Getting from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is super easy! Here you’ll find the best options, whether you’re hoping to join a tour or just catch the ferry for a day trip.
Cozumel is an island located on the eastern coast of Riviera Maya. It offers plenty of activities and it’s a great beach destination. It’s probably the most popular day trip from Playa del Carmen, but you could also spend a few days on Cozumel relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and exploring the island by jeep.
Taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is the most straightforward way of getting to the island, although you can also get there with a tour if you don’t want to worry about transportation, or a private boat if you’re looking for an exclusive experience.
| METHOD | COST | |
|---|---|---|
| TOUR | 125-190 USD | BOOK IT HERE |
| FERRY | 30 USD roundtrip | BOOK IT HERE |
| PRIVATE BOAT | 3,470 USD (up to 15 people) | BOOK IT HERE |
I’ve personally visited Cozumel 3 times. The first time I joined a tour from Playa del Carmen, the second time I went on my own, and the third I chose a mix of the first two and got to the island by ferry and then joined a snorkeling tour from the port. All the options are perfectly valid!
Here you’ll find in detail all the alternatives so you can figure out which is the best one for you.
Table of Contents
BEST COZUMEL TOURS FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Planning a Playa del Carmen to Cozumel day trip? The most practical way to enjoy your day is by joining a tour. There are plenty of options you can check out, and all of them include roundtrip transportation from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about organizing it.
| ⌛ Length: | Approx. 8 hours |
| 💲 Price: | 125-190 USD |
| 👉 Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
These in my opinion are the best Playa del Carmen to Cozumel tours.
▶️ The Cozumel Snorkeling Tour from Playa del Carmen focuses on snorkeling (surprise!), so you’ll be taken to two different spots in the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park to witness the underwater world from up close and swim among its inhabitants. Snorkel gear, buffet lunch, refreshments, and roundtrip transportation are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Cozumel Buggy Adventure! Round Transportation from Playa Del Carmen is a very comprehensive excursion! Upon reaching Cozumel, you’ll explore the island’s gems on a buggy. Visit a tequila factory for a tasting, shop for souvenirs, and go snorkeling among countless colorful fish! Food tastings and lunch are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Another way to enjoy Cozumel with a tour is going to the island on your own by ferry, and booking an excursion from there. This is a great option:
▶️ The Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia, and El Cielo Reefs is a 4-hour underwater adventure. You’ll visit the island’s snorkeling hotspots, and equipped with a snorkel mask and tube swim with colorful marine life in beautiful reefs. A snack, beer, and soda are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Check out this Private Jeep Excursion in Cozumel with Lunch and Snorkeling. You’ll enjoy a tour around the island’s major highlights, and learn about Maya history from your guide. Go snorkeling at the beach, then indulge in a tasty lunch. The best part? You can swap or include activities such as horseback riding or shopping! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pros and Cons of the Tours
✅ Everything will be organized for you, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of planning the trip or comparing the ferries’ timetables.
✅ Roundtrip transportation is included, as well as all the activities on the island, and lunch. All you have to do is show up on time, and enjoy yourself!
❌ It’s a more expensive option than going by yourself, although it also includes way more amenities and activities, so it kind of evens out.
TAKE THE FERRY FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN TO COZUMEL
| ⌛ Length: | 40 minutes |
| 💲 Price: | 35 USD roundtrip |
| 👉 Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
How to Get to the Cozumel Ferry Terminal in Playa del Carmen
The Cozumel Ferry Terminal is located in Av. Benito Juárez 239, about a block from Playa del Carmen’s main square, and only 2 blocks from 5th Avenue. Since it’s close to most Downtown hotels, you can definitely walk to the ferry pier.
▶️ If you’re staying in a resort along the Riviera Maya, your best option to get to the terminal is by taxi.
▶️ Driving to the terminal? You’ll find two street-level parking lots within walking distance to the port, and an underground parking garage.
Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
You made it to the ferry terminal? Great. Now it’s time to pick your company. There are two ferry companies that make the journey, Ultramar and Winjet. The ferry schedule from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is very similar for both companies, but I will disclose both of them below.
The first Ultramar ferry departs from Playa del Carmen at 8 AM. Then, there is one ferry every two hours until 10 PM.
⚠️ Check the current schedule before you plan your trip, as on certain days the ferries run from 9 AM to 9 PM instead – always every two hours. Same for the trip from Cozumel to Playa.
Winjet’s first ferry departs at 8 AM, and then there’s a ferry leaving the port every 2 hours until 10 PM.
