How to get from Cancun to Cozumel
Heading from Cancun to Cozumel? Look no further. In this post, we will share all the different ways you can get to Cozumel from Cancun so you can decide which mode of transportation best suits your needs.
There’s no direct ferry from Cancun to Cozumel. You’ll need to travel 80 km south to Playa del Carmen first (45-90 minutes), then take a 45-minute ferry to Cozumel. The fastest way is a private transfer + ferry ($85-90 total), while the cheapest is ADO bus + ferry ($27 total).
If you are staying in Cancun and want to visit Cozumel for a day or a few days, there are several different ways to get there.
Let’s dive into it so you can pick the best option for you.
In a rush? Use the table below to learn how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and Cozumel
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE EDITOR | TRANSPORTATION | DURATION | ONE WAY COST |
MOST COMFORTABLE | 45 -60 min. | US$ 70 (from 1 to 3 p) | |
MOST CONVENIENT | 45 - 60 min | US$ 30 - 70 (per day) | |
BEST BANG FOR BUCK | 60 min - 90 min | US$ 25 (per person) | |
SPLURGE | 45-60 min | from 349 USD | |
CHEAPEST | 1- 2h | $US 12 (per person) | |
LEAST RECOMMENDED | 45-60 min | $US 80 - 150 (per taxi) |
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About This Guide
I’ve been helping travelers explore the Yucatan Peninsula for years, and Cozumel remains one of the most spectacular destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. This guide is updated for 2025 with current prices, schedules, and insider tips to help you plan the perfect trip to this island paradise.
Cancun to Cozumel: What You Need to Know
Quick Facts
- Distance: Cancun is 95 kilometers from Cozumel
- No Direct Ferry: You must go through Playa del Carmen
- Ferry Companies: Ultramar and Winjet operate hourly services
- Ferry Duration: 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
- Drive to Playa del Carmen: 80 km south of Cancun (45-90 minutes depending on transport)
Where Is Cozumel?
Cozumel is Mexico’s third-largest island, located 20 kilometers off the coast of Playa del Carmen in the Caribbean Sea. The island measures 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and world-class coral reefs that are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Ferry Schedule & Information
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Ferry
Two ferry companies operate this route:
Ultramar Ferry
- First departure: 8:00 AM
- Last departure: 10:00 PM
- Frequency: Approximately every hour
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Cost: $15 USD (~250 pesos) one-way
Winjet Ferry
- First departure: 8:00 AM
- Last departure: 10:00 PM
- Frequency: Alternates with Ultramar (departures every 30-60 minutes between both companies)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Cost: $15 USD (~250 pesos) one-way
Important Ferry Tips
Round-Trip vs One-Way Tickets:
- Round-trip tickets cost exactly double the one-way price (no savings)
- Round-trip tickets lock you into one ferry company
- Recommendation: Buy one-way tickets for maximum flexibility
What You Can Bring:
- ✅ Luggage (large suitcases go to the back loading area)
- ✅ Dogs (must be in designated pet area; Winjet requires muzzle, Ultramar doesn’t)
- ✅ Bicycles (no extra cost, loaded at the back)
Ferry Experience:
- Multi-level, modern vessels
- Air-conditioned indoor seating
- Open-air deck options
- Live music on daytime crossings
- Snack bar available
- Generally smooth crossing (can be rocky in strong winds)
Need Help with Bags? The ferry terminal is pedestrian-only. Tricycle porters are available for a few dollars to transport luggage and can even give rides to passengers with mobility difficulties.
Where Is Cozumel?
Cozumel is located in the Caribbean Sea, about 20 kilometers off the coast of Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Playa del Carmen is 80 kilometers south of Cancun. Cozumel is Mexico’s third-largest island and is 30 miles long and 10 miles wide.
Cozumel is famous for its clear, turquoise water and amazing coral reefs. The reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and are renowned for their large underwater coral structures, dramatic walls, and abundant marine life.
Most people live in Cozumel’s densely populated downtown. There you can find shopping and restaurants.
