Cozumel Ferry Schedule 2026
Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the ferry to Cozumel — schedules, prices, terminals, and the truth about that "Cancun ferry" everyone keeps searching for.
The Cozumel ferry runs between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel approximately every 1–2 hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Two companies — Ultramar and Winjet — operate the route from the Maritime Terminal at the end of 5th Avenue. The crossing takes 35–45 minutes and costs approximately $20 USD one-way. There is no direct ferry from Cancun to Cozumel.
Ultramar vs Winjet: Quick Reference
Both ferry companies operate from the same Playa del Carmen terminal. Here is the side-by-side breakdown so you can decide which sailing to catch.
| Detail | Ultramar | Winjet |
|---|---|---|
| First Departure | 6:00 AM | 7:00 AM |
| Last Departure | 10:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Frequency | Every 1–2 hrs | Every 1–2 hrs |
| Crossing Time | ~45 minutes | ~35 minutes |
| Adult One-Way | ~$20 USD | ~$20 USD |
| Children (4–11) | ~$12 USD | ~$12 USD |
| Under 4 | Free | Free |
| Terminal (PDC) | Maritime Terminal, 5th Ave & Calle 1 Sur | Maritime Terminal, 5th Ave & Calle 1 Sur |
| Arrival (Cozumel) | Downtown passenger pier | Downtown passenger pier |
Our honest take: Winjet is a few minutes faster and their newer vessels are comfortable. Ultramar has more total departures (especially early and late) and a longer operating history. In practice, take whichever is leaving next — you will not notice the difference on a 40-minute crossing.
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Ferry
The Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry is the main — and only — scheduled passenger ferry to the island. It runs every day of the year, including holidays. The Maritime Terminal sits right at the end of 5th Avenue, Playa del Carmen's famous pedestrian strip, so it is impossible to miss.
Tickets are sold at the terminal windows — one counter for Ultramar, one for Winjet — and there is no online booking for walk-up passengers. Just show up, buy your ticket, and board. On busy days in high season (December–April), morning boats fill up, so arriving 30 minutes before departure is always the safe move.
The terminal has a waiting area, small snack vendors, and luggage storage. You go through a brief bag security check before boarding — nothing serious, just a bag scan.
Terminal Details
- End of 5th Avenue at Calle 1 Sur, Playa del Carmen
- 20-min walk from most 5th Ave hotels
- $3–5 USD taxi from anywhere in downtown PDC
- Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure
- Cash or card accepted at ticket windows
Approximate Daily Schedule (PDC → Cozumel)
Continues roughly every hour until 10:00 PM (Ultramar) / 9:00 PM (Winjet)
Cancun to Cozumel Ferry — The Truth
This is the number one question we get, and the answer surprises most people.
There is NO direct ferry from Cancun to Cozumel
Despite what many websites suggest, there is no passenger ferry operating directly between Cancun and Cozumel. The Cozumel Channel is wide open Caribbean sea — a direct route would be a long, rough crossing with no demand to justify it. Every ferry to Cozumel departs from Playa del Carmen, full stop.
How to Get from Cancun to Cozumel (Step by Step)
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Take an ADO bus from Cancun Airport or downtown Cancun bus terminal to Playa del Carmen. The ride takes 60–75 minutes and costs about $5–8 USD. Alternatively, a shared colectivo van runs for about $3 USD. Taxis are faster (~45 min) but cost $40–60 USD.
Walk to the Ferry Terminal
From the Playa del Carmen ADO bus station (on Juárez Avenue), the Maritime Terminal is about a 15-minute walk straight down toward the beach. Any local can point you to '5th Avenue and the pier.' Taxis from the bus station cost $3–4 USD.
Buy Ticket & Board
Purchase your ferry ticket at the Ultramar or Winjet window. Pay ~$20 USD one-way. Board your ferry. In 45 minutes, you're in Cozumel. Total trip from Cancun Airport: approximately 2–2.5 hours.
Total budget tip: ADO bus ($6) + ferry ($20) = $26 USD one-way from Cancun Airport to Cozumel. Compare that to an airport taxi to Cozumel-bound tours that quote $80–120 USD total and you can see why the bus + ferry combo is so popular with independent travelers.
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen — Return Schedule
The return schedule from Cozumel mirrors the outbound route closely. The Cozumel passenger ferry terminal is right in downtown San Miguel — you will walk off the ferry and find yourself steps from the main plaza, restaurants, and shops.
