Activities

Playa Del Carmen

Playa del Carmen Vacations

Playa del Carmen, located in the heart of the Mayan Riviera on the mainland of Mexico, is adjacent to the popular island of Cozumel, It offers one of the prettiest beaches on the Mexican coast. Divers come from all over the world come to explore the magnificent offshore coral reefs. There is an easy-going feel to the small town of Playa del Carmen, which is brimming with dozens of enticing shops. Dance salsa in a trendy nightclub or sip margaritas while listening to live jazz. But of course we couldn't mention a Playa del Carmen vacation without mentioning the activities and attractions it has to offer.

Exciting activities abound and include scuba diving on the Great Mayan Reef, sport fishing, exploring caves, horseback riding on the beach, parasailing and jet skiing. Then there are the ecological theme parks in Playa del Carmen and the gorgeous white sand beaches – these two factors alone make Playa del Carmen perfect for Mexico family vacations, as well as honeymoons or just fun with friends.

The close proximity to Cancun, Cozumel and the Mayan Ruins is another advantage of making plans for a Playa del Carmen vacation. Yet, while located only 40 miles from Cancun, Playa del Carmen is relaxing and quite eco-friendly. The developments, including the world-class golf courses, blend well with Mexico's natural environment and the host culture. Playa del Carmen is truly one of the most beautiful Mexico travel destinations.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Playa del Carmen offers excellent scuba diving, as well as cave diving. Snorkeling is also splendid here. From Playa del Carmen you can take a diving tour to the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world. On this reef, you can dive at depths of more 33 feet (10 meters) among brightly colored fish and fantastic coral. Also in Playa del Carmen, sinkhole diving (ponds connected by underground rivers) and cave diving is very popular. The best diving (and snorkeling) locations in the Playa del Carmen vicinity are listed below:

Zona de Cenotes - Dive among underground sinkhole formations.

Xpu-Ha - Scuba diving and snorkeling along the reefs in the coves.

Xel-Ha - This eco park offers coves, sinkholes, lagoons and caves with subterranean rivers and springs that empty into the sea. Snorkeling tours show you crystalline rivers and well-lit caverns. Scuba diving adventure tours are also available.

Tres Rios - Diving classes and eight sinkholes are found at this ecological park.

Xcaret - Archaeological ruins of one of the most important ceremonial centers of Mayan culture are found here, as well as scuba diving and snorkeling tours of caves and underground rivers rife with colorful indigenous fish, and a reef aquarium.

Sport Fishing

Some of Mexico's best sport fishing takes place on the Mayan Rivera. Like Puerto Vallarta, deep-sea fishing is superb in the blue waters off Playa del Carmen. From March to May, sport-fishing guides can take you to catch Sailfish, and during April and May, you might even reel in Blue Fin Tuna and White Marlin. Since most sport fishing in Mexico is catch-and-release, don't forget your camera so one of the crew can capture that proud moment. You'll find many sport fishing opportunities in Playa del Carmen, and below are some of the best in the region.

Puerto Aventuras – Located 22 miles (35 km) south of Playa del Carmen, you can book trips here to catch sailfish and other species.

Akumal – Located 23 miles (37 km) south of Playa del Carmen.

Punta Allen – Located in the protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, 65 miles south of Playa del Carmen, this small peninsula region has camping grounds where you’ll find services for fly-fishing.

Golf

A popular golf vacation destination, Mexico offers beautiful and challenging golf courses, such as those found In Playa del Carmen. These are all full-service, ensuring you have everything you need for a wonderful day on the on the links.

Club de Golf Playacar – This world-class, 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Robert Von Hagge was built amongst the lush foliage of the Yucatan Peninsula, meaning beauty and challenge. The Club provides a first class practice area, and the course is located adjacent to the magnificent Hacienda Vista Real Villas and Spa.

