The Riviera Maya
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Riviera Maya - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
17 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Aktun-Chen
The name is Mayan for "the cave with cenotes inside," and these amazing underground caverns—estimated to be about 5 million years old—are the area's largest. You walk through the underground passages, past stalactites and stalagmites, until you reach the cenote with its various shades of deep green. There's also an on-site canopy tour and one cenote where you can take a swim. This top family attraction isn't as crowded or touristy as Xplor, Xel-Há, and Xcaret.
Carretera 307, Km 107, Akumal, Quintana Roo, 77750, Mexico984-806–4962Sight Details
Rate Includes: Cave tour USD$29; cenote tour USD$33; canopy tour USD$44 -
2. Sian Ka'an
One of the last undeveloped stretches of coastline in North America, Sian Ka'an was declared a wildlife preserve in 1986, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The 1.3-million acre reserve accounts for 10% of the land in the state of Quintana Roo and covers 100 km (62 miles) of coastline. It's amazingly diverse, encompassing freshwater and coastal lagoons, mangrove swamps, cayes, savannas, tropical forests, and a barrier reef. Hundreds of species of local and migratory birds, fish, animals, and plants share the land with fewer than 1,000 Maya residents. The area was first settled by the Maya in the 5th century AD—the name Sian Ka'an translates to "where the sky is born." There are approximately 32 ruins (none excavated) linked by a unique canal system—one of the few of its kind in Mayan Mexico. There's a MX$29 entrance charge for the park, but to see much of anything, you should take a guided tour.Many species of the once-flourishing wildlife have fallen into the endangered category, but the waters here still teem with roosterfish, bonefish, mojarra, snapper, shad, permit, sea bass, and crocodiles. Fishing the flats for wily bonefish is popular, and the peninsula's few lodges also run deep-sea fishing trips. Most fishing lodges along the way close for the rainy season in August and September, and accommodations are hard to come by. The road ends at Punta Allen, a fishing village whose main catch is spiny lobster, which was becoming scarce until ecologists taught the local fishing cooperative how to build and lay special traps to conserve the species. There are several small, expensive guesthouses. If you haven't booked ahead, start out early in the morning so you can get back to civilization before dark.
Coastal rd. Tulum-Boca Paila-Punta Allen, Km 15.8, Sian Ka'an, Quintana Roo, Mexico998-887–1969 -
3. Xcaret
Take a small collection of Maya ruins and build a mammoth theme park around them and you have Xcaret (pronounced ish-CAH-ret), one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most popular destinations. Among its most-visited attractions are the Paradise River raft tour that takes you on a winding, watery journey through the jungle; the Butterfly Pavilion, where thousands of butterflies float dreamily through a botanical garden while New Age music plays in the background; and an ocean-fed aquarium, where you can see local sea life drifting through coral heads and sea fans. The park also has a wild bird breeding aviary, nurseries for abandoned flamingo eggs and sea turtles, and a series of underwater caverns that you can explore by snorkeling or Snuba (a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba). A replica Maya village includes a colorful cemetery with catacomb-like caverns underneath; traditional music and dance ceremonies (including performances by the famed Voladores de Papantla, or Flying Birdmen of Papantla) are performed here at night. But the star performance is the evening "Spectacular Mexico Night Show," which tells the history of Mexico through song and dance. The list of Xcaret's attractions goes on and on: you can visit a dolphinarium, a bee farm, a manatee lagoon, a bat cave, an orchid and bromeliad greenhouse, an edible-mushroom farm, and a small zoo. You can also visit a scenic tower that takes you 240 feet up in the air for a spectacular view of the park. The entrance fee covers only access to the grounds and the exhibits; some other activities and equipment—from sea treks and dolphin tours to lockers and swim gear—are extra. The Plus Pass includes park entrance, lockers, snorkel equipment, food, and drinks. You can buy tickets from any travel agency or major hotel along the coast. You can also book slightly discounted tickets through Xcaret's website.
View Tours and ActivitiesCarretera 307, Km 282, Xcaret, Quintana Roo, 77710, Mexico984-206–0038Sight Details
Rate Includes: Basic Pass USD$98; Plus Pass USD$125; Night Pass USD$80 -
4. Xel-Há
Part of the Xcaret nature-adventure park group, Xel-Há (pronounced shel-hah) is a natural aquarium made of coves, inlets, and lagoons cut from the limestone shoreline. The name means "where the water is born," and a natural spring here flows out to meet the salt water, creating a unique habitat for tropical marine life. There's enough to impress novice snorkelers, though there seem to be fewer fish each year, and the mixture of fresh and salt water can cloud visibility. Low wooden bridges over the lagoons allow for leisurely walks around the park, and there are spots to rest, swim, cliff–jump, zip-line, or swing from ropes over the water. Xel-Há gets overwhelmingly crowded, so come early. The grounds are well equipped with bathrooms and restaurants. At the entrance you'll receive specially prepared sunscreen that won't kill the fish; other sunscreens are prohibited. The entrance fee includes a meal, towel, locker, inner tubes, and snorkel equipment; other activities, like scuba diving, zip-lining, swimming with the dolphins, and spa treatments, are available at additional cost. Discounts are offered when you book online.
