Last Updated: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Use this page to understand ferry frequency, operator schedules, and how ferry transportation works between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.
This page provides a data-driven overview of ferry service patterns and how ferry timing connects to transportation decisions after arrival.
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Information Source Statement
This page provides a general service overview compiled from official ferry operator publications and reflects typical operating patterns and service frequency.
Operator-posted departure times and daily timetables are maintained on the Cozumel Ferry Timetable page and may change based on operational conditions or operator updates.
No unpublished or private data is used.
This page is non-promotional and does not provide ticketing, reservations, or booking services.
🚦 START HERE — How are you using the ferry?
Ferry schedules vary by operator and time of day. Use the options below to determine the best departure timing and how it connects to your plans on the island.
Choose the option that matches your situation:
- I’m traveling from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel → Review frequency and choose a departure window
- I’m planning a day trip → Focus on return timing and last departures
- I’m arriving in Cozumel by ferry → Plan transportation from the downtown terminal
- I need exact departure times → Use the detailed timetables below
TL;DR — Ferry Service in Cozumel
- Passenger ferries operate daily between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel
- Crossing time is typically 35–45 minutes
- Service runs throughout the day with higher frequency midday
- Ferries arrive in downtown San Miguel (Cozumel)
- Schedules vary slightly by operator and day
Most travelers do not plan around a specific ferry company and instead take the next available departure based on timing and availability.
Terminal Locations
Playa del Carmen Ferry Terminal
Primary mainland departure point.
Cozumel Ferry Terminal (San Miguel)
Downtown arrival location with immediate access to taxis and walkable areas.
Service Frequency Overview (Summary)
| Time Range | Frequency (All Operators Combined) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | 1–2 departures per hour | Start of morning service |
| 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 2–3 departures per hour | Peak period |
| 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 2–3 departures per hour | Midday/afternoon crossings |
| 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 1–2 departures per hour | Evening service |
| After 10:00 PM | Limited service | Typically Ultramar only |
Note: The tables below illustrate typical operating patterns published by ferry operators.
For exact daily departure times, refer to the Cozumel Ferry Timetable page or official operator websites.
Detailed Timetables by Operator
Ultramar — Odd and Even Day Timetable
| Odd Days From Cozumel | Odd Days From Playa del Carmen | Even Days From Cozumel | Even Days From Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
Winjet
| Odd Days From Cozumel | Odd Days From Playa del Carmen | Even Days From Cozumel | Even Days From Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM | 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM |
| 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| 4:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 5:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 8:30 PM | 5:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| 7:30 PM | 9:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM | |
| 9:00 PM |
Xcaret Xailing
| From Cozumel | From Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | 7:30 AM |
| 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM |
| 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 12:30 PM | 1:30 PM |
| 1:00 PM | 2:30 PM |
| 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM |
| 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM |
| 4:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| 5:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 6:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 7:30 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM |
Note: Exact departure times may vary by day and operator. Always consult the official links before traveling.
General Transit Information
Seating availability and boarding order may vary depending on crowd levels and departure time.
Crossing Duration
- Typical crossing time: 35–45 minutes
- Conditions vary depending on weather and sea state
Accessibility and Luggage
- Policies vary by operator
- Luggage generally permitted
- Accessibility depends on vessel
Always confirm directly with operators before travel.
After Arrival — What Most Travelers Do
Ferry passengers arrive in downtown San Miguel (Cozumel), where transportation transitions immediately into the island’s standard system.
Most visitors:
- walk within Centro
- take a taxi to hotels or beaches
- continue to activities or excursions
For next steps:
→ Cozumel Taxi Services — Access, How It Works, and What to Expect
→ Cozumel Transportation — Airport, Taxis, Rental Cars and Getting Around
→ Cozumel Rental Cars — When It Makes Sense and How It Works
Optional: Planning Ferry Travel in Advance
Some travelers review ferry timing or ticket options in advance, particularly when:
- planning a same-day return
- traveling during peak periods
- coordinating tours or excursions
→ Check ferry timing and ticket options for your travel date (via Viator or GetYourGuide)
Availability and schedules vary by operator and season.
How This Connects to the Transportation System
Ferry arrivals connect directly into Cozumel’s transportation network.
From the terminal:
- taxis are immediately available
- walking is possible in downtown
- further travel depends on destination
For full context:
→ Cozumel Taxi Zones
→ Cozumel Transportation
Planning Activities After Ferry Arrival
Visitors arriving from Playa del Carmen often continue with:
→ Cozumel Excursions and Activities
Operator Websites (Official Sources)
- Ultramar — https://www.ultramarferry.com
- Winjet — https://www.winjet.mx
- Xcaret Xailing — https://xailing.xcaret.com
This page does not provide customer service or booking for any operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run?
1–2 per hour (morning/evening), 2–3 per hour midday.
How long is the crossing?
Typically 35–45 minutes.
Do ferries operate at night?
Limited service after ~8:00–10:00 PM.
Do schedules change?
Yes — weather, demand, and operator updates may affect timing.
Are pets or luggage allowed?
Policies vary by operator.
Are ferries wheelchair accessible?
Depends on vessel — confirm with operator.