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Things to do in
Playa del Carmen

When you're done tanning at one of the hip beaches, head to a nearby jungle amusement park for thrills.

Our most recommended things to do in Playa del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel

1. Playa Del Carmen: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel

Pre-book a quick round-trip ferry service between Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel. Get maximum flexibility with continuous daily departures and a 6-month ticket validation period. Enjoy added perks including a snack bar, open-air decks, live music, TVs, and electrical outlets. On the day of your chosen departure, hop on board a high-speed 157-foot JETLINE Class catamaran type ferry, constructed of aluminum and featuring 3 decks with a capacity between 150 and 800 passengers. Enjoy new generation gangways for express boarding and carry-on baggage handling. On board, take advantage of covered and open-air decks, panoramic windows, TV screens, a snack bar, electrical outlets, live music, and underwater illumination. Ride in maximum comfort with on-board air conditioning, leather seats, and restrooms. As you head to your destination, take some time to relax with plenty of legroom in high-quality ergonomic high-quality leather seats designed and constructed in Europe by the same high technology companies that work with Porsche and Ferrari. Premium Class Tickets include round-trip transportation with general ferry access. If you’re looking to add a little more to your trip, choose First Class Tickets for referred access to the ferry, reliable seats with more space, and access to a lounge area. Whatever ticket option you choose, you’ll get to experience a ferry transfer focused on passengers and making their journey something even more special. The beauty of the islands, coupled with the comfort and quickness of the boats, make this the preferred trip for visitors to this area. 

From Cancún: Cobá, Cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen Tour

2. From Cancún: Cobá, Cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen Tour

Discover the Mayan Riviera first-hand on a guided day trip from Cancún, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Swim in the clear waters of a sacred cenote, marvel at the old Mayan cities of Tulum and Cobá, and visit the coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen. Begin your tour from Cancún with a visit to Tulum, an old Mayan city built on the seashore. Marvel at its incredible structures, including El Castillo, El Templo de Los Frescos, and the beautiful white sand beach. This is one of the most photographed sites in the Riviera Maya. Next, discover Cobá, a Mayan city boasting the tallest pyramid in the entire Yucatán Peninsula. Tek through the sprawling jungle surrounding you and marvel at its sounds, aromas, and natural beauty. Your guide will enlighten you with magical tales of an ancient culture as you explore. Stop for a buffet lunch and taste local delicacies. Enjoy a regional lunch buffet of Yucatán specialties. Spice up your day with a taste of the special habanero salsa if you are feeling brave. Dive into a truly magical experience with a swim in a cenote in the Riviera Maya, an otherworldly natural underground limestone sinkhole filled with crystalline water. Conclude your Riviera Maya tour with a visit to Playa del Carmen, a vibrant city in the Mexican Caribbean - a perfect spot for some shopping, people watching, and enjoying the chic 5th Avenue vibes.

From Playa del Carmen: Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes Day Trip

3. From Playa del Carmen: Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes Day Trip

The first stop is Tulum, the ancient Maya city perched on a cliff overlooking the Mexican Caribbean sea. Your expert bilingual guide will share fascinating information about the archaeological site, its importance in history, and the day-to-day life of its inhabitants at its peak. Hear all about the past cultures and the theories of their demise. Next up is a visit to Cenote Kuxtal for a swim. Cenotes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, natural sinkholes in limestone caves that were sacred to the ancient Maya people. You will then savor an authentic regional lunch buffet to recharge for the last stop of the day. The last part of this incredible journey is a guided tour of the Coba Mayan ruins. Still mostly hidden beneath the jungle foliage, Coba is the site of the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan, climb to the top for out of this world views. Hear from your guide about the discovery of this site. Admire the boundaries between nature and man-made structures and the jungle bonds with the ruins.

