I want to share one of my favorite day‑trip itineraries: hopping on the ferry in Playa del Carmen, spending a day exploring, snorkeling, chilling at a beach club, and ending with a taste of Cozumel’s southern tip.
🚢 Getting There — Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
- Ferries run frequently between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, operated by companies like Ultramar Ferry, Winjet Ferry, and Xcaret Xailing.
- Ultramar Ferry: https://www.ultramarferry.com/en/routes-and-departures
- Winjet Ferry: https://winjet.mx/en/home-2-2/
- Xcaret Xailing: Xcaret Xailing website
- Duration: about 35–45 minutes depending on weather and ferry operator.
- Typical cost (one-way): around MXN 250–320 (~USD 12–16) for adults. Round-trip tends to be in the MXN 500–600 (~USD 25–30) range.
- Where to catch the ferry: Playa’s maritime terminal in downtown (near 5th Avenue / central area) — easy to reach by taxi or on foot if you’re staying in town.
- Google map location of the Playa del Carmen ferry: ferry map
- Pro tip: Aim for an early ferry (start ~ 8:00 AM) so you maximize your time on the island.
Once you arrive in downtown Cozumel (San Miguel / ferry terminal), you’ll have taxis, rental scooters/cars, and local transport available to explore the island.
🌊 What to Do: From Coral Reefs to Beach Clubs to Island’s End
Snorkel / Boat Tour to El Cielo (Star‑fish Reef & Shallow Waters)
- El Cielo is a shallow‑reef / sand‑flat area off Cozumel known for crystal‑clear water and sea stars — ideal for snorkeling or just floating and enjoying the Caribbean. Many tours leave from the cruise‑pier / downtown harbor area.
- Some tours from companies start mid- to late morning (~9:30 AM or 10:30 AM) so it’s easy to catch a ferry, arrive, and hop right onto a boat.
- Website: elcielocozumel.com
- The reef and water are part of the broader marine ecosystem that ties into the island’s famous reefs.
💡 Why it works for a day trip: You get major “wow — that water is unreal” moments without needing overnight lodging, and it’s close enough to the ferry‑port to fit into a tight schedule.
Beach Club Lunch / Chill — Buccanos Beach Club (or alternatives)
After snorkeling, a relaxed beach‑club vibe is perfect:
- Buccanos offers a nice balance — good beachfront, pool, beach loungers/palapas, and nice food & drinks. Many visitors love it for lunch and unwinding.
- If you prefer a more party / resort‑style all‑inclusive beach‑club experience, Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club is very popular, with pools, food & drinks packages, water activities, and a lively vibe.
- Another relaxed option: Paradise Beach Club — a good fit for families or those wanting a calmer beach + water‑toy vibe.
💡 Tip: Beach clubs are often more comfortable than free public beaches — they offer shade, chairs, restrooms, and sometimes gear rentals (snorkels, flotation, etc.).
See the “End of the Island” — Punta Sur Eco Beach Park (South Tip + Lighthouse + Nature & Reef)
- Punta Sur is a protected ecological park on the southern tip of Cozumel, with beaches, a scenic lighthouse (Celarain Lighthouse), museum, nature trails, lagoon‑watching (birds, maybe crocodiles in mangroves), and access to nearby reefs for snorkeling.
- Entrance to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is about USD 24 for adults, USD 16 for children.
- Website: cozumelparks.com
- The ambience is more natural and calm compared to the busy beach clubs — perfect if you want a mix of light adventure, nature and a sense of reaching the “edge” of the island.
🕒 Sample Day‑Trip Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| ~ 8:00 AM | Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel (arrive ~8:45–9:00) |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Grab a quick coffee / snack near the pier & arrange transport (taxi/scooter/car) |
| 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Snorkel / boat tour to El Cielo (star‑fish reef + shallow Caribbean) |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Lunch / relax at a beach club (Buccanos, Mr. Sancho’s, or Paradise) |
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Head south to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park — explore lighthouse, beaches, maybe snorkel or walk nature trails |
| 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Return to downtown Cozumel, grab a snack, stroll souvenir shops or sip a drink near the pier |
| ~ 7:00–8:00 PM | Ferry back to Playa del Carmen (check last ferry times) |
💡 Practical Tips & Things to Know
- Bring cash (pesos) — some ferry terminals and small shops/beach‑clubs may prefer cash or charge extra for cards.
- Taxis or scooter rentals are often the easiest way to move around the island, especially if you want to visit both beach‑club areas and Punta Sur in one day.
- Snorkeling gear or water shoes help if you plan to snorkel reefs (rocks/corals) or walk on rocky beaches before water shoes.
- Start early — earlier ferries maximize daylight on the island, especially if you plan multiple stops.
- If you want to see the island’s natural side (reefs, southern tip, nature) — go south to Punta Sur. If you want convenience, comfort, food, cocktails — beach clubs near downtown or west coast are perfect.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.
From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.
Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.
North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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