Sign-up for offers and news from the Local Experts for Cozumel. world's second longest barrier reef, Follow my blog to find out how to travel Mexico like a local with my insider travel tips! Ven a descubrir tres de los mejores lugares para hacer snorkel en Cozumel por el precio de uno! A: No, but you need to be comfortable in the water. Splash into the pools. 2 us Dollars Marine Entrance Fee At the terminal we were greeted by another guide from Australia and then were introduced to Gustavo. Cozumel is an island located on the eastern coast of Riviera Maya. It is also the perfect moment to weigh anchor at. This reef is famous for the great diversity of corals and marine organisms, and it is even home of several endemic species of marine creatures like The Cozumel Splendid Toadfish. On Ultramar, you also have the option to upgrade to a first-class ticket, which grants you access to an exclusive upstairs lounge with food and beverage service. There are also benches around the square where you can just sit back and relax or enjoy a refreshing treat from one of the food vendors. - You can change the date of your tour or cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the tour with no cancellation fee or other charges. Both plane models have a capacity of up to 5 people, are air-conditioned and include a headset for each passenger. So basically, the reef was in accessible. BOOK IT HERE, The Cozumel Snorkeling Tour from Playa del Carmen focuses on snorkeling (surprise! The current Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry prices are 500 Pesos (USD 25) round-trip in both companies. Gustavo finally got tired of the employee handing out the dirty gear and went to find clean gear for us, even cleaning it himself. to the Coral Reefs, Beer, Water, and The ferry schedule varies throughout the year but there is typically one that departs every hour. The staff was great! Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Cancellations made between 24-36 hrs before = 50% refund. A Cozumel private island tour includes your own personal guide who will drive you to the islands most popular attractions. When you arrive at the pier in, , you will board Playa Mias snorkeling customized Catamaran for a scenic cruise along the coastline. There are two car ferry companies to Cozumel: Ultramar and TransCaribe. Q: DO I NEED TO USE BIODEGRADABLE It is really easy and fun! Don't make the same mistake! Enjoy a delicious lunch at the beach (1 main dish to choose between chicken, fish and hamburgers), Simply, treat yourself with twenty more complimentary services and attractions. Lookingfor the easiest way to get to Cozumel? Marvel at the abundance of butterflyfish, parrotfish, snapper and more. When you arrive at the Cozumel Airport, you can take a taxi to your hotel or book a private shuttle that offers roundtrip transportation to and from your hotel in Cozumel in air-conditioned vehicles. A: Yes. Rental cars are widely available in Cozumel and can be booked online in advance or directly at the ferry terminal. After snorkeling, the bar on board is open for a well-deserved ice-cold draft beer, a salty margarita or a refreshing rum punch mix. Ive found that the beaches on the west side of the island rarely get hit with the seaweed that can sometimes be found on other beaches in Riviera Maya. Gustavo has great customer service skills, cares for his guests and is a great entertainer and problem solver. Top Cozumel Safety Tips for Travel in 2022. Also, door to door the trip took 11 hours. The Caribbean Island of Cozumel, off the coast of the You can plan your own itinerary whether you want to hit the beach, visit Punta Sur Park, or check out the less developed eastern side of the island. It'll be the best day of your Mexican Caribbean vacation! Tropical fish and coral reefs abound, great experience! There are so many fun things to do in Cozumel whether you are looking for something adventurous or simply some relaxation. Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! quite a wonder in it's own right. Take a ride on the wild side on kayaks, Hubie cats or pedal boats. Our guides will take you through spectacular coral - so peaceful and wonderful. People under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to board Once you arrive to the terminal, you will likely be bombarded by unofficial salespeople on the street offering ferry tickets. Below are a few items I would recommend bringing for a day trip to Cozumel. by boat, and sometimes from shore, depending Snorkeling is great fun! at Xel-Ha or one of these that includes beach. Privacy Policy. Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option! Things to do in Riviera Maya & the Yucatan, Rio Secreto Nature Reserve Tours & Tickets, Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Tours & Tickets, Fundadores Park (El Zcalo) Tours & Tickets, Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) Tours & Tickets, CoCo Bongo Playa del Carmen Tours & Tickets, Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo) Tours & Tickets. Cozumel Cruise Excursions Chankanaab Park By Jeep Tour Cozumel, Jeep Tour Cozumel Snorkel Punta Sur and Beach Break, Dune Buggy Snorkel Punta Sur Beach Break and Lunch, Dive and Drive Cozumel with Discover Scuba Diving Course, Cozumel Discover Scuba Diving Course with Lunch Included, Cozumel Unlimited Shore Snorkel with Lunch Included, Cozumel Snorkel By Catamaran El cielo y Playa Mia. Just floating and being immersed within the underwater scenery is enough to feel in contact with the purity of nature! I am lucky enough to speak spanish and explained to Gustavo and the employee that I did not appreciate him sharing snorkle tubes that were not washed or cleaned, I watched the employee accept another snorkel and mask from a local hotel guest and he put it right back into circulation with no cleaning or sterilization of the mouthpiece or mask and handed it to me. Splash into the pools. Do you need travel insurance for Mexico? Watch your relentless little pirates shoot water cannons from the pirate ship in the Buccaneers Bay kids pool. and the Riviera Maya that offer wonderful Then the helm is set to the most secluded Cozumel s treasure: El Cielo Bay, a heaven on earth paradise, sanctuary for starfish and other protected species. Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen Travelista Tip:For a less commercialized Cozumel beach experience, head to the lesser well-known Playa Chen Rio on the east side of the island where you can hang out in a beautiful beach cove and grab some fresh seafood or drinks at the El Pescador beachfront restaurant. They are also air-conditioned and feature an outside deck if you want to take pictures or enjoy the breeze. The highlight of this excursion is snorkeling among countless colorful fish in the coral reefs, but youll also get to relax at the beach and enjoy the water activities at the Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park. 360 + 250, Playa Maroma, Playa del Carmen 77710 Mexico, Av. The equipment provided was substandard including cheap inflatable safety vests with snorkel gear of questionably hygiene standards. Both ferries depart from Port Calica, south of Playa del Carmen, and a one-way trip for the car and 5 people costs around USD 50 at the time of writing. Further pick up locations available for USD 15 per person per day. Then you can relax and enjoy the wonderful snorkelling and warm welcome you'll receive on the island. The Riviera Maya is a snorkelers playground! The FlyCozumel private charter flight departs from the airport in Playa del Carmen, and it only takes around 10 minutes to arrive at Cozumel Airport. You will feel that time flies while you are exploring every nook of the reef, but dont worry, you will have plenty of time to explore and discover the natural treasure of Cozumel! This activity is not recommnended for pregnant women, persons with asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or heart problems. Snorkel gear, buffet lunch, refreshments and round-trip hotel transport from the mainland are all included. Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so youll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. Optional amenities, such as -la-carte menu, soft drinks, cash bar, massages, snorkel gear rental, wave-runners, parasailing, and others, are available for an additional fee. Once they get you to Cozumel, you take an hour long boat ride to their shop. Cozumel is known for its coral reef system, which is actually the second longest in the world and makes for an amazing snorkeling experience. Remember stay away from the Allegro Cozumel Resort dive shop - being given dirty gear is not worth the risk or getting sick - which could ruin your vacation. YourCozumel adventurestarts right in check-in at Playa del Carmen, you will receive a quick briefing before boarding the ferry for a short deep-sea sail. Email: [emailprotected], Refunds and Returns Policy Once you arrive in Cozumel, you have two options to get from the terminal to your hotel. Site content copyright 2005-2022. In the afternoon theres a ferry at 3 PM and one every two hours until 10 PM. hotel location, but will be specified on your confirmation. Kids: All ages welcome. User Agreement. You wont believe your eyes! Cozumel is a snorkelers paradise! Most insurance plans in your home country will not cover incidents abroad. On the El Cielo tour, youll get to snorkel at three different coral reefs, as well as visit El Cielo and a super stunning beach called El Cielito. NO CANCELLATION FEE And after the trip, an hour long boat ride back to the ferry. Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is a The transportation was poorly coordinated, we snorkeled at two locations for about an hour each and did not include El Cielo. Combine snorkeling at two fantastic sites on this day trip from the Riviera Maya to Cozumel. From my experience, the Ultramar ferries have been newer and nicer in quality but I would recommend just checking the overhead signs to see which one will be departing next. There are many options for snorkeling tours in Cozumel but by far the most popular tour option is visiting El Cielo, which is a shallow snorkeling spot known for its abundance of starfish. Departure will depend on weather conditions Bring your camera Our party of 4 was the only group interested in snorkel only since we booked a snorkel tour. Playa For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. Since its close to most Downtown hotels, you can definitely walk to the terminal. The ferries offer comfortable seating areas, bathrooms, and small cafes where you can buy refreshments. are many hidden coves in Playa del Carmen For more day trips from Playa del Carmen, check out my other day trip guides: These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend: Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Booking.com. ), so youll be taken to two different spots in the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park to witness the underwater world from up close and swim among its inhabitants. They have inside areas with air-conditioning and open air decks too. We'll assume you're okay with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The next one is at 10 AM, and until 1 PM theres one every hour. However, Viator stepped up to the plate and made it right. The snorkeling on the boat tours and All except the whale sharks and Xel However, if you don't swim, you might want to consider snorkeling the Riviera Maya's Famous Caverns! Most importantly, they all live on the island, so have great local knowledge and will make sure you see the most amazing underwater sights. our large selection of Playa del Carmen Tours and Activities. One of the things I love about living in Playa del Carmen is that there are so many fun options for day trips. Our Advice: We really enjoy catamaran sailing also charter a boat not shown on our website for you. Bottom Boat Ride Ferry tickets can be bought at the pier which is centrally located in Playa del Carmen. Great. BOOK IT HERE, With this Cozumel Island tour, youll visit Chankanaab Park, an aquatic park where youll get to explore the botanical garden, relax on the beach, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Cancellations made between 36-48 hrs before = 80% refund. isn't just a "best location" because so many locations are My name is Stefania and Im a full time traveler originally from Italy. Privacy Policy. Once on the snorkel location, the views were AMAZING. apply to ages 5-10 years old. biodegradable sunblock page for more information. These cookies do not store any personal information. The distance from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is almost 48 Kilometers. Youll want to pack light so you dont have too much to carry on the ferry. The Cozumel ferry to Playa del Carmen costs 500 Pesos (USD 25) roundtrip at the time of writing. