✅ Playa del Carmen–Cozumel Ferry: Times, Prices & Tips (2025)

The Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry runs year-round with multiple daily departures operated by Ultramar, Winjet and Xcaret Xailing. Below you’ll find up-to-date schedules, typical prices, travel time, terminals, and practical tips (including paying in pesos and car-ferry alternatives) so you can plan the crossing in 2025 with confidence.

Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry: quick essentials

Duration: about 35–45 minutes (weather and operator dependent).
First/last boats (typical): early morning to late evening; on many days you’ll find options roughly 6:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Frequency: commonly every 60–90 minutes across the three companies.
Adult fares (one-way): ~$260–$380 MXN depending on class and operator; residents and INAPAM have discounts.
Terminals: Playa del Carmen—Terminal Marítima NAVEGA (by Parque Fundadores). Cozumel—San Miguel Ferry Terminal (downtown).

Schedules: Playa del Carmen ⇄ Cozumel (what to expect)

Schedules vary by season and day, and each company posts daily timetables online. As a reference point in 2025:

Ultramar lists nine departures Playa → Cozumel spanning roughly 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and eight returns Cozumel → Playa from about 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Winjet publishes a live calendar with morning-through-evening sailings in both directions.
Xcaret Xailing shows near-hourly blocks throughout the day on many dates.

Tip: check times the day before you sail and arrive 30–40 minutes early, especially on holidays or if seas are rough.

How long is the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?

Plan on 35–45 minutes dock-to-dock. Calm seas and faster vessels can be closer to 35 minutes; rough conditions can add a few minutes for maneuvering and boarding.

How much is the Playa del Carmen ferry to Cozumel?

Ultramar (Premium Plus): ~$320 MXN one-way adult; First Class options and resident/INAPAM discounts available.
Winjet (Regular): typically $260–$285 MXN one-way adult; round-trip and resident plans offered.
Xcaret Xailing: generally in the same ballpark as Ultramar for standard adult tickets.

Money-saving tip: locals often recommend paying in MXN at the pier or on the official sites rather than in USD to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.

Terminals & how to board

In Playa del Carmen: Terminal Marítima NAVEGA, at the foot of Av. Benito Juárez by Parque Fundadores. It’s steps from 5th Avenue, taxis, and ADO bus stops.
In Cozumel: San Miguel Ferry Terminal on Av. Rafael E. Melgar—right downtown, near restaurants, ATMs, taxis, and car/scooter rentals.

Both terminals have multiple company kiosks. If you haven’t prebooked, you can buy on the spot. Lines move quickly outside of peak times.

Tickets: one-way vs. round-trip

Buy one-way tickets for flexibility. Because the three passenger operators run on slightly different schedules, a one-way lets you return on the next available departure—even if it’s with a different company. If your plans are fixed, round-trip is fine, but you’ll be locked into that brand’s timetable.

Luggage, seating & onboard experience

Luggage allowance: typical allowance is up to one checked piece plus a carry-on; Ultramar, for example, notes up to 25 kg with size limits. Oversize items may incur fees.
Seating classes: standard indoor/outdoor seating on all operators; “First Class” or “Premium” sections cost more and include cushier seating and sometimes priority boarding.
Seasickness: sit center-lower deck if you’re sensitive; carry motion tablets or ginger chews just in case.

Ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

The ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen mirrors the above: frequent daytime and evening returns. If you’re doing a day trip from the island, aim to board at least one departure earlier than the last ferry to avoid weather delays cutting it close.

Can you take a car on the Playa del Carmen–Cozumel route?

Passenger ferries do not carry vehicles. If you need to move a car or cargo, use the vehicle ferries from Punta Venado (Calica), a commercial port just south of Playa del Carmen, operated by lines such as Transcaribe and Ultracarga. Crossings typically take around 60–75 minutes, and schedules have special hazardous-material runs with restrictions (e.g., no minors or pets on those sailings). Book ahead and arrive early for loading.

Practical tips for a smooth crossing

Check the day-of schedule: times can shift with season, maintenance, or weather.
Arrive early: 30–40 minutes before departure is a good rule of thumb.
Pay in pesos: it’s commonly the best value versus USD pricing.
One-way tickets for flexibility: catch the next boat back, even with a different company.
Mind the last ferry: last departures vary; don’t count on the very last sailing if you have a flight or dinner reservation.

FAQs

Is there a ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?

Yes—three passenger operators (Ultramar, Winjet and Xcaret Xailing) run frequent daily crossings, plus separate vehicle ferries from the nearby Calica port.

How long is the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?

About 35–45 minutes, depending on seas and the vessel used.

How much is the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?

As a 2025 snapshot, one-way adult tickets typically range from $260 to $380 MXN on passenger ferries. Residents and INAPAM have discounts; premium seating costs more.

Where do I board?

In Playa del Carmen, go to the NAVEGA maritime terminal by Parque Fundadores. In Cozumel, arrivals/departures are at the downtown San Miguel Ferry Terminal.

Can I bring a rental car?

Not on passenger ferries. Use the vehicle ferries from Punta Venado (Calica)—book directly with the operator and verify loading requirements.

Conclusion

The Playa del Carmen ferry to Cozumel is quick, frequent and affordable in 2025. Check same-day schedules, buy one-way for flexibility, pay in MXN, and arrive early. If you’re moving a vehicle, plan via the Calica car ferries. With these tips, you’ll be snorkeling on Cozumel—or back on Fifth Avenue—right on time.