Things To Do
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world. This Barrier Reef begins at the top of the Yucatan Peninsula and runs south to Belize and beyond. This reef system, with over 500 fish species and 100 coral types, gives you some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya. The Riviera Maya is known as one of the top spots for Loggerhead and Green turtles, queen conch, and the annual migration of whale sharks. This means a great sea-adventure whether you are a snorkeler or experienced scuba diver. The Riviera Maya also offers a unique dive experience like no other in the world: cavern diving! The fresh water of the Yucatan runs underground and the caverns & caves offer an unique and adventurous dive experience. If you are looking to go scuba diving or snorkeling, we highly recommend going with Aquanauts Dive Adventures near Puerto Morelos. We have gone diving with them multiple times and had great experiences with them.
Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
As one of the largest and best-preserved archaeological sites in the world, Chichen Itza is home to a myriad of ancient Mayan marvels and rich cultural histories cherished by travelers across the globe.
Cenotes
For those who love to explore nature, swim in freshwater pools, and discover fascinating places, one of the best activities you can do is explore the amazing cenotes near Cancun. Cenotes are basically sinkholes or giant cave systems that form when the roof of a cavern or the ground collapses in on itself, causing them to fill with clear, cool freshwater. There are different types of cenotes, but the most common are open-air cenotes (when the roof has fallen into itself, exposing the sky), or a cave cenote (when most of the roof remains almost entirely). When you explore the cenotes, you will be amazed by everything you will see, such as multiple species of fish or turtles.
Xcaret Park
Xcaret is a water park, theme, amusement, eco-archaeological and more, in one place. Due to its privileged location in the jungle among underground rivers, cenotes and facing the Caribbean Sea, Xcaret has impressive scenarios where you can do different activities and enjoy them to the fullest. Besides that, Xcaret is a theme park in Cancun and Riviera Maya that celebrates Mexico’s present and rich past, a country known for its traditions, culture and folklore.
Sail to Isla Mujeres
There are multiple sailing excursions available to Isla Mujeres that allow you to feel the breeze, sit back and relax and have an exciting day of sailing, Isla Mujeres snorkeling, great Mexican food, island fun, and breathtaking views. Isla Mujeres is a small island just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, directly across the water from Cancun. Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-longest coral reef system in the world), Isla Mujeres is in a perfect spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling.
Tulum
Tulum is a beach town in Mexico, definitely among the best you can travel to in Riviera Maya. Travelers choose Tulum because of its Mayan ruins site on the beach, delicious Mexican restaurants, unique places to hang out, clear blue water cenotes and many diving tours. Check out our guide to know more about Tulum town and our favorite day trip to Yucatan and its Mayan ruins, Cancun and its fancy hotels and restaurants and diving in Isla Mujeres, this is the right article for you. Ready? Let’s go!
ATV + Zipline Adventure
Feel all sorts of thrills as you tour the Cancun / Riviera Maya outback on ATVs and zip lines, and refresh in an underground cenote (freshwater sinkhole) hidden in Mexico’s most impressive jungle scenery. Go zooming through the rugged backroads aboard a single- or double-seat ATV for an adrenaline-pumping expedition through the wilderness. Feel airborne exhilaration as you take on a zip line course that will have you soaring high above the jungle canopy. Return to land — or water, rather — and have a refreshing time swimming and snorkeling through a cenote tucked away below underground caves.