Top 15 Things to Do In Riviera Maya in 2025

There is so much to do in Riviera Maya, but one thing every visitor must do is enjoy some of the region’s incredible beaches along this pristine 80 miles of coastline. One of the benefits of being located along the Quintana Roo is that Riviera Maya beaches have similar water temperatures and the same incredible white sand as nearby Caribbean islands.

There is a fantastic variety of beaches as well. There are luxury resort private beaches, natural beaches surrounded by national parks and jungles, and even lively beaches with day and night clubs everywhere. No matter what vibe you are after, you can easily find it on the Riviera Maya.

For those with children, there are lots of great resorts along the ocean. Some of these resorts are fantastic all-inclusive resorts, with fun activities for children, including pools, games, and all-you-can-drink beachside tropical smoothies.

Best Time To Visit: With seaweed season occurring between May and October, and hurricane season between June and November, the best time to visit Riviera Maya beaches is between December and April.

One of the most popular, unique, and memorable activities you must do when visiting Riviera Maya is to dive into the refreshing crystal clear waters of a cenote. Cenotes are naturally formed underground freshwater reservoirs carved out of limestone over thousands of years. These underground rivers are sometimes completely enclosed and hidden, others are partially covered, and even more are fully exposed.

These pools are incredible water bodies known for their sapphire water, cool temperatures, and outstanding visibility. There are over 3,000 registered cenotes in this region, so it is almost impossible to visit Riviera Maya without dipping your toes in one. If you are more adventurous, consider scuba diving deep into a cenote as part of an organized dive.

Unlike the ocean, which warms up in the summer, cenotes stay nice and cool throughout the year. This makes them a perfect activity to beat the heat. These bodies of water are also often located in tropical jungle environments, which allows you to have a great water activity in a different setting than the beach.

Things To Know Before You Go: There are thousands of cenotes to choose from, and we recommend trying out a few. Try visiting the more popular cenotes first thing in the morning to avoid crowds, and the less popular ones in the afternoon.

What To Bring: Bring a beach towel to lounge around. Some cenotes have hammocks and chairs, but a towel for sunbathing is key. Bring your goggles as well to see in the crystal clear waters. Some cenotes offer refreshments, but others do not – so pack accordingly.

Price: Each cenote has a different price. Naturally, the more magical and beautiful cenotes tend to be pricier – especially if they are popular on social media. But cenotes range between $5 and $20 per person.

Just a two-hour drive from Tulum rests a World Heritage Site and New Wonder of the World – Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is an awe-inspiring, immaculately well-preserved Mayan ruins complex that showcases the incredible skills and knowledge these ancient people possessed.

As you explore this vast pyramid and cultural complex, you can see the famous giant temple and many other important historical ruins – even a Mayan sports arena. There is so much to see, learn and discover at Chichen Itza, and it is no surprise it is considered one of the most incredible feats of human engineering.

Why visit Chichen Itza?: For one, because it is a World Heritage Site. But it is also arguably the best example of Mayan architecture, as well as showcasing so much of how this fascinating civilization operated. It ranks among many of the world’s top destinations that you simply must visit before you die.

How To Get There: While technically outside the “Riviera Maya” region, Chichen Itza is still in the Yucatán Peninsula, and nearly every tour to this wonder begins in Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun.

While Cancun and Playa Del Carmen have long been known for their nightlife, recently, Tulum has become the hottest destination in the Riviera Maya. And while Tulum certainly has its share of chic day clubs and beachfront nightlife, it is also home to some incredible spa, wellness, yoga, and meditation locations.

As you walk around Tulum, you can’t help but notice a certain zen in the air, and it might feel like every visitor is either heading to or returning from a yoga retreat. Some hotels in Tulum cater specifically to this type of clientele, which is great if you are looking for a wellness vacation. But there are also individual classes and wellness day packages throughout this bohemian chic village.

What To Know Before You Go: Resorts on the Ocean tend to charge significantly more than those slightly inland for similar treatments and packages. Do your research to find the right place at the right price.

For those looking to completely connect with nature, there is no better place in Riviera Maya than at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the Mexican Caribbean’s largest protected natural area. Sian Ka’an Biosphere is so stunning and critical that it was named a UNESCO Heritage Site.

There is so much to do and see in this area. There are lagoons, marshes, and mangroves you can paddle through on a kayak and explore. You can gaze up to the sky and spot some incredible exotic bird species or trek into the jungle to spot local flora and fauna.

The Yucatán has an incredibly unique and diverse ecosystem, and no place showcases this rich bounty of life quite like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. It is a great way to embrace the rugged wilderness and experience what this peninsula was like before the all-inclusive resorts took over.

