How we have actually never ever discussed the very best points to do in Playa del Carmen prior to today is a secret. Playa del Carmen was the starting point Dave and also I went to in Mexico back in 1999 and also we have actually been back repeatedly. We’ve remained in whatever from, apartment or condo services, extensive hotels, and also budget plan resorts right here. Each time we delighted in Playa del Carmen equally as high as the last.
While the numerous outing and also trips around the Mayan Riviera are essentially compatible in between Playa del Carmen and also Cancun, there are a lot of points to do in Playa del Carmen that established it in addition to a normal Cancun vacation. Since we initially went to in 1999 it has actually changed from a drowsy angling town with sand roads and also exterior markets to an upmarket location with deluxe resorts, great eating, and also unlimited home entertainment.
If you are taking into consideration a journey to the Yucatan Peninsula maintain checking out to see all the locations to check out in Playa del Carmen and also the close-by destinations along the Mayan Riviera.
Top Things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The coastlines are soft and also welcoming to go with a walk at dawn and also there are a lot of strolling roads, night life, buying, and also cafés. With numerous various points to do in Playa del Carmen, it has something for everybody. No issue what your traveling design, you will certainly enjoy Playa del Carmen.
We usage Get Your Guide for outing worldwide and also have actually utilized them for a lot of our Playa del Carmen trips. From Swimming with Whale Sharks to investing a day relaxing at Xel Ha, Get your overview uses a few of the very best bargains for trips plus they use transfers, tourist guide, and also accessibility to a lot of the leading tasks in Playa del Carmen and also Cancun.
Several outing can be scheduled from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. You can select from daring cenote scenic tours, diving scenic tours, or simpler leisurely scenic tours with very easy termination for a complete reimbursement.
La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)
La Quinta Avenida is the heart beat of Playa del Carmen and also you will certainly locate on your own straying this pedestrian-only road for buying, eating, and also night life. Mexico’s 5th Avenue is a busy 5-mile-long rock road busy with road entertainers, suppliers, and also bars. We enjoy bring up a chair at one of the numerous patio areas to pay attention to some real-time songs as we take pleasure in the night life. You can check out La Quinta Avenida day or evening and also it will certainly constantly live. There are also neighborhood art galleries to grab neighborhood craftsmen mementos from your trip.
When a cruise liner remains in community however, you are mosting likely to intend to stay clear of the roads, as points can obtain rather chaotic and also congested.
Rooftop Pools
Playa del Carmen has actually come a lengthy means because our very first go to and also the only bar was Senor Frogs. Today, it has a few of the very best roof swimming pools about, and also kicking back at one has actually turned into one of the leading points to do in Playa del Carmen. You can buy day passes to the roof swimming pool of your selection and also kick back and also loosen up absorbing the sights.
Your roof swimming pool day pass consists of an easy chair and also food credit scores. Other locations will certainly allow you appreciate their roof swimming pool if you invest a minimal quantity of Pesos. Some prominent roof swimming pools in Playa del Carmen consist of The Thompson Playa del Carmen, BePlaya Rooftop Pool,
Sun and also Fun at a Beach Club
When you check out Playa del Carmen, there is no question you will certainly intend to strike the coastline and also Playa del Carmen is well-known for its coastline clubs. While we’ve observed that the stunning coastlines we bear in mind from our very first see to Playa del Carmen have actually been deteriorated so locating a great place by yourself is reaching be a bit harder. That is why numerous coastline clubs have actually appeared.
We’ve had the advantage of remaining precisely the coastline at Playa del Carmen in our very own little sanctuary, however if you don’t need to among the Playa del Carmen coastlines from your resort, there are a lot of coastline clubs to take a look at. You can lease a day pass that will certainly offer you an easy chair precisely the Caribbean Sea.
Popular coastline clubs in Playa del Carmen are Lido Beach Club which is a tiny laid back coastline club, Mamita’s Beach Club is a famous coastline climb in Playa del Carmen situated on the major coastline, and also Kool Beach Club which is close to Mamita’s if is as well active.
