There are so many wonderful things to do in the Riviera Maya, you will be spoiled for choice when taking a vacation to this beauty spot in Mexico. Most people are attracted to the year-round warm and sunny weather and the spectacular beaches that the Riviera Maya is so famous for, but if you continue to read below you will see that there are many things to do that will capture your imagination. The top things to do in the Riviera Maya include: the Mayan Museum, the aquarium, swimming with dolphins, and visiting the top bars and restaurants. The Riviera Maya is a popular vacation destination in Mexico for these reasons and more.
Below are the Top 8 things to do in the Riviera Maya, Mexico:
Visit Isla Mujeres Island
The Isla Mujeres island is a ‘must see’ when you vacation in the Riviera Maya. You can reach the island by ferry from Cancun’s Puerto Juarez and arrive at the Isla Mujeres in around fifteen minutes. You can explore the island on a bicycle, scooter, or a golf car and spend some time on its pristine beaches.
Live the Playa del Carmen Experience
Playa del Carmen is a wonderful vacation destination about forty-five minutes by car or taxi from both Cancun and Tulum (in opposite directions). Vacationers can relax on the beach, go to the local shops, and join in the nightlife along with getting in the Bohemian vibe, then head over to the Island of Cozumel by taking the water ferry.
Discover Mayan Archeological Ruins
A trip to the Mayan Archeological ruins will complete your Riviera Maya vacation as you will have the chance to visit the biggest archeological sites in Mexico that include Tulum, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Ek’ Balam. Certainly one of the best things to do in the Riviera Maya.
Go to The Yucatan Cenotes
The Yucatan peninsula is well-known for its huge water holes with subterranean rivers, which are known as cenotes. Why not join a Yucatan cenote tour that offers zip lining, rappelling, scuba and snorkeling among other great things to do in the Riviera Maya.
Exciting Adventure Parks
The Riviera Maya has plenty of exciting adventure parks for visitors to enjoy, which include a wide range of activities: cenote adventures, zip lining, and ATV rentals, and more. The top parks for the best things to do in the Riviera Maya are the Chak Balam Pre-Hispanic Park, Xcaret, Xel-ha, and Xplor parks.
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere UNESCO World Heritage Site
If you have time to explore a little further afield and are looking for unique things to do in the Riviera Maya, then the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is for you. Located south along the coast from Tulum to Muyil through to Tulum, the protected biosphere stretches over 120 kilometers. The biodiversity is immense here and there are many different archeological sites too that provide adventure.
Holbox Island
Holbox Island is a hidden gem that is located off the Riviera Maya’s coastline. The beauty and crystal, blue waters of Yalahau Lagoon will have you enchanted immediately. You will see a vast amount of marine life, fauna, and the tiny fishing village is charming and picturesque. Only limited numbers may enter the island each day, so be sure to book your tour in advance.
Bacalar
Bacalar is the perfect place for vacationers looking for water activities. The Bacalar lagoon is famed for having seven breathtaking shades of blue, which makes the lagoon perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and going out on a small boat. This community some hours from the Riviera Maya is charming and quaint, and well worth a visit.
