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7 Best Cozumel Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
Have you been wondering about Cozumel day trips from Playa del Carmen? You’ve come to the right place!
A day trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is a great addition to any Riviera Maya vacation! It’s a great way to explore the Yucatan beyond Chichen Itza and the cenotes.
I should know because I lived in Playa del Carmen for a year with my family and we took day trips to Cozumel pretty regularly. It’s easy and fun!
If you’re vacationing in Playa del Carmen and want to take a day trip to Cozumel but don’t want to deal with getting there on your own, I always recommend they look into taking a guided tour.
That way you’ll have someone knowledgeable on hand if things don’t go as planned. Plus, with a guided tour you’ll be able to learn more about the island and its culture than if you were traveling alone.
So let’s dive in! Here are the best Cozumel day trips from Playa del Carmen for your upcoming trip!
My Top 2 Picks: Cozumel Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Full-Day Cozumel Island Tour
✅ Beach Time
✅ Snorkeling
✅ Lunch
Best Cozumel Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
Here are all the best day trip ideas for a Cozumel tour from Playa del Carmen. Whether you just want to spend a few hours wandering and shopping or are seeking a full day adventure, I have you covered!
1. Full-Day Cozumel Island Tour w/Snorkel, Beach, & EcoParks
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 10-11 hours | ✅ Book Now
Heading off to the island of Cozumel just got easier and more affordable with this fun-filled group tour, which departs from Playa del Carmen and takes you on a day of exploration and adventure.
Embark on a delightful morning excursion by taking a scenic ferry ride with your group to the captivating island of Cozumel.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of white-sand beaches, engage in exhilarating snorkeling adventures, and delve into the captivating history at the Museum of the Island of Cozumel.
You can even upgrade to include a delectable lunch and an open bar! This is an excellent option for those looking for a cost-effective day trip while still having loads of time to enjoy all that San Miguel de Cozumel has to offer!
Fantastic tour in Cozumel!!! The tour operator RODRIGO…such a nice person, friendly…I really recommend this tour…AMAZING!!! You cannot miss it!!!
Daniella P (read more Reviews)
Tour Includes:
☑️ Round Trip Ferry tickets between Playa del Carmen & Cozumel
☑️ Buggy tour (hand transmitter)
☑️ Soda/Pop
☑️ Use of Snorkeling equipment
☑️ Mexican Snack
2. 8-Hour Private 2-stop 45′ Catamaran to Palancar Beach
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | ✅ Book Now
This private catamaran tour is your best bet for private boat tours if you’re vacationing in Playa del Carmen and want to see Cozumel in style. When you board, you’ll even be greeted with a welcome drink!
As you sail out on the Caribbean Sea from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, you’ll get amazing views of the Riviera Maya coast. Soon, you’ll arrive at Palancar Beach.
This secluded beach is incredibly pristine, with crystal-clear aquamarine waters that are perfect for snorkeling. You’ll also be provided with a customized lunch, either onboard the yacht or on the beach under a “palapa” (with your feet in the sand!).
Plus, this luxury catamaran tour offers snorkeling where you can swim with sea turtles and tropical fish in coral reefs. And there are extras available including fishing equipment, floats, towels, and even an underwater camera!
We had a great time and everything was perfect!!! Thank you so much for an awesome experience. I would recommend this to anyone vacationing here!!
tripadvisor reviewer (read more Reviews)
Tour Includes:
☑️ Snorkel gear and life jackets
☑️ Towels
☑️ Open bar w/ unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
☑️ Private tour
☑️ Restroom on board
☑️ Lunch
3. Explore El Cielo, Snorkel 3 Reefs & Visit Cielito Beach
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 12 hours | ✅ Book Now
Explore Cozumel by visiting El Cielo and Cielito Beach and snorkeling three different reefs. It’s a day trip to Cozumel that you don’t want to miss during your stay in Playa del Carmen!
El Cielo is a beautiful strip of white sand located at the south tip of the island. As you step into the crystal clear waters, you will spot hundreds of starfish around your feet. It’s a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else!
