Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
Tours, cenotes, theme parks, ruins, and island adventures — with prices and local tips
Xcaret
Grupo Xcaret · Full day
Mexico’s premier eco-archaeological park combining nature, culture, and adventure. Explore underground rivers, snorkel in a natural coral reef aquarium, walk through a butterfly pavilion, and end the night with the spectacular ‘Mexico Espectacular’ show.
Xel-Há
Grupo Xcaret · Full day
All-inclusive natural water park and snorkeling paradise built around a stunning natural lagoon. Snorkel through a massive inlet, zip-line over the cove, and enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and open bar all day.
Chichén Itzá
Various tour operators · 12–13 hours
Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The iconic El Castillo pyramid, the Great Ball Court, and the sacred cenote make this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-see. Most tours include a cenote swim and lunch in colonial Valladolid.
Isla Mujeres
Various tour operators · 5–8 hours
A laid-back Caribbean island off the coast of Cancún. Rent a golf cart, visit stunning Playa Norte (one of the best beaches in Mexico), snorkel at MUSA underwater museum, and explore the colorful downtown.
Cenote Tajma-há
Independent · 2–4 hours
An advanced cave cenote with cathedral-like caverns, mesmerizing halocline effects, and giant stalactites. One of the most revered cave diving sites in the entire Riviera Maya.
Casa Cenote (Manatí)
Independent · 2–4 hours
A unique open cenote connected to the ocean via underground rivers, fringed by mangroves. Occasional manatee sightings gave it the alternate name. Great for kayaking and paddleboarding through the channels.
Cenote Ik Kil
Cenote Ik Kil park · 1–2 hours
One of the most photographed cenotes in Mexico. A dramatic 48-meter-deep pit cenote with hanging vines, cascading waterfalls, and stunning overhead light. Usually combined with Chichén Itzá tours.
Cenote Samulá
Independent · 1–2 hours
A magical semi-open cave cenote near Valladolid with a single beam of light piercing through the ceiling, illuminating turquoise water. A massive tree root stretches down from above into the pool.
Gran Cenote
Independent · 2–3 hours
One of the most popular cenotes near Tulum and part of the Sac Aktun cave system — the world’s largest underwater cave network. Crystal-clear water, stalactites, and resident turtles make it a must-visit.
Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)
Independent · 2–3 hours
A wide open cenote near Tulum once used by taxi drivers to wash their cars. Known for spectacular underwater lily pads and visibility that reaches over 100 feet. A favorite of underwater photographers.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Dos Ojos park · 2–4 hours
One of the world’s largest underwater cave systems with two connected cenotes (‘two eyes’). Famous for exceptional visibility exceeding 100 meters, the Bat Cave dive, and incredible stalactite formations.
Casa de Tortugas
Casa de Tortugas park · Half to full day
A multi-cenote eco-park offering access to four cenotes, zip-lines, jungle trails, and traditional taco buffets — all in one location. Package deals make this one of the best cenote values in the area.
Cenote Chaak Tun
Explora Caribe Tours · 1.5–2.5 hours
An underground cave cenote right inside Playa del Carmen with spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations in crystal-clear water. Named after Chaac, the Maya rain god. Guided tours only.
Cenote Azul
Independent · 2–3 hours
One of the most popular open-air cenotes in the Riviera Maya — actually a complex of one large cenote with three smaller ones. Shallow areas perfect for kids, a 3.5-meter cliff jumping platform, snack bar, and lockers.
Río Secreto
Río Secreto Nature Reserve · 3.5 hours
Award-winning underground river and cave system with 38 km of explored passages. Guided wet-caving tours through flooded caves with full safety gear. Voted best nature reserve in Mexico and Central America.
Cenote Mil Columnas
Independent · 1.5–2 hours
A hidden underground cave cenote near the Dos Ojos complex, discovered 40 years ago with a Mayan altar inside. Impressive stalactite formations. Multiple shallow caves for walking and deeper areas for snorkeling.
Cenote Cedral (Jade Cenote)
El Cedral community · 1–2 hours
Cozumel’s main accessible cenote in the historic Mayan town of El Cedral. Distinctive jade-green water colored by natural tannic acid. Adjacent to a small Mayan pyramid and the charming El Cedral village.
Cenote Urbano
Public · 30 min
A unique urban cenote visible from the sidewalk on Calle 38 in downtown Playa del Carmen. Protected by railings, this natural sinkhole offers a fascinating glimpse into the underground water system beneath the city. Viewing only.
Cenote de la Guadalupana
Public park (Parque Bicentenario) · 30 min
An urban cenote in the La Guadalupana neighborhood of Playa del Carmen, located within a public park. Connected to the Cenote de Playa Azul underground system. Subject to community cleanup efforts.
Coralina Daylight Club
Coralina · Half day
The most Ibiza-style daytime party venue in Playa del Carmen, known for high-energy pool parties with DJs, go-go dancers, and champagne showers. Located next to the Grand Hyatt, it’s the go-to spot for bachelor and bachelorette groups.
Martina Beach Club
Grand Fifty Suites · Half day
A vibrant beach club at the northern end of 5th Avenue with three zones: a party-forward pool area with bottle service and go-go dancers, a relaxed beach section, and a palapa restaurant. Affiliated with Grand Fifty Suites hotel.
