But if you want a more relaxing pace, you will enjoy Cozumel. If you want a place with bigger crowds and more shops, you will like Playa. Both have great beaches and the water is beautiful and both have a great selection of restaurants. If you are a diver, Cozumel is the winner.
Hidden away in the island's lagoons and mangroves are many examples of the American crocodile, or Crocodylus acutus. In Cozumel, they are a shy creature that rarely leaves the brackish lagoons and mangroves in the far north and south the island. Crocodile at Punta Sur Park.
Cozumel Hotels and Places to Stay
- Scuba Club Cozumel. View Hotel.
- Iberostar Cozumel. View Hotel.
- Playa Azul Golf Scuba Spa Hotel.
- Cozumel Hotel & Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham.
- Presidente Inter-Continental Cozumel Resort & Spa.
- Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive.
- Secrets Aura Cozumel.
- Sunscape Sabor Cozumel.
Staying in Playa del Carmen is generally safe, and lots of people do go there with no worries at all. However, it is important to note that it's not always 100% safe. Though crime against tourists is rare, it's good to know how to minimise the risk so you can have a stress-free, absolutely amazing vacation.
Like many other areas of Mexico, Cozumel is a relatively safe destination for tourists to visit. Violent crime is low, however, there have been reports of tourists drinking tainted alcohol at all-inclusive resorts, and there were two incidents involving explosives on tourist ferries in 2018.
Renting a car really isn't essential on Cozumel. The island is compact and easy to navigate with taxis or on foot. So for a few days, you may not need a rental. You can rent a car for only a day if you want to explore the island.
Cozumel is one of the top destinations in Mexico, and it's worth exploring even if you just have a day to do so. Many vacationers staying on the Riviera Maya visit our gorgeous island to explore the amazing water sports, beaches, and family-friendly activities at Playa Mia Grand Beach & Water Park.
The vehicle ferry pier in Cozumel is about a mile south of downtown and the ferries connect with the port of Calica, about 5 miles south of Playa del Carmen on the mainland. The regular price each way for a car and passengers is around $30 and promotional rates are sometimes available.
18 Fun Cheap (or FREE) Things to Do in Cozumel
- Visit Playa San de Martin. Want a wide expanse of white-sand beach, electric blue water, and no huge crowds?
- Explore San Miguel.
- Visit the Cozumel Island Museum.
- Visit the Ruins of San Gervasio.
- Take a Picture with WWII Fighter Planes.
- Go Snorkeling.
- Go Souvenir Shopping.
- Enjoy a DIY Foodie tour of San Miguel.
Snorkeling off the coast of Playa Del CarmenThere is one close spot where you can go snorkeling in Playa De Carmen. On the north end of Playa Del Carmen just past CTM Avenue otherwise know as 46th Street. There is a reef just past where boats park (see photo below).
A one-way ticket direct to Tulum is about $18 USD, and if you want to stop in Playa del Carmen or need a little more flexibility in your schedule, you can pay about the same amount to take a bus to Playa del Carmen and then transfer at the Playa del Carmen station and continue on to Tulum.
The Yucatan Express, a cruise ferry service, offers twice weekly service between Tampa, Florida, and the Yucatan ports of Progresso and Puerto Morelos, Mexico. From Progresso, the ship swings over to Morelos and makes the return trip to Tampa from there. Sailing times are about 36 hours each way.
You can walk to most destinations in town, and it's very safe. Getting to outlying hotels and beaches requires a rental car, moped, or taxi. Car rentals are about $50 for a VW bug and $90 for a Jeep Wrangler.
The main reasons you cannot see Cuba from Cancun are:It is 143+ miles from coast to coast between the two. Humans can see about 3-miles away on a clear and sunny day; however, they cannot see it in exceptional detail.
A very safe location. I did the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel roundtrip on both of my trips in August. I travel all the time alone and find Cozumel and Playa del Carmen to feel safe. Go and have funjust always be aware.
Crime rates in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
| Level of crime | 54.79 | Moderate |
|---|
| Problem people using or dealing drugs | 65.70 | High |
| Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft | 54.79 | Moderate |
| Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery | 50.00 | Moderate |
| Problem corruption and bribery | 86.05 | Very High |
The distance from Playa del Carmen to Belize City is 229 miles. The road distance is 283 miles.
Distance Between Cancun and Major Towns
| Towns and Cities | Distance | Estimated Time |
|---|
| Playa del Carmen | 55 km | 45 minutes |
| Puerto Aventuras | 77.3 km | 60 minutes |
| Akumal | 91.6 km | 75 minutes |
| Tulum | 125 km | 100 minutes |
Cozumel Ferry PriceCredit cards are accepted or you can pay in Mexican pesos or USD.
The island is located in the Caribbean Sea along the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula about 82 km (51 mi) south of Cancún and 19 km (12 mi) from the mainland. The island is about 48 km (30 mi) long and 16 km (9.9 mi) wide.
The average price of a 7-day trip to Cozumel is $1,541 for a solo traveler, $2,768 for a couple, and $5,189 for a family of 4. Cozumel hotels range from $79 to $358 per night with an average of $139, while most vacation rentals will cost $120 to $440 per night for the entire home.
For those who want to speed up the journey, a private vehicle can get you from Cancun to Playa del Carmen in about 45 minutes. From there, you can take the ferry to Cozumel.
All of the ferry companies have kiosk near the ferry pier. Most people just show up and take whatever boat is leaving next. You can buy one way or round trip tickets.
Ultramar offers a passenger ferry service to the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. We have continuous departures to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen and to Isla Mujeres from Cancún center, Cancún and the Hotel Zone, Cancún.
Generally speaking, Cozumel is a safe place to drive. There are very few roads in Cozumel and even fewer cars on the roads headed to the main tourist destinations. The road conditions are overall in pretty good shape.
THIS Is What You Should (And Shouldn't) Pack for Your Playa Del Carmen Vacation
- Light Clothes.
- Swimwear.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen And Bug Spray.
- Beach Bags.
- Sandals.
- Hats.
- A Good Book.