How far is Cancun from Cozumel?
Cancun is about 95 kilometers from Cozumel. Unfortunately, there is no boat that goes directly from Cancun to Cozumel.
Instead, you will need to head south from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is 80 kilometers south of Cancun.
From Playa del Carmen, you will take a ferry that takes about 25 minutes to arrive at Cozumel.
Can I Catch a Ferry or Boat Directly to Cozumel from Cancun?
No, unfortunately, there is no ferry that goes directly from Cancun to Cozumel. When you are in Cancun you will see signs for the ferry terminal, but these are for ferries that will take you to Isla Mujeres.
The Ultramar ferry company also advertises transportation from Cancun to Cozumel, but beware, it is not actually a direct boat.
They will sell you a package with transportation from Cancun to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen and the ferry ticket.
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Ferry Explained
The most common way to arrive in Cozumel is by passenger ferry. The passenger ferries leave from the main ferry dock in Playa del Carmen and run almost every hour from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Two ferry companies run the route, Winjet and Ultramar, and alternate departure hours.
The best way to check the up-to-date ferry schedules for both companies is on their websites, linked above.
Cozumel Ferry: What you should know
When you arrive at the ferry terminal, you will see the ticket booths for both ferries and can choose your departure time.
Ticket agents often try to sell you a round-trip ticket. This is fine if you know what time you want to return to the mainland, but if you want more flexibility about which ferry company you use to return to Playa del Carmen, purchase a one-way ticket instead.
You do not save any money by buying a round-trip ticket; the price is double the cost of a one-way ticket.
The only advantage of buying a round-trip ticket is that you won’t have to wait in line to buy your return ticket.
This is beneficial if you are planning to cross on the last ferry of the day (it can be busy) or if you are afraid you will not arrive at the ferry dock with much time.
Otherwise, plan to arrive a few minutes before the ferry departs to give yourself plenty of time to buy a ticket.
What if I have a lot of bags to carry to the Cozumel Ferry?
When you arrive in Playa del Carmen, your transportation will drop you off a few blocks from the ferry terminal.
The roads that lead directly to the ferry terminal are all pedestrian.
If you need help getting to the ferry terminal, some people who have tricycles can help you.
For a few dollars, they can load your bags and take them to the ferry so you do not need to drag them.
If you or someone in your group has mobility difficulties and cannot walk a few blocks to the ferry dock, the tricycle can also give you a ride!
The passenger ferries that travel between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are very comfortable. Both companies have multi-level ferries with options to sit inside in air conditioning or on open-air decks.
The ferries are fast, and the crossing takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the weather and water conditions.
In general, the crossing is smooth, but if there is a strong wind, it can get a little rocky. If you are prone to seasickness, pay attention to the wind before boarding the ferry.
If it will be rough on either side of the crossing, you may want to take an anti-sea sickness medicine before boarding.
It is very rare for ferries to cancel crossings due to wind or bad weather. It takes a lot more than a windy day to affect the crossings.
It generally takes at least a tropical storm to generate the strong winds and waves needed to cancel the crossings.
Most of the time the crossings are very pleasant, with daytime ferries even having live music for you to enjoy! You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of the mainland and the island.
Cozumel Car Ferry
The Cozumel car ferry leaves from Punta Venado, which is a few kilometers south of Playa del Carmen.
There are two car ferry companies, Ultramar Carga and Transcaribe. The car ferry runs much less frequently than the passenger ferry, usually only two or three times a day.
The schedule changes frequently, so the best way to check the car ferry schedule is to check the two companies’ sites.
INSIDER TIP – Beware, the crossings listed as “carga negra” are only for commercial trucks bringing products to the island, you cannot cross your personal vehicle at those times.
Since there are only a few crossings a day, the car ferry tends to fill up, especially during the high season.
You will need to arrive at least an hour and a half early (or more during the high season) to ensure that there will be space for your car.
You can also make a reservation for your car online, but will still need to arrive about an hour early to load onto the ferry.
