Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

About the journey from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

Looking out at the Caribbean Sea from Playa del Carmen, visitors to the Mexican Caribbean are likely to be enticed out to the islands in the surrounding area. One such island well worth the visit from Playa del Carmen is Cozumel. Cozumel is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean and boasts a rich variety of wildlife, activities, and history to explore. You can follow in the footsteps of the Mayans who populated this area, as members of the civilization made pilgrimages to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen using hand-carved canoes.

An interesting Mayan archaeological site is Zona Arqueológica El Caracol, otherwise known as the Temple of the Snail, named for the snail shells that decorate the dome of the roof on this small ruin. Sandy beaches, snorkeling, and diving are popular parts of the island’s sites and activities. For an interesting look at the wildlife in Cozumel you can take a trip to the Pearl Farm where you can learn about the reef while fishing for your own pearls.

As Cozumel is an island, you must get there by boat. Unlike the Mayans though, your water transportation will be a high speed ferry rather than a wooden canoe! There are a few operators that can take you from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel relatively quickly, with the 17 kilometer (4 mile) journey taking around 30 minutes. Taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel won’t break the bank either, as tickets start at $10.

Although you cannot get much closer to the ocean than in Playa del Carmen, your visit to the island of Cozumel offers some new experiences. The beauty of secluded Cozumel and the relaxation that you can experience there is what the Caribbean islands are renowned for. 

 

What to see when traveling from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

From Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, your journey takes you across a small part of the Mexican Caribbean Sea. Wildlife is abundant in this part of the ocean, with exotic fish, coral reefs, and the occasional turtle making an appearance. You can enjoy the clear blue water as you skim across it, happy in the fact that you will soon be dipping into this pristine ocean. As you get close to Cozumel, you will see the sandy beaches and lush vegetation that make up most of this beautiful exotic island’s landscape.

 

How to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

Taking a ferry

The journey from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel requires travel across part of the Mexican Caribbean by ferry. The ferry options from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel both offer indoor and outdoor seating, so you can relax and rest inside or sit out on the deck and enjoy the stunning marine views.

You can also expect to find air conditioning and toilets on board. Some ferries offer extras like TVs for entertainment, and food and drink which is available to purchase. Ferry travel from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel starts at $10 and is only accessible for passengers on foot rather than in vehicles. The ferries from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel offer great luggage allowance of up to 25kg and free cancellations and changes up to a certain time before the departure.

One thing to note is that ferry departure times may change, so it is important to check with the operator on the day in case of any changes and arrive in good time before the ferry leaves. Once you get to Cozumel, you can travel around the island by bike, taxi, car rental, or on foot.