Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Day Trip: Here’s How 2024
A Playa del Carmen to Cozumel day trip is such a fantastic adventure for any traveler.
Whether you are looking to relax on the beach or take part in all-day-long adventures, this guide will give you all the information you need to have the best time.
Playa del Carmen is one of the top attraction areas of the Yucatán Peninsula, with countless fun and exciting things to do and see.
During our long-term motorcycle journey across Mexico, we ended up living in Playa Del Carmen for about a month.
This gave our friends and family a great opportunity to escape the winter weather and join us in a tropical paradise.
And even better, it gave us the time and opportunity to plan tons of fun adventures.
We saw amazing Mayan ruins like the iconic Chichen Itza.
We also explored the area and surrounding islands off the coast of Playa del Carmen like Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Isla Holbox.
One of our most fun days was when we decided to hop on a ferry for a spontaneous Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel day trip.
About Cozumel
Cozumel is a 184-square-mile island off of the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in southeast Mexico. It is located directly across from Playa del Carmen.
The island is a popular tourist destination, with a coral reef off the north shore perfect for scuba diving, over 300 restaurants, dolphinariums, and Mayan ruins.
The name “Cozumel” evolved from the Mayan name for the island, “Cuzaam Luumi,” which translates to “land of the swallows.” The Mayans chose this name to reference the annual swallow migration on the island.
Cozumel was a significant island near the Yucatan peninsula for the Mayans for both religious reasons and for trade.
Thanks to Cozumel’s key position in the Caribbean, it was a frequent stop for traders on their way to and from Honduras and Veracruz and became a key seaport for Mayan trade.
When Spanish explorers reached the island, they destroyed many of the temples and left the island’s inhabitants with a smallpox epidemic. By 1600, the island was empty.
Pirates used Cozumel as a base for a while until 1848, when refugees from the Caste War settled there. It became a quiet little fishing island until tourism took off in the 1960s.
Today, tourists flock to Cozumel for a good reason.
It is an absolutely beautiful island renowned for its wild tropical jungle vegetation, white-sand beaches, unbelievably clear blue waters, and amazing coral reefs.
Best Time to Visit Cozumel
The best time of year to visit Cozumel is between winter and the rainy season.
March through June offers the best weather, with daytime temperatures ranging between 87-91°F and nighttime temperatures in the mid-70s.
Many fun events take place during this time of year. Sometime in April or May, the southern town of El Cedral hosts the Santa Cruz Festival and El Cedral Fair. Which is a multi-day celebration with feasts, rodeos, dancing, music, and much more.
The peak tourist season is during the North American winter.
Temperatures during this time hover in the mid-80s but can drop as low as the mid-60s, and travel prices are more expensive during this time.
However, Cozumel hosts some exciting events during this time, like the Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe in December and Carnival, a week-long event in February or March that is similar to Mardi Gras.
June through November is hurricane season in the Caribbean, and Cozumel is no exception.
Although the odds of a hurricane hitting the island are fairly low, the weather may still get dangerous.
Therefore, it is important to stay up to date on current weather conditions during these months to make sure you and your group stay safe.
Is Cozumel Safe?
The island of Cozumel is a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. And for a good reason – the island is home to stunning white sand beaches, lush jungles, and crystal clear waters. But what about safety? Is Cozumel safe for tourists?
The answer is yes; Cozumel is very safe for tourists.
The island has a strong tourism presence and takes great care to protect its visitors.
Cozumel has a reputation for being safe and welcoming to tourists and is considered one of the safest places to visit in Mexico.
Crime rates are low, and the island has a strong police presence. In addition, the locals are known for being friendly and helpful to visitors.
I felt extremely safe while exploring Cozumel on our day trip from Playa del Carmen. The locals were very kind and helpful, and we felt very welcome on the island.
How to Get From Play del Carmen to Cozumel for a Day Trip
While Cozumel has an airport for travelers going directly to the island, the only way to get from Playa de Carmen to Cozumel for a day trip is via boat.
Two ferry companies make trips from the mainland to the island and back.
The 20-minute Ultramar ferry and the regular Winjet ferry.
We never pass up the chance to jump on a ferry or any kind of boat, for that matter.
