If visiting the Mayan Riviera is next on your list, you are in the right place. The list of things to do is huge, in this blog we’ve talked about cenotes and ruins that you simply can’t miss, but there is WAY MORE to this place than that. It’s important to plan your next visit in advance so you don’t miss any of the many exciting things to do at these shores. As always, Abbey is here to help you with your research for the next best vacation ever!
Let’s begin!
CATCH OF THE DAY
Fishing has been an essential activity in the Riviera from its early beginnings to the present day, so it is very easy to find experienced captains waiting to take you to explore these waters, no matter your age or skill level. Because of its proximity to the Great Mayan Reef, these waters are full of life which means that basically, wherever you navigate, you’ll hit prime fishing grounds in no time. You will find a lot of Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Trevallies, Grouper, and Snapper, among many other species.
Spearfishing in Playa del Carmen
UNDERWATER ACTIVITIES
Whether you have never snorkeled in your life or are a professional diver, the Mayan Riviera will be the perfect setting to take a dive and explore the Mayan underwater world. You will be able to navigate through the longest underground river system in the mystical freshwater cenotes or The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. If the tropical heat awakens your explorer side, you can venture on guided tours of the underground caves and caverns, beautifully decorated with stalactites and stalagmites making every cave system unique, a diving experience like no other.
Scuba Diving With Professional Instructor
LAND ACTIVITIES
Leaving Cancun you will find the Ferry that ships to Isla Mujeres and in Playa del Carmen there is the Ferry that connects with Cozumel, the Swallow Island. 3 hours away from Playa del Carmen you will find Bacalar, the 7-color lagoon and up to the north at Chiquilá there is another ferry that leads to Holbox Island, a must-visit spot due to its unique charm.
Throughout the year, many activities can be scheduled out such as bird watching, and marine species tours such as turtles and rays but, if you’re coming between May and mid-September, You are in for a treat, because during that short season, you can appreciate the visit of the giant plankton devourer, the Whale Shark!
Isla Mujeres, Contoy & Snorkel Tour
The vast majority of the Mayan Riviera region is buried within the mysterious and exciting jungle. Soar through zip-line circuits located across the jungle, take an off-road ATV adventure, or switch for a relaxing horse ride through the forest.
Consider adventure parks or private tours for a more all-inclusive experience with transportation, snacks, cenotes, or a homemade lunch in a Mayan village.
Horseback Riding + ATV + Zip-lines at Riviera Maya
Mayan Village and Jungle Expedition
HOW ABOUT THE BEACH… DUH?!
The first thing we all want to do as soon as we book our flight to the Mayan Riviera is go to the beach, isn’t it? To tan all day by the Caribbean Shore while sipping coconut water and waiting for our ceviche to be ready, but besides this peaceful Caribbean life, there are way more ways to enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters.
Rise and shine by taking a one-hour and a half Paddle Board Sunrise guided session, right on Playa del Carmen downtown, peacefully enjoying the early sunshine. If the water is where you wanna stay all day, navigate throughout the Mayan seas in style in an all-inclusive Private Yacht. Tasty food, cold drinks, and tequila are invited too, as well as snorkeling, among other activities.
Ready to speed things up? All kinds of water rentals are available at most parts of the beach, ride the waves on a jet ski, or parasail above the Caribbean for a while. Another way to ride the waves is by Surfing. Oh yes, Playa Delfines in Cancun and Chen Rio or Punta Morena in Cozumel, often offer soft, rolling waves, depending on weather and wind, offering both beginner and advanced waves.
If you are looking for a way to support the Playense community, there is always some activity that involves cleaning beaches and cenotes. You can join different non-profit associations, in charge of conserving and maintaining our ecosystems.
Sunrise Paddle Boarding in Playa del Carmen
Private Yacht and Snorkel Adventure
TASTY EXPERIENCES
For all those willing to experience the Mexican culture within, food is the way. Upgrade the foodie experience by trying as many traditional dishes as you can! No need to worry if chances are you are vegan or vegetarian, aside from the fact Mexicans love tacos, many healthy ingredients take place in most traditional recipes.
The more states of the Mexican Republic you visit, the more traditional dishes you get to try because each place has its own representative dishes, and this tropical land is no exception, we have cochinita pibil, the Motuleños eggs, any sauce with chile habanero in it, the recados and oh so many more.
How about a food tour to start your trip through the Mayan Riviera? I honestly believe that the first thing you should do when visiting a new place is do a food tour, that way you’ll get familiar with all the dishes you’ll be trying during your vacation. Well, you know us, Food Tours, are kind of our thing. The Eating With Carmen Food Tour Guides will take you on a Mexican History journey, seasoned with traditional flavors while walking around any of the 3 main cities in the Mayan Riviera: Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Merida, certainly an authentic Mexican food experience.
EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE
Clearly, the Riviera Maya has endless activities and experiences to cherish forever. Immerse in the Mexican culture and appreciate every aspect of it, one way of sharing the struggle and success of our history is through the different museums located throughout the territory:
Mayan Museum, in Cancun
Cacao Museum, located in Uxmal City
Museum of Anthropology and History, at Downtown Merida
Museum of Cozumel Island History
Museum of Mexican Popular Art at Xcaret
source: mexicoescultura.com
In the Mayan Riviera, one thing it’s for sure, you won’t run out of things to do, whether you’re just visiting or full-on living here. There are always new places to discover, heavenly beaches to swim in, hidden towns or caves, and lots and lots of delicious food for you to taste and fall in love with.
Look no further to plan your next visit. We’ll be waiting for you all!
-Your Professional Vacationer, Abbey
