Ferries Cozumel

Ferry companies traveling to Cozumel offer special discounts for children under 11, and infants or toddlers under 1 or 5 years old (depending on the company) can travel for free. Residents of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo also benefit from reduced fares.

Please, keep in mind that discounts may vary depending on the ferry operator.

Although there are plenty of daily departures and a wide range of schedules, it's a good idea to book a few days in advance to secure a spot at your preferred time.

If you're planning a same-day round trip, try to book a few weeks ahead—especially if you want to catch one of the first ferries in the morning (Playa del Carmen to Cozumel) or one of the last in the evening (Cozumel to Playa del Carmen), as these tend to fill up quickly.

Cozumel, Mexico’s third-largest island, is a great option for a day trip, but chances are you’ll want to stay a bit longer. If you can, spending a couple of nights lets you enjoy the island at a slower pace and discover more than just the basics.

Surrounded by the Mesoamerican Reef and known for its warm, clear waters, Cozumel is a favorite for anyone interested in life below the surface. It’s a great place for diving or snorkeling, with turtles, reef sharks, rays, and plenty of colorful tropical fish to keep you company.

That said, there’s more to Cozumel than the sea. You can visit the San Gervasio ruins to get a glimpse of the island’s Mayan history, or head to the Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium to take in some of the darkest night skies in Mexico. And of course, there are beaches like Chen Río, Palancar, or San Francisco, where you can unwind and enjoy the view.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip to Cozumel and your stay: 

• Try to get to the port of Playa del Carmen (Terminal Marítima de Playa del Carmen) 30-45 minutes early, so you can board without rushing. Same goes for the return trip from Cozumel back to the mainland.
• The best time to dive in Cozumel is between March and September, when the high season starts to wind down and the rains haven’t arrived yet. October and November are less ideal, as they fall within hurricane season.
• If you’re new to diving, Cozumel is a great place to take your first plunge. The calm waters of Chankanaab or Paraíso reefs are perfect for a a diving baptism.
• The ferries traveling from the ports of Cancún to Isla Mujeres (and the other way around) usually have an open deck. If you decide to sail outside, don't forget to bring a hat, eco-friendly sunscreen and sunglasses.
• To get around the island, you’ll find some public vans (colectivos), but renting a scooter or a jeep gives you more freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Don’t miss Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, a protected nature reserve with crocodiles, tropical birds, quiet beaches and sweeping views. It’s one of the island’s highlights.

The ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is quick, but that doesn’t mean comfort is left behind. The vessels covering the route are well-equipped to make the short journey pleasant, with thoughtful services and amenities to enjoy the Caribbean crossing. You can choose between indoor decks with air conditioning and panoramic windows, or step outside to feel the sea breeze and take in the stunning views from the open-air decks.

On board, you’ll find Wi-Fi, assigned seating, accessible areas, pet-friendly spaces where your furry friend can travel by your side (no crate or carrier needed), and charging stations for your devices. There’s even a snack bar offering drinks and light bites, and on some sailings, live music adds a festive touch to the ride.

While vehicles can’t be transported, bicycles are welcome free of charge. And once you arrive on the island, you’ll find plenty of options to rent a car, jeep or scooter to explore Cozumel at your own pace.

Ferries to Cozumel dock at the Terminal Marítima San Miguel, located on the island’s west coast, right in the heart of the city of San Miguel (Cozumel’s main urban center).

Just outside the terminal, you’ll find a lively area with bars, cafés and restaurants where you can grab a bite or a cold drink. There are also several car and scooter rental offices, as well as taxi stands and shuttle services that can take you to other parts of the island or deeper into downtown San Miguel, just a short ride away.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Cozumel, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.