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Looking for the top things to do in Playa del Carmen? We’ve got you covered!
There is truly so much to do on the Yucatan Peninsula and Playa del Carmen is the perfect spot to base yourself out of. We’ve visited more times than I can count, so I understand if you’re a bit overwhelmed when planning your itinerary – how can you possibly fit everything in?
We’ve narrowed down the best activities in Playa del Carmen to maximize your time. I’ve added my favorite day trips, the best cruises, food tours, and more. They are easy to book so you don’t have to stress about planning all the logistics, just enjoy your vacay!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE thing to do is take a day trip to Chichen Itza! This is a can’t-miss sight and visiting from Playa del Carmen makes your trip easy. Check out the 19,000+ positive reviews and book your spot here.
Tip: This tour is popular – book it in advance and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before the tour departs.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in Playa del Carmen
- 1. Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
- 2. Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves
- 3. Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour
- 4. Cenote and Akumal Beach Tour
- 5. Day trip to Isla Mujeres
- 6. Jungle Buggy Tour With Cenote Swim
- 7. Playa del Carmen Mexican Cooking Experience and Local Markets Tour
- 8. Luxury Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling
- 9. Xplor Adventure Park
- 10. Swim with whale sharks
- Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Playa del Carmen
1. Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
- Price: $59 – $169 USD
- Duration: 12 hours
- Time: 6:30 – 7:30 am
- Highlights: Visiting Chichen Itza, swimming in a sacred cenote, exploring the colonial streets of Valladolid, small group tour
- Inclusions: Hotel pick up, buffet lunch, bilingual guide, entrance to Chichen Itza and centor (if all inclusive option is selected)
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 19,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you want a tour that combines history with adventure, check out this all-inclusive Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour. This is a great tour if you’ve only got a few days in Playa del Carmen. You get a bit of everything, including seeing ancient ruins, swimming in a cenote, and exploring a historical city. Plus, this tour has over 19,000 raving reviews (see them here!) so you know it’s a good option!
The day starts with a visit to Chichen Itza. We had two hours to explore the ancient Mayan city and its remaining relics, including the incredible El Castillo Pyramid. Note the Chichen Itza entrance fee is only included in the all-inclusive tour option.
After soaking up Chichen Itza’s history and sweating up a storm, our next stop at Saamal Cenote was very welcomed. This is a natural open-air sinkhole with a gorgeous waterfall flowing into crystal-clear water. There are also several elevated viewing platforms so you can get great photos after taking a dip. One hour at the cenote was the perfect amount of time.
Then it was on to Valladolid, one of Mexico’s most charming colonial cities. After a buffet lunch, there’s the option of an authentic tequila tasting. Otherwise, you can go explore sights like San Bernardino de Siena Convent and San Servacio Church.
Because it’s a 12-hour tour, you spend several hours on the bus. But the frequent stops and the friendly guides made the day fly by.
The tour starts at $59 USD per person, but the all-inclusive price is $169 USD per person. This includes roundtrip transport from your hotel, Chichen Itza admission, one drink with the buffet lunch, and locker/lifejacket hire at the cenote. For such a long tour, we think that’s a great price.
Book this top-rated tour now and access FREE cancellation before you take off!
2. Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves
- Price: $97 – $333 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: Visiting Tulum, seeing ancient Mayan ruins, snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, swimming in a cenote
- Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation from your Playa del Carmen hotel, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, bilingual guide, lunch
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 3,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
See the best of Tulum on this full-day tour. Not only do you get to see Mayan ruins, but you’ll also experience the beach, jungle, and cenotes. It’s one of the top-rated tours from Playa del Carmen to Tulum for a reason – check out the 3,700+ 5-star reviews here!
We started at the Tulum Archaeological Site. If you’ve seen photos of these ancient fortifications sitting pretty on a clifftop overlooking turquoise water, you know it’s worth visiting. We had 1.5 hours to take photos and for our guide to share lots about Mayan history and culture.
Next, it was time to cool off and go swimming with tropical fish in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. A boat takes you out to the reef for a 1-hour leisurely snorkeling tour. With amazing visibility, don’t be surprised if a sea turtle or ray comes to say hello. Note: you need to pay a $15 USD Conservation of Marine Fauna fee in cash on the day.
A delicious buffet lunch is included, along with water and snacks. You’ll need this refueling before the tour’s final stop – Parque De Cenotes Yax-Muul.
Take a walk through the jungle before swimming in Cenote Xtun. The stalagmites and stalactites dominating the cave make this underground cenote different from its counterparts. They’re incredible to see up close! After 3 hours here, it’s time to head home.
