10 Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen Beach is a long expanse of sand that’s cut into sections by the town’s many beach resorts and clubs. The widest beach here is located in front of Parque Fundadores, which is marked by the whimsical Playa del Carmen Arch. It’s often packed with tourists, thanks to its close proximity to Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), and the beach is lined with plenty of beach clubs that rent out sun loungers for a few pesos. You can enjoy some fun on the full-sized volleyball court or try your hand at kitesurfing and paddleboarding on the Caribbean Sea.

Playa Xcalacoco tends to be one of the less-visited beaches, allowing you to enjoy its natural splendour, local restaurants, and watersports without worrying about crowds. As a local favourite, this beach is typically only occupied by residents of the area. You won't even find a substantial car park, and many visitors walk here from Playa del Carmen.

On the beach itself, you'll find plenty of space to open up a chair and relax, but swimming and snorkelling are available as well. Don't forget to check out the local restaurants, too. They may be small, but they offer incredible fresh seafood. It's all available just north of Playa del Carmen.

Parque Fundadores is a recreational park overlooking Playa del Carmen’s main beach. It’s one of the town’s most photographed locations thanks to its 16-metre-tall bronze arch, which has a whimsical design consisting of a man and a women holding hands. There’s a playground built in the shape of a pirate ship, and a stage that hosts live shows all year round. A must-see is the the Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers), which is a Mayan performance featuring acrobatic skills and traditional music.

Xel-Ha Park is an all-inclusive aquatic theme park that sits around a natural inlet that’s home to many marine animals. You can enjoy a variety of nature activities throughout your visit, including bike rides, zip-lining, and encounters with manatees and stingrays. The Children’s World features a wading pool with waterslides and a playground with rope climbing. For expansive views of Xel-Ha Bay and the Caribbean Sea, climb to the top of Scenic Lighthouse, which is 40 metres tall.

Rio Secreto is a series of semi-sunken caves interconnected with Quintana Roo’s longest underground river. This unique cenote attracts swimmers and snorkelers with its bright turquoise waters, and it’s large enough to feel as if you have the whole place to yourself. As you swim in the 600-metre-long river, you’re bound to see thousands of stalactites and stalagmites above you. Accessible within a 20-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, you can make your way to Rio Secreto on your own or join a guided tour. Admission is free.

Cenote Chaak Tun is a pristine underground cavern located around 8 km northeast of Playa del Carmen. The cenote features 2 pools of fresh water surrounded by sparkling stalagmites and stalactites, offering a magical setting for a refreshing dip. To reach the site, there's a long boardwalk to navigate through the jungle. Once inside, you can swim or explore the depths of crystal-clear water with a snorkel.

Cenote Chaak Tun can be explored independently or on a guided tour. You’re required to pay an entry fee at the entrance, which includes the cost of renting a snorkel, flashlight, and locker.

Xplor Park in Playa del Carmen is an outdoor adventure park offering a wide range of exciting, thrilling, and pulse-pounding adventures for adults and kids of every age. Here you can race along high above the ground on a lightning-fast zipline. You can head for an underground spelunking expedition and go swimming in a cave among the stalactites. You can enjoy a hammock splash water attraction, go on vehicle safaris, and enjoy the ultimate bonding with the family.

The park has an age limit of 5, so it's good for families with kids older than toddlers. It's located just 7 minutes to the north of central Riviera Maya.

The Xaman-Ha ruins (or Playacar ruins) are a complex of 3 stone structures dating back to AD 1200. This ancient fishing village is where Mayan women departed for Cozumel Island to honour the Goddess Ixchel. Compared to the iconic Chichen Itza and El Rey, Xaman-Ha may seem miniscule, but it’s one of the few Mayan sites that’s free to explore. This archaeological site is just a 10-minute walk from Playa del Carmen Beach, but it’s relatively quiet thanks to its jungle surroundings. Look out for iguanas lounging on the stone structures.

Xcaret Park is a resort and eco-oriented development offering nature-based attractions that are as fun as they are photogenic. You'll find a river that goes through a Mayan village as well as a concrete sluice underground that you're welcome to swim and snorkel in.

When you visit this destination, you'll have easy access to nearby reefs and even opportunities to swim alongside dolphins. Make sure you waterproof your camera, and you can easily capture it all. You'll find it all available just a few miles south of Playa del Carmen.

Quinta Avenida is a trendy avenue that runs parallel to the main beach of Playa del Carmen. This touristy street has plenty of souvenir stalls, grocery stores, and shops selling beachwear, Cuban cigars and handicrafts. It’s also a good place for checking out street performances, such as celebrity impersonators, dancers, and musicians. Come sundown, Quinta Avenida becomes a lively hub of nightclubs and mescal bars with views of the ocean.