From Cancun or Riviera Maya: Isla Contoy & Mujeres Day Trip

4. From Cancun or Riviera Maya: Isla Contoy & Mujeres Day Trip

Explore Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres on a day trip from Cancun or Riviera Maya. Experience rich cultural heritage and history, have fun snorkeling, relax on beautiful beaches, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Begin with pickup from your hotel in the Cancun area, passing through Playa del Carmen, and arriving at the new private marina, located at the Punta Sam Ferry Terminal. Benefit from fast check-in and enjoy a light breakfast that includes sweet bread, fruit, cereal, coffee, and juice. After breakfast and check-in, board the boat and head toward the Ixlache Reef. The reef is located off the coast of Contoy and right at the beginning of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest reef system in the world. Then, try snorkeling with your guide before boarding the ship and heading to Contoy Island. In the event of bad weather, you will do the snorkeling activity on the island in the safety of its shallow waters. Disembark on Contoy Island and have the chance to sightsee with a guide and visit the museum, observatory, and lagoon. Go to the dunes and learn about the flora and fauna species of the island. Alternatively, choose to relax on the beautiful beach or do some more snorkeling in the Caleta area. Next, enjoy a lunch of Pescado Tikinxic, a broiled fish with achiote and other local species as well as broiled chicken, rice, and salad, accompanied by your favorite drink with access to an open bar. Finally, enjoy free time on the beach before boarding the boat and heading to Isla Mujeres. Visit the fishermen’s village or do some shopping, then head back to Cancun.

Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour

5. Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour

Discover the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá on a guided tour from Playa del Carmen. Immerse yourself in the jungle at an eco-park, with some time for swimming in a cenote and a hearty buffet lunch. Start with pickup from Playa del Carmen and first travel to the jungle eco-park. Marvel at the sacred cenote as you refresh yourself with a purifying swim in crystalline waters. Dig into a delicious buffet lunch at the restaurant at the eco-park, and be ready for a flavor sensation. Try some of the famed Mexican cuisine with regional dishes from Yucatán. After your buffet, head to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá. Take a guided tour of the ceremonial site and listen to fascinating tales of the ancient Maya civilization. Learn more with your expert guides and hear entertaining stories of life at Chichen Itzá. Discover a culture that was way ahead of its time. Then, enjoy some free time to explore by yourself and walk in the footsteps of the Mayan people. Your final stop is in the colonial center of Valladolid for a quick visit to this charming “Magic Town” of Mexico. The imposing church and architecture of the town surrounding the “zocalo'' or town square are perfect photo ops and a chance to relax and enjoy the laid-back vibes of Yucatán, before heading back to Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen: Xplor Park All-Inclusive Entry Ticket

6. Playa del Carmen: Xplor Park All-Inclusive Entry Ticket

Discover a paradise for thrill seekers in the Riviera Maya. Near Cancun, in Playa del Carmen, book your all-inclusive ticket to Xplor Park and discover stunning rock formations. Take part in adrenaline-fueled activities like zip-lining, rafting, cave swimming, and driving through the jungle and caves. You can also enjoy a buffet lunch with unlimited drinks. Step into the heart of the jungle and live out your wildest Riviera Maya dreams. Make use of the latest safety equipment and receive instructions from the professional staff. Have access to 2 zip line circuits, 2 amphibious vehicle circuits, 2 unique river swims, and a river rafting experience. Drive for 10 kilometers aboard amphibious vehicles, admire panoramic views of nature as you glide along the zip lines, and see stunning stalagmite rock formations while swimming through the caves. Be treated to a delicious lunch buffet and unlimited drinks throughout the day.

Xcaret Park: Full-Day Ticket with Night Show

7. Xcaret Park: Full-Day Ticket with Night Show

Discover Xcaret Park, a wonderful paradise where you can enjoy more than 40 activities and attractions. Be a special guest at an ancient Mayan ball game, and join the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular celebration during your visit. Enjoy an experience with free access to showers, dressing rooms, bags for belongings, life vests and parking. Encounter colorful cultural performances including the nightly Xcaret Mexico Espectacular celebration. Take part in water activities including underground rivers, the Río del Paraíso journey, as well as time for lazing on the beach, inlet and natural pools. Explore the Coral Reef Aquarium, Marine Turtles Area, Manatee Lagoon, Bat Cave, Butterfly Pavilion, Deer Refuge, and Jaguar Island. See howler monkeys at Spider Monkey Island, and explore mushroom cultivation at the Mushroom Farm. Or visit the Living Museum of Orchids to discover Mayan orchids in full glory. Wander through the Tropical Jungle Trail, and visit the Regional Wildlife Breeding Farm. Take in the Rotating Scenic Tower for spectacular views. Experience cultural performances and see archaeological sites. Visit a Mayan Village. Discover colonial history at the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel and folk art at the Hacienda Henequenera. Watch the sky turn to a rainbow of colors at the Stained-Glass Plaza, and take nature and culture tours as part of your ticket.

