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Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico. It’s easy to see why, as it’s surrounded by beautiful beaches, cenotes, lush jungles, and ancient archaeological sites.
One of the easiest ways to see the best that Playa del Carmen has to offer is on a tour. Let someone else organize, so all you have to worry about is having fun. There are loads of tours, and it can be hard to pick one, which is why we’ve listed the best tours in Playa del Carmen below. From foodie experiences and snorkeling to diving trips and adrenaline-pumping activities, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve traveled around the Yucatan Peninsula extensively, and we’ve personally done all of these tours. So before you book one, why not learn from our experience? Read on to pick the right Playa del Carmen tour for you.
Don’t have time to read the full article? These are our absolute favorite tours in Playa del Carmen:
- On this all-inclusive Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour, you’ll see ancient ruins, swim in a cenote, and stroll through a charming colonial city.
- This Mexican Cooking Experience takes you shopping at a local market before learning how to cook up a Mexican feast.
- Adrenaline junkies will love this Extreme Adventure Tour, which has you snorkeling, ziplining, rappeling, and swimming in cenotes.
Best Tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
1. Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
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.
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 do spend quite a few hours on the bus. But the frequent stops and the friendly guides made the day fly by.
The tour starts at $69 USD per person, but the all-inclusive price is $139 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.
To take advantage of this awesome deal, make a booking today.
2. Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves
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!
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. What makes this underground cenote different from its counterparts is the stalagmites and stalactites dominating the cave. They’re incredible to see up close! After 3 hours here, it’s time to head home.
This tour starts from $119 USD per person, which is 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!
You can click here to learn more and book your ticket.
Related Read: For more similar tours, read our review about the best tours of the Tulum Ruins.
3. Playa del Carmen Mexican Cooking Experience and Local Markets Tour
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 5-hour experience that starts at $144 USD per person. Tours run Monday to Friday and begin at 9:30 am, 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, sign up for this tour today!
Related Read: Looking for even more foodie experiences? Try a taco tour in nearby Cancun or in Mexico City!
4. Cenote and Akumal Beach Tour
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 $159 USD per person, it takes between 4.5 to 5 hours and includes hotel pick-up/dropoff, transport, water, snacks, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. Tours are available every day but Sunday, and start around 9 am.
Make sure to check availability and secure your spot on this coveted tour!
5. Luxury Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling
Ready to sail the high seas on this Luxury Catamaran Tour? We had so much fun on this tour, and it was great to see 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 for 4 hours. 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.
Honestly, there’s no better way to spend 4 hours at sea! You can book this tour online through Viator.
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
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 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 $107 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. The trilingual tour guides can also converse in English, French, and Spanish. It’s offered every day but Sunday, and you can choose between a morning and afternoon departure.
Ready to make a booking? Trust me, if you have an adventurous spirit, you won’t regret it!
7. Río Secreto Nature Reserve
Discover the magic of Rio Secreto Nature Reserve on this tour. A 100% Mexican-owned organization, it’s the Yucatan Peninsula’s newest ecotourism experience. And if you haven’t explored this underground river with awe-inspiring geological formations, you’re missing out!
You begin with a welcome video before heading to the starting point. I liked the prep because it gave us an idea of the company and what to expect throughout the day.
This tour also includes a professional guide and all necessary equipment, like a wetsuit, helmet, water shoes, and life vest. What are you going to do strapped from head to toe in all this gear? You’re going to explore the reserve’s semi-sunken underground cave system. Rock formations, limestone underground tunnels, stalagmites, and crystal-clear water await!
Along the way, your guide will lend a helping hand if needed, point out unique flora and fauna, and share more about the cave’s creation. It’s truly one of the most unique tours in Playa del Carmen, and I learned so much about this area’s ecosystem from our guides.
After that adventure, you get to enjoy a traditional Mayan buffet lunch and explore the reserve’s surrounding jungles before picking from options A or B. A is simply returning to the hotel, while B includes a visit to the Tulum Archaeological Site. Prices range from $92-$139 USD per person, depending on which option you choose and whether or not you need transportation.
If you haven’t visited the Tulum Ruins, I highly recommend it! This ancient walled fortress sits on a cliff overlooking the sea – so expect incredible views. Plus, the guides walk you through the ruins, sharing its history and fun astronomical findings.
Already know which options you’d like? Click here to book it online today!
Please note: The photo above does not do this place justice. But I did not buy the photo package, so this is the only photo I got from the trip. You’ll just have to experience its beauty firsthand!
8. Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour
We love a walking tour, but do you know what makes any walking tour infinitely better? When it’s a 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 $69 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.
You’re going to want to secure your spot immediately. And remember, this tour is best done at the beginning of your trip!
9. Full-Day Snorkel Extreme Adventure Tour
They were not wrong when they named this the Extreme Adventure Tour, as it’s designed for adrenaline junkies. If that sounds like you, get ready for a fun-filled day of snorkeling, ziplining, rappelling, and cenotes!
It starts early, with pick-up from 7 am at Riviera Maya hotels. You then head directly to the Caribbean Sea for some snorkeling. The area they take you to is known for its colorful reef fish, barracudas, and stingrays, and we got to see them all.
Then you head into the jungle for a zipline experience. The ziplines range from 591 feet to 1214 feet (180 to 370 meters). But wait, there’s more – a rappel tower that lowers you 50 feet (15 meters) to the jungle floor. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife in their natural environment.
