Things to Do in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen’s location at the centre of the Riviera Maya makes it an excellent base for day trips north (Cancún, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos cenotes) and south (Tulum ruins, Cobá, Akumal, Bacalar). The town itself has beaches, a walkable centre, and a ferry to Cozumel every 30 minutes.

At a glance

Activity	Distance	Cost	Time Needed
Cozumel ferry + snorkelling	Central pier	~MXN $500 return	Full day
Ruta de los Cenotes	10 km north	MXN $150–500/cenote	Half day
Xcaret park	10 km south	From ~USD $136	Full day
Xel-Há park	55 km south	From ~USD $100	Full day
Akumal (sea turtles)	35 km south	~MXN $200	2–3 hours
Tulum ruins	65 km south	~MXN $100 entry	Half day
Cobá ruins	100 km south	~MXN $100 entry	Half day

All prices approximate, as of 2026.

Cozumel

The ferry (Ultramar or Winjet) departs from the central pier every 30 minutes. Approximately MXN $250 one way, MXN $500 round trip. Crossing time 30–40 minutes. For snorkelling, the reef off Cozumel’s west coast is one of the best shallow-water reef experiences in the Americas — the Mesoamerican Reef has abundant fish, healthy coral, and visibility often exceeding 30 metres. Rent snorkel gear on the island (approximately MXN $150–200) or bring your own.

Playa El Cielo — accessible by boat taxi from Cozumel’s main dock (approximately MXN $400–600 per person) — is a shallow sandbar with starfish and calm, clear water. The snorkel trip typically includes 2–3 reef stops.

For divers, Cozumel is one of Mexico’s best dive destinations. Two-tank boat dives from approximately MXN $2,000–3,000 through operators on the island. Palancar Reef and Columbia Reef are the most popular sites.

Cenotes

The closest cenotes are along the Ruta de los Cenotes — the inland road running west from Puerto Morelos, 30 minutes north of Playa. Several cenotes are accessible along a single stretch:

Cenote	Entry Fee	Best For
Verde Lucero	~MXN $300	Swimming, ziplines, kayaking
El Edén	~MXN $200	Calm swimming, birdwatching
Kantun Chi	~MXN $400	Guided tour through 4 connected cenotes
Las Mojarras	~MXN $200	Open-air, family-friendly
Cenote Azul (Hwy 307)	~MXN $200	Large, open, easy access

All combine well for a half-day by car (rental from approximately MXN $500–800/day) or taxi. For cave cenotes, Dos Ojos (approximately MXN $400, 45 minutes south near Tulum) and Gran Cenote (approximately MXN $500, 1 hour south) are the top options.

Akumal

35 km south — accessible by colectivo (approximately MXN $35, 30 minutes). The sheltered bay is a feeding ground for wild green sea turtles. Snorkelling directly off the beach puts you alongside them in shallow, calm water. Entry to the bay area approximately MXN $200 including life jacket. Snorkel gear rental approximately MXN $150. The turtles are genuinely wild — this is not a park or enclosure. Best visited in the morning when water visibility is highest.

Xcaret and Xel-Há

Two commercial eco-parks within easy reach — expensive but comprehensive and well-run.

Xcaret (10 km south): underground river snorkelling, a butterfly pavilion, aviary, coral reef aquarium, and a spectacular evening cultural show with traditional dance. Entry from approximately USD $136 (basic admission including night show). Xcaret Plus from approximately USD $223 includes locker, snorkel equipment, and buffet. Open 8:30 am–10:30 pm. Book online for the best rates — walk-up prices are 10–15% higher. Children 5–11 receive a 25% discount.

Xel-Há (55 km south): the most famous natural snorkel park in the Riviera Maya — a large natural inlet with fish, mangroves, and calm water. All-inclusive entry (from approximately USD $100) includes food, drinks, snorkel gear, and access to all activities (cliff jumps, ziplines, bicycle paths). Good for families. Open 8:30 am–6:00 pm.

Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)

The pedestrianised main street runs 20+ blocks from the ferry terminal north. The southern section (below Avenida Constituyentes) is tourist-oriented — souvenir shops, chain restaurants, beach club access points. The northern section (above Constituyentes) is calmer with more local character, independent galleries, and better restaurants.

For eating, head one or two blocks inland to Avenida 10 or Avenida 30 for local prices. Taquería El Fogón (Avenida 30) is consistently rated as having the best tacos al pastor in the Riviera Maya — approximately MXN $20–30 per taco.

Day trips south

Tulum ruins — 65 km south, colectivo approximately MXN $50 (1 hour). The clifftop Maya ruins above the Caribbean. Entry approximately MXN $100. An early start (colectivo by 7 am) gets you to the ruins before the tour buses arrive. Combine with Gran Cenote (4 km west of Tulum, entry approximately MXN $500) and a beach lunch for a full day.

Cobá — 100 km south. The jungle-surrounded Maya city with the climbable Nohoch Mul pyramid (42 metres). Entry approximately MXN $100. Bicycle rental at the site approximately MXN $80. ADO bus from Playa approximately MXN $120 each way, or combine with a Tulum visit.

Beaches

Playa Mamitas (north of central Playa) is the most popular beach — white sand with beach club access (minimum spend approximately MXN $300–600 for a sunbed and umbrella). Walk 10–15 minutes north of Mamitas for more space and fewer vendors. Playacar (south of the ferry terminal, gated resort community) has wider, quieter beaches — accessible through the public beach access points.

Sargassum (seaweed) affects beaches May–September and varies dramatically year to year. During bad sargassum periods, Cozumel’s west coast beaches are typically cleaner.

Practical tips

• Colectivos run south to Tulum (approximately MXN $50) and north to Cancún (approximately MXN $50) from stands on Calle 2 near 20th Avenue. Departures every 10–15 minutes throughout the day.
• Car rental from approximately MXN $500–800/day unlocks the cenotes and makes the Tulum/Cobá circuit more flexible. Agencies on Avenida 10 and around the ADO terminal.
• Diving: Playa has several dive shops along 5th Avenue offering cenote dives, reef dives, and bull shark dives (November–March, Playa del Carmen is one of the best spots in the world for bull shark encounters).

More Playa del Carmen Guides

• Back to Playa del Carmen Guide
• Food to Try in Playa del Carmen
• Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

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See Also

• Cenote Tours in the Riviera Maya — organised cenote tours departing from Playa del Carmen and Tulum
• Cozumel Travel Guide — the ferry destination 18 km across the water, with world-class diving
• Tulum Travel Guide — 60 km south, the next destination down the Riviera Maya
• Chichén Itzá Day Trip — tours from Playa del Carmen to the most visited Maya site
• Playa del Carmen vs Tulum — which Riviera Maya base works better for your trip