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Things to do in Playa del Carmen

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Your guide to Playa del Carmen

What are the most unique things to do in Playa del Carmen?

Night snorkeling with an expert

Head out for a snorkel adventure with an expert guide for an after-hours glimpse of Playa del Carmen’s marine life. Along the way, your guide may point out sea life, like octopus in the distance, as well as take pictures and video of you as you explore with flashlight in hand.

Take part in a Temazcal Ancestral Healing Ceremony

Learn more about the ritual of traditional Mexican steam bath, Temazcal, which originated with the pre-Hispanic Indigenous peoples. It’s a special ceremony intended to balance mind, body and spirit. You can find local experts who perform the ceremony regularly.

Embark on a food tour

Visit street stands and restaurants that locals frequent, away from tourist places so you can get to know the real and authentic Mexican food from your local guide who shares the history of Playa del Carmen, and waxes poetic on the art of street food. Vegetarian options are often available.


What are the best day trips from Playa del Carmen?

Cozumel day trips for scuba diving and more

Ferry rides or prearranged private boat tours take you to one of the best scuba diving destinations in this part of the world. Mesoamerican Reef and the Museo Subacuático de Arte’s submerged sculptures are some of the must-do diving spots on this island. Those who are not certified scuba divers can still enjoy discovery in the water with a snorkel and sail excursion that can take you to Palancar Reef, El Cielo, and other beaches.

Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and cenote day tour

Skip the hassle of driving, and take a guided tour to one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Mexico: Chichen Itza. You will have time to enjoy the ancient sites including the ball courts, the legendary Kukulkan Pyramid (aka El Castillo), and lush jungles. You will also catch a glimpse of Valladolid, a beautiful city filled with history and culture along the Yucatán Peninsula, as well as enjoy some free time at a cenote.

A day of Tulum ruins, beach time, and brunch

Experience the mystery and beauty of the Tulum ruins, once a walled city inhabited by the Maya people. On this day trip, you can also enjoy a brunch as well as time at a Tulum beach spot.


What are the best water activities in Playa del Carmen?

Paddleboarding to cenotes

Get your exercise in on a guided paddleboarding experience where an expert takes you to hidden cenotes for swimming and down time before heading back to the beaches of Playa del Carmen.

Exploring sunken ships on a sea scooter

Take a 1-hour tour by sea scooter to see two sunken ships that have been on the ocean floor for over 20 years. The sea scooters do most of the swimming for you while you enjoy the beautiful marine life of Cozumel. Afterward, reward your adventurous self over a homemade meal with a local family.

Snorkeling in Akumal Bay

See the full-time residents of Akumal Bay: sea turtles. Along with the sea turtles, you might spot stingrays, barracudas, reef squid, coral reef and many other tropical fish.

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