Ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen: The Ultimate 2026 Guide.
- Jorge Sanders
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Getting the ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen is a rite of passage for any Riviera Maya traveler. But doing it wrong can mean overpriced tickets, long lines, or falling for the classic "fake staff" scams.
Why cross over? Beyond the relaxed island vibe, you're heading to the second-largest coral reef system on Earth. If you live for world-class scuba diving, crystal-clear snorkeling, or just want to escape the mainland hustle, Cozumel is non-negotiable.
In this 2026 updated guide, I’m breaking down everything: where to board, a clear comparison between ferry companies, and—most importantly—how to dodge overpriced resellers and timeshare traps at the pier.
I created a set of outlines so you can easily jump to the section you want.
Ready for the turquoise water? Let’s dive in!
Where do you catch the ferry to go to Cozumel?
The ferry terminal is located at the Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal on 1st Avenue Bis Sur. You'll find it right next to the iconic city letters, the Mayan Portal, and Parque Fundadores, just steps away from Paseo del Carmen Shopping Mall.
Being only one block from the ADO tourist bus terminal on Fifth Avenue, it is extremely easy to reach on foot from anywhere in downtown Playa del Carmen.
This strategic location makes it the primary gateway for everyone heading to Cozumel.
How much does the ferry cost to go to Cozumel?
Understanding the pricing differences between ferry companies is key to saving money and avoiding surprises. Below is a clear breakdown based on our latest February 2026 data, designed to help you choose the best option for your trip.
1. Xcaret Xailing – Best Overall Value
Xcaret Xailing offers the most transparent pricing, modern boats, and excellent onboard service, making it the best overall value for most travelers.
Adult:$285 MXN (One-Way) | $573 MXN (Round Trip)
Child (Ages 1–11):$213 MXN (One-Way) | $429 MXN (Round Trip)
Bonus:Your ticket includes free access to the Scenic Tower in Cancun.
2. Ultramar – Premium Service
Ultramar is known for its high-speed yellow boats, modern fleet, and frequent departures. However, pay close attention to their child pricing policy.
Adult:$320 MXN (One-Way) | $640 MXN (Round Trip)
Child:$240 MXN (One-Way) | $480 MXN (Round Trip)
Important:Ultramar does not use age for child pricing. Anyone taller than 1.20 meters (3'11") must pay the adult fare.
3. Winjet – Most Flexible Budget Option
Winjet offers competitive pricing, but fares change depending on the direction of travel.
From Playa del Carmen:Adult: $335 MXN | Child: $265 MXN
From Cozumel:Adult: $310 MXN | Child: $235 MXN
Round Trip:Adult: $645 MXN | Child: $505 MXN
Note:Winjet does not clearly specify whether child fares are based on age or height, so it is best to confirm directly at the ticket counter.
Quick Comparison Summary
Best overall value: Xcaret Xailing
Best comfort and frequency: Ultramar
Best budget option: Winjet
Buy one-way tickets only. This allows you to return with the first available ferry instead of waiting for a specific company, saving time during your trip.
Please note that in addition to the ticket price, there is a mandatory Environmental Sanitation Tax (Impuesto de Saneamiento Ambiental) of $25 MXN per person.
This fee is required for all passengers regardless of the ferry company you choose. In 2026, this tax is typically already included in the total price quoted at the official ticket counters, so you won't have to worry about a separate payment or hidden charges at the boarding gate.
What time does the ferry run to Cozumel?
Basically, there is a ferry to Cozumel every hour starting at 9 AM, depending on the company you choose. Instead of a complex timetable, here are the key times you need to know for your trip.
Xcaret Xailing
First Boat (from Playa): 7:30 AM
Last Boat (from Playa): 9:30 PM
Frequency: Every 30 to 60 minutes.
Ultramar
First Boat (from Playa): 8:00 AM
Last Boat (from Playa): 10:00 PM
Frequency: Every hour (usually on the hour).
Winjet
First Boat (from Playa): 8:00 AM
Last Boat (from Playa): 10:00 PM
Frequency: Every hour (usually on the hour).
