Cozumel is an island, and the main way on or off for most visitors is the passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen. The Tiqets listing is for the round-trip ferry operated by Xailing by Xcaret, with a crossing of about forty-five minutes. According to the listing, boats leave Playa del Carmen between about half past eight in the morning and ten at night, and leave Cozumel between about half past seven in the morning and half past eight in the evening, which gives plenty of room for a day trip in either direction. The ticket office is on Fifth Avenue by the Paseo del Carmen shopping center, a few steps from the pier, and tickets are shown on a phone. On the Cozumel side, the ferry arrives at the maritime terminal on the town waterfront, so you step off into the center of San Miguel. From there you can walk to the plaza, the museum and the restaurants, or catch a taxi to the beaches and parks.
Why do it: for travelers staying in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or the Cancun area, a ferry day trip is the simplest way to add Cozumel to a mainland holiday. You can snorkel at Palancar, spend a day at Chankanaab or rent a scooter or buggy to circle the island. For those based on Cozumel, the ferry lets you spend an afternoon on the mainland, wandering Fifth Avenue, shopping and eating, then return in the evening.
Planning the day: on arrival in Cozumel, taxi fares are set by zone, so agree on a price, or pick up a pre-booked tour at the terminal. If you plan a boat trip or a park visit, schedule it to match your ferry times and leave a generous buffer for the last return. Check the timetable on the day, because schedules vary with weather and season, and the operators publish updates when seas are rough.
Tips: bring a light jacket for the air-conditioned cabin, motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive, and a photo ID. If you are coming from Cancun airport, the usual route is a shuttle or bus to Playa del Carmen, which takes roughly an hour, then the ferry. Other operators also run this route, so compare timetables if you need a particular departure. Cruise passengers do not need the ferry, as the ships dock on the island itself.
What to expect
The experience
A scheduled passenger ferry crossing of about forty-five minutes between Playa del Carmen and the Cozumel waterfront, ticketed round trip.
Best time
Morning departures from Playa give the longest day on the island.
How long
Forty-five minutes each way, plus time to reach the pier and board.
Tips
Check the last return time, keep your phone ticket handy and carry a light layer for the cold cabin.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors staying on the mainland who want a day on Cozumel.
- Families
- Easy for families, with a short crossing and a pier in the middle of town on arrival.
- Couples
- Take an early boat, spend the day on a reef trip or beach, and return at sunset.
- Pair with
- A snorkel trip, Chankanaab or a downtown lunch and museum visit.
- Time needed
- A full day, with a firm eye on the last departure.
Good questions
How long is the ferry crossing?+
The Tiqets listing gives a crossing time of about forty-five minutes each way.
What are the ferry times?+
The listing shows departures from Playa del Carmen from about half past eight in the morning to ten at night, and from Cozumel from about half past seven in the morning to half past eight in the evening. Check the live timetable before you travel.
Where does the ferry leave from and arrive?+
In Playa del Carmen, tickets are sold near the pier by the Paseo del Carmen shopping center. In Cozumel, you arrive at the maritime terminal on the town waterfront.
Is the ferry round trip?+
Yes, the listing is for a round-trip ticket. Check the validity and your return time when you book.
Do cruise passengers need the ferry?+
No. Cruise ships dock on Cozumel itself, so the ferry is for visitors based on the mainland.