Playa del Carmen Boat Tour: Catamarans and Cozumel

Cozumel departure and ferry

The passenger ferry leaves from central Playa del Carmen. The tourism council gives an approximate crossing time of 45 minutes, so allow additional time for reaching the terminal, boarding and getting to an island meeting point. The vehicle ferry uses a different terminal at SAC TUN/Calica. A passenger crossing is the relevant choice for a boat excursion that meets on Cozumel without a vehicle.

The island catamaran excursion starts at a Cozumel pier and does not include the ferry from Playa. Its listed duration is five hours and it includes snorkeling gear, a life jacket, drinks and lunch. A transparent boat experience also meets on Cozumel, so arrange the crossing separately. These are useful choices if you want to organise the island journey yourself and spend time there around the boat activity.

The ferry and catamaran combination starts at the passenger ferry terminal in Playa. It includes a return ferry, a catamaran trip, snorkeling equipment and lunch, while ground transport is separate. Its listed duration is seven hours. Its displayed rating is 3.4 from three reviews, a small sample to consider when deciding whether the combination suits your plans.

Catamaran or transparent boat?

A catamaran offers space to travel on the water as well as stops to enter it. The island departure includes a meal and drinks, while the combined excursion includes snorkeling equipment at its stated stops and a restaurant lunch. The two programmes differ in their starting point and ferry arrangements, so compare the whole itinerary rather than treating the crossing as a detail to settle later.

The transparent boat offers a different view of the water and includes a guided reef snorkeling stop with equipment. It can appeal to a group that wants a boat ride as well as time in the sea. The meeting point is on Cozumel, making the ferry part of your own schedule. Consider the time needed to return to the mainland as well as the outward crossing.

Planning a reef day

Sea conditions and port operations can affect a boat day. Build some room into the schedule, particularly if another connection follows the return ferry. Within the Arrecifes de Cozumel protected area, use authorised boat operators and respect the reef rest calendar. Avoid touching marine life or coral, and follow the crew's instructions in the water.

For a different kind of freshwater swim, explore the cenotes near Playa del Carmen. Qualified divers and first-time participants can also compare the distinct activities on our diving page. Neither a reef trip nor a cenote visit promises a particular wildlife sighting; the setting and activity are the useful starting points for your choice.

What to take

Bring a towel, drinking water and a way to keep personal belongings protected from spray. Wear comfortable clothing for the ferry and boat, and leave room in your day for a meal if your chosen itinerary does not provide one. The included snorkeling equipment and life jacket make the featured water stops easier to plan, but each itinerary has its own meeting point and timetable.