Playa Del Carmen, Mexico: 10 Best Things to Do and See

Dreaming of a getaway to Mexico? Playa del Carmen, located in the Riviera Maya on the Yucatán Peninsula, offers a vibrant mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures. Just an hour south of Cancún, this beach town is the ideal destination for everything from relaxing on powdery beaches to exploring ancient ruins.

Whether it’s sunbathing on the pristine shores, swimming in crystal-clear cenotes (natural pools), or savoring local cuisine, Playa del Carmen has something for everyone. Beyond its bustling 5th Avenue and the area around Playacar, you’ll discover charming spots frequented by locals, offering a more authentic experience.

During our month-long stay, we uncovered some of the best activities to enjoy in and around Playa del Carmen, all within a short drive or bike ride. Here’s a list of our top recommendations, along with insider tips on where to eat, explore, and unwind.

At the end of this guide, you’ll find a helpful map to easily plan your itinerary, ensuring you make the most of every day in paradise.

1) Swimming in cenotes: natural caves and caverns with clear fresh water

Cenotes
(named after the ancient Mayan word for these stunning formations) are natural limestone caves filled with rainwater and underground springs. Many cenotes feature partially collapsed ceilings, creating magical, deep freshwater pools that are perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to over 6,000 cenotes, boasting some of the clearest and most beautiful waters you’ll ever see. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, diving is also popular in cenotes. To dive, however, you’ll need at least a basic PADI diving certification.

Getting to these cenotes is easy; just hop on a Collectivo minibus, which frequently runs along the main roads and makes these hidden gems accessible.

Our top picks are Jardin Del Eden, Cenote Azul, and Cenote Xunaan-Ha. For a comprehensive and current list of the best cenotes in the Yucatán, check out Anna Everywhere.

2) Day trip to Cozumel Island

Cozumel, a charming island just a 40-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, which draw visitors from around the world—including the many cruise ships that dock here.

For a budget-friendly way to explore the island, consider renting a bike or scooter. Taxis are available island-wide but can be pricey, especially for longer trips to the island’s more secluded beaches.

Spend the day soaking in the beauty of Cozumel, then cap off your adventure with a scenic ferry ride back to Playa del Carmen at sunset—a perfect ending to a memorable island escape.

A tip for a great beach: For a fantastic beach experience, head north when you arrive on the island and stop at Playa Azul hotel. Their beach club is open to the public with no entrance fee, so you can enjoy the beautiful beach without any hassle. All it takes is the cost of a Coca-Cola to settle in for a relaxing afternoon by the sea!

3) Playa del Carmen beaches

In recent years, Riviera Maya beaches have occasionally faced issues with sargassum seaweed, which drifts in from the open ocean for a few weeks each year (you can check its current status here). But don’t let this deter you—the beaches of Playa del Carmen still offer a fantastic experience!

For a more authentic vibe, head to the less touristy beaches where locals gather to dance salsa and enjoy tacos. All beaches in Playa del Carmen are public, with free access. If you’d like a sunbed, prices vary, ranging from around CZK 100 to CZK 1,500. We found the best deals near the Cozumel ferry terminal; simply head down to the beach, go left, and pick a beach bar that catches your eye.

Local Beach Tip: A few kilometers north of the busiest areas, you’ll find Playa Punta 88. This hidden gem is popular with locals and offers free showers and toilets. It’s the ideal spot to soak in the genuine Mexican atmosphere away from the crowds.

4) Evening stroll along 5th Avenue

A stroll down “La Quinta,” Playa del Carmen’s vibrant 5th Avenue, is a must for any visitor. This pedestrian-only main street is filled with a colorful mix of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and street vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to unique souvenirs.

As night falls, the street comes alive with bright lights and lively colors. You’ll encounter performers dressed as superheroes, musicians playing traditional Mexican folk songs in sombreros, and vendors inviting you to sample free tequila. The atmosphere along La Quinta is unforgettable, capturing the essence of Playa’s fun and welcoming spirit.

