Things to do in Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen

Tour of Chichen Itza’s Maya ruins and Cenote Tsukán with Lunch

A duo of Mexican delights await on this full day tour from Cancun. The adventure begins at the break of dawn with a journey to experience the wonder of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO-listed ancient Maya city. Then, wind down with a swim in a natural underground cenote cave. Hugo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The early start is worth it – we'll arrive first thing in the morning to experience the magic of the ruins in the soft sunlight and beat the heat'.A guided tour of the ruined city reveals the stories of this remarkable site. It's not hard to imagine the daily lives of the community that lived here and built these impressive monuments. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to make the most of exploring this archaeological treasure trove as you wish. Hugo adds, ‘This ancient city isn't just about admiring the grandeur of El Castillo, but also about feeling the pulse of the Maya civilization that thrived here centuries ago. Don't miss the Great Ball Court—imagine the echoes of the past as players competed in this very spot.'Next, you'll be whisked away to Cenote Tsukán. Cenotes are believed by the Maya to be portals to the underworld, and they are revered in traditional culture. Here, you will plunge into the limpid waters, participate in a traditional ceremony and feel your senses awaken in glorious natural surroundings. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a tasty local lunch, savouring the flavours of regional cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Playa del Carmen Coco Bongo Tickets

Party the night away at Playa del Carmen's legendary Coco Bongo nightclub, where a Vegas-style extravaganza awaits. In a four-hour show featuring dancers, performers, acrobats and singers, you'll be swept away by the club's dazzling nighttime atmosphere. There are five options to choose from – Regular, Gold Member, Silver Member, Front Row and Drink Pack.The fun starts as soon as you're dropped off at Coco Bongo. Well-known for its glittering performances and music that's sure to keep you on the dancefloor. Once the lights are dimmed, the show truly gets started with glittering confetti falling from the sky and tribute acts taking to the stage bringing the best of Madonna, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé to you.Choose from five options:Regular – Standing only entry ticket with snack and open barGold Member – Separate fast-track Gold Member entrance, with reserved seating, snack and open barSilver Member - Silver Entrance, premium bar with one snack to choose, no seat (one mini hamburger, one hotdog, french fries or nachos)Front Row Ticket – Reserved front row seating area with snack and open bar, skip the lines with waiter service and unlimited drinks.Drink Pack – Standing-only entry with five national drinks, no snack.

Snorkelling with Turtles and Cenote Swim in Riviera Maya

For an amazing underwater adventure, this half-day tour into the heart of the Mexican jungle and the Caribbean reef is a must-do. You'll swim in the mystical surroundings of a cenote and snorkel with turtles in the Caribbean during an action-packed morning in the Riviera Maya.

Xplor with rafting and zip-lining tour

If you're in search of a holiday experience that'll get your heart pounding, then a day at Xplor is just what you need. Zip-lines, 4x4 jungle trails, underground pools, rafting through caves – and that's only the beginning. Bring out your inner Tarzan and enjoy an action-packed day in Cancun.Heading deep into the Riviera Maya jungle, you'll discover a land of adrenaline-pumping opportunities. Soar through the treetops on zip-lines as high as 45 metres – the height of an 11-storey building – then back on solid ground, you'll get behind the wheel of a 4x4 to rev your way through the rainforest.Your journey will also bring a few surprises along the way, with a chance to swim and raft in an ancient cenote – an underground cavernous pool – where you'll use your hands to propel you through the water as you admire stalactite spears that have formed on the roof. To bring your day to an end with a splash, you'll zoom through the sky in a hammock and land in the refreshing cenote water. Make sure to bring a digital copy of your voucher to get a 50% discount on your photo package, available if you book the option including transport. That way, you can prove to anyone you've overcome your greatest fears.

Tulum, cenote swim, turtle snorkelling and beach club combo tour

Exploring Mexico just got a whole lot easier. On this full day adventure, you'll tick off no less than four different activities. Start with a guided visit of the archaeological site of Tulum, then head to a cenote for a swim. Next, it's off to Akumal for a spot of snorkelling. Round off your day with lunch at a beach club. Carmen, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The most photographed structure in the archaeological site is the Castillo, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Castillo might be the most famous, but there are plenty of other ancient Mayan ruins to explore, such as the Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of the Frescoes.'The marvels of the Mayan culture will be revealed on your guided tour around Tulum. You'll learn about it's past as a walled city, and its former role as a trading hub. After the tour you'll have free time to explore at your leisure. Next, prepare to be dazzled by colours at an ancient Mayan cenote, a natural cave with a freshwater pool fed by underground water sources and considered sacred by the Mayans.After a cooling swim, we'll head for the picturesque seaside community of Akumal, known for its laid-back atmosphere, natural beauty, and abundant marine life. With its intriguing underwater world, Akumal offers one of the best snorkelling experiences in the Riviera Maya. Encounter an array of tropical fish, corals, and perhaps even sea turtles. To complete your day, unwind and indulge in a tasty meal at a nearby beach club.

