Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal Cozumel Ferry - A ship ready for pickup from Gilimanuk
1 / 10

Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal Cozumel Ferry

4.5
·1k reviews·Cozumel, Mexico

Your gateway to Cozumel! This bustling terminal offers frequent ferry services for a quick, scenic trip across the Caribbean Sea.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning departures

Catch the sunrise & beat crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal Cozumel Ferry - A ship ready for pickup from Gilimanuk

Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal Cozumel Ferry

Best Time

Morning departures

Catch the sunrise & beat crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Your gateway to Cozumel! This bustling terminal offers frequent ferry services for a quick, scenic trip across the Caribbean Sea.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"It was a nice smooth quick ride to and from. Nice views from the dock. A must if you visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Buy Tickets at Terminal

Save money by purchasing ferry tickets directly at the terminal, not from resellers.

⏰ Check Actual Departure Times

Online schedules may not be exact; ferries typically depart hourly.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Scenic Ferry Ride

The Scenic Ferry Ride

Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal to Cozumel

Enjoy a quick, scenic 40-minute journey across the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Catch the sunrise for an extra magical start!

TikTokInstagram
Cozumel Arrival

Cozumel Arrival

Cozumel Island

Step off the ferry into the vibrant island atmosphere, ready for adventure, beaches, or diving.

TikTokInstagram
Xcaret Ferry Experience

Xcaret Ferry Experience

Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal

Experience the convenience of the Xcaret Ferry, offering a direct route and a comfortable ride to Cozumel.

TikTok
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Ferry Schedules & Booking

Ferries to Cozumel run frequently, typically every hour, but check exact times as they can vary. Booking online might seem necessary, but Reddit users suggest buying tickets directly at the terminal is often cheaper and just as efficient. Reddit

Navigating the Terminal

The Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal is your gateway to Cozumel. While the ride is quick, be aware of potential confusion with ticketing and baggage claims. Some reviews mention being upsold on 'first-class' tickets, so clarify prices. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning departures
Why
Catch the sunrise & beat crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Hourly departures
Why
Flexible travel options
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Día 1 certificación de buceo en Cozumel con @ocean_nomads 🤿🪸🫧🩵 #buceo #cozumel #playadelcarmen #diving #mar
@melissa.sombrerero
62.1K likes • 816.4K views

🎯 Buy Tickets at Terminal

Save money by purchasing ferry tickets directly at the terminal, not from resellers. Instagram

⏰ Check Actual Departure Times

Online schedules may not be exact; ferries typically depart hourly. Reddit

LLEGAMOS A COZUMEL 🏝️🏝️🏝️ #dailyvlog #cozumel
@cassaragon
18.1K likes • 267.6K views
Nuestro paso por Cozumel se puede resumir en un día perfecto por el caribe mexicano 🫶🏼✨🏝️🇲🇽 . La actividad estrella del día fue el submarino de @atlantissubmarinescozumel sin ninguna duda  . Consejos extra!  👉 Compra los billetes de ferry directamente en la terminal no a los revendedores ya que así es más barato. Hay tres compañías que alternan los horarios de salida y regreso, todas cuestan parec...
nomadexpedition.es
597 likes • 15.8K views

☔ Beware of Rear Seating

Sitting at the very back under the roof can lead to unexpected showers from water runoff! Reddit

🧳 Baggage Claim Awareness

Pay attention to baggage claim to ensure you get the correct luggage. Reddit

Off we go! ⛴️⁣ ⁣ Next stop: @MyCozumel. We'll arrive after a comfortable ferry ride of just 40 minutes! 🏝️⁣ ⁣ You'll find frequent departures from Playa del Carmen's maritime terminal, perfect for spending the day in this neighboring paradise.⁣ ⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣Próximo destino: @MyCozumel. ¡Llegaremos tras un cómodo viaje en ferry de t...
playadelcarmen_
343 likes • 10K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Buy Tickets at Terminal

Save money by purchasing ferry tickets directly at the terminal, not from resellers. Instagram

⏰ Check Actual Departure Times

Online schedules may not be exact; ferries typically depart hourly. Reddit

☔ Beware of Rear Seating

Sitting at the very back under the roof can lead to unexpected showers from water runoff! Reddit

🧳 Baggage Claim Awareness

Pay attention to baggage claim to ensure you get the correct luggage. Reddit

💰 Clarify Ticket Prices

Be mindful of 'first-class' upsells; confirm general ticket prices to avoid overpaying. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Travelers find the ferry service efficient and the ride smooth, offering nice views. However, some note potential confusion with ticketing and baggage, and advise caution regarding 'first-class' upsells. A few reviews mention less-than-pleasant interactions with staff, though this is not a universal sentiment.

"They know how to pack em in! It was an ok system, I guess, kind of confusing at first, but once we got on and situated, it was a nice smooth quick ride to and from. Nice views from the dock. Dock jus a few short minutes from our resort. A must if you visit."

Kimberly Hudson (Kimm H.)

"They're polite when they speak to you in English but they're comfortable being disrespectful of you because they think you don't understand Spanish. Most "hate" tourists but they need your money. They assume they're not racist because they're Hispanic. Ignorance is global. But I pity them in their ignorance. Sometimes they forget to be ignorant and in those moments they can be nice. Too bad that doesn't last long. Oh well, I came for the beaches not the people."

