Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen
About Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen
The Riviera Maya is a tourism and resort district south of Cancun, Mexico. It is located along the Caribbean coastline of the state of Quintana Roo, in the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Riviera Maya was originally called the "Cancun–Tulum corridor", but in 1999 it was renamed as the Riviera Maya. The Riviera Maya is famous for its large scale all-inclusive resorts and a historical tourism base of smaller boutique hotels as well as the many restaurants available along the Fed 307 and on or near the beaches. Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist area in eastern Mexico, that offers a wide array of tourist activities due to its geographical location in the Riviera Maya. Originally a small fishing town, tourism to Playa del Carmen began with the passenger ferry service to Cozumel, an island across the Cozumel Channel and a world-famous scuba diving destination. It is a stop for several cruise ships. The Xcaret Eco Park, a Mexican-themed "eco-archaeological park", is a popular tourist destination located just south of the town in Xcaret. The city is famous for its beaches decorated with palm trees and rich coral reefs.
Showing 20 of 20 activities
Private evening tour to a Mayan village from Riviera Maya in Mexico
On this private tour, you'll see how a Mayan community lives before taking part in their sacred rituals. Your evening begins with a tour of the village, after which you'll stop to learn how tortillas are made from scratch. Then, you'll take part in a sacred purification ceremony inside a traditional temazcal, a volcanic steam bath, to cleanse and renew the mind and body. Next, you'll head over to the local watering hole – a natural cenote – for a nighttime swim, before rounding the evening off with some traditional Mayan fare.
4 Hours
$ 107.21
Guided tour of Ek' Balam and Valladolid with cenote and lunch
Get a close-up look at Maya history and traditions on this off-the-beaten-track tour. You'll visit the ancient Maya city of Ek' Balam – the most recent to be opened to the public – as well as Yalcoba to swim in the cenote and a stop in Valladolid. We'll start the adventure with a guided visit of Ek' Balam, which translates as ‘Black Jaguar.' The site has more than 40 structures and its walls formed a maze, while the main pyramid, known as the Acropolis, has a well-preserved entrance surrounded by the open jaws and fangs of a jaguar. It's bigger than even El Castillo at Chichen Itzá. Best of all, you can climb to the top – which few Maya sites allow.Afterwards, we'll head to Yalcoba where you can try your hand at chocolate-making and learn how to craft obsidian at a workshop. After a tequila and mezcal tasting you'll have time to enjoy the crystalline cenote, then tuck into a tasty buffet lunch of typical regional dishes. Lastly, we'll have a quick stop in central Valladolid, a city known for its art and architecture and a picture-perfect medley of colourful colonial buildings and historic churches.
8 Hours
$ 199.77
Full-day guided boat tour to Holbox and Passion Islands
Cruise to Passion and Holbox Islands on this full-day guided tour. Your first stop is the uninhabited Passion Island – here you'll have time to sit back and relax on the white sandy beach. Then, head over to Holbox Island to check out the Punta Mosquito sandbank, before tucking into a few local dishes onboard the boat. Afterwards, there'll be some free time to wander through the streets of Holbox Island, before taking a refreshing dip in Yalahau Cenote's cooling waters.
Flexible
$ 189.73
Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres boat cruise
Swathes of pure white sandy beaches, tropical bird sanctuaries and coral reefs that dazzle beneath the surface of crystal clear water – these are just a few characteristics of Contoy and Mujeres islands. And, on this full-day boat trip, you'll hop across the sea from Cancun for a day of sunbathing and wildlife spotting.Before boarding the boat at Marina MarAzul, you'll be treated to a light breakfast, ready for a day of pure exploration. Then it's across the waves to Isla Contoy. On the island, your guide will walk you through this protected eco reserve, where you'll be able to spot 152 species of tropical birds as well as turtles, stingrays and more.After a lunch and some time to relax, you'll set sail for Isla Mujeres – a typical Caribbean island – where you can explore at your own pace, wander through the town or sit back on one of the pristine beaches.