Prices vary by group size, but start as low as $97 USD per person. That’s incredibly affordable for an 8-hour tour that includes lunch, roundtrip transport from your hotel, and entrance fees. They also provide snorkeling gear – just make sure to wear your swimsuit and sunblock!
Check availability and book this top-rated tour here, before it sells out!
3. Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour
- Price: $65 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 5 pm
- Highlights: Visiting local eateries, trying authentic Mexican dishes, exploring Playa del Carmen
- Inclusions: Local guide, all your food tastings
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
We love a walking tour, but do you know what makes any walking tour infinitely better? When it’s this walking food tour. What we loved about this particular tour is that our guide combined the food aspect with lots of information about local history and culture.
It’s a truly well-rounded experience that’s perfect for first-time visitors. You’ll stray from the beaten path and try some lesser-known Mexican specialties at popular local eateries. We recommend joining the tour at your trip’s beginning, so you can make the most of the local tips and tricks.
We don’t want to give too much away, but some of our favorite stops were a family-run fruit stand with exotic produce, where you can try local fruit juices. It was so refreshing on a hot day!
Then there was the best taqueria in town for amazing tacos. After a stop for mole, we finished with local popsicles and ice cream. If you’re vegetarian, rest assured there are also options for you – just give your guides a heads up about any dietary restrictions when you book your tour.
The 3-hour tour begins from $65 USD per person. This includes beverages, multiple food tastings, and tips for local restaurant staff. You can choose between a 10 am or 5 pm start time, turning it into lunch or dinner. You’ll start and end at a central meeting point, so make sure to wear comfy shoes since it is a walking tour.
Book this tour with more than 800 5-star reviews here to secure your spot!
4. Cenote and Akumal Beach Tour
- Price: $169 USD
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Swimming in a cenote, snorkeling at Akumal Beach, relaxing at a luxury beach club
- Inclusions: Hotel pick up and transportation from Playa del Carmen, all entrance fees, lunch and snacks, snorkeling gear
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you want to spend the day in the water, check out this Cenote and Akumal Beach Tour. It’s very similar to the second tour mentioned, just without the Tulum Ruins. We think it highlights the best of Playa del Carmen in under five hours. Plus, not having to think of transport or lunch gets a big tick from us.
We started at an underground cenote, which had amazing stalagmites, caverns, and rock formations. Paired with the glimpses of sunlight playing across the azure water, it was otherworldly. Our guide told us about the region’s Mayan history before we took a very refreshing dip!
Then it was onto Akumal Beach, which is known for being home to some of the area’s best snorkeling. Your guide will lead you on a snorkeling tour, where you’ll see colorful coral, tropical fish, and friendly sea turtles. The visibility was fantastic when we visited!
Our final stop was Punta Venado Beach Club. This is where we had lunch and can I just say, I still think about the tacos! We had an hour for lunch and a little rest and relaxation before it was time to head home.
This is a small-group tour, so book in advance, as it’s likely to sell out. Starting from $169 USD per person, it takes between 4.5 to 5 hours and includes hotel pick-up/drop off, transport, water, snacks, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. Tours are available every day but Sunday, and start around 9 am.
Reserve this top-rated tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go.
5. Day trip to Isla Mujeres
- Price: $149 USD
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Time: 8:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Cruising on a luxury catamaran to the beautiful Isla Mujeres, snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, open bar and gourmet lunch on board, exploring Isla Mujeres
- Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation from your Playa del Carmen hotel, catamaran cruise, lunch and open bar, bilingual guides, snorkel gear, docking fee
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 3,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Just off the coast near Cancun is Isla Mujeres, a must-visit island paradise that you’ve just got to visit if you have time. Also known as “Women Island” in English, there are so many things to do in Isla Mujeres, from exploring its rich Mayan history to visiting one of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa Norte!
This is the exact tour we took and I love that it’s all-inclusive style and affordable at $149 USD. It includes round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen, an open bar, and gourmet lunch, and dock fees – not a bad price for all that’s included!
Stepping onto the catamaran instantly made me feel relaxed! The beautiful boat and the warm salty air are unlike any other place. You’ll start making your way to your snorkeling spot where you can explore the second-largest coral reef in the world. I felt super safe as the tour guides were attentive and gave great instructions so we could simply have fun.
Once you are done snorkeling, the party starts! After being in the hot sun all day, we were very excited to have lunch and access to the open bar.
After slowly making your way to Isla Mujeres, you’ll have a few hours to explore on your own, or you can choose to take a guided tour of the island. You’ll have a lot of options to explore beaches, get on the water, or snorkel while in Playa del Carmen, but visiting Isla Mujeres is a must in my book! I love the colorful and quaint vibes of the city, and the natural beauty is something to boast about as well.
