Location: Playa del Carmen
Top Things to do in Playa del Carmen
What to do and see in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo: The Best Things to do
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. Xcaret
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43,097 reviews
Xcaret (pronounced eesh - carette )is a must-see destination while visiting Cancun and Riviera Maya, situated only 37 miles from Cancun International. Xcaret," Mexico ’s sacred paradise" was opened in December 1990 as an eco-archeological park where visitors from all over the world can enjoy the splendor of Mexico’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Attractions: Underground Rivers, Beach, lagoon & pools, Tropical Jungle Trail, Rotating Scenic Tower.
Reviewed By vnicholls84 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
We got the plus passes and included lunch - the Buffett was excellent! We added on the sea trek (absolutely awesome) and the adrenaline speed boat (also excellent) Stay for the show at the end!!! (We upgraded and got the vip seats with the meal too, also excellent) The rivers were outstanding. The only thing I didn’t like and would stop me returning is the captive dolphins. I don’t like seeing this at all. It’s 2019! People need to stop swimming with them and these parks need to let them go. One of the dolphins dorsal fins was ripped in half from constantly having people holding on to it. For an eco park is was shocked at the use of the animals for entertainment. (The sting rays appeared to have had their tails cut off too) It is a beautiful park, transfers were excellent.
2. Rio Secreto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,530 reviews
Mexico reveals its newly-discovered underground river: Very few places in the world boast conditions that make it possible to witness the extraordinary beauty of an underground river. Rio Secreto is a fantastic journey into a unique system of underground rivers and ancient caverns that reveals both the astonishing interaction of time within the interior of our planet and the miraculous existence of our lives. Come and experience this magical journey with us on your next vacations in Mexico.
Reviewed By Matina28 - Laval, Canada
Secret River My husband and I visited Río Secreto on November 4. For me, enter to those caves was something magical, what a beautiful place, I hope they keep it as it is, a natural jewel. Our guide Joshua was excellent, he gave us a lot of information about the place, besides being patient, kind and attentive to each one of the group. Eduardo (the little one) our photographer is an excellent professional. The photos were beautiful. I liked everything, the rappel, the visit to the river on the Alegria road, and the visit to the dry route. It is a trip to wonderful place. Visiting these caves with stalactites, stalagmites and swimming in that crystal clear water is something we should experience even once in a lifetime. The buffet at the end was very good. I congratulate the staff of Rio Secreto for taking care of this place and for making the visitor aware of how important it is to keep this place in its natural state.
3. Kool Beach Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,825 reviews
The best beach club in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. Weddings, corporate lunches, private reunions, conferences and, obviously, any relaxing day at the beach. Imagine the wedding of your dreams on the edge of the beautiful turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean in the best beach club on the Riviera Maya. Come and immerse yourself on the wonderful Caribbean lifestyle for a day.
Reviewed By 111shaked
Kool Beach is a charming, clean and well-organized beach. The food and drinks are excellent, although the problem of water algae in the area, it has been relatively clean because the place is very concerned about cleaning the water. There is a lovely beach pool and I highly recommend Lily and Vicky's wonderful massage!
4. Cenote Chaak Tun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,157 reviews
Reviewed By mrs_edinburg - Claymont, United States
We did the guided snorkel tour and it was amazing! For only 30 US dollars, you get the guided tour including rental of your snorkel and wet suit. This is a unique adventure that you won’t forget. Our guide Felipe taught us about the Mayan culture, the fossils and skeletons found in the caverns, and about the formation of the stalactites and stalagmites. We loved seeing the bats swooping around inside the cavern and swimming in the clear water. We would recommend this experience to anyone visiting Playa Del Carmen. A bonus at the end was the included tequila tasting!
5. 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.
6. 3D Museum of Wonders
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,600 reviews
The First 3D illusion art Museum in the Americas! The 3D Museum Of Wonders allows you to become completely immersed in magnificent 3D illusional artwork by DaVinci, Michelangelo and other world masters. Families, couples and people of all ages marvel at this unique attraction. Air-conditioned for your complete comfort, so if its raining or super hot outside, you'll be enjoying a cooling treat everyone will love. Bring your camera to capture unforgettable memories of Playa del Carmen trip that will last a lifetime! No trip to Playa del Carmen is completed without a visit !
Reviewed By 18athenad - Cheney, United States
The museum was so fun & worth the money ($30 US ea). We got a guided tour by Robert, not only was he friendly but very informative about the paintings & artist. Please beware you are expected to take Your shoes off & wear socks as your walking on art. I recently had double foot surgery & am unable to walk bare foot. They made accommodations for me (nylon booties over my sandals). Our guide Robert took all our pictures & helped us on were to stand at each piece of art for the best 3D images. Amazing experience and I highly recommend it for couples or families.
7. Xenses Park by Xcaret
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,646 reviews
A unique half-day adventure which will challenge your senses, even those you never knew you had! Tour along more than 15 activities that go over land, air and water. Have fun through unusual scenarios that give you an unreal impression. An experience full of challenges for your mind, where everything around you is not what it seems.
Reviewed By sun_skies - Los Angeles, United States
Wow, this park is amazing. The xensatorium was the best thing I did at this location. It was an 8-15 minute walk through the dark, complete darkness, pitch black and you walk through different environments such as grass, sand, water, you touch plants and trees, smell the smells of the ecosystem that you are in. Its done so that your other senses can heighten and lead you through the journey. It was an intense experience because its so dark that you get a little scared at times, all you use to guide yourself is the things surrounding you. Th relaxation rivers were also amazing first the was a warm water one that you just float in and the second was the mud bath that you just lay in and float, followed by bucket baths and a walk through a sauna. The pueblo was all sorts of wrong but so much fun! They also had a bird flight zipline type of activity that was spectacular.
8. UltramarFerry
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,371 reviews
Reviewed By footballfrk - De Tour Village, United States
We had flown in to Cancun and rode the ADO bus down from there to PDC where we caught the Ultramar Ferry over to Cozumel where we had rented an airbnb from Pancho near the Ocean Beach Club(absolutely the best host we have ever had and great place to stay). The tickets are available right at the dock, don't get distracted by the others who try to sell you tickets to the ADO bus or Ultramar Ferry...go right to the ticket booth...very easy and affordable. The ride is great and the staff is very professional and accommodating. Traveled via Ultramar when going on a Chitzen Itza tour later in the week as well...great trip and ride. Food and drinks are available.
9. Quinta Avenida
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24,055 reviews
The Five AvenueThe most Important street in Mexico, you can find Shopping, Souvenirs, Jewelry stores,Bars, etc.
Reviewed By Southernbellemf
If you plan to visit Playa del Carmen you definitely need to visit Quinta Avenida or Fifth avenue, it is so colorful and full of fine dining, shopping, and just fun to walk, around 2 miles of all kinds of stores, restaurants, and souvenirs to take home. It was at walking distance from our hotel so we really enjoyed, and we hope to come back very soon
10. Parque Los Fundadores
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,124 reviews
Reviewed By Lovetocruise7066 - Reno, United States
This park/plaza is located at the southernmost part of the commercial zone in Play del Carmen adjacent to the ferry pier which takes passengers to Cozumel. It is a nice open area right on a nice beach. Lots of shops around and of course bars and eating venues. Worth a visit while you are in Playa del Carmen.