]Spotting the ferry station in Playa del Carmen was the perfect opportunity for a spontaneous adventure.
Ferry Companies and Schedules
Ferries currently run 365 days a year and launch from the ferry terminal in downtown Playa del Carmen. The current ferry schedule is as follows:
WinJet (40-45 minutes)
| To Cozumel | To Playa del Carmen |
| 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM | 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 AM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM |
Ultramar (20 minutes)
| To Cozumel | To Playa del Carmen |
| 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM | 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM |
When we were ready to head back to Playa del Carmen, we got on the last ferry leaving Cozumel.
It was dark by then, so we quickly grabbed seats up top on the ferry so that we could look at the stars and the distant lights twinkling from Playa del Carmen.
I was grateful for the new hoodie I bartered for at a local shop on the island because that breeze got a little chilly!
The top of the ferry was definitely the place to be because we were joined by a very fun, rambunctious group that had had a few too many drinks.
The ride back was filled with slurred singing, and hilarious dance moves down the aisles between the seats.
We laughed until our bellies hurt and made some great new friends. What a great experience! Couldn’t ask for better.
How to Get Cozumel Ferry Tickets
Note that, as with prices, ferry schedules may change.
We chose not to purchase a round-trip ticket which worked really well for us because we spent every possible minute we could on the island exploring, and we had so much fun.
Grabbing a one-way ferry ticket back to Playa del Carmen from the ferry terminal when we were ready to return worked perfectly.
If you would like to purchase your tickets ahead of time, you can easily get tickets from the Ultramar ferry terminal online with DirectFerries.
This makes it much more convenient to check the ferry schedules and plan your trip in advance to ensure you get tickets before they sell out.
DirectFerries sells both round-trip tickets and one-way ferry tickets.
I would recommend getting your one-way ticket online from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel online and then getting your return ticket on the island when you are ready.
That way, you have plenty of time to explore and enjoy activities.
Can You Walk Around Cozumel?
San Miguel de Cozumel is the largest city in Cozumel and is very pedestrian-friendly.
However, if you plan to venture outside of the city for historic ruins or coral reef scuba diving, you’ll need alternate transportation, as Cozumel is about 29 miles long by 9 miles wide.
Cozumel doesn’t have public transportation, nor does it have ride-sharing companies. One common way to get around the island is by renting a car, moped, scooter, or bike.
Jeeps are an excellent option for traveling in the more rugged areas of the island.
Taxis are a popular choice for travelers looking to venture outside the city.
Rates will depend on the number of passengers, so depending on your group, it may be more cost-effective to rent a vehicle.
For our rental car, we got a Volkswagen Buggy to cruise around in for the day so that we could explore the more rugged side of the island.
Since we had been living in Playa del Carmen for a month at this point, we wanted to take advantage of our Cozumel day trip to get away from the more touristy areas.
The Volkswagen Buggy was seriously AWESOME to cruise around in!
We had an absolute blast all day long. This was by far the best option to get around the island and gave us a chance to see as much of the Cozumel as possible.
Best Things to Do on the Island
Cozumel has a seemingly unlimited number of activities for such a small island! The best things to do will depend on your preferred style of vacation and the types of activities you most enjoy.
If you would like to plan ahead for your day trip, below are links to some of the top-rated activities on Cozumel Island:
There are many resources for budget-friendly adventures that you can find on Cozumel Island. Keep reading for a list of some of the best, top-rated things to do on Cozumel Island (plus links to some great deals on activities!)
Archeology Tours
You can see Mayan ruins in multiple places around the island. One of the places with the most significant Mayan history is San Gervasio, thought to be the center of worship for Ixchel.
San Gervasio consists of several architectural sets and temples, making it a great place to see a wealth of Mayan history.
In this 5-star rated tour, you will get to see San Gervasio as well as a chocolate factory, relax on a local beach, and even attend tequila tasting at a tequila bar!
This tour and tour guide is for travelers that love a laid-back vibe and don’t want to have to follow a strict schedule.
Historical Tours
Cozumel’s history can be found in more than just its ruins. The Cozumel Museum is a prime spot to view displays about Cozumel’s history, culture, geography, and ecosystems.
