- LAST UPDATE: June 25, 2025
If you’re staying in Cozumel and planning a private tour on the mainland, here’s everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and back.
This ferry crossing is the most convenient way to reach Riviera Maya attractions like Tulum ruins, cenotes, or Akumal for snorkeling with sea turtles.
Ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen | Tickets, Schedule & Tips
Ferry Cozumel – Playa del Carmen: 3 Companies
There are currently three companies operating daily crossings between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen:
- Ultramar
- Winjet
- Xailing (Grupo Xcaret)
Daily Schedules
The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes.
Count around 1 hour total travel time from pier to pier, including boarding.
Each company runs ferries on alternate days (odd/even days), and the operating company changes daily.
This means you should always check the schedule in advance to know which company is running ferries on the day of your tour, especially for early-morning departures.
Ferries generally run from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with departures every hour or half hour, depending on the season. Exact frequency and times may vary, so it’s important to check the updated schedule on the official website of the operating ferry company.
Schedules are available on each company’s website: ULTRAMAR & WINJET & XAILING
Tickets & Prices
Cost is around 500-600 pesos round trip depending of the company/class ticket.
Is it worth booking ferry tickets online?
You can buy your tickets online in advance, especially during busy seasons. However, we recommend not purchasing a round-trip ticket. This gives you flexibility to:
- Take the next available ferry on your return trip.
- Avoid long waits if your return ticket is with a company that’s not currently operating.
- If you miss your scheduled ferry, the next departure may be from a different company, and your ticket will not be valid for that one. You would either need to buy a new ticket or wait up to 2 hours for the same company to run again.
TIP: For early ferries (especially 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. departures from Cozumel), arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes in advance to have time to buy your ticket and board.
Note that a ticket (online or on-site) does not guarantee boarding at a specific time if the ferry is already full.
What are the best tours to do coming from Cozumel?
If you’re based in Cozumel and wish to join a private tour on the mainland, the earliest ferries depart between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. depending on the season. This allows a pickup in Playa del Carmen around 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.
Since Cozumel already offers excellent ocean snorkeling, we suggest focusing your mainland visit on cultural sites and freshwater cenotes, which offer a completely different and unforgettable experience.
For a day trip from Cozumel, we recommend exploring the Tulum ruins and/or cenotes.
You can choose to visit only the Tulum ruins, only cenotes, or a combination of both.
If you have more time, it’s also possible to visit Coba, Chichen Itza, or Ek Balam. However, due to ferry schedules, you won’t be able to arrive at the opening time of these more distant sites. This means your visit will with larger crowds and higher heat compared to the early morning experience available to those staying on the mainland.
Touring from a Cruise Ship
If you’re visiting Cozumel on a cruise ship and spending just one day on the island, you may choose to enjoy activities in Cozumel itself.
However, if you wish to take the opportunity to explore the mainland, you can look for tours that visit the Tulum ruins and or cenotes.
Keep in mind that unless you book an excursion directly through your cruise ship company, the ship will not wait for you in case of delays.
If you book an independent tour, you’ll need to take a taxi from the cruise dock to the ferry terminal in Cozumel, then take the ferry across to Playa del Carmen. You should allow around 4 hours total for round-trip transfers (for example: if your ship docks at 7:00 a.m., you might reach Playa del Carmen around 9:00 a.m., and you’ll need the same amount of time for the return).
If your cruise ship stays in port for the full day, it’s absolutely worth considering a trip to Tulum or a refreshing visit to the cenotes!
FAQ – Ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
⏱ How long is the ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes, plus boarding time. Plan for 1 hour total.
📍 Where is the ferry terminal?
In Cozumel: San Miguel downtown, near the main square
In Playa del Carmen: Just south of Parque Los Fundadores, close to the ADO bus station
🚢 Which ferry company is best?
All three companies offer similar service.
Choose based on:
- Departure time that fits your schedule
- Class of service (standard or first class)
- Reviews or onboard comfort
💸 How much does the ferry cost?
Expect to pay around 500 to 600 pesos round trip (~$30 USD), depending on the ferry company and class.
🧾 Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Not necessarily. You can buy tickets online or at the pier.
📅 Do ferry schedules change?
Yes, schedules change monthly and sometimes vary based on weather or maintenance, so always confirm close to your travel date.
⏰ What’s the earliest ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
Between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., depending on the season and operator. Check the current schedule in advance.
⏰ What’s the latest ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
Between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m., depending on the season and operator. Check the current schedule in advance.
🌊 Is the ferry cruise calm?
Yes, most of the time the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is calm. However, rough sea conditions can occasionally make the crossing bumpy due to strong winds or waves.
If you’re prone to seasickness, consider sitting in the middle of the boat and taking preventive medication.
🪑 What are the best seats on the ferry?
Ferries offer both indoor (air-conditioned) and outdoor (open-air) seating:
Choose inside if you prefer air conditioning and a smoother, drier ride.
Choose outside if you want to enjoy the ocean views, but be mindful of the sun exposure during the 45-minute ride—bring a hat or sunscreen.
Avoid sitting too close to the side railings, as you might get splashed by waves.
In case of rain, boats have partial protection, but it may not keep you 100% dry—another reason to favor indoor seating during uncertain weather.
📏 What is the distance between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel?
The distance between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel is approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) across the sea.
The ferry covers this distance in about 45 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions.