The car ferry takes about one hour to cross. Depending on where your car is parked, it can take another half hour or so to unload.
The amount of time it takes to get your car off the ferry depends on where you are parked. The car ferry has a comfortable, air-conditioned interior, or you can sit outside on the deck. It has a snack bar too.
How much does the car ferry to Cozumel cost?
The price to cross a compact car is between 680 and 750 pesos without a reservation. If you make a reservation, the cost is 1,100 pesos, and you must make it at least 24 hours in advance.
Can I leave the car in Playa del Carmen?
If you are only planning to cross to Cozumel for a day, it is not worth your time and effort to cross your car on the ferry.
Instead, find a secure parking lot in Playa del Carmen and pay to park your car overnight. If you want to have a car on Cozumel to explore the island, you can always rent a car for the day.
There are different parking lots in Playa del Carmen near the Cozumel ferry pier. The price to leave your car is around 180 MXN per day.
The best 5 ways to get from Cancun to Cozumel
As I mentioned before, there are several different ways to get from Cancun to Cozumel. Here is an outline of the best ways to get to Cozumel.
This will help you spend as little time as possible in transit, so you can enjoy your vacation to the max.
1. Private transfer from Cancun to Cozumel
This is the most comfortable way to Get to Cozumel from Cancun airport or hotel.
Whether you are departing for Cozumel from the Cancun International Airport or a hotel in Cancun, a private transfer is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the ferry dock in Playa del Carmen.
You can book a private transfer ahead of time, and the driver will be ready to take you to the ferry pier.
Private shuttles offer fast, door-to-door service, so you will not waste time making stops and picking up other passengers.
When you book a private shuttle, you will get
- an English-speaking driver
- cA omfortable and clean vehicle, with air conditioning
- door-to-door service
- personalized attention
- keep social distance (good for safety-obsessed and introverts 🤣)
A private shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen will cost around $70 for up to three people.
I would definitely make a budget for a private shuttle.
2. Cancun to Cozumel Flights
In the past, there were options to fly on small planes directly from Cancun to Cozumel. Mayfair flew this route several times a day.
For around $60, you could book a seat on the 19-passenger plane and arrive from Cancun to Cozumel in 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, Mayair is not currently offering this service. There are constant rumors circulating in Cozumel that the business was sold and will resume operations.
People often get their hopes up because you can still find the Mayair website, but as I am writing this article, there are no flights.
Another flight option that is currently not running is Fly Cozumel. Fly Cozumel had a six-passenger plane that you could charter to take you from Cancun to Cozumel.
If you are landing in Cancun and want to head directly to Cozumel, the flights were a great option. For the moment, no companies are offering this service, but hopefully, the flights will resume soon!
Or you can get an international flight to Mexico, directly to Cozumel. You can check your rates on Expedia, where you can even get a package deal.
3. Rent A Car: Driving from Cancun to Cozumel
If want to rent a car in Cancun, it’s a great idea. You can even take it across from the mainland to Cozumel on the car ferry.
This is a good option if you are planning to stay in Cozumel for a few days and do not mind the extra time it takes to catch a car to Cozumel.
It is also a great option if you have a lot of bags with you and think it will be easier to cross a car than use the tricycle service and the passenger ferry.
If you are only crossing for a day or two or have limited time, it can be faster to leave your car on the mainland and rent a car in Cozumel.
Renting a car in Cancun: things you must know
Renting a car in Cancun gives you the freedom to explore the Riviera Maya. You can stop at off-the-beaten-path beaches and cenotes, and you will have the freedom to move around as you please.
➡️ If you don’t have a preferred car rental, I recommend using an aggregator such as discovercars.com to help you find great deals on rental cars in the area.
➡️ In Mexico, third-party liability insurance is required- this is insurance that covers the cost of injuries to other drivers. Check your rental agreement carefully to see that this is included, or be prepared to pay extra when you pick up your rental car.