While in downtown Cozumel, visit the Reloj Publico, a century-old clock tower, or the Monumento al Mestizaje.
Ecological Tours
Punta Sur, on the southern point of the island, is a paradise of ecological preservation. Faro Clarain eco-park, about a 30-minute drive from San Miguel, stretches 2,700 acres.
Here you’ll find a lighthouse, navigation museum, catamaran boat rides, secluded beaches, and hiking trails.
The Chankanaab Adventure Park just down the shoreline from San Miguel, offers family-friendly nature experiences.
Take the eco-archeological tour; the best way to visit one of the sea lions, crocodiles, and manatee encounters. As well as go snorkeling or diving with marine life, swim with dolphins, sea turtles, or manatees, or simply relax in the spa.
Mr. Sanchos Beach Club
Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and surf of Cozumel. With its private pool bar and beachfront section, it’s the perfect spot to lounge in a hammock or beach chair and take in the stunning view.
The all-you-can-eat menu and daily buffet offer a wide variety of delicious options, and the unlimited drinks (open bar!) keep the party going all day long. For those who want to explore the island, the beach club offers an ocean kayak and free access to the aquatic park.
The all-inclusive day pass to Mr. Sanchos Beach Club is one of the highest-rated passes at a beach club in Cozumel. (Probably because it is offered at such a great price).
Hiking
The rugged terrain and beautiful views of Cozumel make it an ideal place to go hiking. Many of the hikes also offer ecology tours or trips to Mayan ruins.
The island is also full of scenic trails, like the Playa San Francisco trail that takes you along the west coast of Cozumel.
Cozumel is such a beautiful Caribbean island for nature lovers and hiking is the perfect activity to take it all in.
Hit the Beach
Cozumel is surrounded by stunning sandy beaches. While some are managed by private clubs or resorts, Cozumel has plenty of public beaches.
Playa Palancar is a simple stretch of beach and a great place for relaxing or swimming on the west side of the island. Chen Rio, on the east side, is ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming.
We drove our Buggy around until we found some really great secluded beaches with no other tourists around.
We walked around on neat rock formations and then out onto the soft white sand and just stared at the unbelievably clear ocean-blue water. Mexico has some shockingly beautiful places with water so blue it is insane.
It was so relaxing staring ocean on the beach in Cozumel, we never wanted to leave the beach.
SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling
Scuba diving and snorkeling are incredibly popular activities on Cozumel. While you can take advantage of the opportunities at Chankanaab Adventure Park, you’ll find even more around the island.
The coral reefs off the north side of Cozumel are part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and are a very popular spot for dives.
El Cielo beach on the southwest side of the island is known for its breathtaking, crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. Scuba options are plenty here, and you can find rental shops, courses, and tours across the island.
Check out this top-rated Cozumel Snorkeling Tour to see Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef, and Playa el Cielo! Some of the best snorkeling on Cozumel Island.
Shopping
Cozumel is full of areas to shop. Most of them are clustered within San Miguel, like the Royal Village Shipping Center or the Plaza Punta Langosta. You’ll also find shops at tourist attractions throughout the island.
One thing it took me a long time to get used to in Mexico is bartering for goods. Don’t be afraid to barter for a lower price! It is expected in Cozumel like most other places in Mexico.
Always be respectful when bartering and if you don’t like the price, just walk away. Most times they will quickly offer you a much lower price rather than lose the sale.
What to Bring on a Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Day Trip?
The items you need to bring on your day trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel will depend on the weather and what you plan to do there.
You may not need to bring everything you packed for Mexico. However, some items are great to have along.
When traveling for a day trip, be sure to bring:
- Cash. While many places take cards, smaller shops and attractions may not. Cozumel offers plenty of currency exchange locations, but it’s wise to have some pesos with you before you go.
- Travel documents. You may only be gone for the day, but you’ll want to have documents like your passport with you in case of an emergency.
- Sunscreen. If you’re traveling on a sunny day, bring sunscreen! The hot sun and beautiful ocean water will wear yours down quickly and you will be grateful to have more to reapply.
- Weather-appropriate attire. Be sure to check the weather before you leave. Cooler temperatures may require a jacket, while rainy weather may also need an umbrella.
