Ferries in Mexico
Ferries in Mexico
All major ferry routes to, from, and within Mexico
Mexico offers a diverse ferry network that connects both coasts and a number of stunning islands. From long-distance crossings across the Gulf of California to short, fast ferry trips to the Yucatรกn Peninsulaโs most popular islands, traveling by ferry here is often the most scenic โ and sometimes the only โ way to go.
Whether you're hopping over to Isla Mujeres for the day, heading to Holbox for a quiet beach escape, or making the long-haul crossing from Mazatlรกn to La Paz, this guide covers the most relevant ferry options in Mexico.
Map: ferry routes in Mexico
Use our interactive Mexico Ferry Map to explore all routes. Click on any port to see connections, crossing times, and operators.
About the ferry crossings in Mexico
Ferry travel in Mexico varies widely depending on the region:
-
West Coast (Baja Ferries):
These are the largest ferries in Mexico, operated by Baja Ferries, connecting Sinaloa (Mazatlรกn, Topolobampo) with Baja California Sur (La Paz). These overnight crossings can save up to 1,500 miles of driving and are popular with road trippers and freight. -
East Coast (Yucatรกn Peninsula):
This is where most tourist ferries operate, offering frequent short crossings between the mainland and famous islands like Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Holbox. These ferries are operated by companies like Ultramar, Winjet, Xcaret Xailing, and The Holboxeรฑo.
Most of these eastern crossings are walk-on only or allow limited vehicle transport (mostly scooters or small bikes). The focus is on speed and convenience.
Mexican ferry routes
| Route/crossing | Region? | Operator | Sailing time | Sailings | Price pp | Ferry type? | Notes? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazatlรกn โ La Paz | Pacific | Baja Ferries | 12 hours | Up to 3 times per week | $112 | Large vehicle/passenger ferry | Major long-distance route across the Gulf of California. Great for road trips. |
| Topolobampo โ La Paz | Pacific | Baja Ferries | 8 hours | Up to 6 times per week | $96 | Large vehicle/passenger ferry | Faster Pacific coast crossing option; connects Sinaloa with Baja California Sur. |
| Cancรบn โ Isla Mujeres | Yucatรกn Peninsula | Ultramar | 35โ45 mins | Up to 65 times per day | $12 | High-speed passenger ferry | Most frequent ferry route in Mexico. Great for short island visits. |
| Chiquilรก โ Holbox | Yucatรกn Peninsula | The Holboxeรฑo | 1 hour | Up to 30 times per day | $11 | Passenger ferry | Access point to the quiet, car-free island of Holbox. |
| Playa del Carmen โ Cozumel | Yucatรกn Peninsula | Winjet, Ultramar | 35โ45 mins | Up to 20 times per day | $12 | High-speed passenger ferry | Popular with divers and cruise passengers heading to Cozumel. |
Ferry from Cancรบn to Isla Mujeres
The Isla Mujeres ferry is one of the most popular and busiest ferry routes in Mexico. Located just a short ride off the coast of Cancรบn, the island is known for its laid-back vibe, crystal-clear waters, and white-sand beaches โ perfect for a day trip or short stay.
Ferries depart all day long from four different piers in Cancรบn:
- Puerto Juรกrez (most popular, with Ultramar & Jetway)
- Playa Tortugas Pier (Ultramar)
- Playa Caracol Pier (Ultramar โ Hotel Zone)
- Embarcadero (Xcaret Xailing)
- With over 60 daily sailings, ferries run every 15โ30 minutes during peak hours.
The crossing takes about 20โ30 minutes, and ticket prices start around $12 USD. You can compare schedules and book online via platforms like Bookaway or DirectFerries.
Whether you're heading over for snorkeling, a golf cart tour, or just to relax on Playa Norte โ Isla Mujeres is a must-visit if you're staying in Cancรบn
Ferry to Isla Holboxย
The only way to reach Isla Holbox is by ferry from Chiquilรก, a small port town about 2โ3 hours north of Cancรบn. The crossing takes 20โ30 minutes, and ferries run every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, operated by 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express.
- ๐ต Bring cash:ย ATMs in Chiquilรก and Holbox are often offline
- Tickets cost around $11 USD, available at the dock or online
- No cars on Holbox: only golf carts and bikes
- Easy to reach by bus or shuttle from Cancรบn, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen.
A quick, frequent ferry to one of Mexicoโs most relaxing island getaways.
Ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen
The ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel runs all year and is one of the busiest in Mexico. Two companies operate on this route:
- Ultramar (blue/yellow) โ ~35 mins, slightly faster
- Winjet (orange) โ ~45 mins, slightly cheaper
There are at least 20 daily departures, starting around 8 AM and running until 10 PM. Tickets start at $12 USD for the standard class or around $16 for the first class.
- Buy tickets at the port kiosks or online via DirectFerries for both operators.
- Car ferries must be booked separately via ultracarga.com.
Do we miss any routes?
Weโre constantly updating our guides and maps, but if you know of a route weโve missed – especially regional or local crossings in Baja, Veracruz, or southern Mexico – let us know! You can comment directly on the page or email the team.
On board, vessels & route maps
Booking your ferry tickets
Using the online booking system, you can compare prices, timetables, and availability with just a few clicks. Enter your travel dates and select the crossing that best suits your needs. Itโs simple and saves time.
Pro Tip: During peak seasons, ferries can book up quickly. Secure your tickets early, especially if traveling with a vehicle.
How ferry travel works in Mexico
On the Pacific Coast (Baja Ferries):
These large ferries connect Baja California Sur with Sinaloa, cutting out a 1,500 km drive around the Gulf of California. They accommodate cars, RVs, and freight, and are great for overland travelers.
In the Yucatรกn Peninsula (Tourist Islands):
Ferries to Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Holbox run frequently throughout the day. These are mostly foot-passenger catamarans, offering fast and easy access to the regionโs top islands.
Important tip: Most tourist ferries do not accept cars, but scooters and bicycles are often allowed.
Helpful planning info
What to expect onboard:
- Covered and open-air seating
- Clean restrooms
- Luggage storage (no strict limits on most routes)
- Onboard drinks/snacks (more common in Yucatรกn ferries)
- QR code/mobile ticket scanning
When to book:
- Short crossings like Isla Mujeres rarely sell out
- Holbox and Cozumel: book early during holiday weeks, especially Easter, Christmas, and summer
- Baja Ferries: advance booking required for vehicles, and cabins sell out in high season
Can I also go to Cuba (Cancun) to Mexico by ferry?
In addition to the major ferry crossing between Mazatlan and La Paz. Do Baja Ferries operate smaller ferries to other tourist destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, such as Holbox, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres?