Things To Do
Explore the Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza
Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza are a spectacular site to behold. One of the most important archaeological sites in all of Mexico, Chichen Itza is located deep in the jungle, and a bit of a challenge to reach. You can rent a car and make the two-hour drive yourself, or check out any of the many tours from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza.
Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal Bay
Just a short ride south of Playa del Carmen lies the quiet beach outpost of Akumal, one of the best places on the planet to go swimming with sea turtles. You can access Akumal as part of the many guided tours that offer snorkeling here, or you can take a collectivo south from Playa del Carmen, walk to the beach, and rent your own gear. You don’t even need a boat to swim with the turtles – you can usually find several just a short distance off the shore. Another option is to join this tour which includes transportation, a guide and equipment.
Hop on a ferry to Cozumel
Hop on a ferry from Playa del Carmen’s main dock and in 30 – 45 minutes, and 250 pesos later, you’ll find yourself whisked away to the island of Cozumel, home to some of the bluest water in this part of Mexico. There are currently two ferries operating from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. Winjet runs on “even” days, while Ultramar runs on “odd” days. Visit each of their respective Facebook pages for updated times and prices. Once in Cozumel, you can enjoy the world-class diving and snorkeling scene (one of Gabby's personal favorite spots for diving!) - the drift diving here is phenomenal. Or you can rent a car (my favorite: the old VW convertible beetles!) and take a drive around the island, stopping at the many beach clubs that dot the route.
Take a dip in a Cenote
Believe it or not, the best places to swim in Playa del Carmen aren’t in the ocean. Ask any local where to take a dip and you’re certain to get the same answer: visit a cenote. What’s a cenote? Well, we're glad you asked. Cenotes are essentially underground swimming holes formed where limestone bedrock gives way to underground rivers and springs. There are thousands of them in the Yucatan peninsula and visiting one should be at the top of any list of things to do in Playa del Carmen. There are many cenotes to choose from, but our personal favorite is Cenote Azul. You can visit on your own by taking the “collectivos” that leave for Tulum on Calle 2, you can rent a car to get there (just be sure you have travel insurance covering Mexico), or you can join up as part of a tour. Here are more cenotes Nick & I have been to and can recommend: Cenote Azul, Gran Cenote/Calavera, Cenote Choo-Ha, Dos Ojos Cenote and Ik Kil Cenote