Things To Do

Around the Resort

There is plenty to do on the resort as you have access to all of the hotels on-site except the adult-only building including buffets, restaurants, bars (you are never more than 5 minutes away from a bar at any time), swimming pools, and beaches. There are always activities going on at the pools including aerobics, rugby, bingo, dance-offs to win bottles of booze, and that's just at one pool! You will also find bowling, dolphin shows, mini-golf, ping pong, playgrounds, and shops. There is also a sports bar & lobby bar open 24/7 and a nightclub.

Water Sports

The water Sports Palapa is located in the middle of the beach in front of the pier. Non-motorized water sports are included with your stay. Jetskis can be rented for 30 minutes/$65 or 1 hour/$115. Kayaks, water trikes, etc can be borrowed for an hour a day first come, first serve. Pool floaties can also be blown up for a small charge.

Snorkeling

The best snorkeling is out in front of the Palace by the jaguar statue near the Rocky area. You can often find turtles and stingrays!

Jaguars Disco

Jaguar Disco night club opens every night from 10:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and is for 18 years and older near the Maya Mall. There is a VIP area above the bar, overlooking the disco. Premium liquor is included in the VIP area and there are usually some munchies and snacks. There is no dance floor up here so you have to go up and down the stairs when you want to join the party. For access, there is an extra cost: US$20/person for men and US$15/person for ladies. They play all types of music, with a lot of techno/hip-hop dance tracks. The atmosphere of the disco is incredible, though. It’s a lot like a club from home with loud music, smoke, video screens, and flashing lights. They even have their own go-go dancers each night. They still play the Barcelo theme songs like un, dos, tres to get the crowd up and dancing the night away.

Dolphins

Located right onsite is Dolphinaris dolphinarium for the exclusive use for Barcelo Maya’s guests. You will find it near the pier and scuba/water sports area. Daily from 9am to 5 pm. See their website for more information: https://riviera-maya.dolphinaris.com/location/

Strikers Sports Bar and Bowling Center

Strikers Sports Bar and Bowling Centre is located in the Maya Mall. The bar is open 24 hours and the attractions close around 2 am.

Mini Golf

Mini golf is located in the Maya Mall. It's available from 9 am-2 pm. There is a $10 charge to use the course from 7 pm-2 am.

U Spa

U Spa is an absolutely gorgeous, modern, and tranquil facility located near the beach at Barcelo Maya Caribe and serves the entire resort complex. Attached to the Spa is a beautiful beauty salon as well. Services must be scheduled ahead of time, so don’t expect to walk in and be treated. Open from 8 am to 8 pm. The spa offers a variety of massages, body, aesthetic, and beauty treatments. The price list is available in your room and at the spa.

Theaters

There are three theaters on site. The Palenque Theater is located in the center of Tropical/Colonial, the Kukulcan Theatre is located at the center of Beach/Caribe and the Monte Alban Theater is located in the Palace Convention Centre. Guests from any part of the resort can attend the shows in either theatre. The shows can rotate but there are posters around the resort advertising which show is on for that night and in which theatre

Dolphin Discovery Riviera Maya

Puerto Aventuras, Mexico +1 866-393-5158 Another option for dolphins, manatees, and seals.

Cenotes

Cenotes are natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock that exposes the groundwater underneath. There are several you can get to by walking across the street from the Barcelo Maya Resort. They are in walking order from left to right out of the main entrance: Chikin Ha, Kantun Chi, Cristalino, Jardin del Eden, and Azul. The prices can be anywhere from $10-$80 to visit the cenotes depending on what you want to do.

Kid Activities

There are organized activities at the kids’ clubs with trained staff. You will often see the club leaders with a group of kids around the resort doing all sorts of activities. Children must be registered by their parents directly at the club and picked up 15 minutes prior to closing. Parents must sign their kids in and out. Barcy Clubs are enclosed buildings with toys, crafts and video games. Beside them outdoor playgrounds and a water park. Located on the first floor of the lobby, open from 9 am to 9 pm. Outside of Barcy Club hours, or for young children, babysitting is available. Children under 2 years old cost US$25/child/hour. Children 2 years and older cost US$15/child/hour. This service requires 24 hours notice and must be booked with Guest Services. Babysitting staff is certified for child care.

La Cantine Cigar Lounge at Tropical

There is a tiny cigar lounge/bar in the Tropical lobby. It is open from 5 pm to 11 pm. There are cigars (Cuban's are available) for sale as well as a full bar with a Cuban twist. The bar is air-conditioned but there is an adjoining verandah that overlooks the grounds while enjoying your cigar. This spot is usually pretty quiet and a great location to enjoy some authentic mojitos.

Buffet Restaurants

There is a buffet restaurant for each section of the resort and 2 at the Palace. Guests of the Palace have access to all the buffet restaurants for all meals at all the resorts. At breakfast, you will find something to suit every diet. There are made-to-order eggs and pancakes. Fresh fruit, several freshly squeezed juices, smoothie bar, yogurt, fresh bread. Bacon, sausage, cereal, milk (chocolate milk too), hot chocolate, coffee in carafes, or specialty coffees made to order. Hash browns, beans, waffles, just about everything you could imagine. The buffets have nightly themes. They change occasionally so check the board by guest services to see the schedule. It may be worthwhile looking at the schedule before booking your a la carte dinner to make sure you don’t miss your favorite night. The theme nights can include Seafood, Oriental, Gala, Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, and French. Breakfast – 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Lunch – 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dinner – 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Beach Grills

The resort has 5 beach grills spread out across the length of the beach. The beach grills are open during the day for snacks and lunch. The beach grills are situated at the end of each pool, near the pool bar. Snacks – 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Lunch – 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m

Specialty Restaurants

Fifth Avenue Shops/Bars/Restaurants

Calle Quinta Avenida Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Plaza Mexicana

Plaza Mexicana is an outdoor space located near the Barcelo Maya Colonial lobby. It has Jaguar’s Disco, the Church, and a variety of kiosks and stores for shopping. You can find souvenirs, handicrafts, alcohol, cigars (Cubans available), clothing, and jewelry plus other odds and ends.