things to do in playa del carmen mexico

37 Things to do in Playa del Carmen Mexico

Here are 37 Things You Can Do in Playa del Carmen Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is always buzzing with activity and there’s always something new to discover! But what exactly does this town have to offer? In this article, we’ll tell you about 37 things you can do during your stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Expats in Playa del Carmen Mexico
Beach of Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

1. Go to the beach.

Playa del Carmen is known for being a beach town. You can go swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or just relax on the sand and watch people walk by. The waves are usually gentle enough for beginner swimmers but there are also other activities you can do at the beach such as sailing, kite surfing, and windsurfing.

If you want some adventure you can take a boat tour that takes you around Isla Cozumel where there are many reefs for snorkeling or diving. If you just want to relax then head over to Mamitas Beach Club which has great food, drinks, and music!

beach club Mamitas
Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

2. Visit Playa Mamitas.

Playa Mamitas is a popular beach club, with a great bar and restaurants. It’s a great place to spend a day, especially if you’re looking for something more low-key than the clubs on 5th Avenue. The water here is warm and there’s lots of shade available.

Xel-ha snorkeling
Try Snorkeling in Xel-ha.

3. Go snorkeling at Xel-ha park

Xel-ha is a large, man-made lagoon that attracts both tourists and locals. It’s a great place to learn how to snorkel and scuba dive, or just enjoy the water if you don’t want to get wet.

Located just 20 miles outside Playa del Carmen, Xel-ha has been around since 1983 and is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations. The name comes from Nahuatl words that mean “transparent waters”.

The park features multiple restaurants where you can grab lunch or snacks while enjoying beautiful views of the lagoon. You can also rent boats at various points around the park, which are perfect for exploring on your own or taking on an excursion with friends!

Xcaret park map
Xcaret park has lots of different activities you can do in one place.

4. Visit Xcaret Park

Xcaret Park is a theme park that combines the natural beauty of Mexico with the magic of Disney and showcases Mexico’s history and culture. The Show at the end is well worth the wait. You can do everything from swimming with dolphins to listening to mariachi music, and visiting Mayan ruins.

There are also plenty of restaurants where you can try authentic Mexican cuisines such as tacos, burritos, and churros.

sky diving in playa del carmen mexico
Looking for adventure? Try sky diving in Playa del Carmen.

5. See Playa del Carmen from Above with a Skydive

Skydiving is one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen and it’s a thrilling and adventurous experience. You will get the chance to see the area from above. Skydiving is one of the most popular activities in Playa del Carmen, so why not give it a try?

playa del carmen cenote
Cenotes are unique to this region of Mexico.

6. Swim in the natural sinkholes (Cenotes).

Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. They often have crystal-clear water and are very popular diving spots. It can be easy to forget that you’re in Mexico while swimming through these incredible pools!

There are cenotes all over Playa del Carmen. What should I bring with me? The water is often cool so it’s a good idea to bring a towel and a bathing suit!

Click here to read more about the best cenotes to visit in Riviera Maya Mexico.

Cozumel Island Mexico
Cozumel is a beautiful island you can visit via ferry from Playa del Carmen.

7. Take the Ferry to Cozumel.

If you don’t mind traveling off the beaten path and would like to get a more remote experience, consider taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. It takes about an hour and costs around $8 USD per person. There’s not much to do once you land on Cozumel, but it’s worth experiencing for yourself.

Head to the Playa del Carmen Cozumel terminal to buy your tickets to get to Cozumel. We recommend heading there early in the morning to beat the crowds or booking online in advance.

The ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is a great way to get a different perspective on the island. Kunzum Travel

is a great way to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. It’s a small company, but they offer reliable service. I used them for my trip and had no issues at all—and their prices are reasonable too!

playa del carmen shopping
Playa del Carmen is a great place to go shopping.

8. Shop in Downtown Playa del Carmen.

Shopping in downtown Playa del Carmen is a great way to experience the local culture. You’ll find stores that sell Mexican arts and crafts, as well as souvenir shops carrying all manner of trinkets from Mexico. There are also many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs here for you to enjoy before you head back home with your new purchases!

xplor playa del carmen zip line
Xplor zip lining in Playa del Carmen

9. Try Ziplining at Xplor

Xplor is a theme park in the jungle that offers a variety of different activities. It has ziplines that go through rivers and over waterfalls, rappelling down cliffs and caves, kayaking, underground river rafting, and more. The ziplines are fun for all ages, but they’re particularly great for teenagers who want to get out of the resort area and explore some new places while still having fun. If you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path but still close enough to Playa del Carmen that it can be done as a day trip from there (and with plenty of time left to enjoy your vacation!), Xplor is definitely worth trying!

