Things to do in Playa del Carmen

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Playa del Carmen

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Things to Do in Playa del Carmen

It's all about blue skies, sandy beaches, and clear waters. Explore Rio Secreto's cenote and caves, or take a day trip to Xcaret where you can snorkel and kayak.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Playa del Carmen.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Playa del Carmen

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
THE FIRST AND ONLY DOLPHIN INTERACTIVE PARK IN THE WORLD!!! The first and only dolphin interactive park that offers you this sensational opportunity to engage yourself with a spectacular array of dolphin interactive activities at an unbeatable, affordable price. Have a magical day with these amazing creatures engaging to your own pace in more than 8 different activities. Choose between the Full Day and the Half-Day (AM or PM) options. The experience that Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park offers goes beyond just swimming with dolphins, it is as well a learning activity where you will run your fingertips along the sensitive skin of these citizens of the deep blue and will feel the power that hides beneath their gentleness. Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park offers a variety of dolphin swimming programs included, that vary in duration, catering to people of all ages from young children to the mature adult. With no waves, algae, and no strong currents, Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park's controlled and stable atmosphere guarantees a non-stop service that will provide visitors with a wonderful experience regardless of the weather conditions. Designed by world famous enterprises with 8-years experience, this habitat accomplishes its two main goals: amusement and preservation. With a multi million dollar investment, we have put into operation a state-of-the-art Life Support System that filters the same water in the pools every two hours. Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park is a highly entertaining option and a fresh choice in the market that guarantees quality, consistency, continuity, availability and amusement.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • antoncarth
    High Wycombe, UK630 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a unique full day experience. I would say you need at least two days to see all the park.
    We booked the Xcaret plus admission, cost £128.69 per person. It is meal included, buffet has a huge variety of meals and unlimited drinks.
    We swam the river who took us almost 50 minutes. River is very beautiful and you can stop in five different points and walk before the end if you change your mind.
    Because stayed only for a day we didn’t have time to see all attractions. We visited the aviary, the puma & cougar site and the maya ruins section.
    There are also a lot of animals free in the park to see from close distance. Like racoons, deers, agouti etc.
    You definitely need two days to see park and enjoy.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maria Spratt
    Housatonic, MA3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing tour, our tour guide Tainara was so knowledgeable and made sure to keep everyone engaged while speaking English’s and Spanish. I had seen Tulum before but this was by far a better experience. The river was such a cool and beautiful place to be. 100% recommend it, especially if you can get Tainara as your guide. The Mayan culture is so rich and interesting, with still so much more to discover.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Silvana G
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great experience and explanations of the cenote. Though we were in a small group, but saw a very large group there, which would not have been such a great experince.
    Written 27 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maria Teresa D
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I VISITED THE PARK WITH MY TWO CHILDREN AND WE HAD A LOT OF FUN WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF THE GUYS OF TEAM NICK :
    MARIO MAR EMILIO AND ARI
    THEY HELP US TO HAVE A VERY FUN DAY IN THE PARK
    THANKS
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tom J
    London, UK1,622 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the main shopping street in Playa Del Carmen. There’s plenty of shops for souvenirs snacks drinks and also restaurants.

    We came to the town on 3 separate occasions twice in the morning and once in the evening. We were staying in Playacar and it took around 30 minutes to get to the south end of the shopping street then another 20 minutes or so to walk along the street.

    Expect to pay a higher price as this is a touristy area make sure you head off the Main Street and explore the quieter more local areas.

    It’s much nicer in the morning we were leaving our hotel around 9am then heading back for around 2pm. There is less open in the mornings and not as much going on less street performers etc but it’s a much nicer experience as it can be frustrating having the constant sellers in the shops trying to attract your attention, but at the end of the day they are just trying to make a sale.

    It’s a cooler walk in the morning but then extremely hot walking back. Whereas when we went in the evening it was the opposite super hot walking to the town but a little cooler walking back. It’s worth heading into the town both morning and evening to experience both as they are completely different vibes. We never felt unsafe walking through the town we were just always aware of our belongings to be on the safe side.
    Written 15 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jblai
    Wigton, UK7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were there just after 10am and had the place to ourselves, the guide will help you pictures and advise how to get the best ones.
    Written 15 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GINA R
    Washington12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I really liked the park, but was hoping for more to do for the price. . We took a 1/2 day tour and that was plenty of time.

    I liked the activities but I don’t think I would go twice. Its a good park but be aware of limitations- lots of „ health warnings „
    Written 1 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mae
    Chatham, UK4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Church and I attended 10 am Christmas Day Mass. Of course the Mass was Spanish so I just followed the people. Still I was happy. The Nativity Crib was surrounded by pots of Pointsetas. The only thing I didn't see was a font with holy water. I thought this was normal in all Catholic churches. It was a good 30 minute walk for me from my hotel near the Seafront.
    Written 29 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • awinrf1991
    New York City, NY13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed our time here. The tiny group got to engage with the dolphins multiple times. I advise you to ask the hotel to pay for your transportation because it might be pricey, even if you're coming from another Playa del Carmen hotel, to have a cab driver wait for you. Additionally, although pricey, images are often of high quality.
    Written 4 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cynmos
    Warsaw, MO335 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The trip back from Cozumel was such an improvement over the trip there. We took Winjet over from Playa del Carmen so after that poor experience we were concerned about the trip back. Highly recommend Ultramar. The boats, are clean and fast. The staff wears uniforms and is very well organized.
    Written 28 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mina
    Mafikeng, South Africa9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    one of my best holiday experiences from the location to the warm clear white sand beaches to the turtle hatchlings, the scrumptious variety of cuisines to the hospitality and the amazing sizes of the rooms.... simply an awesome experience. Perfect venue to host a wedding function. the resort takes care of all your needs. just sit back and enjoy all that Generations Rivera Maya and Eldorado have to offer you and more....
    Written 2 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Traveller162014
    Leeds, UK1,039 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I think this was the selection of cenotes we came to. If I'm correct, it is a beautiful place for some swimming and it was very quiet, we basically had the place to ourselves. I would say you should go with a guide though because they will know where is safe and which cenotes are the most beautiful.
    Written 26 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The most popular things to do in Playa del Carmen with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Playa del Carmen on Tripadvisor