Playa del Carmen is a perfect blend of beachside relaxation and vibrant city life. With walkable streets, stunning Caribbean beaches, and easy access to cenotes and Mayan ruins, it’s ideal for both adventure and downtime. Add great dining, lively nightlife, and a welcoming atmosphere, and Playa del Carmen becomes an easy place to fall in love with. 🌴
From Playa del Carmen you may snorkel or catch a ferry to Cozumel with its departure point from Playa del Carmen ferry terminal in downtown, near Parque Fundadores / 5th Avenue to San Miguel Ferry Terminal in downtown Cozumel.
Ultramar, Winjet and Xcaret Xailing offer sailings every 30 to 90 minutes, with each trip approximately 45 minutes costing about 250 MXN or $10-12 per adult per trip. Update: Ultramar = $60 UDS per return; WinJet $40 USD per; Xcaret $32 USD RoundTrip = $45 Canadian.
From Cozumel, for snorkelling rentals and to grab a drink, checkout Money Beach Club, Skyreef Beach Club, PalMar Snorkel Beach Club, Tortugas Snorkel Centre and Beach Bar, Beach Break, Nachi Cocom, Paradise Beach. It’s about $20 USD per trip, with places like Skyreach also charging $20 USD per for entrance to the beach club.
Here’s a quick summary of the other potential spots to visit and add to your Image Itinerary:
Cancún – Best for resorts and nightlife. Big beaches, all-inclusive hotels, shopping, and the easiest airport access. More commercial and party-focused.
Puerto Morelos – 45 min from Cancún. Best for peace and authenticity. Quiet beach town, excellent snorkeling on the reef, fewer crowds, and a relaxed local feel.
Playa del Carmen and Cozumel – 1hr from Cancún. The best all-around choice. Walkable, lively but not overwhelming, great restaurants, beaches, cenotes, and easy trips to Cozumel and Mayan ruins.
Akumal Р1.5hrs from Canc̼n. Easy access to shore snorkelling and famous for spotting sea turtles along the shore coastline. Great for beginners where further south is more extensive scuba diving options.
Tulum – 2hrs from Cancún. Best for scenery and vibe. Famous ruins, cenotes, eco-hotels, yoga, and Instagram-worthy beaches. More expensive and spread out with amazing diving sites.
