Things to do in Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen

Tour of Chichen Itza’s Maya ruins and Cenote Tsukán with Lunch

A duo of Mexican delights await on this full day tour from Cancun. The adventure begins at the break of dawn with a journey to experience the wonder of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO-listed ancient Maya city. Then, wind down with a swim in a natural underground cenote cave. Hugo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The early start is worth it – we'll arrive first thing in the morning to experience the magic of the ruins in the soft sunlight and beat the heat'.A guided tour of the ruined city reveals the stories of this remarkable site. It's not hard to imagine the daily lives of the community that lived here and built these impressive monuments. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to make the most of exploring this archaeological treasure trove as you wish. Hugo adds, ‘This ancient city isn't just about admiring the grandeur of El Castillo, but also about feeling the pulse of the Maya civilization that thrived here centuries ago. Don't miss the Great Ball Court—imagine the echoes of the past as players competed in this very spot.'Next, you'll be whisked away to Cenote Tsukán. Cenotes are believed by the Maya to be portals to the underworld, and they are revered in traditional culture. Here, you will plunge into the limpid waters, participate in a traditional ceremony and feel your senses awaken in glorious natural surroundings. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a tasty local lunch, savouring the flavours of regional cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Riviera Maya Day of the Dead Celebrations with dinner

Celebrate like a local on Mexico's biggest and most vibrant holiday with this Day of the Dead outing. You'll dive into ancient traditions, and get a memorable glimpse into one of Mexico's most significant cultural events. Lucas, one of our local expert guides, says, ‘Dià de los Muertos is like a family reunion – but with an otherworldly twist. It's a joyful celebration where families honour loved ones through storytelling, music, dancing and of course, delicious food.' Kick off your journey by plunging into the crystal-clear waters of Mexico's mystical cenote – an underground river that's the perfect refreshing start to your adventure. After your swim, you'll sample traditional festival foods like 'pan de muerto', a sweet bread baked in the shape of skulls or bones, as well as savoury tamales, both believed to comfort the souls of the departed. Throughout the day, you'll also learn about cool traditions like ‘offrendas' – offerings to loved ones – and the significance of bright orange marigold flowers. Next, roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with Mexican culinary magic by making your own guacamole. Sip on local wines while a chef spills the secrets behind regional flavours and cooking techniques. Lucas adds, ‘We whip up all the favourite foods and drinks of our loved ones to show we still care. Plus, we even set out their favourite snacks on the altars – you know, just in case they get hungry!' The tour wraps up with a dinner that captures the essence of the day, offering unforgettable memories and a whole new appreciation for Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

Cozumel guided snorkelling and island tour from Cancun

Hop aboard a super-speedy boat headed to Cozumel Island, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and its marine life are waiting. Soak up the breathtaking landscapes before snorkelling at two of the most famous reefs in the southern part of the island, Palancar and Colombia. They're separated by a couple of metres of open water, so you'll have wall-to-wall reef to explore. Next stop is the shores of El Cielo – which literally means ‘the sky' in English – as it's famous for its peaceful atmosphere and giant starfish population, which you'll find covering much of the ocean floor. You'll also have the chance to see stingrays and other sea creatures during your time here. Afterwards, there'll be some time to relax and check out the views from El Cielito Sandbar, before heading towards the centre of Cozumel.For lunch, you'll get to try some of the region's typical dishes at a vibrant, local restaurant with an ocean view, before rounding off the day with free time to wander around Cozumel Centre. You've the option of a quick tour here – including a visit to the central clock tower at the heart of the island. Then jump back on the boat to sail back to Playa del Carmen, where your transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Adults-only Riviera Maya boat trip with open bar and lunch

There's nothing quite like that holiday feeling, and this boat trip delivers all the little luxuries that take your holiday to the next level. Crafted and designed with you in mind, this cruise is just for grown-ups, so stretch out and enjoy the peace and the scenery gliding by – a new perspective on Mexico. Alejandro, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Among the special touches you can find on board are fresh fruit, a tasty lunch and, of course, swim stops and water sports so you can make the most of all that stunning water.'From the moment you step onto the catamaran and you're sipping a welcome drink, there's nothing more to do but unwind. Feel the sea breeze on your skin, the warm sun on your back and soak up the wonderful views of the Riviera. There'll be ample space on board to sunbathe and admire the view, so sit back and enjoy the pure relaxation as you sail from Riviera Maya to a secluded spot.It wouldn't be a cruise without a swim stop, so that's on the agenda for your trip, and there's snorkelling and paddleboard equipment for you to try out too. Jump into the tempting waves and test your balance on the SUPs or check out the underwater world. Afterwards, a tasty late lunch and free-flowing drinks will be served on board, then it's time to kick back and relax some more.

Guided tour of Valladolid with Chukum cenote swim

The cool rush of freshwater as you plunge into the Chukum Cenote awaits you on this flavour-packed tour that explores the Yucatan Peninsula's colourful culture and cuisine. After arriving in the pastel-painted town of Valladolid, you'll head to a lively local market where the air is thick with fragrant spices and the stalls overflow with fresh produce. Sofia, one of our local expert guides, says “Valladolid's market isn't just a place to shop, it's where you will feel the heart of Yucatan. The stories, the flavours, the people…it all starts there.”You'll head to a traditional mill to discover the ancient art of transforming corn into masa – the base of Mexico's famous tortilla. Followed up with a stroll down the Calzada de los Frailes, one of Valladolid's most picturesque and historic streets, lined with colourful colonial houses, artisan shops, and boutique cafes. After you've worked up an appetite, it's time to get hands-on with workshops focusing on ancient Mayan cooking techniques. You'll master the art of salsa, press your own tortillas, and learn about the beloved cochinita pibil, a classic pork dish that's slow-cooked underground over hot stones. Taste the fruits of your labour as you tuck into a buffet lunch bursting with those rich traditional Yucatecan flavours. After lunch, you'll take part in a traditional Mayan ceremony before a well-earned cool-down dip in the mystical caves of the jungle cenote in Hacienda Chukum. Finish the day by delving further into the heritage with a wander through a garden to harvest a few fresh picks before visiting a thatched-roof space and traditional Mayan house, each offering a glimpse into daily life shaped by the Yucatan community.

