Where is the wedding?
The wedding will be on Isla Mujeres, a small island just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, directly across the water from Cancun. Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-longest coral reef system in the world), Isla Mujeres is in a perfect spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling.
How do I get to the Island?
You will fly into Cancun International Airport. Guests will be able to book a shuttle service that will take you directly to the ferry, which is a 30-minute drive from the airport. They are private transfers. The ferry ride will be about 20 minutes. You will depart Puerto Juarez, Cancun and be dropped off at the Isla Mujeres Port on the island which is about half a mile from the hotel.
**Please go to the Travel tab on this website for more information.
Are kids invited?
We love your little ones, but we’ve decided to keep our wedding day limited to guests 10 years or older. There are options on the island for arranging childcare for the evening in the hotel, please reach out to us to discuss if this is something you are interested in.
Can I bring a plus one?
The RSVP tab in this website is limited to everyone who is invited to the wedding events. If your RSVP response shows an option to add an unnamed guest, a plus-one is welcome. As much as we would love to include everyone, space is limited. If there are any issues, please reach out to the bride or groom.
Do I need a passport?
Everybody needs a passport to enter Mexico. If you do not have a passport or need to renew yours, you should start the process as soon as possible. If your passport expires within 6 months of the travel date, I would renew it.
Start your process here:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.html
How do I book everything?
There are direct links provided under the travel tab. Please reach out to Dustin at +1-314-583-9744 or Cecy at +52-449-543-7575 if you have questions about booking or need assistance.
Is the island safe?
Isla Mujeres is a small friendly island that is very safe and any crime tends to be mostly crimes of opportunity. Don’t leave valuables unattended – for example, do not leave your camera or bag in a golf cart or on the beach unattended. If you’re renting a house or apartment, do not leave your laptop on a table next to an open window while you are out and about. Basically - do not leave your common sense at home.
The fairly large navy base on the island helps keep things tranquil. Don’t be surprised to see them at the ferry dock with their drug detection dogs (please do not try to pet them), patrolling the beaches and streets.
The US government warning and the stories in the media relate primarily to drug and violence problems in border towns over 1000 miles away from Isla Mujeres. That said, do not get involved with drugs and do not go anywhere alone with someone you don’t know. Like every other place in the world, be cautious, be observant, use common sense and be a good visitor!
Can I drink the water?
Drink only bottled water, although using tap water to brush your teeth, or inadvertently getting a little water in your mouth while showering should not cause concern. And be sure to drink lots! It’s the tropics and your body will thank you for the extra liquid. Often health issues attributed to food or water changes are caused by dehydration more than anything else. Restaurants use purified water for ice, and most wash fruits and veggies in it, or use Microdyn.
How will I pay for things on the Island?
We suggest getting Mexican pesos from your US bank before your trip. You are also able to exchange dollars at the ferry port, but the exchange rate may be less desirable.
Credit cards are accepted in most places on the island, but not everywhere. When purchasing anything at the hotel you are able to charge to the card you used to book your room and pay at the end of the trip.
There are plenty of cash machines (ATMs) in the downtown area where you may withdraw money directly in Pesos (foreign withdrawal fees will be added). Make sure your bank is aware and will allow this.
Is the hotel all-inclusive?
No, the recommended hotels are not all-inclusive. The island is home to smaller, boutique like hotels. The best part of the island is getting to explore all the different bars and restaurants. The beach bars and pools do provide food and drink service for purchase. You can also pack your own drinks for the beach. If you are interested in an all-inclusive hotel on Isla Mujeres, please reach out to us.
What are the prices like at the hotel since it is not all inclusive?
For hotel prices, see the "Where to Stay" tab on this website. If you would like help finding something in a different budget range, please reach out to us.
View the menus provided under the "Where to eat" tab on this website to get an idea of the food and drink pricing.
Can I bring my own drinks and food to the pool and beach?
Yes. You can bring, eat, and drink whatever you want.
Is there a grocery store?
Yes, it is called Super Aki and is about an 8 minute straight walk down Hidalgo Street from the Ixchel Beach Hotel. It is right next to Sonny's Pizza. They have drinks, snacks, and food. We will stock up here on water and alcohol to keep in our hotel room. There are also "convenience stores" located all over Hidalgo Street.
There is also a Chedraui on the island with more diverse offerings. It is similar to Walmart. Please refer to the Restaurants tab in this website for more detailed information.
Is the island expensive?
Similar to anywhere, it depends on what and where you choose to eat. If you are eating lobster and steak every night, it's going to be more expensive. There are plenty of places to eat for all budgets though. For example, you can utilize food stands and get tacos for $5 USD (100 pesos), or you could have a nice steak dinner for $45 USD (900 pesos). Drinks run from $3 USD (60 pesos) for a beer to $15 USD (300 pesos) for cocktails depending on the location. The island does have "tourist traps" just like any other place, so make sure to view the menu with pricing before deciding to eat there and check your bill for accuracy before paying.
Will my cell phone work?
Most US cell phones will work in Isla. If you are unsure, call your cell phone provider. The hotel will also have wifi.
How will I get to and from the wedding?
The wedding venue Mayan Beach Club has a beach entrance, about 3 minutes walking from the Ixchel Beach Hotel. It also has a handicap accessible street entrance that is a longer route, about 8 minutes walking from the Ixchel Beach Hotel.
If you do not wish to walk, ask the front desk at the hotel to call you a taxi. Make sure to understand the price of the taxi before entering the vehicle and have cash on hand. Please refer to the "Where to Stay" tab in this website for maps from the 3 hotels.
How can you get around the island?
Walk:
The hotel is located on the beach and walking distance to many restaurants and bars. Pretty much everything is walkable.
Golf Cart:
No drinking and driving on the golf carts. They are pretty strict about it. If you want to drink and explore, have a designated driver or book the bar hop tour on the Things To Do tab in this website. There is a golf cart rental right outside of our hotel, but there are numerous places to rent golf carts for a few hours, full day or for 24 hours from the time of rental. Most golf carts are about $60 USD (1200 pesos) a day depending on the season and size of the cart. You can sometimes get discount if you are renting for multiple days but be prepared to negotiate. You will need to sign a rental agreement before you take possession of the golf cart. Please read it carefully, it is a legally binding agreement. Some rental companies will want to keep your driver's license for the duration of the rental.
Taxi:
Taxis can be hailed just about anywhere in Isla and they can be seen circling the island looking for work in 4 door red cars. The taxi stand is just to the left of the ferry dock when you arrive and the official rates are posted on the wall. The price scales from $3 USD (60 pesos) to Hotels in Centro and Playa Norte, up to $7 USD (140 pesos) for Punta Sur at the farthest end of the island. (Prices subject to change). Be sure to ask the price before taking off to avoid a surprise at the end of the ride. If you like the driver it is great to ask for their cell phone number and taxi number and have your hotel call them directly for additional trips during your stay.
What will the weather be like?
In November, the average high-temperature is moderately hot 82°F (28°C) and the average low-temperature is 75°F (24°C). The temperature rarely falls below 75°F (24°C) at night. The average seawater temperature is around 82°F (28°C). The average relative humidity in November is 76%.
The direct sun can feel much hotter depending on the day. Please make sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and hydrate!