➡️ It is safe to drive around the Yucatan Peninsula in a rental car. Outside of downtown Cancun and Tulum, there is rarely any traffic.
➡️ You will find, as you drive between cities, that there are frequent police checkpoints. Do not let this stress you out. The police will usually just wave you through.
➡️ Try to avoid driving between cities at night. In addition to safety concerns, if you end up with car troubles, there is not always great lighting on the roads, and your chance of hitting an animal is much greater.
➡️ The highway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen is safe to drive.
➡️ Currently, in the winter of 2023, there is road work being done at the entrance to Cancun, so expect some traffic and delays when arriving in Cancun.
➡️ It is a great idea to use Google Maps or some sort of GPS navigation while driving, especially in the somewhat confusing streets of Cancun.
➡️ Not only will this keep you from getting lost, but it can also let you know where there is a lot of traffic.
4. Cancun to Cozumel by Bus
You can use the ADO public buses to get from either downtown Cancun or the Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen.
Buses leave from both downtown and the airport about every 20 minutes during the day, making this an easy way to get to Playa del Carmen.
The bus will cost between $10-$15, making it an economical way to travel.
A bus is a great option if you are on a budget and traveling alone, and do not have anyone to share the cost of a private transfer with.
The bus takes a bit longer than a private shuttle to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, between 1 and 1 and a half hours, depending on traffic.
Buses from Cancun will arrive at the main ADO bus terminal in Playa del Carmen, which is located on Juárez and 5th Avenue.
It is a short walk from the bus station to the ferry dock. You will exit the bus station, head toward the water, and turn right- you can’t miss it!
If you have a large suitcase or would like help getting to the ferry dock, you can use the tricycle service. You will be pedaled down to the ferry for a few dollars.
The ADO buses are comfortable and safe. They have air conditioning and even play movies! You can use them to travel throughout the entire Yucatán Peninsula.
5. Cancún to Playa del Carmen Colectivo
If you are in downtown Cancun and want to get to Playa del Carmen, you can use a Colectivo. Colectivos are large, shared vans that drive between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
You can hop on a colectivo at the parking lot of the downtown Mega Soriana. Colectivos do not run on a set timetable and make multiple stops along the highway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Locals use them to get to work, and they are cheap – it will only cost you around 60 pesos to get to Playa del Carmen.
You hop on the colectivo and flag the driver when you want a stop, and pay the driver directly. If you are on a budget and traveling without luggage, they can be an interesting experience.
Colectivos can be cramped. If you have a lot of luggage, they are not a good option because there is nowhere to put it!
The colectivo route ends in Playa del Carmen, a few blocks away from the ADO station. From ther,e you will walk to the ferry dock.
Also, beware that Colectivos ‘ drivers usually drive like crazy!
6. Cozumel by tour
Booking a tour to Cozumel from Cancun may be a great idea if you are in a rush and don’t want to plan the whole trip. It definitely takes away a lot of stress but also the freedom to travel on your own schedule.
So that really depends on your priorities.
There is so much to do in Cozumel- visit the famous El Cielo beach, go snorkeling, and drive around the island- that you do not want to waste any time when you arrive.
Booking a tour in advance will help you make the most of your time on Cozumel and help you see the best sites. Here are a few tours you do not want to miss:
👉 Tour to Cozumel El Cielo by boat and Beach Club from Playa del Carmen
Enjoy the turquoise blue waters of Cozumel with this tour. Your tour included round-trip transportation from your hotel to Cozumel and back.
When you arrive in Cozumel, you will head out on a snorkel boat to see three of the most famous sites: Gardens Reef, Casa Blanca Reef, and El Cielo.
El Cielo is a shallow area off the coast of Cozumel, famous for its white sand, turquoise waters, and abundant starfish and stingrays.
From there, you will go to a beach club where you can relax and eat lunch. Your tour ends with free time in downtown Cozumel’s main plaza.
This tour lasts 8 hours.
