruise destination, you might consider the following:
- Cancún International Airport (CUN): The main airport of the Riviera Maya, ideal for reaching destinations like Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and the Quintana Roo coast.
- Cozumel International Airport (CZM): Located on the island of Cozumel, convenient if your cruise departs directly from there.
- Chetumal International Airport (CTM): Useful if your cruise explores the southern part of the Riviera Maya or the Belize coast.
🔔Tips for booking flights:
- Use online price comparators: Websites like 👉Google Flights and 👉Skyscanner allow you to compare offers from different airlines.
- Consider connecting flights: Sometimes, flights with one or more stops can be cheaper than direct flights.
- Book in advance: Especially for high season periods (like winter and summer months), it is advisable to book flights several months in advance.
- Check visa requirements: Make sure you have the tourist visa, if necessary, to enter Mexico. It is usually possible to purchase it online through the travel agency or airline, or at embassies and consulates.
- Check baggage policies: Baggage restrictions for flights can vary depending on the airline. Carefully check the rules before departure.
Examples of routes and airlines (indicative prices):
- From Europe (Round Trip - Cancún):
Low season: €500 - €800 (Air Europa, Iberia, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Condor, Eurowings Discover).
High season: €800 - €1400+ (same airlines).
- From North America (Round Trip - Cancún/Cozumel):
Low season: $300 - $600 USD / CAD 400 - CAD 800 (United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, WestJet, JetBlue).
High season: $500 - $900+ USD / CAD 700 - CAD 1200+ (same airlines).
- From Central and South America (Round Trip - Cancún):
Average prices: $300 - $600 USD (Copa Airlines via Panama City).
Average prices: $400 - $700 USD (Avianca via Bogotá).
Transfers from airports to marinas:
🚗CAR RENTAL (Indicative daily rates):
Renting a car in Mexico can offer you the freedom to explore the Riviera Maya and its wonders at your own pace, before or after your BeBlue cruise. However, it is important to be aware of some aspects for a smooth experience.
Where to Rent a Car:
- International Airports (Cancún - CUN, Cozumel - CZM, Chetumal - CTM): Most international and local car rental companies have offices directly inside or near the main airports. This is often the most convenient place to pick up the car upon arrival.
- City Centers and Tourist Areas (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum): You will also find car rental offices in major tourist centers. It may be useful to compare prices between different locations.
Common Car Rental Companies:
You will find both well-known international companies and local Mexican companies. Some examples include:
- International: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Alamo, National.
- Local: America Car Rental, Europcar Mexico, Executive Car Rental, Mex Rent A Car.
An indicative cost for renting a car per day is:
💰 Economy: $25 - $50 USD
💰💰 Mid-size: $35 - $70 USD
💰💰💰SUV/Family: $50 - $100+ USD
Consider insurance, airport taxes, and international driving license.
🚕TAXI (Indicative prices):
Taxis are a very common and often necessary means of transportation in Mexico, especially for short trips within cities, between hotels and attractions, and to reach places not easily accessible by public transport. However, it is important to be informed about how they work and some common practices to avoid inconveniences.
Types of Taxis:
- Authorized Taxis (Sitio): They usually operate from designated taxi stations ("sitios") at airports, hotels, shopping centers, and tourist points of interest. They often have fixed rates for certain routes, especially from airports. They are generally considered safer.
- Street Taxis (Libre): These taxis can be hailed on the street. They are more common in urban areas and often do not have a meter (or do not use it). It is essential to agree on the fare before getting in.
- Collective Taxis (Colectivos): Although technically not private taxis, "colectivos" are vans that operate on fixed routes and pick up passengers along the way. They are an economical option for moving between locations in the Riviera Maya (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum), but are not suitable for direct transfers or with bulky luggage.
- App-based Taxis: Services like Uber and Didi are available in some Mexican cities, including some areas of the Riviera Maya. They can offer more transparent fares and the convenience of payment through the app. Check availability in the area where you are.How to Take a Taxi:
Indicative prices on common routes are:
- Cancún Airport - Hotel Zone: $50 - $80 USD (negotiate or check official rates).
- Short rides (Playa del Carmen): $10 - $20 USD (negotiate).
- Playa del Carmen - Tulum: $40 - $70 USD (negotiable).
Negotiating is often customary.
🚢FERRIES (Useful information for internal travel):
Although international ferries to reach Mexico directly from Europe or North America are not a common option for tourists, internal ferries play an important role in connecting the Riviera Maya coast with the beautiful offshore islands. Here are the main routes of interest:
- Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel:
Main Companies: Ultramar and Winjet are the most reliable companies with frequent departures. There might also be Xcaret Ferry.
Departure and arrival ports: Ferries depart from the main pier in Playa del Carmen (near the center) and arrive at the main pier in San Miguel de Cozumel.
Frequency: Departures are very frequent, generally every hour or even more often during the day, from early morning until late evening.
Duration of the crossing: About 35-45 minutes.
Indicative cost (one way per adult): $12 - $20 USD (the price may vary depending on the company and service class). Round-trip tickets are generally more convenient.
- Ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres:
Main Companies: Ultramar and Xcaret Ferry are the main companies operating this route. There might also be BDExperience Mexico.
Departure ports in Cancún: There are several options:
Puerto Juárez: The most used port with more frequent departures, located about 20 minutes from downtown Cancún and 50 minutes from the airport.
Hotel Zone (Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol, Embarcadero): Offer more scenic departures but with potentially lower frequency.
Arrival port in Isla Mujeres: The main pier is located in the center of the island.
Frequency: Very high, with departures every 30 minutes or an hour during the day.
Duration of the crossing: Varies from 20 to 45 minutes depending on the departure port in Cancún and the type of ferry.
Indicative cost (one way per adult): $12 - $25 USD. Round-trip tickets are generally the best choice.
🚍BUSES: A Convenient Way to Explore
Buses are an excellent and economical option for traveling between different locations in the Riviera Maya and reaching even more distant areas. There are different categories of buses to suit different needs and budgets.
Main Bus Companies in the Riviera Maya:
- ADO (Autobuses de Oriente): The largest and most reliable bus company in the region and much of southeastern Mexico.
- OCC (Omnibus Cristóbal Colón): Another first-class company, often with similar fares to ADO.
- ADO AU (Autobuses Unidos): Second-class buses, cheaper and with more stops. Suitable for short distances and reaching smaller locations.
- Mayab: Another company operating in the Yucatán Peninsula, often with economical fares and local connections.
❓❔How to Use Buses:
- Bus Stations (Terminal de Autobuses): Major cities like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal have central bus stations where ADO and other first-class buses depart and arrive.
- Ticket Purchase:
-
- Online: It is advisable to purchase ADO tickets online through their website (https://www.ado.com.mx/) or platforms like Busbud (https://www.busbud.com/it/) in advance, especially during high season or weekends, to secure a seat and sometimes get discounts for early purchases.
- At the Station: Tickets can also be purchased directly at the ticket offices of the bus stations.
-
- Schedules: Bus schedules are generally reliable, but it is always best to check them in advance on the companies' websites or at the stations.
Enjoy your adventure in the Mexican Caribbean with BeBlue! 🌊
💡 Your ideal itinerary awaits:
With BeBlue, you can explore the wonders of the Mexican Caribbean aboard comfortable boats, discovering enchanting islands, breathtaking coral reefs, and the rich Mayan culture.
https://www.bebluesailing.com/it/tours/caraibi/destinazione-messico
Contact us for a personalized quote and get ready to set sail to fascinating Mexico!
