Unique Things to Do in the Riviera Maya
All About Riviera Maya
Recognized for such idyllic wonders as the crystal-clear Tulum cenotes, the turquoise waters and white sands of the Playa del Carmen beaches, and the cliffside Tulum Mayan ruins, the Riviera Maya is brimming with incredible sights and destinations. From scuba diving in Playa del Carmen to exploring Chichén Itzá, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Riviera Maya offers something special for everyone.
Between soaking up the shining sun on the Tulum beaches along the Caribbean coastline and swimming in the picturesque cenotes near Playa del Carmen, visiting the Riviera Maya can undoubtedly feel like paradise. There is such a seemingly endless array of things to do in Tulum, Akumal, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and the other destinations of the Mayan Riviera, that you’ll never be short of activities to explore.
You can enjoy the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine at the best Playa del Carmen restaurants or take on the bustling nightlife, complete with live music and dancing, at the buzzing downtown Tulum bars. Whether looking for a bit of rest and relaxation or a getaway retreat full of adventure and excitement, you can find it all in the Riviera Maya.
Riviera Maya Guidebook
What are the top things to do in Tulum?
Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico offers endless opportunities for pleasure and enjoyment, whether you’re searching for a quintessential beachside vacation or exploring off-the-beaten path activities and adventures. With a vast array of tours in Tulum, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Riviera Maya nature through relaxing escapes or adventure-packed thrills. Some of the most popular activities in Tulum to explore include swimming in the Caribbean at Paradise Beach, exploring the ancient Mayan ruins, going for a dive in the cenotes in Tulum, or renting bikes to easily experience all the local favorites. You can snorkel among colorful fish, sea turtles, and manta rays, or enjoy the Tulum beach clubs, restaurants, and bars. There are innumerable things to do in Tulum for every taste.
What activities can you do in Playa del Carmen?
Centrally located on the Riviera Maya and offering beaches, jungle, Mayan ruins, and vibrant resorts, Playa del Carmen has sights and experiences for everyone. In Playa del Carmen, Mexico, you’ll be able to explore the jungle and all the wonders of nature, discovering hidden cenotes, ziplining through the air, and seeing limestone caves firsthand.
Nestled in the tropical Caribbean, the town offers a hot and humid climate throughout most of the year, making a Playa del Carmen beach day a perfect way to cool off from the heat of the sun, particularly after a day of excitement and adventures. You can enjoy the sun and sand at the best beaches in Playa del Carmen, such as Playa Mamitas, Playa Punta Esmeralda, and Playa Publica 88. Afterwards, savor quintessential Mexican food and drinks at one of the many delightful restaurants or bars in downtown Playa del Carmen.
What do locals do along the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya may be known for the popular resorts, beautifully blue waters, and crowd-pleasing bars and restaurants, however there are a lot of other activities locals enjoy that are a bit more under the radar. Riviera Maya locals love Puerto Morelos when looking for a place to unwind. Here you won’t find any massive resorts or tourist attractions. Instead, you’ll enjoy getting to know the friendly local residents, well-kept beaches, and authentic cuisine in this charming fishing village.
If you want to travel offshore, a visit to Isla Mujeres makes for a refreshing getaway that locals also love. After a short ferry ride to the island, you can rent a golf cart and travel to Punta Sur, at the southern tip of the island, where you can catch incredible views of the ocean along the cliffside. Locals enjoy wandering through the fascinating sculpture garden, exploring the Mayan temple, and enjoying the lighthouse set prominently on the island. For those seeking more adventure, Isla Mujeres also offers opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving among the awe-inspiring marine reefs.