👉 Cozumel Island. (Ferry + Snorkel + Virgin Beach + Jeep)
4.5⭐ 19 Reviews
Experience Cozumel with this tour that takes you to two different national parks. You will meet in Playa del Carmen and cross on the ferry.
Upon arrival in Cozumel, you will head to Chankanaab Park, which is located in the National Marine Park. You will get to enjoy the botanical gardens, relax on the beach, and snorkel.
There will be Jeeps waiting at Chankanaab to take you to Punta Sur Eco-Park. Located on the southern tip of the island, here you will be able to climb the lighthouse for great views, take a boat ride in the lagoon to see crocodiles, and finish your visit relaxing on the beach.
The last stop of the day will be for a tequila tasting! This tour lasts approximately 12 hours.
Great customer service
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Jun 2021
We took 6 tours with turismo channel, two of which were private. Each day was the best day of our vacation. Freddy organized everything perfectly for us. Our tour guides, Gerry and Jaime, were extremely knowledgeable about the tours. We toured Chinchen-Itza, 5 cenotes, Isla Mujeres, deep sea fishing, Cozumel by catamaran, and Tulum/Coba, and Xplor. We would recommend all tours through turismo channel.
👉 Snorkeling adventure through ‘El Cielo’ Cozumel. Included Food & Transportation
5⭐ 1 Review
Spend a day on the water visiting the most famous reefs with this day trip from Playa del Carmen. After arriving in Cozumel you will board a snorkel boat that will take you to the southern end of the island.
Here you will get to snorkel at the famous Palancar Garden and Colombia reef, where you will have a chance to see sea turtles, fish, and coral formations.
From there you will head to El Cielo, a sandbank that is located off the coast of the island. El Cielo means the sky or the heavens and gets its name from the amazing blue color of the water and the starfish that live here.
You will also see southern stingrays swimming in this area. Your tour also includes lunch at a beach club and free time to explore downtown Cozumel before returning to Playa del Carmen.
Beautiful place to visit
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jesus_B, Apr 2021
The reefs and the cielo and cielito were beautiful I had a great experience seen the star fish was awesome the staff was great they did there best to have us safe and happy the only down side I personally didn’t like was the food at playa del Carmen the food didn’t have no flavor and it was so simple for what I order other then the the locations we visit and the staff receives 5 star.
7. Taxi from Cancun to Cozumel
You can take a taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen; however, this is not the most recommended way to get there.
Unfortunately, taxi drivers are known to try to take advantage of tourists and charge really high prices for their service.
If you do decide to take a taxi, make sure you agree on the fare with the driver BEFORE getting in.
A taxi ride from Cancun to Playa del Carmen should cost around 1000 pesos.
If the driver is asking for an excessively high fare, simply do not get into their taxi and find another one.
Is there an Uber in Cancun?
This might seem like a simple question, but the answer is not so simple. Yes, there is Uber in Cancun; however, it is not widely used.
The state approved Uber in 2019, and despite protests from the local taxi union, recently reconfirmed the legal right of Uber to operate.
Despite this, Uber is still not very common in Cancun.
Taxi drivers were known to make it difficult, and sometimes even dangerous for Uber drivers to operate. This, obviously, made a lot of potential Uber drivers change their minds.
Now, it is possible to use an Uber in Cancun, although there are still not many drivers. You may end up waiting a long time for your car to arrive.
Some Uber drivers will also ask you to pretend to be a friend and sit in the front seat so it does not look like an Uber.
They may also request that you be in an area without taxis before picking you up, which is impossible to establish because there are taxis everywhere in Cancun.
With the newest legal passing that allows Uber to operate it will be interesting to see if there are more Uber drivers in the near future.
Is there an Uber in Cozumel, Mexico?
No, Uber does not operate in Cozumel. You will need to use a taxi to get around. There are always taxis available on the main road.
If you are further in town and need a taxi, the easiest way to contact a taxi is through their Facebook page: Taxis Cozumel.
Cozumel Ferry Schedule
The Cozumel ferry schedule is subject to change. The best place to find up-to-date schedules is on the ferry companies’ social media pages.
