Breathtaking reefs, ancient Mayan sites and otherworldly underwater sinkholes and caves known as cenotes make Playa del Carmen a beachfront playground with something for everyone. From the brilliant beaches and warm, turquoise waters to the upscale shopping, restaurants and nightlife in the 5th Avenue district to exhilarating snorkeling, ziplining and tours of the Tulum and Chichen Itza archeological sites, the most popular activities, attractions and things to do on the Riviera Maya are just moments from The Reef Playacar.
Just across the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) from the mainland, this beautiful little island offers a laid-back refuge from the frantic beat of Cancun. Its clear water, abundant marine life, colorful reefs and caves makes it one of the prettiest places to snorkel in the Mexican Caribbean.
Halfway between the bustling cities of Cancún and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos has retained its atmosphere of a charming Mexican fishing village with long stretches of sandy white beaches and a serene setting. Snorkel just offshore and see a wonderland of stony corals and ocean life.
A vibrant tourist mecca, Cancun offers non-stop beachfront action with 14 miles of pristine white beaches, breathtaking turquoise waters and an energetic nightlife. Considered the gateway to the Mayan world and the Mexican Caribbean, no visit to the Yucatan Peninsula is complete without the Cancun experience.
Akumel means “Place of the Turtle and is a famous snorkeling spot, where visitors can swim with endangered green sea turtles who visit the shallow bay to feed on seagrass. To the north, find the curved beach of Half Moon Bay while the warm waters of the Yal-ku Lagoon teem with marine life.
One of the most famous Playa del Carmen attractions is 5th Avenue or Quinta as the locals call it, where the city’s shopping, dining and nightlife is centered. Abuzz with blocks of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, 5th Avenue is the place to enjoy great shopping, food, music and plenty of people-watching.
At the beginning of 5th Avenue, get your vacation shopping fix at the Paseo Del Carmen shopping mall. Also, shop at the new shopping plaza Quinta Alegria, which is located right on 5th Avenue.
The most picturesque and best preserved archaeological site in the Riviera Maya, Tulum is the only Mayan ruin to have been built overlooking the ocean. Apart from powder-soft beaches and crystal clear blue waters, Tulum also boasts excellent cave and cavern diving and fun cenotes to experience.
The most famous Mayan temple, the legendary Chichen Itza is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Located just two hours inland from The Reef Playacar, this thousand-year-old sacred site is a magnificent display of Mayan culture and the ceremonial center of the Yucatán.
The inland ruins of Coba, (meaning “water stirred by wind”) this ancient Mayan city features the largest network of stone causeways of the ancient Mayan world. Possibly the site of the largest population of all the Mayan cities, only a few of the estimated 6,500 structures have been uncovered so far at Coba.
The nearby 200-acre Xcaret Park is a unique, eco-archaeological area where visitors can journey through Mexico with attractions like a tour of traditions, an exploration of a Mayan jungle, Jaguar Island and Butterfly Pavillion. You can also go snorkeling, experience underground rivers or swim with dolphins. It’s a must-see attraction for the whole family!
Combining nature and adventure, the jungle comes to life in the best adventure park in Riviera Maya, close to Playa de Carmen. Zipline between trees and bridges, discover amazing caves and rock formations and, at night, venture into a dark jungle and plunge into the refreshing waters of underground rivers.
Begin an exciting journey, which will challenge your senses, at the new Xenses park. Throughout more than 15 activities, you’ll discover visual puns and optical illusions, different ecosystems, the freedom of flying through the air, the adrenaline of slipping on refreshing water and a place full of flavor, moments of relaxation and a purification at a natural Xpá.
A protected biosphere reserve near Tulum, it’s renowned for its natural beauty. Sian Ka’an is home to a rich ecosystem of plant and animal life that live in its coastal wetlands and shimmering lagoons. Nature tours provide a rare glimpse to the region's spectacular wildlife and awe-inspiring Mayan ruins.
Experience the cenotes of the Yucatan, a secret underworld of turquoise pools, where you can swim, snorkel or even dive the clear freshwater of these magical caves. Close to Playa de Carmen, visitors can explore Cenote Dos Ojos’ two freshwater caves offering a unique scuba diving adventure. Swim or hiking among the stalactites and stalagmites of the Rio Secreto or take a dip in the family-friendly open shallow swimming pools of Cenote Azul.
A must-see attraction for the whole family, the 3D Museum of Wonders is the largest 3D museum of art illusion in the world. Its incredible pieces create optical illusions that make you look smaller, taller or appear as if you are falling.
From mid-May to mid-September, the waters around the island of Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun play host to hundreds of migrating whale sharks. Join Solo Buceo for an unparalleled experience snorkeling with these gentle giants.
Cirque Du Soleil offers an incredible show in the Riviera Maya's most intimate dinner theater. The world-famous Cirque de Soleil never fails to entertain with incredible acrobatics, remarkable strength and skill, dramatic effects and inspiring music.
Located just one block from the famous 5th Avenue, Playa del Carmen Coco Bongo is more than just a nightclub. It’s a Vegas-style show in a disco setting. Feel the high voltage power while you are surprised with acrobats flying across the room and exciting tributes to the great figures of music. Enjoy a great place to dance, be amazed and to be part of the show.
Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen has it all with palm-lined beaches, coral reefs for great snorkeling experiences and vibrant shopping, dining and nightlife.
A top diving destination just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Mexican island of Cozumel has a year-round tropical climate, virgin jungles to explore and lively nightlife to offer. The island’s pristine Chankanaabeco park surrounds a lagoon with underwater caverns and is frequented by dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.