Location: Playa del Carmen
Top Things to do in Playa del Carmen
Countries
Top 10 Day Trips from 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. Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Visit Tulum with a private guide at the best times to avoid the crowds! Discover the unique beauty of a cenote (choose between Jaguar, Nicte Ha or Taak bi Ha) and swim with turtles in Akumal! This private tour is the perfect combination to do the best activities of the Riviera Maya. Of course with lunch at a local Mexican restaurant.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Professional guide, Lunch (one meal a la carte) with water, soda, beer included, Beverages water, soda, beer included, Use of snorkel equipment including life jackets and wetsuits
Exclusions: Gratuities, Tulum truck shuttle
Reviewed By Swicktrip
I've been diving in Cozumel a dozen times but this was my 1st trip to Tulum and the Cenotes. Stumbled on ABSOLUTE ADVENTURES on Trip Advisor. It seemed a bit expensive but was so worth it! Dulce (what a doll!) and her driver met us just off the boat and gave us a day to remember, highlight of the week! Dulce was personable, articulate and knowledgeable of all aspects of Tulum ruins and Mayan history and the Cenotes and "their" amazing history. The tour also included a Mayan lunch at Dos Ojos and then Dulce joined us for a "snorkel with the turtles" at Playa Akumal before dropping us back off at the pier where we caught the ferry back to Cozumel. There was even a little shopping time and a quick Starbucks at the adjacent mall; all in all, a full and very satisfying day of New Adventures and lots of photos.
2. VIP Cenotes Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Get early & avoid the crowds. - Snorkel as never before. - Jump & refresh in an open sky Cenote. - Feel the crystalline cold water of the underground rivers in your body. - Explore a cave. - Snorkel in a turquoise blue water Lagoon. - Eat the best fresh ceviche in the Riviera Maya from local fishermen restaurant. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.
Inclusions: English speaking Snorkeling Expert all day. , Professional and disinfected premium snorkel equipment., Yalku Lagoon entrance fee., Open Cenote entrance fee., Cave & Underground River entrance fee. , Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Passenger insurance., Cold bottled water all day.
Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included - Lunch at local restaurant (optional), Not included - Tips (optional)
Reviewed By ZestyChic
Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!
3. Tulum Cenote And Swim With Turtles From Playa Del Carmen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
The ancient history of Tulum, the natural wonders of a cenote and a snorkelling experience with sea turtles in Akumal! Lunch included! Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum with an expert guide and learn all about the history and culture of this fascinating civilization. Tulum was once an important port city, a vital part of the trading route by sea and by land. The impressive “El Castillo” temple looks out over the sea, a stunning picture postcard view! Next up is a swim in a sacred cenote in a cave full of stalactites and stalagmites, an out of this world experience in the jungle. Finally you will don mask and fins to snorkel with sea turtles in the calm bay of Akumal. A delicious regional lunch is included!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Tulum ruins ticket, Guide, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Buffet lunch, Box Lunch with sandwhich, fruit, juice and sweet, Bottled water
Exclusions: Tax marine 12 USD per person, Gratuities
Reviewed By TristanP353
Long waiting time after pick up (7:20am) and check in in a souvenir shop. We sat another 30 minutes in the van. The driver Jorge was not able to give us a plausible explanation of the further delay. Tour only started at 9am. Tour company says to operate with 80% capacity. In a van of 12 seats, it's simply one seat empty, and this one was taken by a second guide, Oscar. After 30 minutes drive, the main guide, Edmundo explained the tour program. Neither he nor the driver wore their masks properly from the start. The other guide just had a ridiculous pirate cloth as a protection. I kindly asked them to wear their masks properly. But instead of apologizing and do so, I got a highly aggressive and inappropriate answer from Edmundo. And basically, the guides and the driver did not care at all to have their masks properly on or respect any appropriate Covid measurements. At one point, one of the participants in the back of the van felt sick, so the small window was opened and also to have some fresh air to ventilate the van a bit. The driver even stopped the van to tell this person off, as he wanted to have the ac on, which is ridiculous in a pandemic. We were never given some disinfectant during the tour. The restaurant we were taken to for lunch was awful. There was no distance between the tables and chairs. And you can imagine, the restaurant was packed with other groups. No adaption of any Covid measurements. Most of the time, you sit in a dirty van on this tour. We were told, the tour would last about 6 hours. Well, we were on tour for 11,5 hours from pick up to getting back to the hotel. I would not recommend this tour company, as they put deliberately their participants' health at risk. The handle the whole pandemic in a careless way. Basically they don't care at all. Their certification of the WTTC safe travel label is simply a joke. AVOID TO BOOK ANY TOURS AT ANY COSTS!!! I was also told that the tour would be charged in USD. Well, they charged my credit card in MXN which resulted to a higher rate and the tour got more expensive per person. This tour company is simply unprofessional in any sense.