The last ferry back to Playa del Carmen is around 10:00 PM (Ultramar) and 9:00 PM (Winjet). If you are doing a day trip, build in a comfortable buffer — aim for the 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM boat so you are not rushing. The last couple of ferries do sell out in peak season.
From the Cozumel terminal, it is a 5-minute walk to most downtown restaurants, or a short taxi ride to any beach club, dive shop, or tour operator on the island. Our cruise port guide covers everything about getting around once you land.
Cozumel Return Schedule (Approximate)
* Always verify current times at the Cozumel terminal. Schedules may vary seasonally.
Cruise Ship Passengers: Do You Need the Ferry?
Quick answer: almost certainly not. Here is what cruise passengers need to understand about the ferry and when it actually applies.
If your cruise ship is docked in Cozumel, you do NOT need the ferry. Your ship IS your transport — you are already on the island.
If your ship is doing a 'scenic cruise by' day (no port stop), you cannot take the ferry to Cozumel from the ship. You would need to be departing from the mainland.
If you are visiting Cozumel independently — flying into Cancun or staying in Playa del Carmen — the ferry from Playa del Carmen is exactly how the locals do it.
The ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen is a 20-minute walk from most 5th Avenue hotels or a short $3–5 USD taxi ride from anywhere downtown.
Ferry tickets are NOT included in any cruise excursion we sell. Our tours include pier pickup because you are already in Cozumel.
Already in Cozumel on a cruise? Skip the ferry and book a tour.
We have been picking up cruise passengers at the Cozumel piers since 1996. Our full tour lineup — snorkeling, reef diving, ATV adventures, and more — all include pier pickup and our Back-to-Ship Guarantee. No ferry needed.
Browse Cozumel ExcursionsHow to Buy Ferry Tickets
Buying ferry tickets is simple — almost refreshingly so. Walk up to the terminal, find the Ultramar or Winjet window (both are clearly signed), tell them how many adults and children, pay, and get your ticket. That is it.
No app. No account. No advance booking. No travel agent commission. Just a person at a window who will hand you a boarding pass in about 30 seconds.
Both companies accept Mexican pesos and USD cash, and most windows now accept Visa and Mastercard. If you are paying in dollars, you will get change in pesos — so it is worth having the right amount handy.
One thing to watch: a handful of third-party booking websites charge a markup to "book" ferry tickets in advance. This is unnecessary — you cannot actually board in advance anyway, and walk-up tickets cost the same (or less). Save your money and just buy at the terminal.
Ticket Buying Checklist
- Arrive at terminal 20–30 min before departure
- Go to the Ultramar or Winjet ticket window
- Say how many adults / children
- One-way or round trip (round trip saves ~$2)
- Pay in pesos, USD, or card
- Keep ticket — you will need it to board
- Go through bag security scan
- Wait in the boarding area until your gate opens
Local Price Tip
Prices listed in pesos will look like a lot of zeros — do not panic. At the time of writing, $20 USD = roughly 340–380 MXN. Any third-party site charging significantly more is marking up a walk-up ticket. Do not pay it.
What to Expect On the Ferry
Open-Air vs Enclosed Seating
Both ferry companies offer open-air upper decks and enclosed air-conditioned lower cabins. If you get seasick, sit inside on the lower deck — less motion, no wind, no spray. If you love the view and fresh air, the upper deck is spectacular.
Seasickness
The Cozumel Channel is open Caribbean water and can get choppy, especially in the afternoons from November through March when northerly winds (nortes) push swells. Morning crossings are almost always calmer. If you are prone to seasickness, take a Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding.
Luggage & Bags
Large bags and suitcases go in the luggage hold below deck. Small day bags can stay with you at your seat. There is no strict size limit, but bulky items should be checked below. Keep your valuables with you — a day pack on your lap is fine.
Life Jackets & Safety
Both operators are licensed and inspected by the Mexican maritime authority. Life jackets are stored under seats. The crossing is routine and safe — tens of thousands of passengers make it every month.
First time on the ferry? Here is the 60-second briefing.