Chichen Itza Playa del Carmen
Chichen Itza was built by the great Mayan people of the region.

10. Explore Chichen Itza

If you’re a history buff, this is certainly the place for you. Chichen Itza is one of the largest Maya ruins sites in Mexico, and it boasts a complex network of pyramids that were built by the Mayans between 600-900 AD. If you want to explore on your own, there are some great guides who can give you more information about what’s going on at each site (and they’ll probably tell you some interesting stories).

If you’d rather not brave it alone in your search for ancient artifacts, there are also tours available that will lead you through this UNESCO World Heritage Site with an expert guide.

Tulum Ruins Beach
Tulum, Mexico Ruins by the beach.

11. Visit Tulum Ruins

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Playa del Carmen, head over to Tulum Ruins. This ancient Maya site is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico and one of the most visited archaeological sites in this country. It’s also a popular tourist destination, so be prepared to pay an entrance fee if you want to visit it!

Tulum was an important port town for the Mayan civilization and an important trading center during its heyday. It was built on top of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and has some stunning views (especially at sunrise!). You’ll see ruins here that date back as far as 1000 AD—that’s 1 000 years ago!

The site is fairly small and you can walk around in about an hour or so. However, if you want to get the most out of your visit here, it’s best to hire a guide who will explain the history behind the ruins and show you some hidden gems that aren’t normally on display for tourists.

Cancun Mexico
Cancun is a well-worth a visit if you have car.

12. Visit Cancun

Cancun is a popular tourist destination because it has many attractions and hotels. Cancun also has many restaurants, which are popular among tourists who want to try authentic Mexican food.

Cancun is a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons because it has beautiful beaches and offers activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing and more!

If you have hired a car and wish to explore throughout Riviera Maya then definitely explore Cancun.

Playacar in Playa del Carmen
Take a scroll in the private community of Playacar in Playa del Carmen.

13. Explore Playacar

Playacar is a luxury resort community located in Playa del Carmen. It has access to arguably the best beach in Playa del Carmen. You can easily access this section of town and enjoy its beauty. If you want to stay in this area, there are plenty of options available for you from condos to hotels or even private homes for rent.

Playacar has great security measures in place so that everyone who visits feels safe and secure while enjoying their time here, regardless if they are staying at one of the resorts or not! Playacar also has many amenities including restaurants, bars and shops just steps away from your front door so no need to leave unless it’s time for dinner!

ATV tour in Playa del Carmen
ATV tour Playa del Carmen.

14. Do an ATV tour

An ATV tour is a great way to see the area and have fun. There are many different ATV companies in Playa del Carmen that offer tours of different lengths and difficulty levels. You can choose whether or not you want to go through jungle trails, or beaches!

If you want to go through the jungle, there are many ATV tour companies that will take you on a guided tour of the area. There are also some companies that offer tours with lunch included. If you want to go through beaches, there are several ATV companies that will take you on a beach tour instead!

Xenses Playa del Carmen Mexico
Xenses in Playa del Carmen.

15. Explore Xenses

Want to enjoy something different? You can visit one of the newest theme parks in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Xenses is a park that combines art, culture and music with nature. You can visit this place and enjoy the adventure that they offer.

Xenses is a great place to visit with your family and friends. There are also different kinds of food you can try here, like Mexican tacos and quesadillas.

Xenses is a place where you can enjoy different kinds of activities. You can go on a ride that takes you up in the air, or try out their zip line adventure. There’s also a swimming pool that you can use if you feel like cooling off after all those activities.

Xoximilco tour in Riviera Maya
Xoximilco is a fun party tour near Playa del Carmen Mexico.

16. Enjoy a night of fun at Xoximilco (Xoximilco-themed attraction)

If you’re looking for a night of fun, then Xoximilco is the place to be. Xoximilco is a boat ride that will take you around the canal and there’s lots of live entertainment and music. You can also enjoy some delicious food there too!

If you love dancing, this is one of the best places in Playa del Carmen Mexico where you can go dancing at night with your friends or family members.

