Location: Playa del Carmen
Top Things to do in Playa del Carmen
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The 6 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Playa del Carmen is one of the top diving destinations in the world, thanks to vibrant sea life and dazzling underwater caverns. On dry land, Playa is a hipper and more modern version of the fishing village it once was. Spend some quality time on the golf course or wave hello to the playful spider monkeys at The Jungle Place sanctuary. Explore the ancient ruins of the Coba Mayan Village, or get in some quality people-watching as you shop and stroll along 5th Avenue.
Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
1. Chikin Ha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,206 reviews
Reviewed By amgoddard - Laguna Beach, United States
We were actually planning to go to the park right next to Chikin Ha, but after talking to the person in the ticket booth at the entrance of this park, I was convinced that this was the better option. And I was right! $45 per person got us a great guided tour for about 3 hours, zip lining, a short bike ride to the caves, lunch, and swimming in the beautiful Cenotes. I can't exactly remember our guide's name, I think it was Amaretta, but she was awesome. It was actually very educational to learn about the caves and the cenotes, as well as being part of a Mayan Ceremony. You won't understand a word he says, but it does get explained by the guide, and it's actually super cool to experience. Everybody's bad energy goes "up in smoke" through hole in the cave, and good energy will fill you back up :-) Can't beat that! The food and drinks were very good, and it was overall a really fun filled day. We've been to the bigger parks like Xplor, Xelha etc. This is more "organic", and has way less people. There's no wait to get your ziplining gear on, no wait for lunch, it's much more private, the Cenotes are amazing, and the whole staff is there for you. A photographer was taking pictures of us, but not in an obtrusive way. In fact, there were a lot of pictures I didn't even know were taken, and they were awesome. We ended up buying the photo package as it priced really well for a ton of photos. Since I'm always the one taking pictures, it's nice to actually be in them as well! I definitely recommend this park, well worth the entrance fee.
2. Santuario de la Tortuga Marina Xcacel Xcacelito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By 2543ao - Ann Arbor, United States
First off, I want to make sure you know - this is a review of the beach that is near the little town of Chemuyil. This is a beach with a small, potholed road with hardly any signage and, yes, they charge 84 pesos/person to enter by car or by foot (you can walk here in about 20 min from Chemuyil). It is just a beach, no amenities short of a small bathroom with outside showers. Bring your own shade. There is none on the beach. Perfect for snorkelers, my family saw schools of fish, large saltwater fish, stingrays and even a turtle. We spent about five hours here and there aren't many people. This is most likely one of the last non commercialized beaches left in the area. We loved it! Respect the reef! Wear nontoxic sunscreen. Don't walk or stand up beyond a few meters into the water - this is the reef and your big fat feet will ruin the corals. You'll see all sorts of reef activity even near the shore. Come to swim, rest, and enjoy nature! Note: This is not Akumal nor it is a resort that controls the beach, (which others have gotten confused and inadvertently reviewed here). There is no promise to swim with turtles. There are no guides or any commercialization. It is a reef sanctuary.
3. Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,845 reviews
THE FIRST AND ONLY DOLPHIN INTERACTIVE PARK IN THE WORLD!!! The first and only dolphin interactive park that offers you this sensational opportunity to engage yourself with a spectacular array of dolphin interactive activities at an unbeatable, affordable price. Have a magical day with these amazing creatures engaging to your own pace in more than 8 different activities. Choose between the Full Day and the Half-Day (AM or PM) options. The experience that Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park offers goes beyond just swimming with dolphins, it is as well a learning activity where you will run your fingertips along the sensitive skin of these citizens of the deep blue and will feel the power that hides beneath their gentleness. Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park offers a variety of dolphin swimming programs included, that vary in duration, catering to people of all ages from young children to the mature adult. With no waves, algae, and no strong currents, Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park's controlled and stable atmosphere guarantees a non-stop service that will provide visitors with a wonderful experience regardless of the weather conditions. Designed by world famous enterprises with 8-years experience, this habitat accomplishes its two main goals: amusement and preservation. With a multi million dollar investment, we have put into operation a state-of-the-art Life Support System that filters the same water in the pools every two hours. Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park is a highly entertaining option and a fresh choice in the market that guarantees quality, consistency, continuity, availability and amusement.
Reviewed By 45albanyr - New York City, United States
Amazing experience, here you can really enjoy the time with dolphins , and feel the connection between you and them. The staff and the people are very friendly, the answer questions and they explain very well all the information you ask. You have to do this at least once in your life. The space where they keep the dolphins is amazing because is natural and clean.
4. Bel Air Animal Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 182 reviews
BEL-AIR ANIMAL PARK Opens in the Riviera Maya all lovers of wildlife and water activities. Visitors will tour ecological trails with wild animals, may attend educational workshops, see the animal show, or if you prefer, snorkel and kayak in open cenotes Family manatees along the park protects.
5. Xaman Ha Aviary
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By Knagenstein - Utrecht, The Netherlands
The park used to be bigger but someone decided to build new apartments right next to it so the park lost half its property... But.. still it is really nice. Entrance is 300 pesos. There is 1 route with benches to watch the bird. Really worth the visit. Just take your time and watch the birds. We walked the route 3 times and saw everything some new birds.
6. PDC Travel
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