Ek' Balam deluxe tour with Hacienda Chukum & Valladolid

Dive into an epic adventure at the ancient Maya ruins of Ek' Balam with some adrenaline fun packed in too. You'll get to step back in time at this archaeological site, followed by ziplining and cenote swimming at Hacienda Chukum, a buffet lunch of regional classics, and a visit to Valladolid. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘Known as the ‘Black Jaguar' or ‘Star Jaguar', it's not every day you get to see such massive structures and what makes Ek Balam unique are its unique double walls that encircle the central area'. At Ek' Balam, get ready for a blast into Maya history discovering over 40 structures, with the opportunity to climb several monuments. Prepare to be wowed by pyramids and the towering acropolis, offering epic shots of the site and surrounding lush jungle. Next up, let's kick the adventure up a notch at Hacienda Chukum. This isn't your typical stop – it's a jungle hideout with a cenote where you can swim or zip line across the cavern. Your guide will share snorkelling tips and fun facts about the local flora and fauna around you. After all that action, it's time to refuel with a delicious buffet of regional favourites in an open-air restaurant. Savour dishes like pulled pork, spicy fish, and tortillas, plus some sweet treats to top it off. Our day wraps up in Valladolid, a town oozing with Insta-worthy Spanish vibes, colourful mansions, and quaint cobblestone streets. Enjoy some leisure time to explore, take photos at the Municipal Palace and soak up the laid-back atmosphere in the main plaza before heading back.

Playa del Carmen Coco Bongo Tickets

Party the night away at Playa del Carmen's legendary Coco Bongo nightclub, where a Vegas-style extravaganza awaits. In a four-hour show featuring dancers, performers, acrobats and singers, you'll be swept away by the club's dazzling nighttime atmosphere. There are five options to choose from – Regular, Gold Member, Silver Member, Front Row and Drink Pack.The fun starts as soon as you're dropped off at Coco Bongo. Well-known for its glittering performances and music that's sure to keep you on the dancefloor. Once the lights are dimmed, the show truly gets started with glittering confetti falling from the sky and tribute acts taking to the stage bringing the best of Madonna, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé to you.Choose from five options:Regular – Standing only entry ticket with snack and open barGold Member – Separate fast-track Gold Member entrance, with reserved seating, snack and open barSilver Member - Silver Entrance, premium bar with one snack to choose, no seat (one mini hamburger, one hotdog, french fries or nachos)Front Row Ticket – Reserved front row seating area with snack and open bar, skip the lines with waiter service and unlimited drinks.Drink Pack – Standing-only entry with five national drinks, no snack.

Xplor with rafting and ziplining tour

If you're in search of a holiday experience that'll get your heart pounding, then a day at Xplor is just what you need. Ziplines, 4x4 jungle trails, underground pools, rafting through caves – and that's only the beginning. Bring out your inner Tarzan and enjoy an action-packed day in Cancun.Heading deep into the Riviera Maya jungle, you'll discover a land of adrenaline-pumping opportunities. Soar through the treetops on ziplines as high as 45 metres – the height of an 11-storey building – then back on solid ground, you'll get behind the wheel of a 4x4 to rev your way through the rainforest.Your journey will also bring a few surprises along the way, with a chance to swim and raft in an ancient cenote – an underground cavernous pool – where you'll use your hands to propel you through the water as you admire stalactite spears that have formed on the roof. To bring your day to an end with a splash, you'll zoom through the sky in a hammock and land in the refreshing cenote water. Make sure to bring a digital copy of your voucher to get a 50% discount on your photo package, available if you book the option including transport. That way, you can prove to anyone you've overcome your greatest fears.

Priority tickets to Xel-Há 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.

Extreme Tulum tour with ATV, ruins and cenote

Ready for a Tulum adventure that's got it all? This three-in-one tour's got culture, thrill, and nature packed into one epic day. First, you'll dive into history with a guided stroll through the Tulum archaeological site, where ancient ruins meet some serious sea views – get ready to snap pics of this magic backdrop. Take your time to explore, soak up the history, and vibe out in this iconic spot.Next, shift gears – literally – and hop onto a powerful 4X4 Can-Am ATV for a high-speed ride through the heart of the Mayan jungle. Feel the adrenaline rush as you zip along dirt roads, surrounded by lush greenery and the wild beauty of the Riviera Maya.And just when you think it can't get better, it does. You'll dive into a crystal-clear underground cenote, snorkel through hidden caverns, and top it all off with a full-on Mexican feast. Satisfy those taste buds with an authentic buffet and leave feeling like you've just lived the ultimate Tulum experience.

Horse Back Riding at Rancho Bonanza

You'll have the chance to experience Mexico's landscape exactly the way nature intended on this horseback ride. Leaving nothing but a trail of hoof prints behind you, you'll trot and canter your way through forest trails, stopping off for a swim in a cenote along the way. You'll finish the tour with a bite to eat back at the ranch.

Delphinus dolphin experiences at Riviera Maya

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.