Playa del Carmen

Day Trips

Climb aboard a luxury sailing catamaran to discover remarkable offshore locations along the Caribbean coastline.  Sail to one of the most impressive reefs in the Caribbean for an unforgettable snorkeling tour. Observe marine wildlife, including a number of fish species, stingrays, and sometimes even sea turtles.  Then, enjoy a light lunch on board before exploring the pristine beaches near Puerto Aventuras on the Riviera Maya. You will also have the chance to try out stand-up paddle boarding.

Following pickup from your hotel in Playa del Carmen, transfer to the dune buggy facility just 10 minutes from the downtown area. Get a friendly welcome from your guide on arrival, and gear up with all the necessary equipment, including a bandana and goggles to protect you from the dust. Drive into the heart of the jungle at the wheel of one of the amazing 4WD vehicles. Feel the breeze on your face as you zip along 18 miles (29 kilometers) of pristine jungle trails in the rugged terrain of the beautiful Riviera Maya. Take a moment to admire the stunning surroundings with a stop at a traditional ranch. Then, cool down with a refreshing swim at one of the sacred sinkholes of the Maya people. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of an underground cenote and marvel at the rock formations of a buried river in the middle of the jungle.

Explore the archaeological ruins of Tulum with an experienced guide, plunge into a refreshing cenote hidden by the jungle canopy, and check out the hip shops and stylish boutiques in Playa del Carmen on this full-day excursion. After getting picked up at your hotel, cruise out to the site of Tulum's weather-worn ruins, perched above the sandy shores of the Caribbean. Let your guide take care of the admission fees and head inside, where you can learn about the rise and fall of the ancient Maya civilization. Stroll between temples, palaces, and fortresses that have stood for hundreds of years. Slip down to the beach for some leisure time on the sand, and then continue on to the Mariposa cenote, where dappled sunlight illuminates a freshwater pool in the middle of the jungle. Take a dip to cool off, enjoy a tasty bufette on site, and then take a ride to wrap up your day among the bustling activity of Playa del Carmen.

Journey to the sacred archeological sites of Cobá and Chichén Itzá on this action-packed trip through the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula. Leave bright and early from your ideal starting point in Riviera Maya, and beat the crowds to truly take in the majesty of each landmark. Head to Cobá first, whose ruins date back to 100-300 B.C. Learn about the significance of the 5 nearby lakes, and appreciate the striking architecture of the vast stone structures. Trek to the top of Nohoch Mul to be rewarded with beautiful jungle views. Venture deeper into the jungle to relax at the mystical Cenote Saamal, the perfect place for a swim and some dazzling photos. Savor a delicious buffet lunch during your adventure. Save the best for last by visiting Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Feel lost in time in the lovingly-kept pyramids, and discover the genius of the city’s unique structures. Take time to rest and reminisce on your drive back home.

In this GetYourGuide Exclusive, your guide will give you an in-depth tour of Chichen Itza. Listen as they provide background information to help you better understand the history of this place. End the tour with lunch at a local restaurant. Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving early in the morning at the Chichen Itza Archeological Site. Be the first to enter this Wonder of the World and take amazing pictures with the place almost completely to yourself. Learn how this large city played an important role in Mayan civilization from around 600 AD to 1200 AD and remained a center of worship and pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spaniards. The site was abandoned and its ruins were eventually hidden by the jungle. In between the tour, enjoy a typical Mexican buffet lunch at a local family-run restaurant. Swimming at the Saamal Cenote (entry included) and a visit to Valladolid are also on the itinerary.

Spend the day on an all-inclusive snorkeling tour to Isla Mujeres. See colorful marine life, stunning beaches, and vibrant downtown as you explore the island. Start your tour with a prompt air-conditioned van transfer to bring you safely from your hotel to the private marina inside Cancun's Punta Sam Ferry Terminal. Listen to a briefing about the day as you enjoy a quick morning snack of coffee, juices, water, fruit, and sweet rolls. Hop onto a boat and make your first snorkeling stop for 45 minutes en route to Isla Mujeres at the Punta Sam Reef. Then the boat will navigate around the island from South to North. Explore the hidden canals of Isla Mujeres, finding places that you cannot access on other tours. After this, head over to the Beach Club for a delicious buffet lunch served along with your favorite drink. Next, cross over to Playa Norte beach, considered one of the world's nicest beaches, and enjoy its crystal clear waters as you try some more snorkeling. Make your last stop in Isla Mujeres downtown for 1 hour of free time to walk around. The colorful town is considered a "Pueblo Magico" because of its natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions, folklore, historical relevance, cuisine, art crafts, and great hospitality. Head back and enjoy music, drinks, and dancing on the boat ride back to the Marina in Cancun. Return to the private facility at the Punta Sam Ferry Terminal, and take a comfortable return transfer back to your hotel.

