Things to do in Riviera Maya: Best attractions

Riviera Maya is a coastline that goes from Puerto Morelos, south of Cancun, to Punta Allen, which is 34 mi south of Tulum. This incredible beach destination has it all, from electrifying nightlife to astounding natural parks, world-class resorts, and beautiful landscapes.

Find what to do in Riviera Maya, where more than 70 mi of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are waiting for you, plus the astonishing underwater landscape.

Riviera Maya Activities

There are plenty of Riviera Maya activities. People from all around the globe arrive every year to scuba diving on its magnificent reefs, having fishing trips, discovering excellent parks, or into the Pre-Hispanic culture by touring its archaeological zones.

Some of the best things to do in Riviera Maya include adventures amidst the jungle. Many tours take you through off-road paths on ATVs or amphibious vehicles, let you swim in underground rivers, or even gliding in striking zip-lines, such as Xplor. This remarkable park nearby Playa del Carmen is perfect for having these activities, plus enjoying a delicious buffet lunch.

There are several sports that make Riviera Maya attractive for tourists from every corner of the world. This popular beach destination is home for several golf courses designed by prestigious golfers, and even an official PGA Tour date takes place here.

Water activities

At Riviera Maya Mexico, there are also activities such as swimming with dolphins or have interaction with other species such as manatees. Horseback riding by the jungle or beach is also a popular excursion among visitors.

Fishing in Riviera Maya is just spectacular. The Mexican Caribbean turquoise waters are a great place for deep-sea fishing, and many companies have the catch and release option. Species such as bonito, wahoo, and barracudas. From March to June is the season for sailfish, marlin, and tuna.

Scuba diving is a wondrous experience at Riviera Maya. The second largest reef system in the world goes from north of Cancun to Central America and is home to an outstanding ecosystem. It is even possible to dive with bull sharks!

Shopping in Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen is the heart of Riviera Maya and is a perfect place for shopping. From souvenir and handicraft stores to upscale boutiques and department stores, you can find almost everything. Walking the 5th Avenue of Playa del Carmen is exceptional. Stop by its restaurants, coffee houses, or bars for a while, to have a refreshing drink or meet new friends. During the morning, relax at one of its beach clubs and swim in the ocean while enjoying the sun.

Riviera Maya Attractions

Discover some of the best Riviera Maya attractions. Archaeological zones such as Tulum are popular among visitors from every corner of the world. This ancient city is the only one facing the Caribbean Sea and has a wall on three of its sides, plus the reef at the coastline that served as a defense since it is inaccessible except for one small breach.

Cobá is another archaeological site full of mysteries. It was a powerful city centuries before the Chichén Itzá splendor. It features Nohoch Mul, which is the tallest pyramid in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where visitors can climb atop to have a marvelous view of the jungle. It is also famous for housing the Stelle One, a large carved rock that marks December 21st, 2012 as the end of an era.

Snorkeling in Riviera Maya is one of the top excursions. There are plenty of places for this activity, from the coral reefs along the coastline, several inlets or coves, and even freshwater cenotes.

Nature and culture in the Riviera Maya

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is on the south side of Riviera Maya. This enormous reserve includes thousands of jungle acres but also the reef barrier in its coastline, which is home for sea turtles, dolphins, and hundreds of other species. There are tours to visit the reserve, and some take to Punta Allen for snorkeling by the reef. Others visit the Muyil archaeological zone to then dip into the refreshing waters of nearby lagoons.

Xcaret must be on your bucket list. The most spectacular park in Mexico has attractions for the whole family, and you can spend the entire day here. Swim in three underground rivers, visit a beautiful aviary full of native birds or the aquarium that houses specimens from the nearby coral reefs and sea turtles that are part of the conservation program.

It is also a great park to discover Mexican traditions with pre-Columbian dances, a Horse Exhibition with the typical charros riding beautiful Aztec horses. When the night falls, its theater houses the biggest play in the country: Xcaret México Espectacular that retreats 500 years of history, music, and traditions with more than 300 onstage artists.

Xel-Há is a fantastic place to snorkel. This natural park is halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and has underground rivers that flow into the enormous inlet. Walk by jungle trails, visit a nursery full of native plants, and spend a whole day enjoying nature, and unlimited snorkel, food, and beverages.

Also, Akumal Bay is popular to snorkel. It is home for sea turtles, lobsters, and other species since there is a coral reef barrier at the bay, contributing to have calm waters and a remarkable underwater view.

Parks and Tours

Come to Riviera Maya for the best vacation ever and enjoy its natural parks, adventure tours, nightlife, and beautiful sea!

Parks and Tours