Cancun/Riviera Maya: Isla Mujeres All-Inclusive Snorkel Trip

8. Cancun/Riviera Maya: Isla Mujeres All-Inclusive Snorkel Trip

Experience the ultimate tour of Isla Mujeres that doesn't just show you the typical tourist spots but also all the hidden gems that make this island so special. Enjoy snorkeling, a buffet lunch, and free time to explore Isla Mujeres downtown. Check in at the activity provider's marina at the Punta Sam Terminal while enjoying some coffee and pastries. Upon boarding, head straight to the first snorkel point on the reef. Along the way, marvel at the vibrant colors of the Caribbean Sea. Once at the reef, embark on a guided snorkeling exploration for 40 minutes with all snorkeling gear provided. Admire the local marine life up close in the clear waters. Next, navigate along the island's shore on your way to the activity provider's beach club, located in the sheltered harbor also known as the "hidden Isla Mujeres". Here, savor a delicious buffet lunch while taking in the stunning view of Cancun. Continue to Isla Mujeres downtown to spend two hours of free time to explore its colorful streets and experience the charming town, or take a guided walk to Playa Norte, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Cancun/Playa del Carmen: Tickets to Rio Secreto and Lunch

9. Cancun/Playa del Carmen: Tickets to Rio Secreto and Lunch

Immerse yourself in an ancient world of stalactites and stalagmites with a visit to Rio Secret in Playa del Carmen. Roam the labyrinths of dramatic rock formations and tranquil waters in this hidden underground network of rivers and caves. Upon arriving at Rio Secreto, meet your guide and receive a wetsuit, wet shoes, a lamp, and a helmet to get ready for the adventure. Then enter the caves, where you have 1968 feet (600 meters) free to walk, swim, and enjoy the enchanting beauty of your surroundings.  After approximately 1.5 hours, you will be taken back to ground level and treated to a light lunch of delicious local food. Choose the green salsa if your taste buds like it hot. This is a chance for you to relax in the serene jungle habitat and reflect upon your experience in the caves. Next, you may wash and change before heading back to your hotel.

Riviera Maya: Tulum Guided Tour and Akumal Swim with Turtles

10. Riviera Maya: Tulum Guided Tour and Akumal Swim with Turtles

Discover the captivating allure of Tulum, the fabled walled city, and immerse yourself in a thorough exploration of its rich history and breathtaking natural wonders. Enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological zone and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Akumal to swim with turtles. Begin your journey with a hotel pickup from the Riviera Maya area and delve into the heart of Mayan culture with a visit to the Tulum ruins. Join a guided tour of this historic seaside landmark and soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the Caribbean coastline. Up next, make your way to Akumal to take part in serene aquatic encounters. Experience the thrill of swimming alongside majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat. Have a captivating glimpse into the underwater world before riding back to your accommodation.

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Top sights in Playa del Carmen

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The best day trips and excursions from Playa del Carmen are:

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Other Sightseeing Options in Playa del Carmen

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What people are saying about Playa del Carmen

Overall rating

4.4
(5,227 reviews)

This is a fantastic full day tour. We had Frank as our driver and Carmen as our tour guide. They were excellent and attentive and super helpful as one of my friends had to leave to get to airport half way through the tour and they helped to get him a taxi and negotiate a fare. Carmen is extremely knowledgeable and both were warm and friendly. I loved every site we went to- both were different in some way from each other and we had ample time and clear direction at each place. I would highly recommend this tour and Frank and Carmen. Thank you for a great day.

This was a very well organised tour by Jimmy and the team. Great atmosphere throughout the day, plenty of history all delivered with a bit of humour. I upgraded to the platinum package which organised the bicycle at Coba (although you could do that yourself) but that also meant as much water (or beer or tequila) as you wanted. Tulum was very picturesque, also really enjoyed the meal and the Cenote swim.

Francisco was lovely. He was on time, took us to the restaurant while explaining the cuisine and the history of PDC. We prepared three lovely dishes which was more than enough for two meals each. Francisco demonstrated and then we prepared our own food. There was a pleasant conversation throughout and we were aided by the friendly restaurant staff.

Best experience ever! Really recommend going here. *Definitely bring water shoes, waterproof phone case (its soo you expensive to buy it there 50$) and changing clothes! Really recommend the vehicle ride, was sooo much fun!

Esther Nancy and Carlos were great and informative throughout the tour. Esther stealing the show with her knowledge of Mayan culture and history and her jokes too were well received 😀