The final stop on this tour is an underground river system, complete with limestone caves and a cenote for swimming. After all that adventure, you finish your trip with a Mexican buffet lunch before heading back to your hotel.
We appreciated they gave us enough time to really enjoy all these experiences, too. Nothing felt rushed on this 6-hour tour.
We loved that the tour was capped at 14 people, which made for a more intimate experience. It also starts early, but you get back to your hotel around 2 pm, giving you time for more adventure if you’re up for it. Plus, it’s available every day but Sunday, so it’s easy to work into your Playa del Carmen itinerary.
Starting at $119 per person, you really get your money’s worth on this tour. It includes everything we mentioned and roundtrip transport from your hotel.
Are you ready for adventure? Reserve your spot right here.
Related Read: Can’t get enough of adrenaline-packed activities? Try swimming with whale sharks in Playa del Carmen.
10. Two Reef Discovery Dives
Speaking of extreme adventure … no experience is necessary for this Two Reef Discovery Dives tour. Whether you’re a total newbie or have some experience under your belt, you can dive underwater to see some of the area’s best marine life.
We love scuba diving in Playa del Carmen, and this tour is one of our top choices, especially for beginners. Your day begins with a full briefing from one of the experienced PADI instructors. They then take you to a pool for a skills test to build your confidence before heading to the ocean.
When you’re ready, you can grab lunch from a nearby store before boarding the dive boat. Your guide will tell you all about the ocean and native sea life as you make your way to do two dives at two different reefs.
The dives have a maximum depth of 40 feet (12 meters), which is why this is the perfect tour for beginners. They also last between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on your comfort level. This area is fantastic for diving because of great visibility. So you can expect to see moray eels, stingrays, tropical fish, colorful coral, and sea turtles while exploring underwater.
This tour is extremely affordable, starting at $150 USD per person and including all required equipment. The tour is also capped at four people, so everyone gets the support they need.
Lunch and transportation aren’t covered, and you’ll need to be at the Tank-Ha Dive Center by 9 am. However, you can arrange transport with your tour operator for an extra fee.
For an unforgettable diving experience in Playa del Carmen, book your spot now!
Related Read: Are you flying into Cancun? Well, we wrote a whole guide to help you get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
There are a TON of great places to stay in Playa del Carmen, so it can be a bit difficult knowing where to even begin! The hotels here cater to all kinds of budgets, age ranges, and more, so to help give you a good overview, I’ve included some of my favorites below:
El Taj Oceanfront and Beachside Condo Hotel – $$$
If budget isn’t an issue for you, then the luxury world of hotels at Playa del Carmen is at your fingertips! When it comes to enjoying out-of-this-world hospitality and comfort, El Taj Oceanfront and Beachside Condo Hotel really can’t be topped. With its very own infinity pool and elegant suites, every corner of this hotel is Instagram-worthy!
El Taj’s ASI restaurant serves delicious gourmet food that dazzles the taste buds, and if you’re feeling ultra-relaxed in your room, you can request the chef to come to your suite and prepare your meals there! While I haven’t personally been here, you can bet that this is on my bucket list.
A one-night stay at El Taj starts at $185 USD, which I think is actually pretty good value considering all the luxuries that come with it! To snag the best rooms, I’d suggest checking your dates and booking your stay online here.
The Palm at Playa – $$
The Palm at Playa is a lot like the Soho Playa Hotel – it’s in a similar price range, but I’d say it’s a little bit more on the luxury end. It’s also located right near the beach and has its own on-site restaurant, which blends local flavors with a European twist – I really recommend the amazing fish tacos!
The rooftop palm garden is the perfect retreat when it’s super hot out; take it from me that this feels like a luxury hotel without the price tag. Rooms here start at $150 USD per night, and for the best price, it’s best to book online in advance.
Soho Playa Hotel – $$
Whenever I’m visiting on a moderate budget and don’t fancy staying in a resort, my personal pick is the Soho Playa Hotel, which I’ve visited a couple of times now and is a real gem! It’s just a stone’s throw away from the beach, has its own pool, and all rates include free breakfast.
The rooms here are also super modern and are really clean – a one-night stay here starts at $94 USD per night and can be booked online here.
Che Playa Hostel and Bar – $
Visiting Playa del Carmen doesn’t have to be super expensive! In fact, for those traveling on a budget, I’d highly recommend Che Playa Hostel and Bar, which is an adult-only hostel and one of the best in town!
It’s really well-located right in the heart of Playa del Carmen and even has its own rooftop pool and bar. While it’s nothing crazy, this gives it a really chilled-out social atmosphere, and the clean facilities and helpful staff make the whole stay a blast.
Rates here are some of the best you’ll find in town, with a bed in a dorm starting from as low as $27 USD per night. You can check out the rates for yourself over 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 really has it all, from cooking classes to adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you want to dive into culture, history, or the sea, there’s a tour for you! There are tons of options for things to do in Mexico, but the tours on this list are personally vouched for. So if you’re planning a trip to Playa del Carmen, don’t hesitate to add a tour (or two!) to your itinerary.
Want to learn more? Check out our other blogs about Mexico. We cover everything from where to stay and eat to the top activities in each destination. Below, I’ve linked to some articles that might come in handy. Thanks for reading!