Club de Golf Puerto Aventuras – Thomas Leman designed this charming and challenging nine-hole, par 36 golf course. Its fairways are lined by lush tropical greenery and flowers and covered with soft Bermuda carpet grass. Golfers encounter deer, iguanas and tropical birds on their rounds.

Moon Palace Golf Club – The dynamic layout of this Jack Nicklaus signature course asks golfers to navigate through native vegetation, numerous wetlands and strategically placed bunkers. Each of the three-nine hole courses offers a distinctive environment that challenges professionals and amateurs as well.

Horseback Riding & Hiking

If you enjoy horseback riding, imagine galloping along a white sandy beach at sunset on your Mexico vacation. The Parque Ecologico Tres Rios offers guided horseback riding beach and jungle tours, as well as many hiking trails for those who prefer hoofing it.

Xcaret, located 5 miles south of Playa del Carmen and home to Mayan ceremonial ruins, is also a magical place to take a horseback riding or hiking tour.

Kayaking

The calm Caribbean waters of the Playa del Carmen area with lagoons and mangroves are ideal for kayaking. The Parque Ecologico Tres Rios (Three Rivers Ecological Park), located just 7 miles north of Playa del Carmen, is the perfect place for family kayaking and for those who enjoy nature.

Extreme Sports

In recent years, the Plaza La Marina has become a hot spot for extreme sports, including kite surfing, which combines surfing and parasailing.

Beaches of Playa del Carmen

Let the calm, turquoise hued waters of Caribbean and the sound of the waves lapping the shore soothe and inspire you as you soak up the sun, frolic in the inviting waters, and drink in the magnificent scenery of the Quintana Roo coast. A couple of nearby beaches worth exploring are listed below.

Playa Paamul – Located 12 miles (20 km) south of Playa del Carmen, this beach has fairly calm waters, making it nice for snorkeling. You can also relax in cozy cabañas nestled in the jungle.

Playa Paraiso – Located 12 miles (20 km) north of Playa del Carmen, this beach is also surrounded by lush jungle. Nearby you'll find an all-inclusive eco hotel powered by solar and aeolian energy.

Eco Theme Parks

Near the beaches of Playa del Carmen are two ecological theme parks well worth visiting. Xcaret Eco Theme Park is a great place to take in the culture of Mexico and Maya through live exhibits and ancient ruins. Archaeological tours, water attractions and a swim with dolphins tour are all part of what you can experience at Xcaret. You can also float (in life jacket) down an underground river here, ride horses, and as detailed above, dive and snorkel.

Xel-Ha is an ecological water theme park that presents the best of the Mexican Caribbean nature in the Riviera Maya of Mexico. Here you'll find a spectacular natural aquarium, adventure activities, and water activities such as diving or snorkeling in lagoons, natural wells and ancient caves fed by subterranean rivers. The swim with dolphins program has an ocean like setting that makes it one of the best places for up close encounters with these beautiful creatures.

Beauty & Health Spas

After a hard day on the fairway or playing in the blue ocean, it's time to rejuvenate. Many of the Mexico spas like the Ikal del Mar (3 miles north of Playa del Carmen) offer holistic treatments including pre-Hispanic Temazcal steam baths. Each spa has its own specialty. Probably the largest and most exclusive spa is the El Dorado Royale & Spa (located about 20 miles north of Playa del Carmen).

Nightlife

After your relaxing spa visit, if you're not yet ready for sleep, take a stroll along Quinta Avenida, one of Playa del Carmen's most happening areas. Here you'll find restaurants, bars, cosmopolitan nightclubs and a wonderful shopping mall.

Mexico Travel Tips (Playa del Carmen)

Whether by air, boat, bus or driving, this is one of the best-linked destinations in the Mayan Riviera. Playa del Carmen has an ideal subtropical climate with an average temperature of 77º F (25º C) and sunny days throughout most of the year. During the summer, the maximum temperature can reach 95º F (35º C). The rainy season here is May through October, while November through February is the high season. If booking your Mexico tours for the high season, it's best to book well in advance because they do fill fast.