Terminal Locations
Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal
- Address: 5th Avenue at Calle 1 Sur, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
- Landmarks: Right on the beach at the bottom of 5th Avenue, next to the clock tower
- From ADO bus station: 15-min walk south on 5th Ave, or $3–4 USD taxi
- Facilities: Waiting area, ticket windows, bag storage, basic snack vendors
Both Ultramar and Winjet operate from this same terminal — separate ticket windows, same building.
Cozumel Passenger Ferry Terminal
- Address: Rafael Melgar Avenue, downtown San Miguel de Cozumel
- Landmarks: Adjacent to Parque Benito Juárez (main plaza), across from the waterfront
- NOTE: This is the passenger terminal — different from the cruise ship piers (Puerta Maya, International, Punta Langosta)
- From terminal: Walk to shops and restaurants, or take a $5–8 taxi to any beach club
Taxis wait at the Cozumel terminal. Agree on price before you get in — taxi rates are fixed and posted at the stand.
Do not confuse these terminals. Cruise ships dock at dedicated cruise piers (Puerta Maya, International Pier, Punta Langosta) which are 2–4 miles south of downtown. The passenger ferry terminal is in downtown San Miguel. If you are a cruise passenger, you are not using the passenger ferry terminal — your ship is your pier. Read our cruise port guide for everything about the cruise piers.
Cozumel Ferry FAQ
The questions we get asked most often about the Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry — answered honestly.
What is the Cozumel ferry schedule?
Ferries between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel run roughly every 1–2 hours from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Two companies operate the route — Ultramar and Winjet — and their departures are staggered to give you frequent options throughout the day. The crossing takes 35–45 minutes depending on the operator.
How much does the ferry to Cozumel cost?
As of 2026, the one-way ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel costs approximately $20 USD per adult and $12 USD for children ages 4–11. Children under 4 typically ride free. Prices are similar on both Ultramar and Winjet. Round-trip tickets are also available and save a few dollars compared to buying two singles.
Is there a ferry from Cancun to Cozumel?
No — there is no direct ferry from Cancun to Cozumel. This is the most common misconception about getting to the island. From Cancun, you must first travel to Playa del Carmen (about 1 hour by ADO bus or 45 minutes by taxi/colectivo), then take the ferry from there. The total trip from Cancun to Cozumel takes about 2–2.5 hours door-to-door.
How long is the ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
Ultramar takes approximately 45 minutes. Winjet is slightly faster at around 35 minutes. Both are comfortable, and the exact crossing time can vary slightly depending on sea conditions. Morning crossings in calm weather can sometimes be a few minutes faster.
Where does the ferry leave from in Playa del Carmen?
The ferry departs from the Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal (Terminal Marítima), located at the end of 5th Avenue at Calle 1 Sur, right on the beach. It is centrally located and easy to find. Both Ultramar and Winjet depart from this same terminal.
Where does the ferry arrive in Cozumel?
The ferry from Playa del Carmen arrives at the downtown Cozumel passenger ferry terminal, located right in the heart of San Miguel de Cozumel, adjacent to the main plaza (Parque Benito Juárez). From there, you can walk to restaurants, shops, and tour operators, or take a taxi to any beach club or dive shop.
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
No advance reservation is needed or available for the standard passenger ferry. Tickets are sold at the terminal on the day of travel. Arrive at the terminal 20–30 minutes before your desired departure to purchase tickets and board. During peak season (December–April), the morning boats can fill up, so earlier arrival is better.
Can I get seasick on the Cozumel ferry?
Some passengers do experience motion sickness, especially on afternoon crossings in winter when north winds create chop in the Cozumel Channel. If you are susceptible, take Dramamine or Sea-Bands 30 minutes before departure. Sit inside on the lower deck, face forward, and avoid looking at the horizon repeatedly. Morning crossings are almost always smoother.
What is the last ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
The last ferry back to Playa del Carmen is typically around 10:00 PM (Ultramar) or 9:00 PM (Winjet). If you are doing a day trip, plan to catch a ferry no later than 8:00 PM to have a comfortable buffer. Missing the last boat means spending the night in Cozumel — which honestly is not a bad problem to have.
Should I take Ultramar or Winjet?
Both are safe, reliable, and similar in price. Winjet is slightly faster (35 min vs 45 min) and their boats tend to be a bit newer. Ultramar has more departures overall, especially early morning and late evening. In practice, most travelers simply take whichever boat is departing next. You cannot go wrong with either.
Already in Cozumel? Let Us Handle the Rest.
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