Grab the kids, your partner, or your friends, and get moving! Our list of things to do in Playa del Carmen and its very best must-see attractions are here, ready to take you on.
1. Play in the Sea
Swimming, kite-surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving are all widely available here and it isn’t hard to find good gear. There’s a beach best suited for each activity and plenty of them. For the perfect seafaring holiday, Playa del Carmen is hard to beat.
Riviera Sunset Sailing Tour
- 2 hours
- From $105.96 per adult
Luxury Sailing & Snorkelling Tour with Gourmet Lunch
- 4 hours
- From $141.68 per adult
2. Enjoy the Waterparks
Whether you have kids in tow or not, a visit to one of the area’s excellent eco-waterparks makes for a memorable, action-packed day. Xel-Ha, Xcaret and Xplor are all good options, using the Yucatan’s natural surroundings, flora and fauna to entertain its many visitors.
Xenses Park
- 9 hours
- From $107.14 per adult
Xplor Feugo (Evening)
- 7 hours
- from $154.76 per adult
Xplor Day Pass
- 8 hours
- from $178.58 per adult
Xcaret Park Plus (Includes buffet lunch)
- 14 hours
- from $190.48 per adult
3. Stroll Parque Fundadores
Watching the Voladores de Papantla take to the skies in Parque Fundadores is like taking in a magical outdoor circus. What began as an ancient ritual of song, dance and brave acrobatics has entertained locals and visitors for hundreds of years, and is as true to its original form as ever.
Access to Parque Fundadores is free, though we recommend bringing cash to show your appreciation to the performers.
4. Swim with Whale Sharks
As summer begins to wind down, the activity in the waters in the Yucatan Peninsula begins to heat up. Scores of migrating whale sharks make their annual pilgrimage here, feeding in the plankton-rich waters, gliding gently alongside divers and snorkelers lucky enough to experience this heart-warming and spectacular encounter. The docile whale shark is the largest fish in the sea and truly a sight to behold.
Most tours can be booked for around $200 per adult.
5. Explore Nearby Beaches
If you’re looking for a stretch of sand all to yourself, you might not find it in Playa del Carmen. The beaches there are a lot of things but deserted they are not. To get your fix of solitude, head a little further south to Playacar, and you can stretch right out. While some beaches belong to resorts and are private, many stretches are open to everyone to enjoy.
Taxi rides between Playa del Carmen and Playacar range from $10-20 each way (depending on how larger your group size is). Ask your Travel Expert about booking your rides in advance or renting your own car for the day.
6. Watch Endangered Sea Turtles
If you’re looking for an enthralling outdoor activity that will stay with you forever, wade into the waters of nearby Akumal and dive in. The beaches along the Mayan coast are important breeding grounds for the endangered Green Sea Turtle, and they are plentiful here. No group or tour to join, just grab your mask and flippers and get out there. Remember, the turtles are protected, so keep your distance and no touching.
Underwater World from Riviera Maya
- 9 hours
- From $105.96 per adult
Swim with sea turtles, dive into a cenote, and explore photogenic caverns.
7. Dance the Night Away
You don’t have to head to Cancun to dance the night away. From traditional mariachi bands to some of the world’s most sought-after DJs, finding a good dance party is a breeze. Playa del Carmen has its fair share of booming discos, dance clubs, lively cantinas and chill lounges, and if you come at the right time, even a world-famous music festival or two, too!
Check out the Arena Festival (Feb), La Fete de la Musique (Jun), the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival (Nov), and Heineken Winter Beach (Dec).
Tour Xoximilco (Carnival Games, Live Music & Open Bar)
- 7 hours
- From $154.76 per adult
8. Eat & Drink Well
From your morning huevos rancheros and lunchtime quesadillas to beautiful dinner ceviches and late-night street tacos, your appetite will be well taken care of here. Sink your teeth into the freshest local ingredients, just-caught fish, and the rich, world-famous local chocolate.
But it isn’t just authentic Mexican fare that’s turning heads in Playa. Great Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese, and other world cuisines are all at your fingertips and delicious. Chase it all down with a refreshing smoothie, a cold cerveza, world-class coffee or a shot of mezcal, or two, and you’re golden. Tequila!
Tour Travellers Table (Adults Only)
Learn to recognize the culinary influence of Spain, Africa, and the Middle East on Playa del Carmen cuisine. Your guided 5-course meal is paired with wine, mezcals, and tequilas.
- 3 hours
- From $165.50 per person
Chichen Itza Mayan Cuisine
Visit Valladolid, Chichen Itza, and Ik kil cenote, plus enjoy a gastronomic and drinks demonstration highlighting traditional Mayan cuisine.
- 11 hours
- From $153.59 per adult
9. Dive into a Cenote
The Gran Cenote of Tulum, with its shallow waters and viewing platform for those wanting to keep dry, is one of the region’s biggest natural attractions.
The cool waters of Cenote Cristalino are remarkably clear, so much so that it’s worth bringing your snorkel gear, (as well as your bravery) if you wish to dive in from its rocky overhang. Those wanting to go deeper can dive the 200-foot deep Cenote Angelita, exploring its natural brackish beauty.
10. Learn Indigenous Mayan History
From Yucatan’s ancient capital, Merida, all the way down to the border of Belize, and beyond, Mayan history awaits.
Hidden in the overgrown jungles of the interior, and sometimes even directly on the beach (Tulum), sit stoic reminders of this indigenous civilization in the form of pyramids, forts and temples, all discovered relatively recently. Join a tour or explore on your own but do not miss your chance to visit these breathtaking archeological wonders.
Tulum Discovery from Riviera Maya
- 6 hours
- From $67.87
Mayan Night from Riviera Maya with Cenote Swim
- 7 hours
- From $117.87 per adult
11. ATV & Zip-line Adventure
Enjoy the great outdoors in Riviera Maya’s beautiful jungles. Don’t let a little helmet hair stop you from jumping onto an Outlander ATV and hitting the scenic trails. Then, go for the bird’s eye view with a 7-part zipline circuit through the treetops. Finish your adventure by cooling off with a refreshing swim and a tasty lunch filled with local flavours.
ATV Xtreme & Zip Line
- 3 hours
- From $153.59 per adult
12. Treat Yourself to a Professional Photoshoot
Selfies are great, but they definitely can’t beat the real deal (no matter how nifty your tripod is). Perfect for families and friend groups so nobody gets left out of the picture, make sure your memories last forever with a beautiful photo that captures the perfect moment!
Travelshoot Playa del Carmen
- 1-4 hours
- From $383.14
As you can see, Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera can keep even the most active of travellers entertained. Replenish and rejuvenate, recharge and re-establish your zest for life in Mexico’s ultimate playground for everyone.
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