From shallow reefs filled with vibrant marine life perfect for beginner snorkelers to deepwater reefs full of colorful corals and schools of fish, Cozumel has it all! Don’t forget to look out for sea turtles gliding through the water.
To top it off, you’ll visit Cielito Beach – a pristine playa Cozumel with powder-white sand and crystal-clear waters. Here you’ll relax after your underwater adventures or take one last dip in the turquoise water before heading back to Playa del Carmen.
Snorkeling guide was fantastic got up close with sting rays If we asked. Bring a sun shirt bc suntan lotion isn’t allowed…very enjoyable tour I highly recommend!
tripadvisor reviewer (read more Reviews)
Tour Includes:
☑️ Use of Snorkeling equipment
☑️ Snorkel in 3 different reefs: Colombia, Palancar, El Cielo
☑️ Ferry ticket and boat ride
☑️ 2 drinks on board per person
☑️ Box Lunch
☑️ Breakfast
☑️ Visit to El Cielito beach and the private beach club
🤩 Check Rates and Availability! 🤩
4. Jeep Ride at Cozumel! Snorkel + Transportation
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 10 hours | ✅ Book Now
Discover Cozumel’s amazing natural beauty with a Jeep Ride around the island! You’ll get to explore hidden beaches, snorkel, and take part in a tequila tasting. Then, end your day with a visit to the Cozumel Lookout for incredible photo ops.
Our guide will drive you around the island, stopping at various spots along the way. During your snorkeling excursion, they’ll be able to point out some of the best sights in the area.
Afterward, you can enjoy a delicious meal at one of Cozumel’s beach clubs before heading off to a tequila factory for a tasting (and maybe even some souvenirs!).
Finally, you can finish your trip up by taking in all that Cozumel has to offer from its famous lookout spot. The view is stunning and an awesome way to remember the epic adventure you just had.
Wonderful place!
tripadvisor reviewer (read more Reviews)
Tour Includes:
☑️ Round-trip Transportation from Playa del Carmen
☑️ Bilingual Guide
☑️ Shared Jeep with guide/driver included
☑️ Visit a Tequila Factory
☑️ Guided Snorkel
☑️ Snorkel Gear & Life Jacket
☑️ Entrance to the beach club with free time
☑️ Lunch
☑️ Visit the Cozumel lookout
☑️ 1 hour of free time at the Center of Cozumel
5. Cozumel Island Jimny Tour with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | ✅ Book Now
The Cozumel Island Jimny Tour is the perfect day-trip for those vacationing in Playa del Carmen who want to explore the beauty of Cozumel. Hop into one of their powerful “Jimnys” and enjoy a scenic drive around the wonders of the island.
Make sure not to miss out on El Mirador, an incredible observation point, before heading to Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. Enjoy non-motorized water activities, laze around in their swimming pools, and explore their other activities, too.
Refuel with a buffet lunch provided before boarding the comfortable catamaran that will take you to Cielito with its crystal clear, shallow waters.
Then return back to Playa Mia where you’ll have some free time before taking the ferry back to Playa del Carmen. You can even tour the Mayan Cacao Factory next door to Playa Mia (extra cost)!
We loved driving around Cozumel and our tour guide gave us lots of information…We had the catamaran trip to ourselves which was incredible…I recommend if you like small tours!
GetYourGuide Traveler (read more Reviews)
Tour Includes:
☑️ Round-trip ferry tickets to Cozumel
☑️ Cozumel island tour
☑️ Bottled water
☑️ Playa Mia Grand Beach Park entrance fee
☑️ Buffet lunch w/open bar
☑️ Non-motorized water sports
☑️ Swimming pools
☑️ Catamaran sail to El Cielito
6. Cozumel Island Ferry Day Trip w/Snorkel, Beach, & Jeep
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 9 hours | ✅ Book Now
Cozumel Island is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and snorkeling. With its ample marine life and calm atmosphere, it’s no wonder so many Playa del Carmen visitors pick Cozumel as their day trip destination of choice.