Parque Fundadores (Founding Fathers Park)
While we pointed out that a few of the very best coastlines of Playa del Carmen have actually been deteriorated throughout the years, there are still positions to venture out to take pleasure in the sand and also browse. Parque Fundadores is the best coastline in Playa del Carmen with coastline volley ball and also watersports and also is within strolling range from a Quinta Avenida.
Portal Maya Statue
Located at Parque Fundadores is the Portal Maya statuary that illustrates 2 numbers being pressed by a spiral of wind and also water. It was produced in 2012 to commemorate completion of the Mayan Calendar. Standing 50 feet high, it is an outstanding view.
Playacar Beach
Another among Playa del Carmen’s finest coastlines is Playacar Beach has stunning white sand that is much less frequented tha various other coastlines in Playa del Carmen.
Catamaran Cruise or Sailing journeys
Getting on the water is our leading suggestion for points to do in Playa del Carmen. The water is transparent, cozy, and also stunning. Sailing along the coastline actually offers you an understanding regarding why this location was turned into such a traveler Mecca.
We enjoy taking cruising journeys and also if you intend to check out the coastline while absorbing the sunlight, cruising is the means to go. The Mayan Riviera is a lovely coastline and also you have to venture out on the water. Instead of high-speed or celebration watercrafts, jump on a sailing boat. Sailing journeys typically consist of snorkeling as well. This incorporates 2 of our favored points to do in Mexico: Getting on the water and also entering the water!
This total personalized catamaran cruise ship allows you pick your very own travel plan as you cruise aboard a 32-foot luxury yacht. It stands up to 25 of your closest family and friends with an open bar. We recommend, asking to check out the turtle preservation facility situated on the island as well where you’ll have the ability to witness sea turtles being hatched out! The facility is making excellent strides in its sea turtle preservation initiatives.
Book this extremely ranked trip – An extensive Isla Mujeres Catamaran cruise ship – Including an open bar, food, and also quits at El Meco reef, midtown Isla Mujeres and also stunning sights of the Riviera Maya coastline.
Go Paddle Boarding
When trying to find points to do in Playa del Carmen, there is no question you will certainly intend to jump on the water. It’s obvious that we enjoy paddleboarding. In reality, we purchased our very own so we can paddleboard the Grand River right here in our home town. If you have actually constantly wished to attempt it, this is the area to do it. But we suggest taking an arranged trip as the specialists will certainly understand the very best locations.
If you intend to attempt it straight from midtown Playa del Carmen, this trip starts at the quietest coastline in Playa del Carmen where you’ll find out exactly how to paddleboard and afterwards take place an assisted trip at dawn prior to the groups, jet skis, and also cruise liner been available in. Get even more information and also publication it right here.
This deluxe watercraft journey takes you on a catamaran for a snorkeling journey to see sea turtles, stingrays, and also various other aquatic life. This trip uses an opportunity to attempt SUP. Snorkeling devices is consisted of and also life vest are offered.
Go Scuba Diving
Our 2nd journey to the Mayan Riviera was everything about diving. We loaded our equipment and also made our means to the Yucatan Peninsula to invest a month diving in the beautiful waters of the 2nd biggest obstacle coral reef on the planet! We complied with the Mesoamerican Reef System from Cozumel to Honduras. There are some suitable coral reefs close-by however we recommend taking a diving trip to check out Palancar coral reef, Santa Rosa Wall, and also Akumal Bay.
If you intend to exceed snorkeling and also offer diving a shot, there are a lot of locations to Discover Scuba Diving with a lot of dive stores in the area. We enjoyed drift diving in the crystal clear waters as vibrant exotic fish drifted by. If you don’t have experience, numerous hotels use diving guideline and also Mexico is an exceptional area to end up being licensed in open water!
Cenotes Adventures
If you are trying to find special exterior journeys when you check out Playa del Carmen, you have to make certain to schedule a journey to among the close-by cenotes. Cenotes are below ground rivers moving with sedimentary rock caverns. Some of these all-natural sinkholes have huge openings that you can abseil right into. One of one of the most prominent cenotes to check out is Ik Kil since it is typically incorporated with a journey to Chichen Itza. But there are a lot of Cenote Adventures that you can schedule from Playa del Carmen.