4. Private Cenotes tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Swimming and snorkeling in a Cenote is a lifetime experience which can only be done in this part of the world. BTM has chosen the best cenotes (caves and sinkholes ) for you to enjoy. First we are going to visit a cave cenote with a breathtaking underground river with pristine waters and impressive rock formations, then we will visit an open cenote that looks like a huge natural swimming pool surrounded by mangroves and full of fish. You can follow our recomendations or if you have done your own research we can go to any cenote that you prefer.
Inclusions: Lunch and Drinks, BTM Tour Guide, All entrance fees
Exclusions:
Reviewed By petiteJuli3
When I reached out to our hotel concierge at El Pez, they hooked us up with Boutique Tours Mexico. Although we could have gone with another competitor with lower price, we are so happy to have done our tour with Boutique. Our tour guide Leo came to our hotel to pick us up round-trip. Leo was such an amazing tour guide. He was knowledgeable about the area, the things we were experiencing, and even a little history lesson. Not to mention Leo is personable. He was a champ when it came to me too. I can't swim in the ocean and Leo assured me that he "got me." He guided me in the water and I was able to snorkel along with him and my husband, rather than sit on a boat. When my motion sickness started getting to me, Leo was patient and made sure we were going at my pace and comfortablity. Luis, our boat captain, was amazing too. He would be navigating and be on the lookout for wild life for us. At the beginning, we didn't get to see any manatees where they usually feed, but on our way back, Luis asked if we wanted to go back just to check. Shoutout to Leo spending his bachelor day with us, the day before his wedding. To me, that's dedication and a love for his job! I mean, who wouldn't want to spend time with dolphins, sea turtles, and gem-like waters. My husband wants to go work with these two now haha. Leo and Luis were so wonderful and made Sian Kian experience even more memorable. We believe that if we had done a usual tour group setting, we wouldn't have the hands on experience we had received. We would 100% want to do future tours with Leo again when we return to Mexico in the Yucatan region. It was the best part of our trip. Congratulations to Leo and thank you Leo and Boutique Tours Mexico for a wonderful experience and memory!
5. VIP Tulum Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds. - Open the Fortress & avoid the midday heat. - Admire the only Mayan ruins facing the Caribbean Sea. - Jump & refresh in an open sky Cenote. - Feel the crystalline cold water of the underground rivers in your body. - Explore a cave. - Eat the best fresh ceviche in the Riviera Maya from local fishermen restaurant. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.
Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Professional and disinfected premium snorkel equipment., Open Cenote entrance fee., Cave & Underground River entrance fee., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Cold bottled water all day.
Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included - Lunch at a Local Restaurant (optional)., Not included - Tips (optional)
Reviewed By ZestyChic
Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!
6. Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal and Cenote tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
In this tour you will visit the highlights of the Riviera Maya. You'll visit the Tulum ruins, then go snorkeling with turtles in Akumal and finally you'll get to swim in a crystal clear water cenote and visit some caves. Your tour also includes a delicious lunch of typical regional food, all the equipment required for the water activities and round transportation.
Inclusions: Bilingual guide, Round Transportation with AC, Equipment required for water activities, Lunch: Traditional Mexican buffet (Vegetarian or Gluten Free option available under request), Drinks: Fresh fruit water and bottle of water
Exclusions: The Natural Marine Reserve Fee 13 USD per person is payable upon pick-up in cash, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By Lkelse
This tour is worth every penny. Jorge was the most amazing guide. He made sure we were always having fun and comfortable in each section of the tour. At one point when we were snorkeling he noticed a member of our group struggling to swim so he pulled her all the way through the wavey waters with a life saver. Still making sure we were all doing okay ourselves and making sure we were all able to see the turtles, sting rays and fish which were all over the place. I know Jorge had to be so tired by the end of that part because a lot of us were and he had to pull another persons weight almost the entire time. The very last section of the tour was my favorite. I would do this entire tour again but definitely because of the last part. The caves blew my might at how cool is was. Then we got fed this delicious meal at the very end. It really was a perfect day. Book this tour. It is worth it.
7. Chichen Itza Private Tour with Sacred Cenote
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 362 reviews
WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE tour operator in all the Riviera Maya ON TRIP ADVISOR check out our reviews!!!!! • Private tour • Enjoy at your own pace • Private air-conditioned vehicle with pick up and drop off at your hotel or rental home • Enjoy Chichen Itza archaeological exploration with a "Living Dreams Mexico" private guide • Sacred Cenote swim • Colonial city Valladolid • The most talented and passionate guides in the region • Secluded Locations • No gimmicks, No upsells, No Souvenir Shops • Included: entrances, archaeological federally licensed guide, parking fees, toll road (if applicable), soft drinks, beers, water, snacks • Photos taken during your expedition are a courtesy from Living Dreams • Although we do not include lunch, you can request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgeable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer. We are sure that you will be provided with the option that best suits your tastes and interests
Inclusions: Private tour with professional archaeological licensed guide, Local taxes & National Park fees, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, Beverages are provided inside your vehicle, Private transportation, Round-trip transportation from all hotels in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Snacks, Free time if desired
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (In restaurant) * Only included on board vehicle., Feel free to request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer.