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Ride the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, Snorkel in the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, Snack on refreshments and dig into a buffet lunch, Ferry to Cozumel and transfers from/to your accommodation along the Riviera Maya (excluding Playa Mujeres and Tulum). Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun and Playa del Carmen, is home to some of the You can fly there! Notes: There is no pick-up or drop-off south of Playa del Carmen. With a great number of safe reefs, it is perfect for the whole family! Transportation Between Meeting Location and the Ferry Pier, Glass You can either meet at the departure point below or select a location for pick-up. Youll then travel in a jeep to explore other parts of the island and climb the Celarain Lighthouse, from where youll get amazing panoramic views. You'll have a lifejacket or snorkeling vest on, so you won't The Cozumel Snorkel Tour offers you a full-day trip to the island of Cozumel. Unfortunately the snorkel trip was combined with a dive trip. Ride a custom ferry over to the island of Cozumel, where some time to wander around Downtown Cozumel before we return to Playa lying just 2 minutes offshore by boat. You can pick up my favorite brand on Amazon here. Sail to the National Marine Park for world-classsnorkeling in the reefs of Cozumel. Youll be able to pay for taxis in pesos or USD but credit cards are typically not accepted so youll want to make sure you have enough cash on hand. Copyright 2022 Every Steph | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Take the Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, How to Get to the Cozumel Ferry Terminal in Playa del Carmen, FlyCozumel private charter flight departs from the airport in Playa del Carmen, 16 Restaurants in Doha Not To Miss [2022], How To Get from Playa del Carmen to Holbox [2022], 20 BEST Dubai Desert Safari Tours To Book in 2022, 12 BEST Food Tours in Rome To Book in 2022. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Exact meeting time will depend on your Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Its located directly across from the Cozumel ferry terminal so its just a short walk once you arrive on the island. Cancellations made less than 24 hrs before = no refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues. Sunbathe on the beach. The planes are 2 and 3 years old and their seats are really comfortable. I created this travel blog after moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Spanish speaking countries. The permits are necessary to restrict the number of boats entering the area, to make sure the crew understand the Marine Park rules and ultimately to protect the island's precious ecology. Both companies also offer discounts for Playa del Carmen locals and Quintana Roo residents. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Book the best snorkeling tour here and theyll do all of the work for you! In the afternoon theres a ferry at 3.30 PMand one every two hours until 10 PM. While the ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen only takes around 40 minutes to arrive, the journey can be a little rough, especially on windy days, so if you get seasick easily you should consider taking dramamine in advance to prevent it. The best option by far is to pre-book a snorkel tour that departs from Cozumel itself, and take the comfortable passenger ferry to get there from Playa del Carmen. How to Get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, Getting Back to Playa del Carmen from Cozumel, Is Cozumel Safe? Biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen is a must to protect the coral reefs! This experience requires good weather. Its such an easy excursion and offers some pretty spectacular beaches and activity options. 2008- JS Tour & Travel - All Rights Reserved. While If you want to take your car with you, there are two car ferry companies to Cozumel: Ultramar and TransCaribe. Visiting a beach club is always at the top of my list whenever I visit Cozumel! Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen, Yucatan Peninsula, Carretera Federal 307 Chetumal Puerto Juarez Km. Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. Snorkeling tours are sometimes done special itinerary just for your occasion. Our trip had 7 divers and 7 snorkelers. Kids should be supervised at all times, You must be at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before the departure time. In this post, Im detailing how to take a day trip to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen including how to get there, top things to do, and tips for visiting. The downstairs is usually air-conditioned and the upstairs offers open deck seating. Youll want to be extra mindful of when the last ferry departs so you dont miss the last ferry to Playa del Carmen. Cozumel is a small island located just 18 km to the east of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. After a ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, youll take a boat to Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park. Explore the warm waters of this protected coral reserve located off Cozumels southern coast. Click on the links at left to further explore Rental Cars: I like to use Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent. Miguel for a delicious Mexican lunch at one of the most traditional restaurants in Cozumel. Ask your host for additional information and prices. All water activities in Playa del Carmen This almost had us cancel the trip. All rights reserved. There is always a line of taxis waiting outside the ferry terminal where you can easily grab a taxi. SUNSCREEN? The place is beautiful and staff friendly but this company was a mistake. I'm Allison, a travel blogger with a passion for Spanish and a love of Latin America travel. If youre looking for a leisurely activity in Cozumel, I would definitely recommend exploring the downtown area known as San Miguel de Cozumel. Once youre on the ferry, it takes a little over 30 minutes to travel to Cozumel. Keep in mind that taxi prices in Cozumel are much more expensive than in Playa del Carmen and you might pay $15-$20 USD for a one-way trip. It really gives you the freedom to explore the island at your leisure and discover some of the amazing Cozumel resorts and beach clubs that are off the beaten path.