Laguna de Bacalar is an enchanting body of water. Bacalar is located just 30 miles from Belize, and a little more than an hour from the edge of Riviera Maya, but the journey is worth it. This freshwater haven is often called the “Lagoon of Seven Colors” because the lagoon has so many different hues of blue.

Much of this is because the lagoon ranges from very shallow to 300 feet deep. This stunning and clean water offers endless recreational activities. In addition to paddling and swimming, you can take a boat ride through this mesmerizing color-changing lagoon.

Bacalar is the ultimate cenote. It was once a bunch of different cenotes that collapsed to form this giant lagoon. It is a great place to have some fun in a lush natural setting, while also relaxing and snapping a few incredible photos.

For those who can’t get enough of Riviera Maya’s awe-inspiring limestone caves and cenotes, consider taking a trip to Rio Secreto Nature Reserve. This cave system has about 38 kilometers of caves, and while only a fraction of that can be explored by the general public, it is still a wonderful experience.

This protected nature reserve is a short drive from Playa Del Carmen, making it a perfect day trip for you and also great for the family. You can hike and swim in these hidden underground cenotes. Because this cave system is so well-protected, you can marvel at the many stalactites and stalagmites that extend from the walls like stone icicles while you float in the sapphire waters below.

A trip to Rio Secreto is truly the ultimate limestone cave experience in Riviera Maya, which is saying a lot for a place with seemingly-endless caves and cenotes.

Riviera Maya has no shortage of water activities, but for a truly memorable day at the beach, consider heading to Akumal Beach. Akumal is a private beach along Riviera Maya, between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, and it is known for its booming sea turtle population.

Akumal has a sandy beach and a sandy bottom, with a wide bay that is protected by a reef. This makes it an ideal spot for veteran and novice snorkelers to enjoy – including children. Keep in mind that as the day goes on, this bay gets busier, and the visibility tends to decrease. So if possible, aim to arrive in the morning.

After you have had your fill of swimming with sea turtles you can enjoy a meal at a beachfront restaurant or just lay out on the beach. If swimming with these gentle and endangered creatures has always been a dream of yours, Akumal is a fantastic place to almost guarantee to make this dream come true.

For those who want to enjoy all the stunning beauty and underwater wildlife that Riviera Maya has to offer, but can’t stand the wild crowds found in some of the area’s top destinations, a trip to Puerto Morelos is what you need.

Puerto Morelos is a charming seaside village that has plenty of incredible snorkeling, boating, and beach activities without the overwhelming party vibes and social media frenzy found in places like Playa Del Carmen and Tulum.

You can expect more authentic-feeling restaurants with incredible Mexican seafood dishes, more reasonable prices, and far fewer crowds. But you still have the same incredible beaches, facilities, and underwater marvels to enjoy. Some of the best snorkeling in all of Riviera Maya is located just off the coast of Puerto Morelos.

One great, easy, and organized way to experience lots of Mexican culture, cuisine, and natural beauty in Riviera Maya is to explore one of the Xcaret Parks. The Xcaret Parks are a group of unique amusement parks that feature everything from lively music and dance performances to cenote and snorkeling adventures. Xcaret Parks also have some of the best real estate in all of Riviera Maya, complete with great snorkeling spots and some epic cenotes.

There are six Xcaret parks to choose from, and each park has its own theme and reason to visit. There is Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xcaret by Mexico!, Xel-Ha, and Xoximilco. Many argue Xplor is the best of these parks and most worthy of visiting. Xplor is famous for its incredible ziplines, its 4X4s, and paddle rafting adventures. This is definitely the best adventure park.

But all the parks have their own reason to visit, and each park has its own admission price, as well as pros and cons. A day at an Xcaret park is a great activity for families, as you can pack all sorts of fun activities into one day. You can book all-inclusive food and drink packages or stay at one of the Xcaret all-inclusive resorts as well, making it so you don’t have to worry about anything at all.

Arguably the best part of Xcaret Parks is the safety factor. If you are worried about your safety or the crime in Riviera Maya, booking a ticket to this secure facility allows you to enjoy Mexico’s natural beauty and rich culture without having to worry about the crime outside the park.

While Chichen Itza is certainly the ultimate Mayan ruins experience, you don’t have to drive two hours to enjoy some incredible and marvelously-photogenic Mayan ruins.

What makes Tulum’s ruins incredible is their location. They are perched just along the coast, which offers visitors stunning views of ancient ruins with crystal blue water in the background.

These stunning coastal ruins are what’s left of the ancient Mayan city of Tulum. These structures date back to the thirteenth century and are well-preserved. You can visit these ruins as part of a tour or on your own. The ruins are enclosed by a well-preserved 784-meter limestone wall that helped keep invaders out during the time of the Mayan Empire.

