Cozumel Ferry Schedule, Prices & Tips: Complete 2026 Guide

Cozumel Ferry Schedule 2026: Everything You Need to Cross

The Cozumel ferry schedule is the foundation of almost every trip to the island. Whether you're coming for a single-day snorkel tour, a week of scuba diving, or to catch a cruise — the 45-minute catamaran crossing between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel is the main artery of island life.

Two operators run the route: Ultramar and Winjet. Together they offer roughly one departure per hour from early morning to late night, 365 days a year. This guide covers everything: schedules, prices, how to buy tickets, which operator to choose, and how to time your crossing to avoid the worst crowds.

The Cozumel Ferry Schedule at a Glance

Ferries run from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily from both Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Departures are staggered between the two operators, giving you a combined departure roughly every 45–60 minutes during peak hours and every 90 minutes in the early morning and late evening.

Check our live Cozumel ferry countdown — it shows the next departure to the second. Coming from Cancún? See our Cancún to Cozumel guide for the full route — it shows the next departure to the second, updates in real time, and covers both operators. Bookmark it before you travel.

Approximate Daily Schedule (Playa del Carmen → Cozumel)

• 6:00 AM — first ferry (Ultramar or Winjet, alternates daily)
• 7:00–8:30 AM — morning rush departures, roughly every 60 min
• 9:00 AM–5:00 PM — peak hours, departures every 45–90 min
• 5:00–9:00 PM — late afternoon / evening, approximately every 60–90 min
• 10:00–11:00 PM — last crossings

The same approximate schedule runs in reverse from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, offset by the travel time. Exact times shift seasonally, so always confirm via the live ferry timer or at the pier.

Ferry Prices 2026

The Cozumel ferry schedule is nearly identical between operators — pricing is where small differences exist.

Standard adult fares (per person):

• One way: approximately 350–380 MXN (around $18–20 USD)
• Round trip: approximately 700–760 MXN (around $35–40 USD)
• Children under 4: usually free (confirm with operator at the booth)
• Children 4–11: approximately 50% of adult fare

You also pay a port fee of around 65 MXN separately at a small booth before boarding — this is not included in your ferry ticket and is easy to miss. Have pesos ready.

Can you buy tickets online?

Ultramar sells tickets on their website. Winjet is mostly walk-up. In practice, unless you're travelling with a large group during peak season (Christmas week, spring break), buying at the pier is fine. Lines move quickly.

Ultramar vs Winjet: Which Ferry Should You Take?

The honest answer: whichever is leaving sooner. Both operators run modern, air-conditioned catamarans with indoor and outdoor seating. The crossing experience is nearly identical.

That said, here are the practical differences:

Ultramar

• Generally newer and larger vessels
• Slightly more daily departures
• Online ticketing available
• Has a small snack bar on some boats

Winjet

• Slightly cheaper fares at certain times of year
• Smaller boats (can feel more bouncy in rough seas)
• Walk-up tickets only
• Faster check-in on some departures

Our recommendation: If it's your first time, go Ultramar. If you're a repeat visitor and Winjet is leaving first, take it. The 10-minute wait savings beats any difference in comfort.

Where to Board: The Playa del Carmen Ferry Terminal

The Playa del Carmen ferry pier is located at the end of 5th Avenue (La Quinta), right on the beach. You cannot miss it — just walk to the waterfront from any point on 5th Avenue.

Getting there:

• From ADO bus station: ~10 min walk or 60–80 MXN taxi
• From Cancún airport: 1-hour ADO bus to Playa del Carmen ($8–12 USD), then walk
• From Tulum: colectivo or bus to Playa del Carmen, then walk to pier

There are two separate ticket booths — one for Ultramar, one for Winjet — side by side at the pier entrance. Buy your ticket, pay the separate port fee, and join the boarding queue. Arrive at least 20 minutes before your intended departure, especially during busy periods.

Arriving in Cozumel: The San Miguel Ferry Pier

The ferry docks right in downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. From the pier you have everything within walking distance:

• The main waterfront strip (restaurants, shops, dive operators)
• Car and golf cart rental stands (right outside the pier)
• Taxis to anywhere on the island
• Beaches on the western coast: 10–20 min by taxi or rental vehicle

If you're heading to a dive shop or beach club, confirm their address before you arrive — most are on the western coast road heading south from San Miguel.

When to Go: Timing Your Crossing to Avoid Crowds

This is the most underrated piece of ferry advice, and it's directly linked to the Cozumel cruise ship schedule.

When 3–4 large cruise ships are in port, thousands of passengers take day trips to the beach and reef. By late afternoon, all of those passengers are returning to the mainland at once — and the pier in Playa del Carmen (the return journey) becomes a chaotic, hour-long queue.

Our tips:

• Check the cruise ship calendar before choosing your travel day
• Go early (first or second ferry) — cruise passengers rarely take the 6 or 7 AM boat
• Return late — wait until after 6 PM when the cruise rush has cleared
• Avoid the 3–5 PM return window on heavy ship days at all costs

The live cruise calendar shows 28 days of ship traffic with crowd intensity. If you're flexible on dates, picking a day with 0–1 ships in port transforms the pier experience entirely.

Motion Sickness and Rough Crossings

The Cozumel Strait (Canal de Cozumel) can get rough, particularly from November through February when northern winds (nortes) push through. Waves can reach 2–3 metres and the crossing becomes uncomfortable even on large catamarans.

If you're prone to motion sickness:

• Take Dramamine or Bonine 30–60 minutes before boarding
• Sit outdoors on the upper deck in fresh air (better than inside)
• Choose a seat toward the middle of the boat, not the bow
• Look at the horizon, not your phone
• Eat something light before the crossing — empty stomachs are worse

During particularly rough conditions, both operators occasionally cancel departures or delay them until seas calm. This is rare but happens a few times per season. If you're on a tight schedule (catching a flight, for example), build in buffer time during winter months.

What to Pack for the Ferry

Even though it's only 45 minutes, the crossing catches people underprepared:

• Pesos for the port fee (~65 MXN) — the ATMs near the pier run out on busy days
• Sunscreen — the sun on the open deck is intense year-round
• Light jacket or layer — the indoor cabin is heavily air-conditioned
• Dry bag — spray comes over the bow on rough days, and the outdoor upper deck offers no shelter
• Snacks/water — onboard food options are limited on most crossings

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Cozumel ferry run?

The combined Cozumel ferry schedule between Ultramar and Winjet offers roughly one crossing per hour, from around 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. During peak hours (9 AM–5 PM) you may find departures every 45 minutes. Check the live ferry timer for the exact next departure.

How long is the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?

The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes each way. This can stretch to 55–60 minutes in rough seas or when docking takes longer than usual.

How much does the Cozumel ferry cost in 2026?

Adult one-way fares are approximately 350–380 MXN (around $18–20 USD). Round trip runs 700–760 MXN ($35–40 USD). Add the separate port fee of ~65 MXN per person per direction. Children under 4 typically ride free.

Do I need to book the Cozumel ferry in advance?

Usually no. Ultramar offers online booking, but walk-up tickets at the pier are available for most crossings. The exception: large groups during Christmas week, spring break (March–April), or when multiple cruise ships create unusual demand. Otherwise, arriving 20 minutes early is sufficient.

Can I take a car to Cozumel by ferry?

No passenger ferry takes cars from Playa del Carmen. A separate car ferry (TMBC) operates from Puerto Morelos (about 30 km north of Playa del Carmen), but it's slow, expensive, and rarely practical for tourists. Rent a car or golf cart in Cozumel instead — it's cheaper and easier. See our beaches guide for rental tips.