Cozumel ferry to Playa Del Carmen - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

BillyMetz · 08-22-2006, 03:36 PM

Going to be visiting Cozumel in March of 07 on the FOS. We would like to go on the Mayan Ruins of Tulum excursion. My understanding from all I have read is that the only way from Cozumel to the mainland is the ferry to Playa Del Carmen. It does not matter if you do the tour through the cruise line or a private guide you still have to get to the mainland by way of the ferry. I have read many reviews that this ferry ride can be the ride from hell if you are unlucky. The likelyhood of passengers getting seasick is high. The configuration of the ferry results in most people having to set inside where there is little or no view to help prevent illness. That on some trips as many as 1/3 of the passengers have thrown up, and the smell can be overwhelming during the 45 minute ride each way. I would like to get a number of opinions of those that have taken the ferry before I make this reservation on line. The majority of people in my group are susceptable to sea sickness even with the patch, and some are even blessed with the addition of claustophobia. Tell me what you think.

jstducky · 08-22-2006, 04:42 PM

I had heard the same before I did this excursion and took the ferry. I prepared in advance by taking Bonine. I had heard that you are a lot less likely to get seasick if you sit on top in the open air.

On the day we went, the ride was not bad at all. I got a seat on the top deck in the open air, but it had a roof and it was pretty smooth sailing. Of the people up on top with us, no one got sick or even complained of sea sickness.

On the way back, we ran into a storm. As we were leaving Playa Del Carmen, we saw the storm approaching behind us and knew that it would catch up with us before we made it to Cozumel. Halfway across the channel the storm did catch up with us and it began thundering and there was lightning as well as a lot of rain. The seas got more rough. Everyone sitting up on top huddled to the middle of the upper level where the roof over our heads was keeping the rain from coming down on us. Though a few people complained about feeling naesous as the seas got rougher, no one actually got sick or even got near that point. We all made it back ok.

I had thought that this would be a nightmare, however, it was 100 times better than I had anticipated it being.

That was my experience.

Chudley · 08-22-2006, 09:15 PM

Hi Billy, What I would do if I was prone to seasickness is in addition to the patch, get some of those acu braclets. You can get them at Walamrt for under $10 for two. I know people who get violently sick but with the just the bracelets they don't get sick at all. Ask at the pharmacy, they will know where they are. you don't need a prescription.

BillyMetz · 08-22-2006, 10:44 PM

Thanks Chudley and jstducky, we have the patches and the braclets for those who have a real problem. I guess what I am trying to get a feel for is if we should take the chance. We like to book our tours in advance on line rather than wait until we get on board. Of course there is no way to know what the weather or seas will be like in advance, and that would not be a reason to get a refund. I guess I will just keep acumulating opinions and make my decision as time gets closer.

Chudley · 08-22-2006, 10:47 PM

I wish I could help you more, Billy but I can't. I've been in a fishing boat there and it was a little rough. I've never been on the ferry.

jstducky · 08-23-2006, 10:00 PM

Billy-

If it helps any, here is what the ferry looked like when I took it in 2004.

If you look behind the ferry you see nothing but blue ocean. Its a long stretch of wide open ocean that needs to be crossed to reach Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel. So even in the calmest of waters, its still going to be rocky

jstducky · 08-23-2006, 10:01 PM

here's a different view. this picture was taken while on the ferry looking towards Playa Del Carmen... you can maybe gauge just how far it is..

BillyMetz · 08-24-2006, 10:22 AM

Thanks, jstducky. I also found a web site that had a 360 video of the interior of the ferry. I guess I have found out all I can and will just have to flip a coin to make the decision. It looks as if it is about a 2 hour trip if you include the ferry and the bus from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum. That would be four hours transportation of the 6 1/2 hour tour. So the debate will be gamble on the ferry ride for the two hour tour of the ruins, or do something else that day. Decisions decisions.

nlb1050 · 08-24-2006, 10:40 AM

We did the Tulum tour last year and really enjoyed it. The ferry ride was a bit rough (it was late Jan) but not too bad only one person got sick and that was on the way back to Cozumel.
The tour of Tulum itself was very interesting, after the guided tour we had a bit of time to wander oursleves.

Also the bus ride down and back was interesting to see how the people in the area live. Nothing like seeing a couple of monkeys in some ones yard as pets!

jstducky · 08-24-2006, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyMetz

Thanks, jstducky. I also found a web site that had a 360 video of the interior of the ferry. I guess I have found out all I can and will just have to flip a coin to make the decision. It looks as if it is about a 2 hour trip if you include the ferry and the bus from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum. That would be four hours transportation of the 6 1/2 hour tour. So the debate will be gamble on the ferry ride for the two hour tour of the ruins, or do something else that day. Decisions decisions.

I just went back over my review from my Western Caribbean cruise and this is what I jotted down. We got on the ferry at 6:45 am. The ferry ride took us about 45 minutes. The bus ride to Tulum took us 1 hour. We had a 1 hour guided walking tour with our tour guide and then he gave us almost 2 hours on our own to explore, or go swimming at the beach there if we chose. So we were in Tulum for almost 3 hours. Then we came down to the parking area and watched a brief show put on by some Mayan dancers. Then it was the bus ride back and the ferry ride over to Cozumel. All aboard for us was 2:30 pm. But due to the storm we ran into, we didn't get back to the pier until 2:45 pm. Since we were on a ship's tour, the ship waited for us. Besides there were a few other tours that day that involved boat riding that were all delayed coming back. So for us, we had an 8 hour tour total including ferry, bus ride, and time in Tulum.

We loved Tulum and thought it was amazing!