Start the tour with pickup from the lobby of your hotel then set off on your 3-hour cenote discovery tour. Find out about how these impressive underground rivers were sacred places for the Mayan civilization and are the habitat for an array of marine and wildlife. Explore a beautiful cenote, where you can swim and snorkel. First, head over to the most beautiful cenote of the area just outside Riviera Maya. Observe eagle rays and find colorful fish amongst the world's 2nd-largest reef system. Full snorkeling gear will be provided and a professional guide will be there with you at all times to ensure you feel safe and take pictures.  Then, travel to a designated bay to admire sea turtles in their natural environment. Spend approximately 1-hour swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy this incredible opportunity to get up close to these spectacular creatures with sightings guaranteed. During the tour, enjoy a buffet snack of fruit, pastries, homemade "empanadas" (stuffed pastries), and refreshments. Finally, get dropped off back at your hotel where your memorable experience concludes.

Explore Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres on a day trip from Cancun or Riviera Maya. Experience rich cultural heritage and history, have fun snorkeling, relax on beautiful beaches, and enjoy a delicious lunch. The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in the Cancun area, passing through Playa del Carmen, and arriving at the new private marina, located at the Punta Sam Ferry Terminal. Benefit from fast check-in and enjoy a continental breakfast that includes sweet bread, fruit, cereal, coffee, and juice. At 9:45 AM after breakfast and check-in, you will board the boat and head toward the Ixlache Reef. The reef is located off the coast of Contoy and right at the beginning of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest reef system in the world. Snorkeling gear is included and you will be accompanied by a bilingual guide. This activity will last around 45 minutes. After snorkeling, board the ship and head to Contoy Island. In the event of bad weather, you will do the snorkeling activity at the island in the safety of its shallow waters.  Disembark on Contoy Island and have the chance to sightsee with a guide and visit the museum, observatory, and the lagoon. Go to the dunes and learn about the flora and fauna species of the island. Alternatively, choose to relax on the beautiful beach or do some more snorkeling in the Caleta area. At lunchtime enjoy Pescado Tikinxic, a broiled fish with achiote and other local species as well as broiled chicken, rice, salad, accompanied with your favorite drink. Once lunch is over, have more free time on the beach. Board the boat and head to Isla Mujeres, where there will be free time to visit the fishermen’s village or do some shopping. After Isla Mujeres, head back to Cancun, arriving at the marina at the Punta Sam Ferry Terminal around 6:00 PM.

Explore the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá and uncover the history of Mayan civilization. Visit important sites, such as the step pyramid of El Castillo, and enjoy a buffet lunch. Get picked up from one of the meeting points in Cancun or Riviera Maya, or at your hotel if you select the VIP or Deluxe tour options. Then, travel to the pre-Colombian city of Chichén Itzá on the Yucatán Peninsula. Located in the Tinúm Municipality, Chichén Itzá is famous for its step pyramid of El Castillo. Benefit from the services of a guide to learn the history of the ancient city and journey back to the days of the Mayan civilization. Discover why the huge city played such an important role from the Late Classic period (600 AD) into the early part of the Post Classic period (1200 AD), and why it remained a huge center of pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the site, with the option to include a non-alcoholic drink on the VIP and Deluxe tour options. After, visit one of the secret sinkholes, or cenotes, sacred to the Mayan people before returning to your starting point.

Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza with a guide on a full-day tour from Cancun and/or Playa del Carmen. Choose between a private or small-group tour and beat the crowds and the heat with early morning access. Learn about the history of Mexico with insightful commentary from your guide of one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Start your adventure with an early pick-up from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Beat the crowds and the heat as you arrive at the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza. Follow your guide around the once-bustling complex, learning about the rich history, religion, culture, and daily life of the Maya. Wander around the Mexican pyramids, gaze at the spectacular stone carvings, and taking photos by the glorious steps of the ruins. Board an air-conditioned vehicle and leave right before the morning gets too warm and the crowds increase. Head to the charming town of Piste for a quick look around before making your way to Cenote Ik Kil. Marvel at its stunning views, take photos of the turquoise waters and lush vegetation, and maybe squeeze in a quick dip before going for lunch. After filling your belly with some local food, board the vehicle once more and make your way back to Cancun and Riviera Maya with nothing but knowledge and memories to remember your adventure by.