Playa del Carmen is a dream destination in the Riviera Maya, primarily known for its beaches, although that’s not all it stands out for. Besides the obvious charms, it offers a variety of activities worth putting on your list.
If you’re heading there, here are some of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, for you, the people you travel with, and anyone who wants to join in.
Table of Contents
- Simply Relax
- Swim with Sea Turtles
- Snorkeling Exploration
- Go on Tours
- Enjoy the Nightlife
- Explore Cenotes
- Visit Xcaret and Xel-Há
- Engage in Water Sports
- Discover the Local Cuisine
- Relax in a Spa
Simply Relax
Sometimes the best activity is doing nothing. Playa del Carmen is a great place to lie on the beach with a good book, listen to the sound of the waves, and let the sun do its work. Beach clubs throughout the area offer loungers and umbrellas so you can enjoy the day without a care.
Swim with Sea Turtles
One of the more memorable things you can do near Playa del Carmen is swim alongside sea turtles. Just a short drive south in Akumal, you can drop into turquoise water and find yourself next to these creatures in their natural habitat. It’s an eco-friendly activity and a genuinely moving way to connect with marine life.
Snorkeling Exploration
The Caribbean Sea is famous for its biodiversity and coral reefs. Playa del Carmen gives you multiple jumping-off points to explore this underwater world by snorkeling.
Cozumel Reefs National Park and the Great Maya Reef are both worth the trip, with colorful fish, vibrant corals, and if you’re lucky, rays and small sharks making an appearance.
Go on Tours
Playa del Carmen makes a natural base for day trips and longer excursions. From here you can visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, explore the cenotes scattered across the peninsula, or take a ferry out to Cozumel or Holbox.
Each tour offers a different look at the region’s history, culture, and natural landscape. The variety means you could spend a week here and still have more to see.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Once the sun sets, Fifth Avenue is where things come alive. Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants line the strip, catering to just about every preference. Whether you’re after a sophisticated beach club or a laid-back bar with live music, you’ll find something worth staying out for.
Explore Cenotes
Technically, cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes formed when limestone collapses and exposes groundwater below. In practice, they’re some of the most striking swimming spots you’ll find anywhere on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Some of the most visited near Playa del Carmen include Cenote Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, and Cenote Azul. The water is crystal clear, the rock formations are dramatic, and the surrounding jungle makes the whole setting feel pretty surreal.
Visit Xcaret and Xel-Há
These ecological and archaeological parks blend culture, nature, and adventure in a way that’s worth a full day each. At Xcaret, you can take in cultural shows, wade through underground rivers, and swim in natural lagoons. Xel-Há is more focused on water and is a solid choice for snorkeling, with a large natural cove full of marine life.
Engage in Water Sports
Playa del Carmen has good options for water sports across a range of skill levels. Kitesurfing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and sport fishing are all available. The calm, warm Caribbean water makes it a forgiving place to try something for the first time.
Discover the Local Cuisine
The food scene in Playa del Carmen runs from street tacos to serious sit-down restaurants. The variety is real, and you don’t have to spend much to eat well.
Try the fresh seafood, ceviche, and traditional Yucatecan dishes while you’re here. Cochinita pibil and papadzules are both worth seeking out if you haven’t had them before.
Relax in a Spa
After a full day, a spa visit is a reasonable way to wind down. Playa del Carmen has no shortage of options, with treatments like massages, body wraps, and facials, many using natural ingredients from the region.
If your hotel has a spa on-site, that’s a real convenience. You’re a short walk from your room and don’t have to think about getting anywhere after.
A great lodging option with an included spa and many other activities can be found by visiting www.barcelo.com/en-us/occidental-at-xcaret-destination/.