You can do whatever from taking a zip line over them, to rappelling right into them. But one of the most amazing journey is snorkeling or diving inside these unbelievable natural marvels. When you schedule a trip, snorkeling equipment is offered, so there’s no requirement to load anything additional. Read a lot more right here and also see our video clip right here.
Rio Secreto – Secret River
Rio Secreto is an extraordinay cenote to check out. This is the lengthiest semi-sunken cavern system in the Yucatan that has actually ended up being a preferred outing from Playa del Carmen. There is 12 kilometres of below ground rivers to check out and also you don’t require a dive qualification to spelunk right into Rio Secreto. Visitors are absorbed tiny teams on a three-hour trip and also you seem like you have the caverns all to on your own.
This Cenote journey takes you deep right into the system swimming under low-hanging ceilings, learning amazing caves, and also swimming in total darkness. It is genuinely among the very best points you can do in Playa del Carmen. Tours can be scheduled beforehand with Get Your Guide. You can additionally review everything about a trip of Rio Secreto at Rio Secreto Cenote – Mexico’s Magical Underground Caves
Visit the Xel há Theme Park
Located simply southern of Playa del Carmen is just one of the theme park in the Yucatan, Xel Há is a wonderful area to go snorkeling for the entire family members. The extensive park allows you take pleasure in a complete day of enjoyable in the sunlight. Besides snorkeling in its crystal clear waters, go tubes amongst the mangroves, attempt your hand at high cliff leaping, check out a cenote or do some zip cellular lining and also high ropes over the water. Purchase your full-day Xel Ha pass right here.
Zipline Adventure
We constantly enjoy a Zipline and also if you are wanting to up your journey traveling video game, you have to try. What makes ziplining special near Playa del Carmen is that you have woodland covers to whizing over Cenotes to select from! If you desire an enjoyable time off of the hotel, go out to among the zip-lining journeys. Xplor is just one of the very best locations to go zip cellular lining near Playa del Carmen
Museo Frida Kahlo
If you are trying to find a social experience in Playa del Carmen, pop right into the Museo Frida Kahlo to see one of the most legendary musician from Mexico. While the major gallery can be discovered in Mexico City, because numerous visitors don’t venture out of the Yucatan Peninsula or Caribbean Coast, they have actually established a gallery in Playa del Carmen recognizing her job. The gallery lies on the edge of 8th Street and also 5th Avenue.
Xplor
If seeing the cenotes on an arranged trip isn’t up your street however you intend to attempt some sip cellular lining while seeing Playa del Carmen Besides the amusement park like Xcaret, make your means to Xplor theme park. This full-day extensive access ticket to among one of the most prominent theme park in Playa del Carmen.
Here you’ll locate 14 of the greatest zip lines in Latin America. There are rock developments with stalagmites and also stalactites in below ground caverns and also there are river swims and also rafting. Complimentary beverages and also a lunch buffet are consisted of. Book beforehand online right here.
Part 2 – Things to do in Playa del Carmen at Night
Coco Bongo
When looking for points to do in Playa del Carmen in the evening, there is no question you will certainly see Coco Bongo as a tip. With Las Vegas Style programs Coco Bongo is an extravaganza. It has actually long been a staple of Cancun and also the Mayan Riviera and also when in Playa del Carmen it is simply 5 mins from 5th Avenue. With real-time songs, continuously alcohol, and also efficiencies, it is the area to be in Playa in the evening.
Take a Jet Ski Tour
I will certainly confess, we weren’t followers of going out on a Jet Ski till we attempted it in the Cayman Islands. And renting out a jet ski in Playa del Carmen is a blast. Book this waverunner journey that takes you to Maroma coastline, for a 30 to 60-minute jet ski trip. It consists of round-trip transport and also sodas. (no alcohol when driving a mechanized car)
Xcaret
There are numerous amusement park around Playa del Carmen and also Xcaret is just one of one of the most prominent with 40 tasks and also destinations. This family-friendly amusement park has a reef where you’ll see sea turtles plus a manatee shallows to see the cows of the sea. There’s a Mayan town, and also in the evening you can wat the efficiency at Xcaret. It’s a huge in-the-round supper theater where you are offered typical Mexican food while enjoying the background of the nation and also Mayan societies unravel prior to your eyes.