Mamita’s Beach Club
Mamita’s · Full day
One of the most iconic beach clubs in Playa del Carmen with over 650 feet of prime beachfront. Combines a family-friendly general beach zone with a VIP adults-only pool and DJ area, plus a full-service restaurant seating 100.
Makesh Beach Club & Restaurant
Makesh · Half day
A refined, relaxation-focused beach club with an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean and artisanal cocktails made from local ingredients. One of the quieter upscale options in central Playa del Carmen.
Encanto Beach
Encanto Beach · Half day
A quieter, less crowded beach club on the north side of Playa del Carmen near Coco Beach. One of the most budget-friendly options, with cleaner beaches and a laid-back atmosphere away from the central tourist strip.
Fragata Beach Club & Restaurant
The Reef Coco Beach · Half day
An adults-only beach club affiliated with The Reef Coco Beach hotel, combining a premium restaurant, stylish pool with ocean views, and butler service. Features a cigar room and weekend brunch.
Lido | Cocina de Playa
Lido · Full day
A beloved beachfront restaurant and beach club since 2010, known for offering an upscale experience with no mandatory minimum spend. Features hammocks, Balinese beds with curtains, and a palapa bar with swing seats.
MVNGATA Beach Club & Rooftop
MVNGATA Beach Hotel · Half day
A boutique beach club and rooftop bar attached to the 5-star MVNGATA Beach Hotel, featuring a stunning rooftop pool with panoramic views stretching to Cozumel. Known for contemporary Mexican gourmet cuisine and elevated mixology.
Así Restaurant & Beach Club
Así · Half day
A casual-chic beachfront restaurant beneath El Taj condo hotel, known for excellent seafood at genuinely local prices. You can buy a fresh fish from the ocean and they’ll cook it for you — a rare find on the beach.
Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya
Hard Rock · 4–5 hours
An 18-hole, par-71 championship course designed by Robert Von Hagge inside Playacar, walkable to 5th Avenue. The only all-inclusive golf experience in Playa del Carmen — unlimited food, drinks, and open bar are included in your green fee.
Gran Coyote Golf Club
Gran Coyote · 4–5 hours
An 18-hole, par-71 championship course designed by Hall of Famer Nick Price on the north end of Playa del Carmen. Recently renovated with upgraded amenities, the green fee includes GPS cart, range balls, water, and beach club access.
El Camaleón at Mayakoba
Mayakoba · 4–5 hours
The most prestigious golf course in Latin America — a Greg Norman-designed, par-72 masterpiece winding through jungle, mangroves, and Caribbean oceanfront. The only course worldwide to host PGA TOUR, LPGA, LIV Golf, AJGA, and LACC events.
Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club
Iberostar · 4–5 hours
A championship par-72 course carved from the ancient Mayan jungle by architect P.B. Dye, featuring dramatic elevation changes, natural rock work, and an all-inclusive green fee that covers food, drinks, and open bar during your round.
PGA Riviera Maya
PGA Riviera Maya · 4–5 hours
A spectacular Robert Trent Jones II design featuring an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole par-3 course, set among Mayan jungle, natural lakes, and cenotes between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Home to the Korn Ferry Tour.
Essentials
Cenote Essentials
Biodegradable Sunscreen Only
Regular sunscreen is banned at most cenotes to protect the delicate ecosystem. Buy reef-safe sunscreen at any pharmacy in Playa.
Bring Cash (Pesos)
Many cenotes don’t accept credit cards. Bring enough pesos for entry fees, locker rental, and snorkel gear.
Arrive Early
The best light and fewest crowds are before 10 AM. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends.
FAQ
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about tours, cenotes, and day trips near Playa del Carmen.
What is the best time to visit cenotes?
Early morning (8–9 AM) is ideal — you’ll avoid crowds and get the best light for photos. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. During rainy season (June–October), water levels are higher and some cenotes may have reduced visibility, but the jungle is lush and green.
What should I bring to a cenote?
Bring biodegradable or reef-safe sunscreen (required at most cenotes — regular sunscreen is banned), a towel, water shoes, an underwater camera or GoPro, cash for entry fees (many don’t accept cards), and snorkeling gear if you have your own. Leave valuables in your car or at your hotel.
Xcaret or Xel-Há — which is better?
Xcaret is better for culture, wildlife, and evening shows (especially ‘Mexico Espectacular’). Xel-Há is better for water activities and snorkeling — it’s all-inclusive with food and drinks. Families with young kids often prefer Xel-Há for its calmer waters. Adventure seekers should consider Xplor instead.
Is the Chichén Itzá day trip worth the long drive?
Yes, but go with the right expectations. It’s a 3-hour drive each way, so budget 12–13 hours total. Most guided tours include a cenote stop and lunch in Valladolid, which breaks up the drive nicely. Go early to beat the heat and cruise ship crowds. It’s one of the New Seven Wonders — most visitors say it’s absolutely worth it.
Are cenotes safe to swim in?
Open cenotes are generally very safe for swimming and snorkeling. Always use a life vest if you’re not a strong swimmer (available at most cenotes). Cave and cavern cenotes require proper certification and a guide for diving — never explore caves without a certified guide. Watch your step on wet limestone stairs going in and out.
Should I book tours in advance or on the ground?
Xcaret group parks should be booked online in advance — you’ll save 10–15% with early booking (21+ days out is best). Cenotes don’t require reservations — just show up and pay at the entrance. Chichén Itzá tours can be booked 1–2 days ahead. For Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, booking a day before is usually fine except during peak season (December–March).