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Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen tickets and tours

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Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration
Excursions & day trips

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 samples of traditional snacks including Kibi.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.

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es, en 

Guided Tour of Tulum and Visit to a Modern Maya Community
Excursions & day trips

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.

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de, es, da, en, fi, +5  fr, nl, no, pl, sv

Tulum, Cenote Swim, Turtle Snorkelling & Beach Club Combo Tour
Activities

Tulum, Cenote Swim, Turtle Snorkelling & 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.

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es, en 

Holbox Island Boat and Buggy Tour from Chiquila
Excursions & day trips

Holbox Island Boat and Buggy Tour from Chiquila

Holbox Island offers 36km of pristine white beaches washed by emerald green seas. On this exclusive TUI excursion, you'll tour spots like Isla Pasion and Punta Mosquito on a private boat, enjoy lunch at a five-star eco resort and more. And there's also golf buggy tour of the island to look forward to.

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de, es, en, fr, nl, +1  pl

Coba Maya Ruins Tour with Lunch and Cenote Swim
Excursions & day trips

Coba Maya Ruins Tour with Lunch and Cenote Swim

A journey deep into the Yucatán jungle to discover the ancient Maya city of Coba. You'll learn about their enigmatic culture, see the Great Pyramid, meet local villagers and swim in a sacred cenote

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de, da, en, fi, fr, +4  nl, no, pl, sv

Chichen Itza Private Tour with Transport and Local Guide
Excursions & day trips

Chichen Itza Private Tour with Transport and Local Guide

The ancient ruins of Chichen Itza are one of Mexico's must-visits. This exclusive experience lets you see the site before the crowds arrive and tour the complex with an expert guide. Then, delve into the depths of the Mayan underworld with a cenote swim and visit a traditional Maya village for lunch.

free cancellation
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de, es, en, fr, nl 

Chichen Itza and Cenote Tsukán with Lunch
Attractions & guided tours

Chichen Itza 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.

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de, en, fr, nl, pl 

Aventuras Mayas Jungle Park with Mexican Lunch
Activities

Aventuras Mayas Jungle Park with Mexican Lunch

If you're all about action and adventure, a day of fun-filled thrills awaits at Aventuras Mayas Jungle Park. Speed through the jungle by ATV, fly through the treetops by zipwire and abseil into a cenote to swim in one of these impressive underground chambers. And when it's time for a break, there's a tasty Mexican buffet on offer.

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es, en 

Adults-only Riviera Maya Boat Trip with Open Bar and Lunch
Activities

Adults-only Riviera Maya Boat Trip with Open Bar and Lunch

There's nothing quite like that ‘you've made it' holiday feeling, and this adults-only boat trip features all the little luxuries and a new perspective on Mexico. Crafted and designed with you in mind, this cruise is offered exclusively by TUI – among the unique touches are fresh fruit, lunch and, of course, swim stops and water sports.

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es, en 

ATV Ride, Cenote and Catamaran Cruise from Cancun with Lunch
Activities

ATV Ride, Cenote and Catamaran Cruise from Cancun with Lunch

Adventure-filled days are what holidays in Mexico's Riviera Maya are all about. This exciting tour offers a special combination of thrills on land and the serenity of the water. Paola, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The contrasts are what make this excursion so appealing – the high-octane fun of the ATV ride followed by the peace of the cenote, and the two beautiful locations of Puerto Morelos Park and Marina Maroma.' Kick off the adventure with an exhilarating 45-minute ride through rugged terrain on a powerful ATV. This rip-roaring journey takes you down dirt roads, zipping around curves, and bounding over roots and rocks in the wilds of the jungle. Feel the rush of adrenaline and the wind against your face as you navigate through the green landscape, offering an unparalleled start to your excursion. Then, you'll switch from high-energy thrills to the tranquility of a hidden cenote. These mystical natural pools, integral to the Mayan world, are unspoilt underground water reservoirs. After a leisurely lunch of authentic Mexican cuisine, you'll enjoy a change of scenery as you transfer to the catamaran and sail the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea. Your trip culminates with snorkeling sessions at the Great Mayan Reef, offering a close-up view of vibrant marine life and coral formations. Your memorable day concludes with a return to the marina for the transfer back to base, rounding off a day full of adventure, nature, and culture.

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es, en 

Tulum Private Tour with a Local Guide and Maya Community Visit
Excursions & day trips

Tulum Private Tour with a Local Guide and Maya Community Visit

This exclusive private tour ensures you'll be one of the first visitors through the gates to explore the Yucatan's best-preserved archaeological site – the ancient ruins of Tulum. A guided tour is followed by a swim in an underground cave and a stop by a typical Mayan community.

