Logistics · Destination Guide
Warm water, reef art, and wildlife megafauna within day-trip range
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 21 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) with wide nonstop coverage from North America and Europe. From CUN, reach the Hotel Zone in roughly 20 km by licensed taxi, prebooked shuttle, or ADO bus to downtown then local bus. Ferries to Isla Mujeres leave from Puerto Juarez.
Cancun International Airport
CUN • MMUN
20 km • 20 km drive
Mexico's second-busiest airport with multiple international terminals and frequent service from US, Canada, and Europe.
Transport: Pre-booked shuttles, Licensed taxis, ADO bus to downtown + local bus
In the Hotel Zone, frequent city buses run along Blvd. Kukulkan. Licensed taxis are widely available. Rideshare availability can vary by regulation and season. For Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, colectivos and ADO buses connect the corridor.
Most travelers need a valid passport. Mexican immigration issues a visitor permit (FMM) as a passport stamp or electronic record at many airports. International visitors to Quintana Roo must pay the VISITAX state tourism levy before departure.
Boat ops provide tanks and weights. Bring a DSMB, reef-safe protection, and a 3 mm suit for 26°C to 29°C water. For cenotes, consider a hooded vest for long sessions in 24°C.
Mexican Peso (MXN)
MXN is preferred for everyday purchases; USD is commonly accepted in tourist zones at variable rates. Pay bracelets and small fees in MXN.
ATMs are common in Hotel Zone, downtown, and ferry terminals. Use bank-branded machines and decline dynamic currency conversion.
127V • 60Hz • A, B
Most travel chargers are dual-voltage. Power strips help manage camera gear.
Communications
eSIMs from major carriers work well. Telcel and AT&T have strong coverage in the Hotel Zone and Isla Mujeres; cenote jungle corridors can be patchy.
Language
Spanish is official; English is widely spoken in tourism. Learning basic phrases speeds service and enriches interactions.
Insurance
Carry comprehensive travel and dive insurance. DAN membership provides evacuation and medical support tailored to diving.
Packing list