Reviewed By beachnuttylaura
I was referred to Living Dreams when I was inquiring concerns regarding a different company. I am so happy I was referred to Living Dreams! We booked 2 tours with them... The Coba Jungle Tour and Cenotes, and the Underground River Tour and Turtle Snorkeling. We had Hector as our guide and enjoyed him so such we requested him as our guide for our second tour. These are private tours so you are not rushed and they go to less crowded sites which makes each experience more memorable and pleasurable! They helped us design our tours based on our likes and desires and I must say every place they suggested and took us to exceeded our expectations! This company is very professional, honest, and have a wonderful staff working for them! I recommend you book all your tours Living Dreams you will not be disappointed :-)
8. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds & the midday heat. - Shortest travel time (Toll highway). - VIP Access (no lines). - Be one of the firsts to arrive & take the best pictures. - Stay as long as you like in the archaeological site with your certified guide. - Jump & refresh in an amazing open sky Cenote. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.
Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Toll highway (shortest travel time)., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Lunch buffet at Ex-Hacienda Mayaland., Open Cenote entrance fee., Visit to Valladolid Colonial Town., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Passenger insurance., Cold bottled water all day.
Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included – Drink at the Buffet. , Not included - Tips (optional)
Reviewed By ZestyChic
Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!
9. Private Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 37 reviews
Come to Chichenitza and visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, a Mayan Pyramid right in the middle of this impressive archeological site in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It was recently discovered this pyramid was built above a huge Cenote (sinkhole) making the construction of this buliding a real feat. You can not miss visiting and knowing the history of this marvelousl Mayan city. Near Chichenitza, there are some wonderful refreshing Cenotes which are like an Oasis in the middle of this jungle, here you will be able to swim and snorkel and relax in the pristine waters of these natural swimming pools. Finally we are going to visit the beautiful colonial town of Valladolid where you will get to know more of the real Mexico, visiting old churches, markets, etc. This is also a great place for shopping pretty handicrafts or delicious chocolate.
Inclusions: BTM Tour Guide, All entrance fees, Lunch and Drinks
Exclusions:
Reviewed By petiteJuli3
When I reached out to our hotel concierge at El Pez, they hooked us up with Boutique Tours Mexico. Although we could have gone with another competitor with lower price, we are so happy to have done our tour with Boutique. Our tour guide Leo came to our hotel to pick us up round-trip. Leo was such an amazing tour guide. He was knowledgeable about the area, the things we were experiencing, and even a little history lesson. Not to mention Leo is personable. He was a champ when it came to me too. I can't swim in the ocean and Leo assured me that he "got me." He guided me in the water and I was able to snorkel along with him and my husband, rather than sit on a boat. When my motion sickness started getting to me, Leo was patient and made sure we were going at my pace and comfortablity. Luis, our boat captain, was amazing too. He would be navigating and be on the lookout for wild life for us. At the beginning, we didn't get to see any manatees where they usually feed, but on our way back, Luis asked if we wanted to go back just to check. Shoutout to Leo spending his bachelor day with us, the day before his wedding. To me, that's dedication and a love for his job! I mean, who wouldn't want to spend time with dolphins, sea turtles, and gem-like waters. My husband wants to go work with these two now haha. Leo and Luis were so wonderful and made Sian Kian experience even more memorable. We believe that if we had done a usual tour group setting, we wouldn't have the hands on experience we had received. We would 100% want to do future tours with Leo again when we return to Mexico in the Yucatan region. It was the best part of our trip. Congratulations to Leo and thank you Leo and Boutique Tours Mexico for a wonderful experience and memory!
10. TULUM AND COBÁ from Riviera Maya and Cancun (Private)
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 16 reviews
Riviera Maya ,with its subtropical weather and average temperature of 25ºC, is considered a wonderful Caribbean Paradise, offering pristine white sand beaches. The privileged position of this Mexican corner, the great weather conditions, cultural characteristics and entertainments, allows every year millions of tourists to combine a relaxing vacation and the opportunity to visit historical places, where Mayan civilization left evident traces and marks on the history and on the culture.
Inclusions: English/Spanish Speaking Guide, Lunch in Local Restaurant, Roundtrip Transportation, Lunch
Exclusions: Drinks During the Lunch, Supplement for Pick-up / Drop-off in Cancun Hotels
Reviewed By keriirenee
Amazing, private tour from San Cristobal to Palenque with stops at Agua Azul & Misol-ha waterfall on the way. We opted for 2 days & 1 night because of all the driving we didn't want to be rushed or spend 7+ hours in the car in one day. Our driver & guide Guillermo was incredible - definitely the highlight of the trip. He's been working as a guide locally for 20+ years and knew so much about Mayan history + all the other random questions we threw at him throughout the trip. His English was perfect. The car which the agency provided was very comfortable. The hotel we stayed at in Palenque was okay, definitely a little outdated, but it did the job (+had AC which was a must) and the grounds in which the hotel is located on are beautiful. Overall, 10/10 for the trip. Everything we saw was beautiful and would definitely recommend!
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