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Landscape of the Playa Mujeres Golf Club, Costa Mujeres, Mexico.

Things to do in  Punta Sam

A different side of Cancun

The coastal enclave of Punta Sam sits just north of Cancun’s El Centro and south of the Playa Mujeres strip. While some luxury resorts are starting to put down roots, the place is perhaps better known as an embarkation point for boats—visitors come to ride the 45-minute car ferry to Isla Mujeres. If you find yourself here, expect plenty of boat-based activities with Isla Mujeres day trips, pirate boat rides aboard the Jolly Roger, and diving excursions among the top Punta Sam things to do.

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Local Currency
Mexican Peso (MX$)
When to visit

December through April is the high season when the weather is perfect, but it's also when the wider Cancun area is busiest. While the spring breakers tend to stay in the Cancun hotel zone, so they’re closer to the nightclubs, you might want to avoid Punta Sam during March or April if you’re looking for a quieter or more family-friendly stay.

Getting around

If you’re staying in Punta Sam, you’ll likely want to visit the Cancun hotel zone or downtown area at some point for all the attractions, restaurants, and bars. If your accommodation provider doesn’t offer shuttle services, the easiest way is by taxi on a journey that takes around 25 minutes. A cheaper option is to go by taxi to Calle Cancun y Av. 45-A, and then bus RIU Cancun R to the Cancun hotel zone. Carry pesos for all options.

Traveler tips

If you’re staying in Punta Sam, you’ll surely find yourself on Isla Mujeres at some point. Take the ferry across the water, hire a golf cart to avoid clogging up the narrow lanes with more cars, and then go sightseeing. Top island sites include the Rainbow Stairs in the middle of the island for color-popping photos, the Maya structure of Punta Sur, and North Beach (Playa Norte) for sunbathing.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the best activities to do in Punta Sam?
A:

You can get your golf swing going at the Playa Mujeres Golf Club, an exclusive marina destination north of Punta Sam; board the Jolly Roger pirate boat for seafaring adventure; or take the car ferry to Isla Mujeres. Scuba diving is another option, with tourist dive opportunities from Punta Sam.

Q:Can I take a ferry to Isla Mujeres from Punta Sam?
A:

Yes. If you want to take your car to Isla Mujeres, this is the only option. There are usually four crossings daily, and lines can be long, so get there well in advance. The service also offers rates for foot passengers, those traveling with bikes, and reduced rates for kids.

Q:What are the best snorkeling spots near Punta Sam?
A:

There is beach access near the car ferry port at Punta Sam, but it’s not an attractive option. Better to seek out a dive or snorkel tour departing from Punta Sam, taking you by boat to MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art) near Isla Mujeres or the bay's coral reefs.

Q:Are there any historical or cultural sites near Punta Sam?
A:

Yes, Punta Sam has Maya culture and history within easy reach. Check out El Meco, aka the great pyramid of Cancun, which is just a 5-minute journey south of Punta Sam by car. Another popular Maya site and observation center nearby is El Rey, south of Cancun’s hotel zone.

Q:Is Punta Sam a good base for exploring Cancun and the Riviera Maya?
A:

Punta Sam is a good base if you’re exploring using your own transportation. It could be seen as a more local alternative to the glossy Cancun hotel zone further south or the exclusive Playa Mujeres to the north. However, it’s hard to beat the Cancun hotel zone for convenience.

Q:Are there any luxury resorts or unique accommodations in Punta Sam?
A:

Villa del Palmar Cancun Luxury Beach Resort and Spa is in Punta Sam, along with the Garza Blanca Cancun and the Hotel Mousai Cancun. The Playa Mujeres is only a bit further north and is gaining a reputation as a luxury outpost for those looking beyond the Cancun hotel zone.

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