Things to Do in Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is the stretch of Yucatán Caribbean coast running roughly 80 miles south of Cancún, ending around Tulum. It’s not a single town — it’s a region of small coastal communities (Puerto Morelos, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras), the major hub of Playa del Carmen at the midpoint, and dozens of resorts and eco-parks tucked into former jungle. The Mesoamerican Reef runs offshore (second-longest barrier reef in the world); inland, the largest cenote network on Earth runs underneath your feet.
Quick Facts: Riviera Maya is in Mexico. Best time to visit: November–April for cool dry weather. Whale shark season runs roughly mid-May through early September off Isla Holbox/Mujeres.
🌴 Save on Your Riviera Maya Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Riviera Maya for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
Top 10 Things to Do in Riviera Maya
Xcaret Park
Flagship eco-park — underground rivers, snorkeling lagoons, a jaguar habitat, and the evening ‘Mexico Espectacular’ show with 300+ performers. Full-day commitment.
Akumal Bay
Sea turtle hotspot. Guided snorkel tours required since 2016 to protect the population. Adjacent Yal-Ku Lagoon is a calm fish-watching alternative.
Puerto Morelos Reef
A 75-mile reef system protected as a national park since 1998. Snorkel boats run from the Puerto Morelos pier; visibility is consistently better than the more crowded Cancún reefs.
Cenote Azul
A series of three connected cenote pools just south of Puerto Aventuras. Cliff-jumping platforms, deep-water swimming, and a swim-up bar for the post-jump margarita.
Xel-Há Park
Natural inlet where the jungle meets the Caribbean. Snorkel the calm bay, ride the lazy river, or zip-line into the lagoon.
Cobá Ruins
Major Mayan site about an hour inland. Renting a bike for the jungle paths is the move — the site is bigger than it looks on a map.
Rio Secreto
Underground river you walk and swim through, helmet and headlamp on. About 45 minutes — entirely natural cave system, geologically remarkable.
5th Avenue Playa del Carmen
The pedestrian shopping/dining spine of the region — even if you’re staying outside Playa, an evening here is the closest thing to a regional ‘downtown.’
Xplor Adventure Park
Zip lines (longest in the Riviera Maya), amphibious vehicles through caves, raft and swim circuits. Adults-and-up energy.
Dos Ojos Cenote
Two connected sinkholes just south of Akumal. The cavern-diving photo you’ve seen of Mexico is probably from here. Snorkeling is also excellent.
When to Go
November–April for cool dry weather. Whale shark season runs roughly mid-May through early September off Isla Holbox/Mujeres.
Combine It With a Discounted Resort Stay
Riviera Maya is one of the destinations where qualified visitors can stay at resort-quality properties for a fraction of retail in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. Packages typically include 4 nights / 5 days in suite-style accommodations.
🌴 Save on Your Riviera Maya Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Riviera Maya for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
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