Playa del Carmen Tours

Playa del Carmen tours leave every day and offer magical adventures for all ages. Below you’ll find some of the local favorites. For further information on these and additional tours, please contact the front desk of your Playa del Carmen hotel.

TOUR TO RIO LAGARTOS BIOSPHERE & EK-BALAM MAYAN RUINS

This popular ‘ecotour’ departs from Playa del Carmen around 7:30am and arrives 2 ½ hours later at Rio Lagartos Biosphere, one of Mexico’s largest nature reserves situated on the Northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula.  There is a brief stop at a traditional Yucatan village on the way so you can stretch your legs, have a drink and discover some local customs.

On arrival, among the ancestral mangroves, groups of 6 people will be transferred to individual tour boats manned by local expert guides. Smaller boats mean you will be closer to the ‘action’ and freer to film and take photographs. Lasting for 2 hours, the aquatic safari glides across lagoons, inlets and open sea allowing you to see crocodiles, marine turtles, pelicans, ibises and the unforgettable pink flamingos whose colony here is over 40,000 strong!

A specially adapted fisherman’s hut on the edge of a lagoon is where we will stop for lunch. The menu consists of shrimp crepes, sea trout fillet, grouper stuffed with battered shrimp or, for non-fish eaters, beef fillet or omelettes. Local wines, beers and sodas are also available allowing you to kick back, relax and take in this amazing natural experience.

On the trip back to Playa del Carmen, we will stop off at the majestic Mayan archaeological site of Ek-Balam located well off the beaten track in the Yucatan jungle where you can explore the magical temples and pyramids. You’ll be back at your Playa del Carmen accommodations by approximately 7:30pm.

TOUR TO SIAN KA'AN BIOSPHERE

Sian Ka'an in the Mayan language means "from where the sky was born." This is a magical place where the colors of the sea blend with nature. A World Heritage Site since 1987, it's considered a natural cradle for several endangered animals and a real treasure in the jungle.

We’ll arrive at the park in comfortable air-conditioned vans and continue the visit in motorboats, always accompanied by a prepared and English speaking guide. We'll explore the mangrove lagoon and the shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea in search of crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and other animals that live in the area.

Snorkel in the reef (equipment included) and swim in natural pools, where between a photo and a dip, we´ll toast with a glass of Tequila. Eat lunch in a restaurant on the beach which offers fresh fish, meat, and vegetarian food, all accompanied by white wine, water or soft drinks. After a cup of coffee, relax on the beach or take a short walk to visit the village of Sian Ka'an. This Playa del Carmen tour gets back before dinnertime.

TOUR TO ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres (the Women's Island) is an enchanting and picturesque island that can be reached by crossing the bay of Cancun.

It takes its name from what the "conquistadores", in the “prehispanic” time found on the island: sketches and small terracotta statues devoted to "Ixchel", Mayan Goddess of the Moon, which represents love and fertility.

We depart from the bay of Cancun on a catamaran where you will find a prepared and fun staff. Music and an open bar will accompany us for the whole day. Snorkel on the beautiful coral reef (equipment included) and then eat a rich buffet lunch back at the beach club (also included).

Relax a bit in the sun or explore the area in a kayak, then get back on the catamaran and sail to a popular Caribbean town where among small paths are exotic shops of all types. Shopping fans will certainly be pleased! You’ll return to your Playa del Carmen hotel in time for dinner.

Make sure you plan some excursions during your Playa del Carmen vacation. These tours are surely a highlight of the perfect Playa del Carmen holiday.

Playa del Carmen Diving and Snorkeling

With the world’s second longest coral reef continuing the whole length of the Riviera Maya southward to Guatemala, it is hardly a surprise that Playa del Carmen diving has become so popular. Renowned for its spectacular reef formations, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is home to dolphins, sea turtles, tropical sponges and over 500 species of fish.

Further inland, and unique to Playa del Carmen Riviera Maya, are the freshwater tropical jungle pools known locally as ‘cenotes’. These pools lead down to a vast network of underwater caves known for their crystal-clear water and slow-flowing currents.

If you’d rather stay closer to the surface, you can always try snorkeling. Equipped only with mask, snorkel and flippers, organized snorkeling tours are a much gentler way of discovering the beautiful coral and unique wildlife during your Playa del Carmen vacation.

If you are not an experienced diver, most Playa del Carmen hotels offer introductory scuba lessons to get you started as well as complete scuba certification courses.  Many resorts also sell and rent scuba gear and snorkeling equipment. For experienced divers, Playa del Carmen tours offer endless resources to immerse yourself in thrilling underwater adventures which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Playa del Carmen Golf

Playa del Carmen golf courses are certainly the best golf courses found in Mexico. These excellent golf courses are no more than an hour away from any Playa del Carmen hotel. Golfers of every level will enjoy the shady fairways and ocean views, with glimpses of exotic animals, birds, tropical plants, and Mayan ruins.


Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club

This Playa del Carmen golf course, designed by P. B. Dye at 6641 yards long for a par 72, is thirty minutes south of Cancun, at KM 309 of Highway 307, between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos. Your greens fee includes snacks and beverages on the course, which has narrow fairways, challenging greens, deep bunkers, and tough sand traps.

Golf Club Playacar

Designed and built under the supervision of famed golf course architect Robert Von Hagge, the Golf Club Playacar is surrounded by lakes and greenery. It's a challenging par 72, at a 7144 yard length. Many excellent players consider the Golf Club Playacar to be the greatest golf challenge in the area. This Playa del Carmen golf course is located near Paseo Xaman.

Grupo Mayan Golf Riviera Maya

Designed and constructed by Nicklaus Design, this par-3 course is a wonderful respite from the intense play needed at the full-sized courses. Located on highway 307 at KM 408 out of Cancun toward Playa del Carmen, past Puerto Morelos, this beautiful 18 hole par 54 course features white sand traps -- the intense color of the greens is something that simply must be seen.

Golf Club El Camalon Mayakoba

A PGA tournament was played in 2007 at this 18 hole Playa del Carmen golf course, which indicates how much of a challenge this course can be. Designed by famed golfer Greg Norman at 7067 yards for a par 72, and located within the grounds of the Mayakoba luxury resort, at KM 298 of Highway 307, dense mangrove trees, tropical jungle, canals bordered with limestone, and breath-taking views of the ocean all combine to overwhelm your senses.

Cozumel Country Club

This 18-hole golf course, the first in Cozumel, was built by Nicklaus Design to preserve the environment of the surrounding tropical rainforest, marshlands, and mangrove trees. It's a par 74, at 6734 yards. Besides the snack bar and the golf shop, you'll find a chipping green, a putting green, and a practice bunker to try out your sand shots. The course is located 6.5 kilometers along the Carretera Costera Norte.

Playa del Carmen hotels are happy to provide detailed information regarding local golf courses in the Riviera Maya. Whether you are a professional golfer or simply a golf enthusiast, Playa del Carmen golf courses offer the best of the sport amidst beautiful and natural surroundings.

Getting Around at Playa del Carmen

Getting around town during your Playa del Carmen vacation is easy and affordable. You can travel by bus, taxi, scooter or rental car. The choice is yours.

Buses will be the most affordable mode of transportation during your Playa del Carmen holiday. Most tourist buses pull into Playa del Carmen off the highway at Benito Juarez Avenue and drive to the downtown bus station which is located right on Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue. The ferry docks to Cozumel are located close to the bus station as well. There are two bus stations. The one located on 5th Avenue is primarily for buses running up and down 307 from Cancun to Chetumal. The other bus station in Playa del Carmen is located at Avenida 20 and Calle 12, just behind the "San Francisco" supermarket.

Taxis are definitely the most convenient way of getting around at Playa del Carmen. Everything of interest is close to the many Playa del Carmen hotels and you can easily negotiate prices with your taxi driver. They even expect it!

Many vacationers rent scooters to get around at Playa del Carmen, but you should be very careful when renting them. Accidents are common, so it is suggested that you travel by taxi, bus or rental car instead.