5) Mayan ruins

South of Playa del Carmen lies the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, once a thriving trade center until the 15th century. The ruins, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea, offer both history and stunning views. After exploring, you can cool off with a swim on the beautiful beach just below.

As one of the Riviera Maya’s top attractions, Tulum can get busy, so visiting in the early morning is recommended. For a quieter experience, consider the nearby Coba ruins, where you’ll find fewer crowds and can even climb one of the pyramids—a rare opportunity in Mayan archaeological sites.

About a two-hour drive from Playa del Carmen, you can visit Chichen Itza, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. This ancient Mayan city, with over a thousand years of history, is an awe-inspiring glimpse into the past.

6) Swimming with sea turtles

Akumal Beach attracts visitors from around the world eager to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. Nestled along a coral reef, this bay is a haven for turtles that graze on the algae growing along the sandy floor.

Because the bay’s fine sand can easily be stirred up by groups of tourists, visibility decreases as the day goes on, making it harder to spot the turtles. To enjoy the best experience, plan to arrive early in the morning when the water remains crystal clear—ideal for turtle watching before 10 a.m.

7) Don’t watch the pounds and eat everything you see

Nothing compares to authentic Mexican tacos, and Playa del Carmen is no exception. From bustling street stalls to high-end restaurants, each spot has its unique twist on this classic dish—making it almost a sin not to try them all!

For vegetarians, Que Huevos serves a delicious lasagna that’s worth a try. Vegans will love Pitted Date for its standout vegan burger, while Bio Natural—one of Playa’s first vegetarian restaurants—offers a range of flavorful, plant-based dishes.

8) Coco Bongo Nightclub

While Playa del Carmen may be quieter than Cancún, its nightlife has a unique gem: Coco Bongo. This one-of-a-kind nightclub offers an unforgettable evening with lively performances featuring movie characters, celebrity impersonators, and acrobats. Each act takes the stage to deliver a dazzling show that keeps the energy high all night.

Tickets range from $75 to $135, but they include unlimited drinks until 3 a.m. Picture yourself sipping cocktails from a giant bucket while Spiderman swings across the stage—it’s a night out you won’t forget!

9) Ride with Colectivo

The heart of local transportation in Playa del Carmen is the Colectivo minibuses, which run frequently along the main routes. Figuring out your route is part of the adventure!

We highly recommend trying a Colectivo ride. Not only is it an incredibly affordable way to travel (just 40 pesos from Cancún to Playa del Carmen), but it also offers a unique glimpse into local life.

10) Diving

For diving enthusiasts, Playa del Carmen is truly a paradise. Beyond the incredible cenote dives, the area boasts famous dive sites like Pared Verde Ledge and Tortugas, each offering stunning underwater views.

The town is home to numerous dive shops and schools, making it easy to rent equipment, book a dive, or even earn your PADI certification if you don’t have one yet. Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to dive into the adventure!

Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Cheap accommodation

Hostal MX

Medium expensive

Reina Roja Hotel

Luxury

BRIC Hotel & Spa

Looking for Long-Term Accommodation? For a longer stay, we recommend this cozy cottage on Airbnb (with a 700 CZK discount). We stayed here for an entire month, and you can find our detailed review in the comments. This spot is ideal for those planning to rent a car, as it’s not within walking distance to amenities.

How to get to Playa del Carmen

The ADO buses depart from Cancún’s main bus station and will take you to Playa del Carmen for 120 pesos. Tickets are for specific departure times, so be sure to plan ahead.

For a more adventurous option, try the Colectivo minibuses, which leave approximately every minute from the Soriana Super SM 2 supermarket. The ride costs just 40 pesos and offers a local experience.

How to get a taxi in Playa del Carmen

In Playa del Carmen, taxis don’t use meters but instead follow a zonal pricing system. However, drivers often count on tourists being unfamiliar with the zones and may charge more than the standard rate.

To ensure you’re paying the correct fare, consult the city’s zonal map, which divides Playa into different zones and allows you to calculate the expected fare. Taxis are generally affordable, and you can find the latest zone map here.

Tips and tricks for travelling around Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area