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de, es, en, fr, nl 

Isla Mujeres Adult Only with Beach Club Lunch
Activities

Isla Mujeres Adult Only with Beach Club Lunch

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 soft 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 30-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.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en 

Things to do in Riviera Maya

The Mexican haven of Riviera Maya, known for its spectacular white-sand beaches and clear waters, is also famous for its cultural, natural and archaeological treasures. So, it comes as no surprise that every year, millions of tourists choose this corner of the planet to enjoy their dream holiday. With majestic Maya sites, wonderful natural reserves, impressive cenotes and colourful coral reefs, this Caribbean retreat is ideal for every type of traveller.

The best things to see and do in Riviera Maya:

1. Explore Holbox Island At just 40km long and 2km wide, the tiny island of Holbox is a favourite amongst tourists visiting Riviera Maya. Located within the Yum Balam Ecological Reserve, there's plenty of tours visiting this slice of paradise, where the main mode of transport is by golf cart. Make sure to stop by some of its spectacular beaches, such as Punta Mosquito and Passion Island.

2. Visit the archaeological site of Coba Nestled in the Mexican jungle, the ancient Maya city of Coba is one of the best-preserved sites in the region, though not as well-known as the likes of Chichen Itza or Tulum. With many of its buildings constructed between 500 and 900 AD, nowadays the most prominent area in the complex is the huge Nohoch Mul pyramid, standing at over 40 metres high – the views from its summit across the jungle is unparalleled.

3. Grab panoramic photos at the ruins of Tulum Perched on a hill overlooking the Caribbean, the archaeological site of Tulum is undoubtedly one of the prettiest places in Mexico. With plenty of tours on offer, take the opportunity to walk amongst impressive structures with centuries of history, like the El Castillo pyramid or the Temple of the Frescoes. Many tours combine a visit to these ruins with other exciting experiences, such as the chance to swim in an authentic cenote or snorkel along the Akumal coast.

4. Discover Chichen Itza Visiting Chichen Itza, the most famous Maya city in Mexico, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so much so, the site has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. One of the site’s most enthralling phenomena is at the Temple of Kukulkan, where, during the equinoxes, thousands gather to watch a play of light and shadow that creates the illusion of a serpent descending the pyramid’s steps.

5. Have fun at an adventure park Adventure-seekers and nature-lovers are in luck in Riviera Maya, with plenty of eco-parks to explore, and if you have time, the more you visit, the better. Slide down natural waterslides in the area at Xel-Ha, zipline through the jungle at Xplor, scuba dive in an underground river at Xcaret, or swim in a cenote at the Maya Adventure park. All parks offer a wide range of attractions, so fun and excitement are more than guaranteed.

6. Enjoy a boat or catamaran excursion No trip to Riviera Maya would be complete without enjoying a catamaran cruise along its spectacular coast. Climb aboard and breathe in the sea breeze as you top up your tan and admire the views. Many boat trips offer stops at different points for swimming, diving, or water sports. A very popular option, especially for couples, are the evening cruises, with the added bonus of a sizzling sunset.

Plan your visit to Riviera Maya

What is the best time to travel to Riviera Maya?

The climate in Riviera Maya is warm and humid, with an average annual temperature of around 26°C. The best time to travel to the Mexican Caribbean is from December to April, which coincides with the dry season. During this period, temperatures range between 23°C and 27°C. Although Riviera Maya welcomes tourists all year round, the rainy season, which runs from May to November, has a higher risk of occasional tropical storms and even hurricanes.

How many days are needed to visit Riviera Maya?

Riviera Maya is one of the most idyllic destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. If, in addition to relaxing on its wonderful beaches, you want to have time to visit the cultural attractions of the area, such as the archaeological sites of Chichen Itzá or Cobá, enjoy the adventure parks, or go on an excursion to the neighbouring islands, ideally you should stay at least 10 days.

What are the best beaches in Riviera Maya?

In Riviera Maya, there are countless wonderful beaches. One of the most spectacular is Playa Paraíso, located very close to the ruins of Tulum. Another great option is Akumal Beach, a place chosen by many species of turtles to lay their eggs between April and October. On the other hand, the beaches of Punta Allen, located in the Ka'an natural reserve, are practically untouched. For those looking for a party and a good atmosphere, Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen never disappoints.