Guided tour of Tulum and visit to a modern Maya community

Exploring ancient ruins and swimming in underground caves make this an action-packed morning of adventure. A guided tour of one of Mexico's most important historical sites is followed by a visit to a traditional Mayan community. What's more, you'll get the chance to take a refreshing dip in a cenote too.

Isla Mujeres adults-only cruise with shared golf cart tour

Basking in the Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeres boasts an enviable position on the second longest reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, 'It's a brilliant spot for snorkelling amid those dazzling Caribbean colours - white sand and aquamarine sea.' This serene adults-only boat trip will give you a fresh perspective of Mexico while indulging in all the little luxuries that make holidays special. From the moment you step onto our luxury catamaran, you're greeted with a welcome drink to set the tone for this journey of pure bliss.After setting sail, we'll glide over the sparkling waves while you soak up panoramic views of Mexico's coastline as we head towards a secluded cove. All beverages - water, soft drinks, beer & other selected drinks – are included, ensuring your thirst is quenched throughout. If you crave some action, snorkelling equipment is provided for swim stops and at the beach club where you can also relax on Balinese sunbeds.Then it's time to tantalise your taste buds with our premium grill lunch buffet served at the exclusive Beach Club Amazonas. The live DJ sets the mood as you savour mouth-wateringly tasty dishes. After lunch, take a spin with a 50-minute shared golf car ride exploring Isla Mujeres' downtown area. To top off this unforgettable experience, unwind with cocktails at the beach club bar or engage in some water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.

Coba, Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid tour

Enjoy a guided excursion in Coba, Chichen Itza, and Valladolid, and swim in a wonderful cenote.

Catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres with beach club visit and brunch

Set a course for the high life on this luxury catamaran cruise to Cancun's playground, Isla Mujeres. It's VIP all the way on this daytrip. You'll begin with a dedicated TUI check-in to board a brand-new catamaran that'll whisk you away to the island, just off Cancun's coastline. Stretch out and relax in the comfort of this boat, complete with an open bar. En route to Isla Mujeres, your crew will drop anchor at an exclusive snorkelling spot. The corals here are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest of its kind in the world, stretching from Mexico to Honduras – that's over 700 miles. Dive in for a swim or snorkel (equipment is provided) to look for resident sea turtles, rays and tropical fish.Once you've towelled off, you'll dock at the northwestern tip of Isla Mujeres and head to Zama Beach Club. There's an area reserved for your group here, making it feel like your own private Caribbean retreat. Swap the sea for a freshwater dip in the two pools, relax on the sunbeds and feast on fresh Mexican fare at an exclusive brunch. After you've finished splashing, eating or lounging at the club, the crew of the catamaran will sail you back to the mainland.There are two ways to enjoy this trip:Adults-only – available on Tuesdays, if you're after a more laid-back, grown-up vibe. Family-friendly – available on Saturdays, great for families with kids to enjoy the fun together.

Chichen Itza and Xunaam Cenote tour with a stop in Valladolid

Three of the Yucatan's star attractions shine on this tour. It all starts with a trip to Ki'ichpam Xunaan Natural Park for a chance to swim in its natural, freshwater cenote. From here, you'll visit the most recognisable landmark on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza. You'll explore the grounds and learn about the iconic Mayan temples here, before continuing on to the colourful-yet-quaint town of Valladolid. You'll have some free time here to wander the pastel-painted streets, shop for Mayan souvenirs and hop around its bars and restaurants.

Riviera Maya Day of the Dead Celebrations with dinner

Celebrate like a local on Mexico's biggest and most vibrant holiday with this Day of the Dead outing. You'll dive into ancient traditions, and get a memorable glimpse into one of Mexico's most significant cultural events. Lucas, one of our local expert guides, says, ‘Dià de los Muertos is like a family reunion – but with an otherworldly twist. It's a joyful celebration where families honour loved ones through storytelling, music, dancing and of course, delicious food.' Kick off your journey by plunging into the crystal-clear waters of Mexico's mystical cenote – an underground river that's the perfect refreshing start to your adventure. After your swim, you'll sample traditional festival foods like 'pan de muerto', a sweet bread baked in the shape of skulls or bones, as well as savoury tamales, both believed to comfort the souls of the departed. Throughout the day, you'll also learn about cool traditions like ‘offrendas' – offerings to loved ones – and the significance of bright orange marigold flowers. Next, roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with Mexican culinary magic by making your own guacamole. Sip on local wines while a chef spills the secrets behind regional flavours and cooking techniques. Lucas adds, ‘We whip up all the favourite foods and drinks of our loved ones to show we still care. Plus, we even set out their favourite snacks on the altars – you know, just in case they get hungry!' The tour wraps up with a dinner that captures the essence of the day, offering unforgettable memories and a whole new appreciation for Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration

Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour a delicious burrito lunch. During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.