At initially, it is a little bit challenging as guys play a Mayan ballgame going back to 1400 BC. I didn’t’ fairly comprehend what was taking place till the program advanced with the ages. The reveal takes you on a trip from the old Mayan world to today.
My favored minutes took place partially 2 when the remarkable and also skilled vocalists and also artists came on phase to execute numerous traditional songs that we have actually all seen and also listened to. Xcaret has even more to do than simply the evening program, Book this complete day pass consisting of evening program to experience whatever it needs to use.
Salsa Dancing
One of the very best points to do in Playa del Carmen in the evening is to attempt some salsa dance. One of the very best locations to go Salsa dance goes to La Bodeguita. You’ll seem like you remain in little Havana as both residents and also visitors alike enjoy to dance to the real-time songs to celebration all evening long. If you are trying to find something a little louder, Mandala has real-time DJs playing loud songs to dance the evening away.
Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen lies in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula slap bit in the heart of the Mayan Riviera. It is one hr from Cancun and also is close to a number of Mayan damages, amazing clear waters, and also a few of Mexico’s most stunning islands.
We’ve had some fantastic journeys in Mexico and also right here are some concepts for you to leave the hotel and also check out a few of the very best outing from Cancun.
Ek Balam
Ek Balam is a lesser-visited Mayan Village near Cancun and also you can go up this! It’s a vast facility of 45 frameworks however you can check out these Mayan damages number of hrs. So you will certainly obtain your background solution and also still have time for various other trips later! There is additionally a Cenote close by.
Tulum
Tulum lies one hr south of Playa del Carmen and also is located on among one of the most stunning coastlines and also sea high cliffs in the location. There are historical sites throughout Mexico providing a look right into Ancient Mayan society. Tulum is just one of one of the most quickly available from Playa del Carmen.
Sitting high up on a high cliff ignoring the remarkable blue-green waters will certainly take your breath away. A prominent backpacker’s haunt, Tulum additionally has remarkable coastlines. If you intend to run away Tulum there is a great deal of holiday accommodation there. And it is quick ending up being greater than an outing, it is currently a preferred trip location in Mexico.
Combine a trip of the old Maya damages of Tulum with a cenote journey on this leading rated trip.
Chichen Itza
Mayan Ruins are spread throughout Quintana Roo however this prominent outing is a must. Chichen Itza is absolutely the celebrity as the very best Mayan damages in the Yucatan Peninsula. We checked out Chichen Itza years earlier when you might still reach the top of the major holy place. But to this particular day we are still impressed by it. It’s among the biggest of the Mayan Ruins and also it is possibly the very best and also most dug deep into of them all. Chichen Itza is additionally one of the most checked out mess up in all of Mexico and also it is a should if you enjoy ancient websites.
This Chichen Itza trip incorporates a see to Chichen Itza, Coba, and also a Cenote providing you 3 leading Playa del Carmen destinations in eventually! Spend the whole day on an interesting trip as you check out the Mayan damages and also climb up the highest possible pyramid in the area complied with by a swim in the great waters of this beautiful native environment. Book it right here
Fun Fact, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was detailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! Read a lot more: 7 Wonders of the World – the New, The Natural, and also the Ancient
Coba
We went to the Mayan Ruins of Coba back in 2003 when we made a decision to scuba dive our means around Central America. Something informs me it hasn’t transformed high as when I seek out details on it, it is still fairly unexcavated with numerous holy places yet to be uncovered.
You will certainly roam with the forest sensation like Indiana Jones as you come across unblemished damages. Here you can still climb up the high pyramids getting to 42 meters airborne!
Coba scenic tours can be scheduled with scenic tours to Chichen Itza and also a quit at Cenote Ik Kil. This is an outstanding day trip that showcases a few of the top Mayan Ruins and also highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the biggest secured location in the Mexican Caribbean. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is abundant with wild animals consisting of numerous bird types. With tasks like watercraft scenic tours and also snorkeling, seeing the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a wonderful means to venture out and also experience the all-natural elegance of the Riviera Maya.