Flexible
$ 179.69
Tickets to Xel-Ha Park
Xel-Há is the stuff of fantasy. Limpid lagoons with shades of sapphire, jade and aquamarine surrounded by tropical jungle and mangroves. It's bursting with natural beauty and exciting things to do, making it one of the most appealing Riviera Maya destinations. Swim, snorkel, zipline and soak up the atmosphere of this tropical adventure park.Discover mystical caves in the jungle, snorkel down the river as you admire the surrounding wildlife, jump five metres into the water beneath you and zipline across the river – Xel-Há is 100% pure excitement. You'll also be able to relax in the calming surroundings of unspoiled nature or walk, cycle and take the mini-train along jungle paths to admire species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.Last but not least, there are four restaurants serving local dishes. And you can learn all about the Maya legends surrounding Xel-Há, too. It's a place of wonder and beauty, where you and all the family can experience a wild time immersed in nature. There are different package options to choose from here – light and all inclusive. The all inclusive option can include transport to the park, plus premium entrance, a meal at the buffet and unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks, as well as a 50% discount towards photo packages and a 50% discount on selected activities, like zip-biking and ray encounters. The light option includes entrance to the park and unlimited soft drinks, but no food or alcohol.
Flexible
$ 165.64
Delphinus Dolphin Experiences at Puerto Morelos
Swimming with dolphins is the stuff holiday dreams are made of. Put a big tick on your bucket list with the range of experiences on offer at Delphinus. From couple's swims and one-on-one interactions to family options for up to six of your nearest and dearest, Delphinus' team of experts will help you make memories in Mexico that'll last a lifetime.Choose you experience:Delphinus Primax:Connect with these amazing marine animals in an experience full of energy, and fun.For: four peopleTime in the water: 45 minutesActivities / interactions: 18Included: Towels and lockers Couples Dreams:Share an intimate and special experience as you interact together with dolphins in an environment designed for couples.For: two peopleTime in the water: 45 minutesActivities / interactions: 18Included: Towels, lockers and T-Shirt Interax:Get to know your silky-soft host by enjoying games and activities together.For: six peopleTime in the water: 30 minutesActivities / interactions: 14Included: Towels and lockers The One:One person, one dolphin, one hour. A personalised dolphin experience.For: One personTime in the water: 45 minutesActivities / interactions: 18Included: Towels, lockers and T-Shirt Delphinus Harmony:An ideal experience to share with your family and create memories that will stay with you forever.For: 10 peopleTime in the water: 20 minutesActivities / interactions: 10Included: Towels and lockers Dolphin Trainer (not available for Puerto Morelos):Step into the world of animal care for two hours in an educational experience where you'll interact with dolphins and gain firsthand knowledge of their biology, behaviour, and training.For: four peopleTheory / practice time with specialists: 60 minutesTime in the water: 45 minutesActivities / interactions: 18Included: Towels and lockers
4 Hours
$ 109.42
Tulum Private Tour with a Local Guide and Maya Community Visit
This exclusive private tour ensures you'll be one of the first visitors through the gates to explore the Yucatan's best-preserved archaeological site – the ancient ruins of Tulum. A guided tour is followed by a swim in an underground cave and a stop by a typical Mayan community.
8 Hours
$ 110.26
Cozumel El Cielo guided snorkelling tour
This snorkelling trip takes you from the sandy shores of Playa del Carmen to nearby Cozumel Island, a spot just offshore that's brimming with marine life – expect rays, tropical fish and more – and Caribbean views. After a ferry over to Cozumel, you'll hop on a different boat and head to a few mainstay areas in the southern part of the island. You'll snorkel at a couple of coral reefs, Palancar and Colombia, before heading to El Cielo – this spot is known for its resident giant starfish. Afterwards, you'll dock in Cozumel for some free time to explore the town centre before getting back on the return ferry to Playa del Carmen.
