Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is one of the most well-traveled ferry routes in Mexico — millions of passengers per year. Two companies compete on the route: **Ultramar** (the larger, faster boats) and **Winjet** (slightly cheaper, similar service). Both leave from the same pier in Playa Fundadores (next to the central park, walkable from anywhere in 5th Avenue area). Arrival on Cozumel side: San Miguel passenger pier in the heart of town.
**Schedules + frequency:**
- Departures from Playa: every hour, 6am–11pm typical (varies by season)
- Departures from Cozumel: every hour, 5am–10pm typical
- Crossing time: 45 min (Ultramar slightly faster in calm seas)
- Both companies are reliable; minor schedule shifts during weather
**Pricing:**
- One-way: ~$14–17 USD/adult
- Round-trip: ~$23–28 USD/adult
- Kids (5–11): ~50% off
- Kids under 5: free
- Online booking often 5–10% cheaper than dock prices
- Booking through hotels or tour desks adds 15–25% markup — buy direct
**Tickets:**
- **At the pier:** ticket booths on the Playa side. Open 30 min before each departure. Cash + cards.
- **Online:** ultramarferry.com or winjet.com.mx (Spanish; use Google Translate or pay in pesos via PayPal)
- **From your rental:** PlayaStays guests can arrange tickets in advance
**Boarding:**
- Arrive 30 min before departure (15 min minimum)
- Security check (no liquids over 1L, similar to airport-light)
- Seats are unassigned — board early for window seats
- Two decks: covered (with AC) and open-air (top deck, breezier, photogenic)
**Day-trip rhythm:**
- 7am or 8am ferry from Playa
- 8am or 9am arrival in San Miguel
- Pick up rental car/scooter at the port (book in advance), or take a taxi
- Beach/dive/snorkel until 4pm
- Last ferry back: usually 10pm; for safety, plan to be on the 6pm or 8pm return
- Total day-trip cost: $50–80 USD/person (ferry + rental + lunch)
**Multi-day option:**
If you have 3+ days, consider staying overnight on Cozumel — the island is far more rewarding when you have multiple days for east-side exploration, multiple dive days, or quiet beach time. PlayaStays manages Cozumel rentals.
**Bringing a car?**
- Passenger ferries (Ultramar, Winjet) are passenger-only — no cars.
- Cargo ferry (Transcaribe) at the Calica port (~40 min south of Playa) does take vehicles. ~$50 USD per car each way. Reservations required, weekday only typically.
- Most visitors leave the car in Playa and rent a separate scooter/car on Cozumel — much easier.
**Seasickness:**
- 45 min is short, and the catamaran boats are stable, but bumpy days happen.
- Bring Dramamine or similar if you're sensitive.
- Open-air top deck is better for queasy stomachs (fresh air).
**What to bring for the day:**
- Sunscreen (mineral if you'll snorkel)
- Cash (Cozumel accepts pesos and USD)
- Sunglasses
- Water (~1L)
- Camera