In general, the ferries run every hour. The first ferry for Cozumel departs from Playa del Carmen at 8 am and the last ferry of the day departs at 10 pm.
The first ferry of the day from Cozumel departs at 7 am and the last at 9 pm.
You can purchase your ferry tickets at the ticket counters on the ferry dock. You can choose between a one-way or a round-trip ticket, but there is no financial benefit from selecting a round-trip ticket.
A round-trip ticket requires you to use the same ferry company for the return, so it may be easier to buy two one-way tickets.
The ferry ticket for tourists costs 250 pesos each way; there are discounts for locals with a valid ID.
Can I take my luggage on the ferry?
You can take your luggage with you on the ferry. If you have large roller suitcases, you will need to take them to the back of the ferry.
The ferry workers will load the suitcase onto the ferry, and you will pick it up when you get to Cozumel.
Can I take my dog on the ferry?
If you are traveling with a pet, you can take them on the ferry too. There is a designated pet zone in the outdoor seating section.
Winjet requires that your dog have a muzzle to board the ferry; Ultramar does not have this requirement.
Can I take my bike on the ferry?
You can even take your bicycle across on the ferry for no additional cost, take it to the back where you load the luggage!
Where to stay in Cozumel
If you want large, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, the best options are on the mainland. Cozumel has a lot of great hotel options that can fit any budget.
🏨 Best Hotel for Couples: Intercontinental Presidente Resort and Spa
Located just south of town, many consider this the best hotel on the island. It has a white, sandy beach in front with great snorkeling.
There are on-site restaurants. What makes this hotel stand out is its great service.
🏨 Best Bed and Breakfast: Tamarindo
Located in downtown Cozumel, this recently renovated bed and breakfast offers beautiful rooms in a lovely garden setting.
You can stay cool in the brand-new pool. The lovely hosts cook up a great breakfast every morning and you are just steps away from downtown restaurants.
🏨 Best Hotel for Relaxing: Westin
This new hotel is located in the quiet northern hotel zone of Cozumel. It is located on a small strip of sandy beach with easy entry into the water.
There is great snorkeling from the shore ,and the rooms have beautiful ocean views.
Cozumel travel tips
If you have time, it is a great idea to visit Cozumel for a day or two. The water is crystal clear with amazing coral reefs that you can snorkel or scuba dive on.
Another tourist favorite activity that you do not want to miss is renting a car and driving around the island.
Aside from a few restaurants, the west side of the island has no infrastructure, just lots of beaches to explore!
What’s the best time to visit Cozumel?
Thankfully, there is no bad time of the year to visit Cozumel. The dry season months of December to April are the high season for tourists.
These months have consistently good weather, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.
During this time of the year, downtown Cozumel can get busy with tourists. Cozumel has multiple cruise ship dock,s and the town gets busy when ships are in port.
If you do not mind the higher temperatures and humidity, the summer months have fewer tourists. The hot weather makes it a great time to be in the water exploring the coral reefs.
Is Cozumel worth it?
It depends on what you are into. If you want a party scene with lots of shopping, Cozumel is probably not your top destination in the Riviera Maya.
Cozumel is great for visitors who love the water. There are wonderful snorkel and dive sites to visit.
Cozumel has an iron shore, which means in many areas the beach is rocky. It does not have the enormous white sand beaches of Cancun.
If you want to spend time on the beach and have access to great snorkeling, there are great beach clubs to visit.
How many days do I need in Cozumel?
You can visit Cozumel on a day trip or spend a few days here.
If you are a scuba diver, you will want at least a day or two to visit the famous dive sites such as Palancar Reef and Santa Rosa Wall.
Snorkelers will love a tour ofthe Colombia reef and El Cielo.
You can rent a car and spend a day driving around the island, stopping to explore the ruins and visit different beach restaurants.
Top things to do in Cozumel
▶ Go scuba diving
Cozumel is famous for its clear water and coral reefs. If you are a certified diver, you do not want to miss seeing the coral formations.