Pro-Tip: Always double-check the digital boards at the terminal for any last-minute weather delays!
Is it worth it to take the ferry to Cozumel?
Taking the ferry to Cozumel is truly one of the most beautiful experiences you can have on your trip.
The view as you leave Playa del Carmen—contemplating the Caribbean Sea from the elevated ramp leading to the pier—is something you simply have to see for yourself.
Once on the ferry of your choice, the ride is wonderful. However, here is a professional tip for the best views:
Go Early, Arrive Early: If you are crossing before noon, I recommend arriving well before the next departure. If you don't, you won't find available seats on the top deck.
The View is King: While the indoor cabins are comfortable, nothing compares to seeing the Caribbean Sea in all its glory from the upper deck.
The Return Trip: Coming back around 2:00 PM is much easier to secure a good spot, and the view is just as fascinating. Trust me, it’s a sight that will stay engraved in your memory forever.
My Personal Experience (February 2026): I visited during February 2026, and the sea was absolutely impeccable—completely free of sargassum (seaweed).
The crystal-clear water and the vibrant shades of blue made me marvel at every single moment of the crossing.
My Top Choice: The "Old Reliable" Ultramar
When it comes to picking a ferry, keep it simple. Ultramar has been the 'old reliable' for this crossing since I arrived 20 years ago; it is, without a doubt, the most trusted way to get to the island.
I’ll be honest: since this was my first ferry trip, I was naturally worried about motion sickness. However, those fears vanished the moment I stepped on board.
The vessels are so modern, stable, and comfortable that I felt perfectly safe the entire time, and the crossing was incredibly fast—I’d swear it didn't take more than 30 minutes each way.
While the top deck was already full on my way to the island, staying on the second floor turned out to be a fantastic surprise. We were entertained by a group of Argentinian musicians who were absolutely brilliant.
Their talent and great sense of humor were infectious; before I knew it, the whole boat was singing, laughing, and clapping along, transforming a simple commute into the highlight of the day.
These performers do a fantastic job making the journey special, so if you find yourself enjoying the show as much as I did, don't forget to leave them a tip—they truly deserve it for making the Caribbean crossing an unforgettable party.
Avoiding Scams: Street Sellers and Timeshare Traps
Before you board the ferry, you need to stay sharp. The area around the pier is filled with countless ticket resellers wearing uniforms that look official—but they aren’t.
You will see people wearing shirts that mimic the ferry companies' branding. They might even try to help you "skip the line" or treat you like a VIP. Don't fall for it.
The Ticket Resellers: Often sell tickets with a significant markup. Only buy your tickets directly at the official windows (taquillas) inside the terminal.
The Blue Uniform Trap: Be especially careful with the women in blue uniforms. They look exactly like Ultramar staff, but their only goal is to hook you into a timeshare presentation. They will approach you with a big smile, offer "special help," and even walk you to the boarding line just to start their sales pitch.
If you already have your ticket or you are heading to the booth, simply keep moving. If they approach you, a polite but firm "No, thank you, I already have my tickets" is enough.
Once you have your physical ticket in hand, simply keep it ready for the official boarding gate and ignore the noise.
Can I Take My Pet on a Ferry?
The short answer is: yes. However, policies depend on the ferry company. In the case of Ultramar, there is a designated area on the second floor for traveling with your pet, located at the back corners of the vessel. The view there is great, and the seats are marked with a sign that says “Pet Area.”
Pets must be on a leash, and you need to declare them when purchasing your ticket. These are some of the reasons why Ultramar is my ferry of choice: it’s super pet-friendly!
Ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen: Conclusion
In conclusion, taking the ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen is an experience you simply can’t miss.
Even after living here in Playa del Carmen for 20 years, I can tell you that crossing to Cozumel is still a must. What might seem like a simple daily commute for us locals remains one of the most beautiful experiences in the region.
To this day, the sight of the Caribbean Sea from the ferry never ceases to amaze me. So, when you're here, don’t just stay on the mainland—go explore the island for yourself.