Joya cirque du soleil
Joya by Cirque du Soleil.

17. Attend Joya Show by Cirque du Soleil

La Joya Show is a theatrical performance created by Cirque du Soleil. It is performed in a theater with a capacity of 800 people, and it’s performed every night at 8:00 pm. You should definitely go see this show if you want to experience something different than your everyday life!

La Joya means “the pearl” in Spanish, which represents our planet Earth. It tells the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter who travel from village to village looking for the ingredients needed to create their elixir of eternal life while they encounter many obstacles along their journey.

Combining culinary arts with performing arts and drawing on Mexico’s rich history, La Joya offers spectators an intimate theater setting where they can engage all five senses: touch through food; taste through gourmet products; hear through music; see through its colorful design elements; smell through its scents that evoke memories associated with Mexico’s past generations – thus fulfilling one’s inner desires through this show’s grandiose display!

Puerto Aventuras Riviera Maya
Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya Mexico.

18. Visit Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras, a small town located on the Riviera Maya peninsula in Mexico, is an excellent place to spend a day. There are many things to do in Puerto Aventuras and it is also a great place to relax or go for a swim.

Puerto Aventuras has many outdoor activities including water sports such as jet skiing, sailing and paddleboarding. Its beaches have calm waters which make them perfect for swimming or lounging around on the sand with friends and family!

Puerto Morelos Riviera Maya
Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya Mexico.

19. Visit Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a beautiful beach town that offers great snorkeling, fishing and delicious seafood. The town itself is small, but there are plenty of restaurants, shops and nightlife options available. There are also plenty of hotels in Puerto Morelos if you want to stay overnight.

The area is also known for its beautiful nature and wildlife. There are many species of birds, butterflies and other insects that call this place home. The beaches are also great for swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing in the sun.

Tequila Tasting Playa del Carmen
Tequila Tasting in Playa del Carmen.

20. Do some Tequila Tasting

Tequila is made from the juice of the agave plant, which can take eight to ten years to mature. There are eight different types of tequila and they include: Blanco (unaged), Reposado (aged between two months and one year), Añejo (aged over one year up to three years) and Extra Añejo (aged over three years). Tequila is made in Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas in Mexico.

Depending on how long you want your tequila experience to be, there are several places where you can get your tasting done. Many vendors along 5th ave offer free tequila tastings.

Eating with Carmen - Playa del Carmen Mexico

21. Do a Food tour in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a foodie’s dream. There are so many restaurants, bars, and street vendors selling everything from tacos to ceviche to churros. The best part is that you don’t have to spend much money at all! If you’re on a budget, try the street vendors who have set up shop outside of any tourist attractions.

If you’d rather not do the cooking yourself while on vacation, there are plenty of food tours available in Playa del Carmen that will take you around town and let you try different traditional dishes from local restaurants in one afternoon or evening.

Click here to visit the Eating with Carmen website to book a tour.

parasailing playa del carmen
Parasailing in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

22. Try Parasailing

Parasailing is one of the most popular activities available in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It costs around $50 USD and you can expect to be up in the air for about 20 minutes. You should bring sunscreen, a hat, water and sunglasses with you.

The view from the top is absolutely stunning. You can see all of Playa del Carmen and its surrounding areas. It’s a great way to get an aerial view of the city, which is why it’s one of our favorite activities in Playa del Carmen.

playa del carmen fishing
Sport fishing in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

23. Try Sport Fishing in Playa del Carmen

Whether you’re a novice or experienced fisherman, there are plenty of opportunities to catch fish in Playa del Carmen. You may be most familiar with the idea of sport fishing from your home country but in Mexico, there are just as many opportunities to enjoy this activity. In fact, if you are looking for an exciting vacation full of adventure and relaxation, then a fishing trip might be right up your alley!

There are many different fishing tours that go from Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, and throughout Riviera Maya Mexico. The best fishing season is all year around but if you are looking to catch a certain species of fish then be sure to ask what’s the best of year to catch it!

Mayan Food in Playa del Carmen
Try Mayan food, it’s delicious!

24. Try Traditional Mayan & Mexican Food

Since Playa del Carmen is a part of Mexico, you should definitely try some traditional Mexican and Mayan food. There are plenty of places to eat street food that contains incredible flavors and ingredients.