View Tours and ActivitiesCarretera 307, Km 240, Xel-Ha, Quintana Roo, 77760, Mexico998-883–3143Sight Details
Rate Includes: USD$89 -
5. Xpu–Há Beach
Other than the occasional villa and resort, including Royal Catalonia Tulum smack-dab in the center, this stretch of white sand is fairly isolated. South of here are a few spots where you can grab a midday snack, like La Playa Beach Club. There are no hidden rocks in shallow areas, so many people come to swim or snorkel, especially when the winds are calm; the sugary sand is raked, making it a good place for an unobstructed stroll, too. Unlike many beaches, this one isn’t blocked by resort security. You can access it through La Playa or by having lunch at one of the nearby restaurants and beach clubs. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (fee); food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Carretera 307, Km 265, Xpu-Há, Quintana Roo, 77790, Mexico -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
6. Akumal Bay
Known for the sea turtles that swim in its waters, Akumal Bay is sheltered by an offshore reef—though, sadly only about 30% of it is alive. It's best to explore the waters with a certified guide available through dive shops in town. Do not wear sunscreen in the water as it can harm the reef, and, above all, do not touch the wildlife or coral. Be careful to stay clear of the red "fire reef," which stings on contact. When you drag yourself away from the snorkeling, there are plenty of palm trees for shade, as well as a variety of waterfront shops, restaurants, and cafés. If you continue on the main road, you'll reach Half Moon Bay and Laguna Yal-kú, also good snorkeling spots. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); showers; toilets; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Akumal, Quintana Roo, 77760, MexicoNo phone -
7. Cenotes Kantún Chi
This Maya-owned and -operated eco-park has cenotes and a few beautiful underground caverns that are great for snorkeling and diving, as well as some small Maya ruins. The place is low-key—a nice break from the crowds. Bring natural mosquito repellent.
Carretera 307, Km 266, Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, 77750, Mexico984-803–0143Sight Details
Rate Includes: USD$71 -
8. Croco Cun Zoo
The biologists running the Croco Cun Zoo, an animal farm just north of Puerto Morelos, have collected specimens of many of the reptiles and some of the mammals indigenous to the area. They offer immensely informative tours—you may even get to handle a baby crocodile or feed a monkey. Be sure to wave hello to the 500-pound crocodile secure in his deep pit.
Carretera 307, Km 31, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, 77580, Mexico998-850–3719Sight Details
Rate Includes: USD$32 -
9. Fatima Bay
Although the marina is the main focus here, Puerto Aventuras's beaches are naturally stunning and seldom crowded. The main one, Fatima Bay, commonly referred to as Omni Beach, stretches nearly 3 km (2 miles) south between Chac Hal Al condominiums and the Grand Peninsula residence. Its shallow, calm waters are kid-friendly, especially inside the breakwater. Farther out the temperature drops, making for a refreshing swim. To the north is a smaller bay, known as Chan Yu Yum, used by guests of the Catalonia Resort; better beaches lie just south of Puerto Aventuras in the community of Xpu-Há. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, 77580, Mexico -
10. Half Moon Bay
The crescent bay on the north end of Akumal has shallow water and almost no current, making it a safe swimming spot for children; the snorkeling is also good here (you might even see the occasional sea turtle). Beach chairs and hammocks line the narrow, rocky shore at La Buena Vida restaurant, which has a pool, restrooms, and limited street parking for patrons. The area near Casa Maya is protected by an outer reef; however, the entry point is rocky, so bring water shoes. Bring an umbrella, too—Half Moon Bay is known for its white sand and clear waters, but the lack of trees means you'll have trouble finding shade. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
Beach Rd., Akumal, Quintana Roo, 77760, Mexico -
11. La Playa Xpu-Ha Beach Club
Located at Playa Xpu-Há, this beach club is open year-round from 11 to 6. Guests of nearby villas are often lured here by the plethora of amenities—including showers, lockers, hammocks, umbrellas, chaise longues, and a rental shop that has snorkeling gear, Wave Runners, boogie boards, and kayaks. In full beach club tradition, there's a restaurant and a bar with swings instead of stools. You can burn off your lunch with a game of volleyball, or opt for hair braids and henna tattoos. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.