With over 2,000 5-star reviews, it’s one of the best things you can do in Playa del Carmen!
Be sure to book this tour in advance here, it’s popular and will sell out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Jungle Buggy Tour With Cenote Swim
- Price: $102 USD per person
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 8:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Exploring the jungle, driving an off-road cubby, cooling off in a cenote, exploring a cave
- Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation from Playa del Carmen hotels, all entrance fees, snorkeling gear, ATV buggy, water and snacks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If your adventurous side is calling out, check out this Jungle Buggy Tour. It’s a guided tour, so you and your partner get prepped, and then you drive about 18 miles through the wild Riviera Maya woods.
I love ATV tours in Playa del Carmen, and this one is one of my faves. Although technically, you’re in a buggy, which is a bit bigger and safer.
Regardless, it’s a thrilling and oftentimes dirty adventure beside the lush forest, through muddy puddles, and along hilly roads. But it’s perfect if you’re a fellow adrenaline junkie. Note, though, that single riders are not allowed, so it’s only available for couples or even-numbered groups.
The best place to wash away the dirt? With a refreshing swim and snorkel in a cenote, of course! There are so many awesome cenotes in the area, and this particular cenote has both covered and open-air sections. I love how you get to experience both in one go.
This tour begins at $102 USD per person and lasts for about 3 hours. It includes roundtrip pick-up from Playa del Carmen, buggy and goggle rentals, snorkeling equipment, water, and a snack. It’s offered every day but Sunday, and you can choose between a morning and afternoon departure.
Check out the 1,000+ glowing reviews and book this tour in advance here!
7. Playa del Carmen Mexican Cooking Experience and Local Markets Tour
- Price: $96 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Shopping for ingredients at local markets, cooking in a local’s home, learning to make authentic Mexican dishes
- Inclusions: All ingredients, lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re a frequent reader, you’ll know we are big foodies. So we couldn’t leave Playa del Carmen without participating in this Mexican Cooking Experience. What we loved the most about this tour was that it was an authentic market-to-table cooking experience with a true local.
Chef Alma takes you around her local market and shares stories about native ingredients and local life. She then takes you “home,” where she teaches you to cook alongside her wonderful Tia. This really adds a personal element which is partly why this is one of the best food tours in Playa del Carmen.
The menu they prepare differs daily. For example, our cooking class was on a Wednesday and included a street-style taco feast. We made guacamole, salsa, tortillas from scratch, tacos al pastor, fried plantain, and more! We also ended the experience with authentic margaritas and agua fresca.
But depending on the day, you might make tamales, mole, or a Mexican dessert. Chef Alma can also accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free consumers. Just make sure to let them know of any dietary restrictions when you book your tour.
The tour’s meeting place is right in the heart of Playa del Carmen. It’s a 3-hour experience that starts at $96 USD per person. Tours are offered in the morning, so you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy Playa del Carmen in the afternoon. You can even make a whole foodie day out of it by having dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
This experience was not only fun but easy to follow, so you can use the tips you learn at home. So if you want to perfect your Mexican cooking skills, add this tour to your itinerary!
Dates are limited – book it in advance here to secure your spot!
8. Luxury Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling
- Price: $139 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Sailing on a luxury catamaran, snorkeling in Inah Reef, onboard lunch and open bar
- Inclusions: Transportation from your Playa del Carmen hotel, snorkeling gear and paddleboards, bilingual crew, lunch, drinks
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 550+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Ready to sail the high seas on this Luxury Catamaran Tour? While we have other cruises on this list, I love how this one takes us to a different side of Playa del Carmen.
We boarded the luxury catamaran and headed out into the warm Caribbean Sea, admiring the views along the way. Soon we docked at Inah Reef, which just so happens to be one of the region’s best snorkeling spots. We had a choice of doing a guided snorkeling tour, stand-up paddleboarding… or both! Of course, we couldn’t say no to trying both.
It was really calm and clear on the paddleboard, so it’s great conditions for beginners. As for snorkeling, we saw some cool coral, rays, and colorful fish.
Soon it was time to enjoy the gourmet lunch and open bar – yes, open bar! Don’t be surprised if they pull out tequila for shots. Catamaran cruises in Playa del Carmen are already incredible, so this was really just icing on the cake. Then, we slowly headed back to the marina with full stomachs and great memories.
This catamaran tour starts from $139 USD per person and you can choose between a morning or afternoon departure, and everything is included. This includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, guided snorkeling with equipment, beverages, paddleboards, and lunch.
Check availability and book this highly-rated tour with FREE cancellation options here!