If you have never tried scuba diving, there is no better place. Cozumel has warm, clear water, and lots of marine life to see.
Take a snorkel trip. Hop on a boat and head south into the marine park. There are several shallow reefs where you will see lots of marine life.
Visit Palancar and Colombia reefs to look at colored corals, fish, and sea turtles. Most snorkel tours end with a visit to El Cielo – a beautiful sand bank that is home to starfish.
▶ Visit Punta Sur Eco-Park
Located on the southern tip of the island, this park has plenty of lookout towers to climb and get views of the ocean and lagoon.
You can climb the lighthouse and go for a boat ride in the lagoon to see crocodiles. There is a beautiful beach to relax at and you can snorkel on the shallow reef.
▶ Rent a car and drive around the island
Experience the “wild side” of Cozumel. Aside from a few restaurants, Cozumel’s east side is an undeveloped beach.
Stop at the ruins of San Gervasio on your way across the island and spend your day enjoying the beautiful sites.
▶ Visit a beach club
Spending your day relaxing at a beach club. Many beach clubs have shallow reefs where you can snorkel, paddle boards to rent, and great views of the water.
Is a day trip to Cozumel worth it?
Yes! Make the most of your day by planning ahead what you will do. You do not want to waste time when you arrive in Cozumel trying to book last-minute tours.
Plan to take an early ferry so you have plenty of time to either drive around the island, head to a beach club, or go out snorkeling or scuba diving.
As a plus, in the summer months when there is the possibility of seaweed on Cancun beaches, the Cozumel west side is usually seaweed-free.
Due to the wind direction, the west side beaches and beach clubs are spared from sargassum. If you are in Cancun during seaweed season, you can find clean beaches in Cozumel.
Is Cozumel safe for visitors?
Yes, Cozumel is extremely safe for visitors. Just a note, be careful with your belongings in Cozumel (as you should be in all tourist destinations).
Petty theft is unfortunately a problem in Cozumel.
Too often, tourists are not paying attention and leave valuables in unlocked cars or on empty beaches, and they are stolen.
Make sure to lock your car, and keep your valuables with you.
Is Cozumel expensive?
Cozumel is an island, so often things are more expensive than on the mainland. That said, you can find food and accommodations from super expensive to budget on Cozumel.
If you want to save money, you can eat like a local, picking up tacos or visiting restaurants that offer “comida corrida.”
These restaurants offer a set menu, usually for lunch, that includes a drink, soup, and main course for as little as $6.
Restaurants directly on the water often cost more than those in town. If you want to indulge yourself, you can splurge on fancy meals here too.
What’s better: Cancun vs Cozumel?
Cancun and Cozumel are very different, but it is impossible to say one is better than the other. Cancun has amazing all-inclusive resorts, shopping, restaurants, and amazing beaches.
Cozumel is more laid-back with smaller hotels and a charming downtown.
Cozumel is known for its water activities and does not have the nightlife that Cancun has.
Are US dollars accepted in Cozumel?
Yes, almost all businesses accept US dollars in Cozumel. Businesses are legally allowed to set the exchange rate that they use for US dollars.
The exchange rate should be posted somewhere in the business. You will not get the bank exchange rate at local businesses; however, the rate is not usually bad.
If you want to exchange dollars for pesos, there are “casas de cambio” all over town that will exchange your dollars for you.
How to Get from Cancun to Cozumel Final Thoughts:
Cozumel is a great spot to visit. It is a change from Cancun- it has a slower pace and island vibes. Cozumel is a great spot for water activities; no trip to the island is complete without snorkeling or scuba diving on the world-famous reefs.
Whether you are heading to Cozumel from the Cancun airport or downtown Cancun, there are several ways to travel to Cozumel.
You can choose whatever transportation is the most comfortable for you and your budget to get you to Playa del Carmen. From there Cozumel is just a relaxing 45-minute ferry ride away!