  • Tacos al pastor: You can get these anywhere but they’re especially good at the main square, where they have a variety of meats like pork, chicken or beef. They use an authentic recipe which includes pineapple cooked on top with onion, cilantro, salt and lime juice.
  • Cochinita pibil: This is one of my favorite things to order anywhere I go! It’s slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote (ground annatto seeds) served with pickled red onions and habanero salsa on top (or underneath). It’s sweet but spicy at the same time!
  • Ceviche: Fish marinated in lime juice seasoned with chopped cilantro leaves; served with tortilla chips or fresh corn tortillas for dipping! You’ll find this dish everywhere in Playa del Carmen because it pairs well with any type of alcohol 🙂
  • Pozole: A soup made from broth flavored with hominy corn kernels simmered for hours; served with meat such as chicken or pork along side avocado slices/slices , cabbage slaw & radishes .
  • Tostadas / Chilaquiles / Sopes: Breaded fried tortillas topped off w/ shredded cheese & salsa verde sauce then garnished w/ avocado slices – Yum!! Gooey deliciousness right there 🙂
  • Tamales: Wrapped packages made from masa dough filled up w/ either ground beef or chicken mixed together w/ spices like chili powder before being steamed inside banana leaves.
El fogon in Playa del Carmen
Juicy delicious tacos at Fogon in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

25. Eat Tacos at El Fogon

El Fogon restaurants are located throughout Playa del Carmen, and it’s a great place to eat tacos made with fresh ingredients. It’s open from 10 am – 10 pm daily, so you can enjoy your tacos late at night as well!

elotes playa del carmen
Elotes are delicious and you can find them in Playa del Carmen.

26. Try Some Elote

Elote is a popular street snack in Mexico. It’s basically corn on the cob coated with mayonnaise, covered with cheese and chili powder, and then doused with lime juice.

It’s also extremely delicious! If you’re looking for something sweet or something salty, this is an excellent choice because it mixes both flavors together.

You can find elotes on almost every corner of Playa del Carmen and it’s usually served in a cup so that you can hold it while walking around town or on the cob.

27. Try a Marquesita

So you’ve been touring Playa del Carmen, and had a nice meal at one of its many excellent restaurants. Maybe you want to finish the night with something sweet? If so, then look no further than the Marquesita.

Marquesitas are a dessert native to the state of Yucatán, Mexico. They consist of a crepe, rolled like a taco, filled with cajeta (the Mexican version of dulce de leche), condensed milk or jams such as strawberry or guava jelly; chocolate sauce; queso de bola (almond-based cheese); ice cream or whipped cream topped off with sprinkles or nuts.

They are sold in squares across town – ask any local where they can point you towards some good ones!

zenzi salsa dancing
Dance the night away at Zenzi, Playa del Carmen.

28. Go Salsa Dancing at Zenzi

Going salsa dancing at Zenzi is a must for anyone who wants to experience the culture of Playa del Carmen. Located on the beach of Playa del Carmen, it offers live music and salsa dancing Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays every week. If you’re not sure what to do when you get there, just ask one of the bartenders or waiters; they’ll help show you around and get things started right away!

Jet Ski Playa del Carmen
Hire a Jet Ski in Playa del Carmen.

29. Ride a Jet Ski

A jet ski is a perfect way to get up close and personal with the sea. The best part is that you can rent a jet ski in Playa del Carmen: local stores, tour agencies, hotels, beaches, marinas and even water parks. You’re not limited to just being on the water when you rent one of these awesome pieces of equipment!

You can also use a jet ski to get from one place to another, or even just to explore the area around you. It’s amazing how many places you can see while riding on a jet ski! There are so many reasons why you should rent a jet ski in Playa del Carmen, but one of the best is that it’s fun! You can do whatever you want with them: speed across the water and feel like an action hero; take your family out for some quality time together; go on a romantic date with your significant other; or even ride around with some friends!

Paddle Board in Playa del Carmen
Paddle Board in Playa del Carmen.

30. Go Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is a great activity for those who want to enjoy the sea and take in some sun, but not just lay on the beach. It’s also a great way to get some exercise while you’re out at the beach.

If you’ve never tried paddleboarding and are visiting Playa del Carmen, there are several places in town where you can rent equipment and give it a go yourself.

Playa del Carmen has many places to rent SUP boards (Stand Up Paddle) and other water toys.

