Top Things to do in Yucatan Peninsula
Top Hotels in Yucatan Peninsula
10 Nature & Parks in Yucatan Peninsula That You Shouldn't Miss
Hidden gems of Yucatan, such as Tulum, Akumal, Chetumal, Chichen Itza and Merida, offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Akumal and more Caribbean-style Chetumal, near the Belize border, deliver delectable white-sand beaches and great snorkelling. Merida, Chichen Itza and Tulum, with their ancient ruins, offer a passage into the Yucatanâs native history. Nature lovers can jungle trek and swim in subterranean sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Bike around the ruins and hop between towns in colectivo vans.
Restaurants in Yucatan Peninsula
1. Palancar Reef
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,062 reviews
This beautiful reef sits in about 80 feet of water and is a popular diving spot.
Reviewed By Larry-Crystal - Florence, United States
Palancar Caves, Palancar Gardens, Palancar Big Caves, Palancar Bricks.....all great dive sites. A good Dive operation will take the time and expense to drive their boats down to the southern dive sites where visiting scuba divers will see the best variety of sea life, coral mounts, swim throughs, and pelagics. We had a great experience with ScubaLife.
2. Lago Bacalar (Lake of the Seven Colors)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 229 reviews
Large, crystal clear lake fed by underwater cenotes and surrounded by dense tropical rainforest.
Reviewed By Gena47
Amir Tours did a magnificent job of sharing the magic of the Barcalar Lagoon. The Captain Filipe and Sailer Luna were organized, friendly and competent. The nine of us boarded on time and set out to explore this fresh water lake fed by cenotes. After a safety lecture, we visited the “Pirate Island” where pirates would come in from the Caribbean to plunder. Next we visited three cenotes and learned how they supplied water for the lagoon. We learned how the colors were created depending on the depth of the water and what was on the bottom. We were served a delicious lunch of fresh fruit and bread. And the drinks were not stop! Our last stop was at the bird sanctuary where birds come to rest on the yearly migration paths. The boat was stable and large enough for you to move around. Access into and out of the water was easy and the crew both assisted if needed. Several of us agreed that this was the most enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. I would highly recommend you book this tour to have an informative and magical experience.
3. Cenotes Sac Actun
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,633 reviews
Underground water paradise in the Riviera Maya, this visit will certainly be a unique experience like no other, mystical and extreme, you can snorkel or dive in the cavern full of formations.
Reviewed By StefR - Brooklyn, United States
After reading about so many cenotes, I was a bit overwhelmed as to which to choose. So we let our tour guide make this recommendation. It just so happened he had worked as a guide at this cenote for several years before becoming a tour guide so we just got lucky. This cenote is amazing! After parking and picking up lifejackets, we headed down the stairs and into the mouth of the cave. Our guide didn't really describe what we were about to do so it was a bit of a surprise to find such a huge cave system before us as we swam around. He knew his way around and we had such a great time seeing this natural wonder. We were there for 2 hours before seeing another soul. We had the whole place to ourselves for almost the entire time. There seemed to be endless tunnels and caves to explore so we were very happy to have a guide as we would have gotten lost very easily. Can't recommend this site enough! Definitely get a guide, bring a waterproof camera (or waterproof case for your phone) and enjoy!
4. Cenote Santa Cruz
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 693 reviews
Friends, if you are calling us and we don't answer your calls it is because we don't have good reception. We work only with previous reservations that can be made on our website or direct to our E-mail. We will answer you as soon as possible, we apologize for the inconvenience. Eco-friendly tours. Our excursions are groupal, private and personalized. “We invite you to live an awesome and fun adventure, enjoying the wonders that the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer, its heavenly beaches, Cenotes, Natural Reserves and archaeological sites. We are focused on sustainable, educational and recreational tourism in order to get the maximum and closest experience with the local communities, getting to know the flora, fauna and regional culture.”
Reviewed By jlwilm - Madison, United States
We were told that the Cenote Santa Cruz is a “must see” and we were not disappointed. We were 4 people picked up at our condo by Juan Pablo (JP) and it was immediately obvious that he has a passion for Mexico and the natural beauty. He made us very comfortable and alleviated any apprehensions. He explained everything and told us so much history of the surrounding area. JP kept insisting that this was “our” tour and we could take as much or as little of his time as we needed. The Cenote is breathtakingly beautiful with cool, clear water and we felt like we were in another world. This was not my first visit to a Cenote in Mexico but this was by far, the best, most informative and most beautiful one. I highly recommend Cenote Santa Cruz.
5. Maya Chan Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,739 reviews
Private beach resort for cruise ship passengers.
Reviewed By plantemar
We visited Maya Chan Beach while on a cruise. It was perfect : super friendly staff, very good homemade food, excellent bar service, nice floating chairs and paddle board, nice sandy beach and refreshing pool. We had a beach cabana with chairs, day bed and hammock for ourselves. Could not ask for better because it was THE best. Can’t go wrong with this gem!
6. Lake Bacalar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,594 reviews
Reviewed By 389florka - London, United Kingdom
Pueblo magico - truly is !!! There are different shades of blue from the lightest to dark dark blue . We took a boat with tour guy which cost about 260 peso it took about 2.5 h all around lake with few stops when we could jump in the water and enjoy this beautiful place . Water is sweet which made the experience even better:) , would highly recommend it . We stayed near Playa del Carmen and it took us 3.5 h drive , the best is to early morning so can make most of it . Plenty shops and restaurants around to get some snacks or food.
7. Mayan Bee Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
The Mayan Bee Sanctuary it´s a place to discover the stingless bee and the Melipona honey. The Mayan Bee Sanctuary, is an interactive place in which you become in an explorer of the history of one of the most nutritional food in the world. Behind The Mayan Bee Santuary there is one of the largest operators of tourism of Mexico, Aviomar Adventours, a company with over 50 years of experience and hig
Reviewed By invitationOvoyage - Milwaukee, United States
Happened to pass this place on the way to the East side of the island. Glad we stopped! Joined a family and listened/saw to some Mayan history and legend as well as learn about the awesome bees that be on the island. Nice little gift shop with bee-themed authentic Mexican pottery and lots of different honey products. Staff and guide very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. Tour in Spanish and English. Thumbs up!
8. Playa Delfines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,518 reviews
Reviewed By Nest_Of_Snakes - Mexico City, Mexico
If you are tired of the standard beaches along the Hotel Zone, visit Playa Delfines, a beautiful and very large beach with fine sand and slightly intense waves located near El Rey archaeological zone. Here, you can rent chairs and beach umbrellas as well as bring your own drinks and snacks. You will also find bathrooms, showers, "palapas" and parking lot, all these services totally free. Here you will also find a beautiful wooden lookout with the colorful "Cancún" sign that appears on many of the city´s postcards and brochures.
9. Akumal Beach
10. Yal-ku Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,044 reviews
Reviewed By MinnesotanTraveler
Yal-ku lagoon is an estuary where fresh and salt water meet, so the biodiversity in the lagoon is incredible. The water is teeming with fish. You can rent a snorkel or bring your own. The park around the lagoon features interesting art statues. There is a small snack bar, clean restrooms, and lockers.