8 Hours
$ 119.46
Family-friendly Coco Bongo sunset show in Playa del Carmen
Get ready for an evening at the Coco Bongo Sunset Show, a family-friendly twist on the iconic Coco Bongo experience. This event delivers the same electrifying performances and impressive audiovisual displays as the nighttime events, but with an extra focus on family fun. Adults can take their pick from an open bar, while kids have access to unlimited soft drinks – it's the perfect way to spend an evening out together.
4 Hours
$ 55.21
Coco Bongo beach party ticket in Cancun
Mexico's most famous club brings its brand of entertainment extravaganza to the beach. Coco Bongo's all-new seafront venue puts on the craziest pool party in Cancún with their signature style. Set to a soundtrack of the summer's biggest hits, there'll be drinks, dancers and a whole host of surprise acts in a sizzling session by the Caribbean Sea.Choose from four ticket options:- Regular, Ladies and Premium: Includes beach club access and open bar plus one snack- Drink Pack: includes four domestic drinks and access to beach club - Celebrity beach party: includes premium open bar, mazzanine ocean view, bali bed and unlimited snacks
8 Hours
$ 25.10
Riviera Maya off-road jungle ATV and monkey sanctuary tour
You'll get to know some of Mexico's brightest native animals at a monkey sanctuary that takes in rescued primates. Learn about the conservation efforts of the sanctuary and the behaviours of animals like spider monkeys, snakes and colourful macaws before you hop in an ATV to explore the jungle. Dial up the adrenaline as you drive through the Riviera Maya's off-road trails with your guide leading the way. Then, finish the trip by cooling off at a cenote – an underground freshwater pool that's unique to Mexico.
8 Hours
$ 166.76
Adventure Tulum and snorkel at Yalkú
Exploring the Tulum ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a guide to reveal the history, is an unmissable adventure. Discover ceremonial buildings perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, then dive into the mystical world of Mayan cenotes. There's a lunch of authentic Mexican cuisine before you finish the trip with a rejuvenating experience at Yalkú lagoon, where turquoise waters teem with exotic marine life.
8 Hours
$ 139.54
Garrafon Natural Reef Park and Dolphin Encounter Experience ticket
It's double the fun with this full-day trip to Isla Discovery. You'll tick off one of life's must do's with a family-friendly dolphin experience before heading onward to Garrafon Natural Reef Park to continue the fun. You'll kick things off with a cruise over to Isla Discovery, where you'll take part in an hour-long dolphin encounter that's all about bonding with the animals. You'll be guided by a dolphin specialist the whole time and you'll even get to swim alongside a pair of these beautiful animals. Afterwards, you'll head to Garrafon Natural Reef Park, where you'll have some free time to relax before hopping back on the boat to Playa Langost Pier in Cancun's Hotel Zone.
8 Hours
$ 129.50
Tulum & Museums Photoshoot & Beach Club
It's like the ancient Maya had Instagram in mind when they built Tulum. And on this tour, you'll have plenty of opportunity to fill up your socials. With a professional photographer in tow, you'll swing by some of the best photo-worthy spots including the 'Ven a la Luz', 'Follow that Dream' and 'Blue Wings'. Once you're all snapped out, you'll hit the beach club to soak up the sun with a drink in hand.
8 Hours
$ 169.65
Isla Contoy Tour with Ixlaché Reef Snorkelling
This is the triple crown of boat trips from Cancun. You'll visit the exotic Isla Mujeres, snorkel in the Ixlaché reef and round it all off with three blissful hours on the desert island of Isla Contoy. And in between, you'll get to glide about the Caribbean, soaking up those sunrays.Your adventure kicks off at Marina Punta Norte, from where you'll sail towards Isla Mujeres while enjoying fresh fruit and bread on board. You'll have an hour or so to explore the island or lounge on one of its powdery beaches. Hop back on the boat and chill out as you head to Ixlaché reef. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and a guide is on hand. After an hour exploring the kaleidoscopic scenes below the waves, we'll make the short trip to Contoy itself.A tropical hideaway covered in luxuriant vegetation, it's everything you've seen in countless movies – palm-fringed white-sand beaches washed by gentle waves. And the icing on the case is a buffet lunch on the island.