Aloha Paddle Club is one of the best companies for Paddleboarding in Playa del Carmen.

Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen
For fun and excitement try Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen.

31. Party the Night Away at Coco Bongo

Coco Bongo is a nightclub with a show. Located in Playa del Carmen, it’s one of the most popular places to party in this city. The club provides all-you-can-drink for $160 USD per person and has celebrity impersonators such as Elton John, Michael Jackson and Britney Spears who perform during the show.

The club is also known for its famous “Bongoville” show, which is a combination of dance, acrobatics and comedy.

It’s the perfect place for people who want to party all night and dance until dawn. The club is open from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Click here to learn more about Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen.

Punta Esmeralda Playa del Carmen
Take a dip at Punta Esmeralda in Playa del Carmen.

32. Take a dip at Punta Esmeralda

Playa Punta Esmeralda is a uniquely beautiful beach that is situated on the shores of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It is one of Quintana Roo’s most interesting beaches as it features a swimmable freshwater lagoon and magical little turquoise blue cenote called Cenote Punta Esmeralda.

The water here is calm and shallow enough for children to play in, and there are plenty of spots where you can relax on the sand or chill out in a hammock while you listen to music performed by local musicians.

Parque fundadores Playa del Carmen

33. Visit Parque Fundadores

Parque Fundadores is one of Playa del Carmen’s most popular parks. It’s located on the south end of downtown and has some amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. The most notable feature of this park is its massive Portal Maya Statue which depicts three Mayan women holding hands while facing inward towards each other.

It’s a great place to take some photos and enjoy the sea breeze. You can find information about the history of this park here.

swim with turtles in playa del carmen
Swim with Turtles in Playa del Carmen.

34. Swim With Sea Turtles

Swimming with sea turtles is a popular activity in Playa del Carmen, and you can do it at Xel-Ha, Akumal or Xcacel-Xcacelito. These places are right on the beach, so you don’t even have to leave your hotel or resort! If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, they might include this activity in their programs for guests.

If you want a more intimate experience, you can also book a tour that takes place on a boat out of Playa del Carmen.

Xpu-ha-beach
Visit Xpu-ha beach, Riviera Maya, Mexico.

35. Take a Day Trip to Xpu Ha

Xpu Ha is a small village on the Riviera Maya. It’s a great place to relax and get away from it all. There are many things to do in Xpu Ha, such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming. You should get there early because it gets crowded later in the day.

Dine in an underground cenote in Playa del Carmen.
Dine in an underground cenote in Playa del Carmen.

36. Dine in a Cave at Alux Restaurant

We recommend you eat at Alux Restaurant, which is in an underground cenote cave. It has a great atmosphere, and the food is delicious. The place is also very photogenic and romantic, so you will have plenty of opportunities to take photos!

5th avenue in Playa del Carmen
Walk along 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

37. Discover 5th avenue.

5th avenue is the main street in Playa del Carmen. It’s where most people spend most of their time when visiting Playa del Carmen Mexico, so it’s important to know what there is to do on this famous strip.

On 5th avenue, there are many different types of restaurants and bars that serve fantastic food, as well as shops selling Mexican art or clothes. You can also find plenty of souvenir shops selling t-shirts and other touristy items.

There are many fun things to do in this town.

It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for some adventure and relaxation. There are so many things to do in Playa del Carmen, you could spend weeks here exploring its beautiful beaches and historic sites.

Playa del Carmen has something for everyone: it’s fun for couples looking for a romantic getaway; families who want to do activities together; groups of friends who want an awesome bachelor party or bachelorette party; solo travelers looking for some beach time; retirees seeking relaxation on their vacation. There’s so much cool stuff happening here not to take advantage of.

Find your dream home in Playa del Carmen Mexico

If you want to know what it feels like to live in paradise then consider buying a vacation home here in Playa del Carmen Mexico or even better buy an investment property that will help you get started on living a life of luxury while creating passive income streams for yourself as well!

Playa del Carmen is a mecca for those who want to live in paradise but also have access to all the amenities of a big city. It is located only about an hour from Cancun International Airport.

If you are looking for a property to buy in Playa del Carmen Mexico then be sure to check these properties listed on our website.

Would you like help from a real estate agent in Playa del Carmen? Click here to contact a real estate agent in Playa del Carmen now.

Related Articles:

5 Best Cenotes You Need To Visit In Riviera Maya Mexico

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