Not only will you get the opportunity to explore the natural beauties of the island, but you’ll also be able to take part in some good old-fashioned fun! This is one of the top Cozumel day trips from Playa del Carmen by boat!
From swimming in the Mexican Caribbean to watching a sea lion show in the botanical garden, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can even ride a jeep up to Punta Sur Ecological Park to climb the Celarain Lighthouse and see ancient ruins.
And that’s not even half of it! You’ll get to visit a secluded beach perfect for swimming, visit Laguna Colombia home to many birds and crocodiles, and even taste authentic tequila made right on the island itself.
The experience was luxurious, I highly recommend their services…The beautiful tour, the snorkeling experience and the wonderful Jeep. I hope to come back soon!
tripadvisor reviewer (read more Reviews)
Tour Includes:
☑️ Mexican Snack
☑️ Alcoholic Beverages
☑️ Soda/Pop
☑️ Use of Snorkeling equipment
☑️ Round-trip ferry tickets between Playa and Cozumel
7. DIY Day Trip: Pre-Book Ferry Tickets
⭐️ Rating: 4.2/5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: Varies | ✅ Book Now
Prebooking your ferry tickets to Cozumel is a great way to ensure that you have an easy and stress-free day trip from Playa del Carmen. Once we were familiar with Cozumel, we did this a few times. There’s so much to do there!
If you’re planning a DIY day trip itinerary, don’t wait until the last minute. The ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel can become quite busy in peak season and tickets may sell out. People who show up last minute may get turned away.
When booking your ferry tickets, check what time your return ferry leaves from Cozumel so that you don’t miss it. Walk or take a taxi to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen. There is very limited parking available at the terminal.
The primary gateway between Cozumel and the mainland of the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun and the Riviera Maya, is operated by Ultramar and WinJet. The ferry companies offer hourly ferries starting from 7 am to 10 pm daily.
Pleasant trip with nice music. Nice boat.
Getyourguide reviewer (read more Reviews)
Tour Includes:
☑️ Round-trip ferry ticket (premium or first class)
☑️ On-board amenities (depends on the ticket option chosen)
☑️ On-board restrooms
Note: There is an extra deck charge tax (~15-16 MXN) not included in the prepay ticket option. Bring some cash to pay it when boarding.
Tips for Day Trips from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
Visiting Cozumel during your vacation in Playa del Carmen is a great way to get off the beaten path and explore the region. It’s only a short ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen, making it ideal for a day trip to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen.
Before you go, make sure you have all the necessary safety precautions in place. While Cozumel is generally one of the safest places in Mexico, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and watch for pickpockets.
It’s also important to bring sunscreen and bug spray, as well as adequate water for the day. There are plenty of shops in Centro near the ferry if you need to buy some, too.
Getting around Cozumel can be done by taxi, private driver, or rental car. While renting a Jeep is a lot of fun, they do sell out fast. So book in advance if you don’t plan to book one of the above Jeep tours.
👉 I recommend using Discover Cars for renting a car on your trip!
Final Thoughts: Playa del Carmen Day Trips to Cozumel
The best part about taking a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is that it allows you to experience all the wonders of the Caribbean without needing to stay overnight.
🤩 Full-Day Cozumel Island Tour is the best Cozumel Mexico day trip since it offers a wide variety of activities! 🤩
You can explore the ruins, go snorkeling in one of the most vibrant reefs in the world, or simply relax on a quiet beach. Moreover, it’s an easy way to break up your vacation so you’re not stuck in one place for too long.
No matter what your ideal Cozumel day tour looks like, there are plenty of options for Playa del Carmen travelers looking for an exciting excursion. From snorkeling trips to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen to Jeep driving adventures, there’s something for everyone!
Take some time and research all the possibilities, then book a tour that speaks to your interests and budget.
If you’re ready for an unforgettable day out in Cozumel, what are you waiting for? Book a tour today and make some amazing memories!
👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!