⚠️ Check the schedule online before going, as on certain days the ferries run from 9 AM to 9 PM instead (always with a 2-hour interval).
Same for returning from Cozumel to Playa.
The current Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry prices are 30 USD round-trip with the ferry company Ultramar, and around 31 USD with Winjet.
The ferries offer comfortable seating areas, bathrooms, and small cafes where you can buy refreshments. They are also air-conditioned and feature an outside deck if you want to take pictures or enjoy the breeze.
⚠️ While the passenger ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen only takes around 40 minutes to arrive, the journey can be a little rough, especially on windy days, so if you get seasick easily you should consider taking Dramamine in advance to prevent it. They also have bags available, just in case.
▶️ You can buy your Cozumel ferry tickets beforehand, so all you have to do when you get to the terminal is get on the ferry ➥ BUY YOUR TICKET HERE
👉 If you want to take your car with you, there are two car ferry companies to Cozumel: Ultramar and TransCaribe. Both ferries depart from Calica cruise pier, south of Playa del Carmen, and a one-way trip for the car and 5 people costs around 50 USD at the time of writing.
Pros and Cons of the Ferry
✅ Visiting Cozumel by ferry is the most convenient, and the cheapest option (seeing as the only alternative is flying into the island).
❌ It’s not a very pleasant journey if it’s windy, as the sea can get rough and those prone to seasickness might have a hard time during the trip.
❌ If you’re staying anywhere else in the Riviera Maya (other than Playa del Carmen) you’ll have to take a taxi from your accommodation to the ferry terminal.
How to Get to Your Hotel in Cozumel
Once you arrive in Cozumel, you have two options to get from the terminal to your hotel. The first one is taking a taxi; you’ll find a taxi stand in Calle 2 Nte and 10 Ave. Nte, three blocks from the ferry terminal.
The second option is booking a private shuttle to your hotel in Cozumel in advance. The driver will be waiting for you when you get to the terminal and will take you directly to your hotel. Since they offer roundtrip transportation, your transfer from the hotel to the terminal is also covered. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
⚠️ Note that the ferry terminal you’ll arrive at in Cozumel is not Punta Langosta Cruise Pier, where cruise passengers are dropped off. The ferry port is very close by, however.
PRIVATE BOAT FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN TO COZUMEL
If you’re traveling with a group of people, celebrating a special occasion, or simply feel like splurging on a private excursion, this is the way to go.
| ⌛ Length: | 8 hours |
| 💲 Price: | 3,470 USD |
| 👉 Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
This 8-Hour Private 2-stop 45′ Cat to Cozumel, Food, Drinks & Snorkel accommodates up to 15 people. It departs from Playa del Carmen in the morning, and after receiving a welcome drink you’ll get comfortable on your spectacular boat.
The itinerary is customizable, so you’ll enjoy your perfect day with an open bar and lunch included. Sail to Cozumel, and enjoy snorkeling stops near a reef, so you can marvel at the rich marine life and swim among fish and turtles.
You can also take some time to relax at the beach or explore, before sailing back to Playa as the sun sets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pros and Cons of the Private Boat
✅ It’s a private excursion for you and your friends, and you’ll get to call all the shots: where you want to eat, what activities you’d like to enjoy, and for how long. It’s the ultimate sailing adventure.
❌ It’s by far the most expensive way to travel to Cozumel. Even if you’re a group of 15, it will be more costly per person than going on your own or with a regular tour.
❌ It’s not a good option if you plan on staying in Cozumel for a few days.
FLY FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN TO COZUMEL
There used to be a flight connecting Quintana Roo to Cozumel Airport, and it was the best alternative if you were looking at how to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel fast. Unfortunately, this flight has stopped operating so it’s no longer an option.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN TO COZUMEL FAQs
Taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel) The ride takes around 40 minutes with either company.
The round trip tickets for the Cozumel ferry to Playa del Carmen cost 614 MXN (USD 30) at the time of writing.
No, currently it’s not possible to fly from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
The distance from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is almost 48 Kilometers. The ferry Playa del Carmen to Cozumel takes 40 minutes to make the journey.
Yes! There are two ferry companies that take your car to Cozumel: Ultramar and TransCaribe. Both ferries depart from Port Calica, south of Playa del Carmen, and a one-way ferry ticket for the car and 5 people costs around USD 50 at the time of writing.
Yes, you can book an 8-hour Private 2-stop 45′ Cat to Cozumel, Food, Drinks & Snorkel that will take you and up to 14 friends on a customized sailing adventure.
