How to take the Ferry from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel
Getting from the mainland to Cozumel is relatively pretty simple on the Cozumel ferry. Here is all the information you need to know on how to take the ferry from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel.
There are 2 Ferry Companies that Cross from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel
There are now two companies that service the crossing. Click on the names to go to their websites. The two Cozumel ferry companies are :
All boats are similar. All of the ferry companies have kiosk near the ferry pier. Most people just show up and take whatever boat is leaving next. You can buy one way or round trip tickets. There is a small discount if you buy a round trip and saves you from getting in line again to buy another one. We recommend just getting a one way ticket and then buy a ticket when you are ready to come back. That way you are not waiting for a ferry that you already bought a return ticket for or trying to catch a certain time ferry.
The ferry companies that operate between Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen
How much does the Cozumel ferry cost?
The Cozumel ferry cost about 250 pesos one way or 500 pesos round trip. Basically, both are all about the same price and convenience of what boat is leaving next is going to be the deciding factor.
What are the child prices for the Cozumel ferry?
Children 2 years old up until 12 years old are 200 pesos one way or 400 round trip.
One big money saving tip is for locals with proof of ID is get a local ticket price.
What time do the ferries go to Cozumel?
For our complete Cozumel ferry schedule see our article here.
Ultramar crosses 30 times a day between Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel.
Winjet has service leaving Playa Del Carmen 9:00am-9:00pm and from Cozumel 8:00am-8:00pm. Some of these can be seasonal so double check on their website.
How do I get from the ADO bus station to the Cozumel ferry?
You can easily walk from the ADO bus station on Juarez Avenue and 5th Avenue. It is only about 3 blocks. Just exit the bus station onto 5th Avenue and turn right. Go two blocks and then take a left down the ocean. Easy enough.
If you are carrying a lot of luggage then you can get a tricycle taxi to load up your stuff and bike it down to the ferry. Bicycle taxis are located right next to the bus station on Juarez Avenue.
If you are coming from the Cancun Airport on ADO bus, you will go to the ADO bust station on Juarez Avenue, close to the ferry. The airport bus only goes to this station.
How long does the Cozumel ferry take?
The ferry is just over 30 minutes to cross. Boats leave very close to schedule. If there are rougher seas then the crossing can take a little longer. Make sure you get there at least 10 minutes before they leave so you can walk out and get on.
Will I get seasick on the ferry to Cozumel?
Most likely not. The ride is pretty smooth and most people can handle it. If you are sensitive they do have bags available. If the wind is high, the seas in the middle between Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen can get a bit bumpy. Most of the time though there is clear sailing.
Do the Cozumel ferries have bathrooms or food?
Yes to both. There are drinks available at small bars on the ferries.
Do the ferries have air-conditioning?
Yes, all the ferries are air conditioned and actually quite comfortable. There is seating outside as well to get some fresh air and take photos. Most people prefer to relax inside though.
Are the ferries handicap accessible?
Yes. There are always crew available to assist with loading. The gangplank is usually too narrow for wheel chairs. So special care has to be given and passengers with handicaps will be assisted.
Is there a car ferry to and from Cozumel?
Yes. It is called Trans Caribe but this is totally different than the above mentioned ferry companies. It leaves from the Calica port which is about 10 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen.
There is however no need to take your car over for the day. It is much easier to rent a car while on Cozumel. The price of shipping a car over out ways any benefit to renting a car.
How often do the car ferries cross between Cozumel and the mainland?
The ferry crosses 4 times a day except Sundays when it just crosses twice. For exact hours check the link above to Trans Caribe.
What services are there when you arrive to the Cozumel Ferry Pier?
The Cozumel Ferry Pier is very modern and makes it easy to access the town of San Miguel and points beyond. There are bathrooms and snacks at the pier and many tour operators selling everything from dive tours to rental cars. It is best however to research what is best for you before getting off the boat.
There are taxis right outside the terminal lined up to take you all over the island.