Even if you visit without a tour, there are always tour guides available at the ticket entrance if you want a detailed guided tour of this expansive archeological site. The access to these ruins is very affordable – approximately $5, so splurging on a guide, especially if you are a group of two or more, might be worth it.

These ruins are located on the coast, and a quick trip to the beach is recommended after walking through these ruins. This makes for a great morning activity before heading to Tulum town for some wellness, or even a dip in a cenote.

Scuba diving in Riviera Maya is some of the best diving in Mexico, and the pinnacle of diving in this region is off the shores of Cozumel. Cozumel’s Coral Reef National Park is massive and is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, which is the second largest in the world.

This abundant reef has tons to see. From sharks and sea turtles to colorful coral and impressive sponges, it has it all. After an epic dive, you can enjoy the laid-back island of Cozumel, as well as its incredible seafood and great beaches.

Mexico is known for its cuisine, so no trip to any region of Mexico is complete without a deep dive into the local food scene. The Quintana Roo has the classic taquerias and cantinas that tourists and Mexicans alike adore, but they also feature their own cuisine.

Consider trying some specialties from the area, which include cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, panuchos, and salbutes. Cochinita pibil is slow-roasted pulled pork, often from an entire cooked suckling pig. This flavorful and tender meat is served with tangy pickled onions and jalapenos, often as tacos. Sopa de lima is a refreshing and delicious soup with a lime base. For some great cochinita pibil, head to La Cochi Loka on Calle 10 Norte in Playa Del Carmen.

Panuchos and salbutes are the Yucatan’s spin on a taco. They look like tostadas with pickled onions, as they are open-faced, and the shell is corn masa, with panuchos being slightly stuffed with beans and fried. For amazing panuchos in an authentic setting, head to Taqueria Honorio in the center of Tulum.

You should also indulge in the fantastic seafood and tropical fruits from the region. You can even take a Mexican cooking class in any of the larger towns in Riviera Maya. Some all-inclusive resorts even offer cooking classes to their guests.

A trip to Riviera Maya can’t be all beach days and yoga retreats. At some point, some people need to have a margarita or two and enjoy the flavors and sounds of this spicy and steamy Mexican region. Riviera Maya is known for its nightlife, and Playa Del Carmen is the beating heart of the nightlife scene in Riviera Maya.

You can enjoy sunset cocktails in casual clothes or get dolled up and bring your crew to one of the incredible nightclubs in the area for some bottle service and all-night dancing. Regardless of what you are in the mood for, Playa Del Carmen has what you are looking for.

The heart of Playa Del Carmen’s nightlife runs along la Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue). This is a very happening pedestrian-only street that is filled with restaurants, lounges, and bars bumping loud music, all with their own signature and sultry decor.

Strolling along this street can be a little daunting at first, but it is a great way to window shop for your ideal evening destination. Keep in mind that the night starts late here, and many nightclubs on la Quinta Avenida stay open until 4 a.m. or later.

One of the best day trips to take while visiting Riviera Maya is a trip to Isla Mujeres. This stunning island is located just on the other side of Bahia de Mujeres from Cancun, but the atmosphere could not be more different. Unlike built-up and busy Cancun, Isla Mujeres prides itself on its remote feeling and relaxed vibe.

Isla Mujeres is a pretty small island, and many people like to rent golf carts to explore it. But don’t be fooled by its size – there is lots to do here. You can do everything from snorkeling at the underwater sculpture museum or visiting the incredible emerald waters and powder sand at one of its many beaches. There are also many diving, culinary, and even cultural opportunities on this small island, all of which can be explored by renting a bicycle or golf cart.

An Ideal Day Trip To Isla Mujeres

An ideal day trip to Isla Mujeres starts with a short ferry ride from Cancun. The ferries are just 10 minutes outside downtown, so you can head over after a quick breakfast. After the ferry ride, you should embark on a water activity.

You can either snorkel at the amazing underwater sculpture museum, or among some stunning coral. Alternatively, if you are seeking some adventure, you can also book a trip to swim with whale sharks.

After your water activity, park yourself on one of Isla Mujeres’ absolutely stunning beaches like the iconic Playa Norte. If the sun is too much, or you aren’t in the mood for the beach, rent a golf cart and explore this small island at a safe and relaxed pace. Golf carts can be rented easily and cost between $35 and $50.

Stop at one of the many delicious eateries on your cruise around the island before heading back to Cancun on the ferry as the sun sets behind you. Not a bad way to spend a day from Riviera Maya!

There is so much to do here. Many people like to spend a night or two on the island, but it is also one of the most popular day trips from Riviera Maya.