Rental car companies are abundant and offer plenty of Playa del Carmen deals for vacationing tourists. You may want to do some searching online before your vacation to make sure you find the best rental car package.

Venture beyond your Playa del Carmen hotel and explore the island during your stay. It does not take long to acquaint yourself with the area. Most important of all, be safe and enjoy your vacation!

Playa del Carmen Restaurants and Bars

A Playa del Carmen vacation would simply be incomplete without a visit to the nearby restaurants and bars outside of the major Playa del Carmen hotels. What would a vacation be without a little adventure? The exotic cuisine and tropical drinks throughout the Mayan Riviera are guaranteed to excite your taste buds and create lasting memories!

Restaurants

Unless you’ve already been to Playa del Carmen, it’s hard to imagine the number of different restaurants that one can experience within a very short distance. Those who dare to tread away from their Playa del Carmen hotel buffet will find exciting dining adventures. Playa del Carmen restaurants offer food of every type and price range. Most menus in the tourist zone along Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue are usually in English and most waiters speak fluent English. Bottled water is also available in every restaurant, and most restaurants use bottled water for cooking.

The majority of restaurants on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue or close to it are owned or co-owned by foreigners. By and large they mostly offer International cuisine and even the “Mexican Restaurants” are more International than Mexican. Reservations are not required in the majority of establishments, but you may want to book a table in advance.

So how does one recognize an authentic and official Mexican restaurant?  Well, nobody speaks English, the menus are all in Mexican, the place is filled with Mexicans and it smells delicious! To find authentic Mexican restaurants, simply walk up Juarez to 30th Avenue then walk North along 30th. Along the way you will start to see several odd and authentic restaurants.

As is the case in much of Mexico, the street food is also not to be missed. Simply walk south down Playa del Carmen Fifth Avenue until you reach the pier and taxi stand. There are generally several carts serving tacos of various types. Every seafood taco is usually outstanding, along with the pollo, carnitas, and chorizo. Also, definitely try the stuffed poblano tacos! Tacos are typically in the $2-3 USD range. For the best and freshest tacos arrive mid-morning before the lunch rush as the carts are setting up.

Bars

There is no shortage of great bars in Playa del Carmen, many of which can be found right on the beach. Mexico is well-known all over the world for both its alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  One of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Playa del Carmen is tequila. Tequila, which is a Mexican drink, is extracted from the sap of the blue agave plant. This plant can be found in and near the area of Tequila, Mexico.

There are basically four kinds of tequila. Silver tequila has no added flavors in it, while gold tequila has an added caramel flavor. Tequila reposado has usually been aged for two months, while Anejo tequila has been aged for at least a year. All varieties of tequila are served in Playa del Carmen’s restaurants and bars.  Other popular Mexican alcoholic drinks include mezcal and pulque.

Popular non-alcoholic drinks in Playa del Carmen are fruit juices and exotic shakes. Being a tropical beach destination, cold fruit drinks are very popular with tourists. “Aguas frescas”, which are flavored waters, are also very popular. These are served in most restaurants in the area, especially along the beach.

The wide variety of exotic restaurants and bars in Playa del Carmen will surely make your Mayan Riviera vacation an unforgettable experience.  You may even want to try and recreate the Mexican food and drinks once you eventually get back home!

Playa del Carmen Shopping

Playa del Carmen vacations are all about relaxation, exotic food, amazing beaches, exciting nightlife, and of course, shopping! While shopping at Playa del Carmen, you’ll find an assortment of items such as local art, ceramics, glassware, Mexican Chocolate, and of course, tequila!

Mexican ceramics and glassware are certainly a local specialty. They combine the influences of pre-Hispanic, European, Arabic and Oriental cultures. The handcrafted ceramics have a unique quality that is appreciated worldwide. In Playa del Carmen, the most commonly found pottery, ceramics, and glassware are the red earthenware, Talavera, and the blown glassware. The red earthenware is relatively inexpensive, as well as the glassware, but expect to spend a bit more on a Talavera piece such as a mirror or sink. When shopping for local art, keep in mind that if you venture up the highway, there are plenty more bargains than if you stay in the tourist area in and around Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue shops.

