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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.

free cancellation
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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.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en 

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

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

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.

free cancellation
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de, es, da, en, fi, +5  fr, 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
Available in:

de, es, en, fr, nl 

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.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, es, en, fr, nl 

Private Holbox Island Boat and Buggy Tour
Excursions & day trips

Private Holbox Island Boat and Buggy Tour

Holbox Island is a holiday within a holiday. On this private tour, you'll visit Isla Pasion on a boat trip, enjoy lunch at a five-star eco resort and enjoy a golf buggy tour of the island. Ariel, one of our local guides on this tour, says, ‘Holbox is a habitat for more than 300 endemic and migratory bird species. It's also something of a playground, with activities such as speedboats and beach buggies.'Board your boat at Chiquila – piloted by a local fisherman – and be whisked off on a two-hour coastal tour. Every other company uses the local ferry. Your guide will point out places known for their wildlife – some 150 bird species have been spotted on the island – and explain what efforts are being made to preserve this habitat. For three decades, Holbox has been part of Yum Balam Nature Reserve. And if you're doing the tour between June and September, you may be lucky enough to catch sight of the island's flamboyant flamingos.Plus, you'll discover the beauty of the secluded beaches of tiny Isla Pasion – Holbox itself boasts 36km of white-sand strands – before heading to the eco-resort for lunch followed by downtime on the sunloungers. Once your batteries are recharged, you'll hop into a golf buggy -the island's 1,000 residents don't use cars – for some fun exploring the surrounding area. To round off your visit to the island, we'll make our way to Holbox's main square for some free time – it's a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs or sample local food.

free cancellation
Entrance Fees Included
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. Get behind the controls of your ATV to navigate your way through the jungle by ATV, and feel the thrill of flying through the treetops by zipline. And when it's time for a break, there's a Mexican buffet with a selection of traditional dishes on offer. Juanito, one of our local guides, says, "In some of the lines, you glide just above the jungle canopy. In others, you can go upside down, while another has the ‘Superman' option. There's even a ‘flying hammock' for you to try out. It's truly exhilarating."Arrive at the park and after a quick safety briefing from the instructors, we'll crank up the excitement. The order of the activities will be decided on the day to make sure crowds are spread out, and you can enjoy your experiences to the maximum. You'll swoop through the treetops on a seven-line zipline course, where you can soak up panoramic views of the park from above – and you can choose from four different flying modes.Then head back up top to take a break with a buffet lunch of local favourites – the Yucatan's signature pulled pork cochininita pibil is usually on the menu – washed down with water and coffee. After fuelling up for the fun to come, it's time to tear across the mud and zoom through the jungle driving your own powerful ATV vehicle. It's non-stop laughs from start to finish along the rip-roaring 11km route.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en 

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.

free cancellation
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es, en 

Ek' Balam Deluxe Tour with Hacienda Chukum & Valladolid
Excursions & day trips

Ek' Balam Deluxe Tour with Hacienda Chukum & Valladolid

Dive into an epic adventure at the ancient Maya ruins of Ek' Balam with some adrenaline fun packed in too. You'll get to step back in time at this archaeological site, followed by ziplining and cenote swimming at Hacienda Chukum, a buffet lunch of regional classics, and a visit to Valladolid. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘Known as the ‘Black Jaguar' or ‘Star Jaguar', it's not every day you get to see such massive structures and what makes Ek Balam unique are its unique double walls that encircle the central area'. At Ek' Balam, get ready for a blast into Maya history discovering over 40 structures, with the opportunity to climb several monuments. Prepare to be wowed by pyramids and the towering acropolis, offering epic shots of the site and surrounding lush jungle. Next up, let's kick the adventure up a notch at Hacienda Chukum. This isn't your typical stop – it's a jungle hideout with a cenote where you can swim or zip line across the cavern. Your guide will share snorkelling tips and fun facts about the local flora and fauna around you. After all that action, it's time to refuel with a delicious buffet of regional favourites in an open-air restaurant. Savour dishes like pulled pork, spicy fish, and tortillas, plus some sweet treats to top it off. Our day wraps up in Valladolid, a town oozing with Insta-worthy Spanish vibes, colourful mansions, and quaint cobblestone streets. Enjoy some leisure time to explore, take photos at the Municipal Palace and soak up the laid-back atmosphere in the main plaza before heading back.

free cancellation
Available in:

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.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en 

Things to do in Maya Riviera

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's no wonder that every year, millions of tourists choose this corner of the planet to enjoy their dream vacation. With majestic Mayan sites, wonderful nature reserves, impressive cenotes, and colorful coral reefs, this Caribbean retreat is perfect for every type of traveler.

The best things to see and do in Riviera Maya:

1. Explore Holbox Island At just 25 miles long and about 1.2 miles wide, the tiny island of Holbox is a favorite among 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. Be sure to stop by some of its spectacular beaches, such as Punta Mosquito and Passion Island.

2. Visit the archaeological site of Cobá Nestled in the Mexican jungle, the ancient Maya city of Cobá 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 feature in the complex is the huge Nohoch Mul pyramid, standing at over 130 feet high – the views from its summit across the jungle are unparalleled.

3. Grab panoramic photos at the ruins of Tulum Perched on a cliff 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 legends that surround this archaeological site involves the Temple of Kukulkan, where thousands of people gather to witness the curious effect of light and shadows, which is said to create the image of a serpent on the pyramid steps.

5. Have fun at an adventure park Adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts are in luck in Riviera Maya, with plenty of eco-parks to explore, and if you have time, the more you visit, the better. Enjoy the natural water attractions 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 soak up the sun 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, which feature the added allure of a breathtaking 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 79°F. 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 73°F and 81°F. 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 paradisiacal 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 neighboring 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.