Carretera 307, Km 265, Xpu-Há, Quintana Roo, 77790, Mexico984-133–6701Sight Details
Rate Includes: MX$40 entry and MX$120 drink minimum -
12. Laguna Yal-kú
Devoted snorkelers may want to follow the unmarked dirt road to Laguna Yal-kú, about 3 km (2 miles) north of Akumal town center. A series of small mangrove-edged lagoons that gradually reach the ocean, Yal-kú is an eco-park that's home to schools of parrot fish in clear water with visibility to 160 feet in winter and spring. Snorkeling equipment can be rented in the parking lot; the site also has toilets, lockers, changing rooms, outdoor showers, and a snack bar. Sunscreen is not allowed, so bring a T-shirt to keep from getting burned.
End of main road, Akumal, Quintana Roo, 77760, Mexico984-875-9065Sight Details
Rate Includes: USD$15 -
13. Museo de Arte Popular Mexicano
This entrancing folk-art museum is a must for anyone interested in Mexican culture and handicrafts. It's brimming with original works by the country's finest artisans, which are arranged in fascinating tableaux. The collection represents different regions of Mexico—from nativity scenes sculpted out of Oaxaca's clays to the intricate arbol de la vida (tree of life) sculptures crafted in Metepec. Children will love the toy room, which includes an impressive display of alebrijes (fantastical wood carvings). Since this is one of the many attractions inside Xcaret, the only way to visit the museum is by purchasing a day pass to the theme park.
Carretera 307, Km 282, Xcaret, Quintana Roo, 77710, Mexico998-883–3143Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free with admission to Xcaret -
14. Museo de la Cultura Maya
Dedicated to the complex world of the Maya, this interactive museum is outstanding. Exhibits in Spanish and English trace Maya architecture, social classes, politics, and customs. The most impressive display is the three-story Sacred Ceiba Tree, a symbol used by the Maya to explain the relationship between the cosmos and Earth. The first floor represents the tree's roots and the Maya underworld, called Xibalba; the middle floor is the tree trunk, known as Middle World, home to humans and all their trappings; on the top floor, leaves and branches evoke the 13 heavens of the cosmic otherworld.
Av. Héroes and Calle Mahatma Gandhi, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, 77000, Mexico983-832–6838Sight Details
Rate Includes: MX$62, Closed Mon -
15. Paamul Beach
Beachcombers, campers, and snorkeling snowbirds love Paamul (pronounced pah-mool), a crescent-shaped lagoon 21 km (13 miles) south of Playa del Carmen with clear, placid waters sheltered by a coral reef. Shells, sand dollars, and even glass beads—some from the sunken, 18th-century Spanish galleon Mantanceros, which lies off nearby Akumal—wash up onto the sandy parts of the beach. (There's a sandy path into deeper water in front of the restaurant—on the rocks, watch out for sea urchins.) Sea turtles hatch here June to November. If you'd like to stay on this piece of paradise, Hotel and Cabanas Paamul is a laid-back option. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; showers; parking (free); water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Carretera 307 Cancún–Chetumal, Km 85, Paamul, Quintana Roo, 77710, MexicoSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
16. Playa del Carmen Main Beach
The community's most central section of beach stretches from the ferry docks up to Calle 14 at Panama Jack Resort, a swath of deep white sand licked by turquoise water. The beach and water are clean, but there is some boat traffic that makes swimming less idyllic. Snorkelers aren't likely to see much here, but you can't beat the beach for convenience: countless bars and restaurants are a short walk away on 5th Avenue, masseurs compete (discreetly) to knead out your kinks, and it's easy to find a dive shop ready to take you out to sea. The closer you get to the docks, the more people you'll find. If you're looking for seclusion, head farther north outside Playa del Carmen. Amenities: food and drink; water sports; lifeguards. Best for: swimming; walking.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77710, Mexico -
17. Xplor
Designed for thrill seekers, this 125-acre park features underground rafting in stalactite-studded water caves and cenotes. Swim in a stalactite river, ride in an amphibious vehicle, or soar across the park on 14 of the longest ziplines in Mexico. Daytime admission (valid 9 am to 5 pm) includes all food, drink, and equipment. A separate evening admission from 5:30 to 10:30 pm includes "Xplor Fuego" activities, which includes similar things but with a nighttime theme. Mix-and-match packages can be purchased online to include both day and evening admission and entry to Xcaret next door.
Carretera 307, Km 282, Quintana Roo, 77710, Mexico998-883–3143Sight Details
Rate Includes: Xplor USD$116; Xplor Fuego USD$98, Closed Sun.
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