Another specialty that you’ll find at Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue is Mexican Chocolate. It’s made from a dark, bitter chocolate that’s mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and occasionally nuts. The best chocolate is often purchased in “disks” although it’s also available in solid bars and syrups. Hot chocolate made from this delicious concoction is a local favorite and has been consumed as a beverage in Mexico for thousands of years. Mayan and traditional Mexican Chocolate can be found at most major markets and the 5th Avenue shops.

Last but not least, Tequila is certainly the one thing that makes everyone think about Mexico!  It’s used to create elaborate margaritas and also simple shots. For some people, it may remind them of things they never thought they would do in public like dancing on tables, singing with mariachis, and embracing total strangers!  You can learn the difference between añejo, reposado, white, and gold tequilas while on your trip. Make sure to also find out about that crazy worm found in mescal!  If you do indulge at any point in your vacation, make sure you have a ride back to your Playa del Carmen hotel.

If you’re not looking for local arts and crafts, chocolate or tequila, then there are plenty of other shopping options.  Trendy clothing shops, bikini shops, and high-class jewelry stores can be found throughout the shops at 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. In the past, you would have had to go all the way to Cancun to find souvenirs for your trip, but due to its growth, Playa del Carmen has established itself as one of the most interesting (and negotiable) places to shop in the world!

Ancient Mayan Ruins Near Playa del Carmen

A Playa del Carmen vacation would simply be incomplete without a visit to the nearby ancient Mayan ruins. The Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization, known for the only fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as its art, architecture, and mathematical/astronomical systems. The Mayan ruins near Playa del Carmen offer fascinating history, culture and adventure.

Mayan Ruins of Tulum

Only an hour from most Playa del Carmen hotels, the Mayan ruins of Tulum have one of the most breathtaking settings of any city past or present. This major Mayan ruin sits on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is also unique for a wall that surrounds the town on three sides. This wall averages seven meters in thickness and is three to five meters high. It also has an interior walkway, from where spears and rocks are believed to have been thrown. With the ocean on the forth side, Tulum could easily defend itself from potential enemies.

The ruins of Tulum are just north of the main town where one can find several restaurants and convenience stores for supplies.

Mayan Ruins of Chichén Itzá

The Chichén Itzá ruins, arguably the most impressive Mayan site on the Yucatán peninsula, is about three hours from Playa del Carmen. Its famous pyramid offers a challenging climb and a breathtaking view of the jungle. This ruined city has several hundred buildings; some have been partially restored and others are still covered with jungle vines and bushes.

Guided excursions to Chichén Itzá can be easily reserved through Playa del Carmen hotels.  Some of these Mayan Riviera excursions also include a visit to Valladolid and the Dzitnup cenote.

Mayan Ruins of Coba

The grand Mayan ruins of Coba reside less than two hours from Playa del Carmen beaches, and they are unique from other big sites in the Yucatán. Four natural lakes surround it, which is a rare sight in the Yucatán. These lakes gave the city its name, which means "waters stirred by wind". It is not as excavated nor reconstructed as Chichén Itzá or Tulum, but Coba still has a number of big structures surrounded by jungle growth, birds and monkeys.

It's not difficult to find your way around Coba, as there are signs pointing you in the right direction. It'll take you about 1 1/2 hours to see the groups of buildings that are open for visitors. The guides speak English, Italian, German and of course Spanish. Most of them are Mayan Indians with knowledge of the flora and fauna in the area, as well as the ruins themselves.

Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam

The Mayan city of Ek Balam is rarely visited but offers exotic temples and jungle. It's a bit off the beaten path since it's located about 20 minutes north of Valladolid. From local Playa del Carmen lodging, it's almost a 3 hour trip, which is best handled by car, but it’s a real treat for those into Mayan art and architecture.

You will need about an hour or two to see the site at a nice slow pace. There are authorized guides available, which is a great way to gain a greater understanding of this interesting site. There are also plaques with information in English, Spanish and Mayan in front of the more important structures.