9. Xplor Adventure Park
- Price: $154 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 9 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: All inclusive access to Xplor Adventure park, rafting, ziplining, caving, relaxing in the hammocks
- Inclusions: Access to all activities in the adventure park, lunch, photos, lockers and rest areas
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
After an epic adventure in Playa del Carmen? Look no further than Xplor Adventure Park, a huge theme park of the Xcaret Brand.
A single day here is one to remember, soaring the trees on over 14 different ziplines covering a massive 2.4 miles on two circuits. Additionally, with swimming/rafting through caves with stalactites and driving a four-wheel buggy through flooded caves and jungle scenes, it’s a day of excitement!
We booked our entrance tickets ahead of time to ensure our spots and we loved that they offered an all-inclusive option. For $154 USD we got a delicious lunch and access to activities such as ziplining, waterfalls, driving ATVs, swimming through cenotes, and more than you’d get with a standard admission ticket. The best way to get to Xplor is to drive yourself, and it’s only 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen.
We spent about 6 hours here and had the best time. There is truly something for everyone!
Reserve your tickets in advance here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
10. Swim with whale sharks
- Price: $199 USD
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 6 am – 1 pm
- Highlights: Snorkeling with whale sharks, learning from the biologist guide, cruising to Isla Mujeres
- Inclusions: Hotel pick up in Playa del Carmen, biologist guide, snorkel gear, lunch
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
When traveling the Yucatán, you always hear about its amazing nightlife, crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and, of course, tasty margaritas. But have you ever heard about swimming with whale sharks?
Whale sharks aren’t technically sharks, they’re actually the largest fish in the world! So it should come as no surprise that swimming with these HUGE fish is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and the best part is that you can do it from Playa del Carmen!
Unfortunately, you won’t find these beautiful creatures swimming in front of Playa del Carmen Beach, so you will need a boat ride to reach them. That means that a tour is the only way to go on this adventure!
This full-day whale shark tour picks you up at your hotel, whether you’re in Playa del Carmen or anywhere else on the Rivera Maya. The tour includes an expert biologist guide who speaks both English and Spanish – it’s the perfect way to interact with whale sharks and learn about them!
On top of that, you’ll get a delicious lunch, use of snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket. The best part is that the lunch is served off the coast of Isla Mujeres. This way, you can have two amazing experiences in one day.
Whale shark season in Playa del Carmen runs from mid-May until mid-September, with the best time being in the middle of that. During this time of the year, whale sharks gather on the northern coasts of the Yucatan. If you are lucky, you could also catch a glimpse of a Manta ray swimming along with the whale sharks.
Don’t let their size intimidate you, either. Whale sharks are friendly and harmless to humans – they are on a strict plankton-only diet! You can book this full-day experience for $199 USD, including transportation from Playa del Carmen.
Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Choosing a place to stay in Playa del Carmen can often be overwhelming – trust me, I’ve been there. The selection of hotels is huge and caters to all sorts of trips, budgets, and ages. I won’t be able to mention every place I love, but I do have some favorites, depending on what you’re looking for.
El Taj Oceanfront and Beachside Condo Hotel – $$$
For luxury travelers, The El Taj Oceanfront and Beachside Condo Hotel offer a great central location that’s still secluded. As the name suggests, this hotel is right on the ocean, plus it also has a pool, is located in the heart of town, and offers a huge variety of rooms, including one, two, and three bedroom apartments!
Rooms here at El Taj start around $200 USD, which is pretty good considering how fantastic the rooms are. You can check out available dates and book your stay online here.
Soho Playa Hotel – $$
When I’m traveling on a moderate budget and want a nice place, not in a resort, I love Soho Playa Hotel. The hotel has a fantastic location, a pool, free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a really clean and modern design. Plus, if you feel like stretching out and relaxing, you can even make the most of their free yoga classes!
A one-night stay here at the Soho Playa Hotel starts at around $135 USD per person. This is quite a popular hotel though, so make sure to reserve your room online in advance!
Che Playa Hostel and Bar – $
For budget travelers, Che Playa Hostel and Bar is one of the best hostels in Playa del Carmen. The hostel is located in the heart of town and comes with a small rooftop pool and bar, a social atmosphere, clean facilities, and helpful staff.
The rooms are pretty affordable as you might expect! A bed in a dorm here for one night costs less than $25 USD per person, and you can book on Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Playa del Carmen has always been a favorite travel destination of mine. The friendly people, fantastic activities, delicious food, and pristine beaches just keep me coming back for more. I hope that, like me, you thoroughly enjoy Playa del Carmen and find the above list helpful!
If you do find this guide helpful, be sure to browse around at more of our Mexico blogs, such as:
Is Mexico Safe? Safety Info about Traveling in Mexico
Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen – 9 Things you NEED to KNOW!