Valladolid
If you desire a social experience a journey to Valladolid is a must. Step back in time to this 16th-century city showcasing stunning colonial style.
Valladolid is ending up being a lot more prominent every year as individuals like to engage themselves in the society of the Mayan Riviera and also take pleasure in a quieter speed than the chaotic Cancun and also Mayan Riviera resorts. Valladolid is typically incorporated with a journey to Chichen Itza. Book this extremely ranked trip to see the old Mayan city of Chichen Itza incorporated with a quit at Valladolid and also the Cenote Ik Kil. Tours leave from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Puerto Morelos
We just lately found Puerto Morelos on our last journey to the Riviera Maya. While remaining at the Excellence Cancun Riviera, we were simply a number of kilometres from Puerto Morelos. Located slap bit in the center of Cancun and also Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Morel0s is an area the visitors forgot leaving it with an appeal that locations don’t have. The peaceful angling town lies on an exceptional coastline. It has whatever that you might desire with excellent snorkeling, numerous cenotes close by, a lengthy sandy coastline that is excellent for a daybreak stroll, and also a wonderful market.
Looking for the very best outing from Playa del Carmen? We’ve picked our favored trips to tackle the Mayan Riviera to obtain you off the hotel. Mexico is just one of our favored wintertime leaves and also we have actually checked out Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and also the Yucatan Peninsula routinely because 2000!
Swim with Whale Sharks
One of the very best outing we’ve ever before done was swimming with whale sharks in off the Coast of the Riviera Maya. They might be the greatest fish in the sea, however they are mild titans. Growing to sizes of over 12 meters (40 feet) whale sharks go over to see.
Just 2 hrs off the coastline in the Caribbean Sea, you can see them if you address the correct time of year. That time of the year would certainly be from May to September and also it is amazing!
We opted for Get Your Guide when taking our Whale Shark Tour. Book This Top-Rated Tour. It was an outstanding experience and also we quit at Isla Mujeres to take pleasure in the coastline and also to do some swimming. This trip uses very easy Cancellation and also final reservations.
Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is an additional prominent island situated simply off the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula. This tiny island is just 3.7 square kilometres however it is a safeguarded national forest. Only 200 individuals are enabled on Isla Contoy a day. It is a bird refuge with greater than 170 bird types moving with the island and also its crystal clear waters are safeguarded also. It is a wonderful area for snorkeling, and also bird viewing and also you can snoop loggerhead turtles also.
Trips to Isla Contoy are typically incorporated with quits at Isla Mujeres. You can schedule this combination trip to take pleasure in the crystal clear waters and also white sand coastlines of both islands.
Cozumel
Cozumel ferryboat leaves from Playa del Carmen at the Cozumel ferryboat pier. It can produce a great day journey to see this attractive island off the coastline. It’s an exceptional trip location by itself and also you can either jump over to take a look at the marketplaces and also scene for a day or invest the evening. Heck, we’ve invested a week on Cozumel and also never ever lacked points to do.
How to Get to Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is 45 mins from the Cancun airport terminal. Most resorts use an airport terminal shuttle bus straight from the Cancun airport terminal and also we additionally suggest reserving a choice up online beforehand as you won’t require to wait on various other guests.
Looking for transport from Cancun Airport to your resort, take a look at eTransfers for the very best costs. They use airport terminal shuttle bus to the Hotel Zone, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and also all along the Mayan Riviera.
Where to Stay in Playa Del Carmen
The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is an extravagant oceanfront home with straight coastline accessibility that is within strolling range to a Quinta Avenida – Fifth Avenue. It’s a little sanctuary in the heart of all the activity.
Paradisus Playa Del Carmen lies on the coastline this home is an all-encompassing 4-Diamond hotel bordered by mangrove trees.
Luxury Apartment – This apartment or condo service is a great one. We remained at this home a couple of years earlier and also it was within strolling range of all features. Located straight on the coastline with pool and also charming areas.
Do you have a favored suggestion for outing from Playa del Carmen? We return to the Yucatan routinely and also we’re constantly trying to find points to do.