- Activity equipment. Many shops allow you to rent snorkeling or scuba gear if you don’t want to bring your own. If you’re planning on swimming or hiking, pack whatever you’ll need.
Best Places to Eat on Cozumel Island
For a small island, Cozumel is stuffed with restaurants. Some highly-rated favorites include:
K’ooben Laab
K’Ooben Laab is the perfect spot for anyone who wants great food and an authentic experience. It’s located in San Miguel, which gives you access to many other attractions on this island as well! 4/5 stars based on 560 reviews on Google. A local Italian spot with some Mayan flare and good quality cuisine at affordable prices (and without all those pesky tourist traps)
Crazy King Burrito
Crazy King Burrito is worth visiting for travelers on a budget looking for some low-priced options! Krazy King Burrito is the perfect spot to get your traditional Mexican fix. Located in San Miguel about two blocks away from the Cozumel Museum.
El Billy Asados Al Carbon
If you’re looking for a great price on Mexican barbeque, you have to try El Billy Asados Al Carbon! This San Miguel restaurant offers dishes such as chicken wrapped in tortillas with Mole coloradito sauce or beef shoulders that have been slow-cooked until they fall apart tender.
Caribe Burger & Grill
This small, family-owned restaurant is the perfect place for anyone looking to eat affordable tacos and burgers. Located just off of San Miguel’s main strip in an old converted home with friendly service that delivers delicious food.
Anemona de Mar Beach Club
The perfect place for a laid-back getaway, Anemona de Mar Beach Club offers delicious food and drink at mid-range prices in the form of Mexican cuisine with Caribbean spices. Complete with beautiful views to enjoy from your seat overlooking Punta Sur Park on Cozumel Island.
Three Amigos
Another excellent option for mid-priced Mexican-Caribbean food. Three Amigos is located right off the Pier in San Miguel.
Colores y Sabores
This a mid-priced option for traditional Mexican food made by awesome local cooks who know their way around some serious spice. They also serve up some delicious fresh seafood daily. Located in San Miguel, right next to Cozumel International Hospital.
Ix Kool
Ix Kool is a traditional Mayan restaurant that offers fine dining in San Miguel. The food is offered at more high-range prices and is located at the Royal Village Shopping Center. It’s the perfect place for an authentic experience of Maya food and culture!
Bajau Seafood & Steak House
A pricier seafood and steakhouse restaurant that also includes Mexican and international foods. They offer delicious cocktails and beverages as well as desserts. This is one of the more high price-range restaurant options in San Miguel so have your wallet ready.
Is a Day Trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Worth It?
A day trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is absolutely worth it! Cozumel is an island full of history, culture, and beauty, with so many things to see and do.
You may not be able to see everything if you’re planning to be there just one day. So planning out your trip by reading a guide like this one is a good idea to make sure you see everything you would like to experience.
A day trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel island is great for budget-friendly travelers that want to escape the business and chaos for a while.
If you arrive early enough, you can spend the morning at Chankanaab Adventure Park and head to San Gervasio after lunch before circling back to San Miguel for dinner and shopping.
Or perhaps you’re just looking to spend the day scuba diving or snorkeling, in which case a day trip makes perfect sense.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a beautiful and interesting place to visit in Mexico, I highly recommend making the trip over to experience Cozumel.
With stunning beaches, delicious food, and plenty of things to do, it’s no wonder this island was one of our favorite adventures around Playa del Carmen.
Make sure to plan your trip during the right season, as weather can play a big role in your enjoyment of the island. And if you’re not up for renting a car or taking public transportation around Cozumel, don’t worry – there are plenty of great walking paths to explore!
We had so much fun spending the day in Cozumel. It was well worth the trip to enjoy the beautiful beaches on the Caribbean sea, even for one day, and we will definitely visit again someday.
I hope this guide helps you with your travel plans for the greatest Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Day Trip and you have some fantastic adventures.
Happy travels!
Islands like Cozumel can feel like hidden gems because there is so much to discover that you didn’t even know was there! Central Mexico also offers some fantastic hidden gems like this that I highly recommend you explore as well!