Jessica E

"Ferry service is fast and efficient. CHECK PRICES!!!! I got sold 1st class tickets because I was an idiot. Double the price of general ticket. It was nice however, AC area with big comfy chairs etc..."

Kevin Chatfield

What People Like

Fast and efficient service
Smooth, quick ride
Nice dock views

What People Dislike

Confusing ticketing system
Potential staff rudeness
Baggage claim issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by ferry from the Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal. Several ferry companies operate this route, with departures typically every hour. The journey takes about 40 minutes. TikTokInstagram

Major operators include Ultramar and Windjet, with Xcaret Ferry also offering a route. These companies alternate departures, so you can usually find a ferry departing soon. TikTokReddit

The ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is approximately 40 minutes. Instagram+1

Some tours, like catamaran trips, include round-trip transportation from hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya to the Playa del Carmen ferry terminal. TikTok

Yes, you can take a ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. If you're staying in Cancun, you'll first need to travel to Playa del Carmen, which is about an hour's drive. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While online booking is available, Reddit users advise that buying tickets directly at the terminal is often cheaper and just as efficient, especially for groups. Ferries run hourly. Reddit

Prices can vary, and it's important to check them at the terminal. Some travelers have reported being upsold on 'first-class' tickets which are double the price of general admission. Reddit

Yes, there are general admission tickets and 'first-class' tickets, which offer air-conditioned seating and larger chairs. Be sure to clarify the price difference. Reddit

Ferries typically depart hourly from the Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal. However, it's best to confirm the exact schedule at the terminal as online times may not always be accurate. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase tickets for a group of 8 at the terminal. While online booking might suggest advance purchase, buying on-site is usually fine for hourly departures. Reddit

🎫 🚢 Onboard Experience

The ferry ride is generally smooth and quick, taking about 40 minutes. You'll enjoy views of the Caribbean Sea. Some travelers experienced rougher seas on occasion. Reddit

The rear seating area, especially under the overhang, can get wet from water runoff, leading to unexpected showers. Consider this if you're sensitive to getting wet. Reddit

Some ferries offer air-conditioned cabins with comfortable seating, particularly for 'first-class' tickets. General seating is also available. Reddit

While generally efficient, some travelers recommend paying close attention to baggage claim to ensure you receive your correct items, as there can be some confusion. Reddit

If the sea conditions are rough, the ride can be bumpy. Both Ultramar and Windjet ferries are generally considered reliable, but be prepared for potential choppiness. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The ferry ride to Cozumel is a fun adventure for families. The 40-minute journey offers great views of the Caribbean Sea, and kids often enjoy the experience of being on a boat. Instagram Consider purchasing tickets at the terminal for potential cost savings. Reddit While the ride is usually smooth, be mindful of the seating at the very back, which can get wet if it rains or the sea is choppy. Reddit Once in Cozumel, there are many family-friendly activities like beaches and snorkeling. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the key tip is to buy your ferry tickets directly at the Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal. InstagramReddit Avoid online resellers or any pressure to upgrade to 'first-class' unless you've confirmed the price difference is worth it. Reddit Ferries typically run hourly, so you likely won't need to book far in advance, saving you potential booking fees. Reddit The standard ferry ride offers great value for a quick trip to Cozumel. TikTok

✈️ Day-Trippers

The Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal is perfect for day-trippers heading to Cozumel. Ferries depart frequently, usually every hour, allowing for flexible planning. Reddit The journey is a swift 40 minutes, giving you ample time to explore Cozumel's beaches, dive sites, or attractions. Instagram+1 Remember to purchase your tickets at the terminal for the best prices and be aware of the baggage claim process. Reddit Aim for an early departure to maximize your day on the island. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Choosing Your Ferry Operator

When heading to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen, you'll encounter a few ferry operators, most notably Ultramar and Windjet. Xcaret Ferry is another option that has recently launched a route. While they all offer a similar journey time of around 40 minutes, there can be slight differences in comfort and service. Some travelers found Windjet to be slightly better at ensuring correct baggage handling. Reddit

It's worth noting that while online booking is an option, many travelers recommend purchasing tickets directly at the Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal. This often leads to better prices, as you can avoid potential markups from third-party sellers. InstagramReddit Ferries typically depart hourly, so unless you have a very specific time constraint, buying on the spot is usually a convenient choice. Reddit

Maximizing Your Ferry Experience

To ensure a pleasant ferry trip, consider the seating arrangements. While the main cabin offers protection from the elements, the very back seats under the roof can become a splash zone when water runs off the upper deck. If you prefer a drier ride, opt for seats further forward or inside. Reddit For those seeking extra comfort, 'first-class' tickets are available, offering air-conditioned seating and more spacious chairs, though at a higher price point. Reddit

Be prepared for varying sea conditions. While many trips are smooth, rougher seas can make the journey bumpy. It's also wise to be attentive during baggage claim, as some travelers have noted potential confusion. Reddit Finally, remember that while online schedules are a guide, the most accurate departure times are usually found at the terminal itself, with ferries generally running every hour. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2