Near the ferry terminal there are many jewelry stores that cater to cruise ship arrivals. Most of the bars and restaurants are to your right as you exit. The town itself does not have much to offer day trippers or tourist except for the area close to the ferries. Most of the destinations people want are out of town.
For more on Cozumel check out our article on what is there to do.
If you have some time while waiting for the ferry in Playa Del Carmen, make sure you walk around Parque Fundadores (Founders Park) because there is always something going on there for entertainment, and it is a nice place to grab a snack.
Where do you park to take the Cozumel Ferry?
On the south end of Playa where you will take the ferry there are two street level parking lots and an underground parking garage. You can see a map with more details here in our Parking Guide to Playa.
Here is a map of where the Cozumel ferry pier is in Playa Del Carmen
The ferry pier is on the south end of Playa Del Carmen. It is two blocks below Juarez Avenue and one block off of 5th Avenue.
Do you have any questions or comments about how to take the ferry from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel? Let us know below in the comment section.
About The Author
My wife gets seasick very easily. Is there a time of the day that the waters between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen are more calm for taking the ferry?
Hello Renato
The mornings tend to be more calm and around 3 pm are the breezy parts of the day. You might try one of the first ferries to make the crossing and it should be more calm. In general it is pretty smooth sailing about 70% of the time and only really rough 5% of the time. In extreme weather the ferries stop working.
I was impressed with the ferry service between Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel. Very clean, professional and air conditioned! Nice!
Going to Cozumel for the first time tomorrow. Thanks for your tips and answer my questions.
Sure Mary, anytime. We hope you have a good time there.
It was very nice in the morning to get on the ferry with the air conditioning going and the smooth departure. It was a little luxury of the crossing that I will remember of my vacation.
I’m wanting to buy a bicycle for use on Cozumel for an upcoming week-long trip. I’m sure I’ll ride it every day so I don’t really want to do hourly rentals on the island. Should I shop at the Playa Del Carmen Walmart for it and then bring it on the ferry? What do you recommend?
If you want a basic bike you can buy one on Cozumel. You of course have more options to buy a bike in Playa. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/bicycles-playa-del-carmen/ There is a Mega grocery store in Cozumel where you can buy basic bikes.
Hola, I need info on dogs going on the ferry to Cozumel from Playa. If allowed, must they be crated? If it is a service dog, may it not be crated? Thanks for any help!
Hello Summer
There is no official info on their website. We have seen dogs on leashes onboard but in the outside area. We sent them an email to get policies. We can post it when we get it from them. If you want to call them here is their number. 998) 293-9092
Hello again Summer
We heard back from Ultra Mar. There is no added cost for dogs and no need for crate, they just need to be in the open spaces. That is one of the two Cozumel ferries but the policies should be the same. We hope you have a great trip.
I was wondering if you know for sure if there is or is not a place to store luggage at the Cozumel side pier while you are enjoying the island. I have seen it mentioned that there was on the travel site Frommer’s, but on Tripadvisor people have commented that they didnt think so.
We don’t know of any place to store bags there. If you rent a car to explore you can take them with you. Why are you taking bags with you to Cozumel? Are you flying out of Cozumel? There is storage at the ADO bus station in Playa near the ferry. Although a note of warning not to leave valuables in your bags there.
We are staying in Cozumel so we will have bags. Was hoping another option so we didnt have to waste time going back to the hotel for our bags before getting on the ferry. I think I figured out a solution though as I think we may hire a driver for our last few hours
Can we take our bikes on the ferry? Cost? Thanks
The official answer is, with your ticket you are allowed up to 25 kg of luggage with a linar dimension of 142 cm. Many times bikes are allowed on but it depends on the day and how busy it is. Which ever ferry company you are going take, it would be good if you contact them directly to ask what their current requirements are.
What ID’s do you need to take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel? For both audlts and kids? Is a passport required?
There are no ids required. It is not an international crossing or anything. You just need a ticket.
We will have 3 suitcases between two adults will that be okay for the ferry?