Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — Hotels and tour operators on Isla Mujeres are keeping most service prices at 2024 levels for the current summer season, aiming to attract visitors amid a slump in demand, according to industry officials.
Salomé Tuz and Pedro Morales, managers of local establishments, said the strategy covers packages including accommodation, whale shark tours, diving, and land transportation. About 20% of hotels have adopted the measure to boost reservations, which have fallen below 50% occupancy.
However, some visitors reported that certain taxi drivers are not respecting official rates, charging foreigners 10% to 20% more. Gertrudis Gutiérrez, a Colombian tourist, said she was charged 180 pesos for a trip from Sac-Bajo to the town center — 30 pesos above the 150-peso maximum fare. She filed a complaint with her hotel.
Manolo Santos, a visitor from California, said he was forced to pay an extra 15 pesos, a 10% increase. He had researched prices before traveling to plan his family budget.
Tuz explained that his hotel decided to keep rates from two years ago, ranging from 800 to 15,800 pesos, with room for negotiation in most categories. The move aims to improve bookings, which had been weak.
Demand from Mexican working-class families remains low, as many consider the 600-peso round-trip ferry ticket too expensive. Some travelers instead opt for boat tours from Puerto Juárez, which cost the same and include visits to Playa Norte, El Farito, and the historic center, plus a fish meal at Tiburón beach.
Hotels like Carmelina used to host groups arriving by bus from inland Mexico, but stopped receiving them in 2024 when the ferry fare rose from 500 to 600 pesos per person. Juan Martínez, a hotel manager, said the increase made the destination unaffordable for many families.
