{"id":27434,"date":"2022-07-22T10:58:10","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T14:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/?p=27434"},"modified":"2026-03-25T05:53:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T09:53:50","slug":"things-to-do-in-riviera-maya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-riviera-maya\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Things to do in Riviera Maya – Your Ultimate Guide (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taking a vacation in Riviera Maya<\/strong> and want to know what you should see and do?<\/p>\n

I’ve got you covered.<\/p>\n

This stunning stretch of coastline in the Mexican Caribbean<\/strong> is my favorite part of the world.<\/p>\n

It starts just south of Cancun and continues along the coast to the fishing village of Punta Allen.<\/p>\n

And it’s packed with AMAZING adventures<\/strong> to be had.<\/p>\n

That’s not all…<\/p>\n

Our team at PlayaDelCarmen.Com<\/a> will get you great deals on activities and entertainment in Riviera Maya<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Ready to help your vacation budget stretch further?<\/p>\n

Things to do in Riviera Maya on Vacation<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Have Fun on the Xoximilico Dinner Cruise\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Climb Aboard the Atlantis Submarine in Cozumel\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Get an Adrenaline Rush with Xplor Fuego<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Swim with Whale Sharks\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Drive a Dune Buggy Through the Jungle\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. See the Manatees and Crocodiles at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Snorkel the Reef in Cozumel\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Treat Your Tastebuds at Cassa Ceviche\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Discover the Magic of Joya\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Dazzle Your Senses at Mystika\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    1. Have Fun on the Xoximilico Dinner Cruise<\/h2>\n

    This super fun experience includes traditional Mexican cuisine, tequila, and live music<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    How fabulous is that?<\/p>\n

    You get to drift along jungle-lined channels of water while enjoying an unforgettable Mexican experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Pronounced SO-SHE-milk-coe, Xoximilico<\/a> is part of the group of theme parks that are owned by Xperiencias Xcaret.<\/p>\n

    And, it’s magical.<\/p>\n

    \"five<\/p>\n

    You can see that this is all about a colorful party vibe with a Mexican touch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    It’s the perfect way to celebrate your Caribbean adventure.<\/p>\n

    For more info about this tour, check out my blog post.<\/p>\n

    “My Xoximilco Review: A Floating Fiesta with Tequila & Mariachis”<\/a><\/p>\n

    Call us at \u00a0888-537-9797<\/a> to get great discounts on this experience.<\/p>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    2. Climb Aboard the Atlantis Submarine in Cozumel<\/h2>\n

    Love the idea of seeing underwater wildlife<\/strong> but don’t want to snorkel or dive?<\/p>\n

    A trip on the Atlantis Submarine in Cozumel<\/strong><\/a> is perfect for you.<\/p>\n

    \"Atlantis<\/p>\n

    This is the only tourist submersible in Mexico<\/strong> and it gives you amazing views of turtles, rays, and other marine creatures.<\/p>\n

    You’ll spend time exploring the 1,800 feet drop-off that is the Cozumel Wall<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    This includes a look at the Felipe Xicotencatl dive wreck where promoting marine life is the order of the day.<\/p>\n

    I’d especially recommend this activity if you’re traveling with children.<\/p>\n

    They get to know more about the natural world while remaining in a completely safe environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    And every kid I know who’s been on the submarine has absolutely loved it.<\/p>\n

    Call us at\u00a0888-537-9797<\/a> for more info about this tour.<\/p>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    3. Get an Adrenaline Rush with Xplor Fuego<\/h2>\n

    Looking for a way to challenge yourself and get some thrills<\/strong> at the same time?<\/p>\n

    You should definitely try Xplor Fuego<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Start by ziplining through the jungle canopy at night.<\/p>\n

    Then ride into the thick jungle landscape on an amphibious vehicle before propelling yourself along a bubbling underground river using hand paddles.<\/p>\n

    \"A<\/p>\n

    I can honestly say that you’ll never have an adventure quite like this one.<\/p>\n

    It’s AWESOME!<\/p>\n

    This night tour takes place from Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Call us at\u00a0888-537-9797<\/a> for more info about this adventure.<\/p>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    4. Swim with Whale Sharks<\/h2>\n

    Swimming with Whale Sharks<\/a> is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences<\/strong> that shouldn’t be missed.<\/p>\n

    Visit the Riviera Maya from June through September<\/strong> and you have a chance to get up close to these majestic marine creatures.<\/p>\n

    Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and they’re breathtaking.<\/p>\n

    \"two<\/p>\n

    Plus, they may be from 25 to 40 feet in length but they’re gentle giants<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    So, they’re happy to swim slowly alongside people.<\/p>\n

    This means that you get an amazing view of them during your trip.<\/p>\n

    Heads up…<\/p>\n

    There are no discounts for kids<\/strong> on this tour and it’s not recommended for children under six.<\/p>\n

    This is because there’s some waiting around involved as only a few people swim at a time so kids can easily become bored.<\/p>\n

    Call us at\u00a0888-537-9797<\/a> for more info about this experience.<\/p>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    5. Drive a Dune Buggy Through the Jungle<\/h2>\n

    The Jungle Buggy Adventure<\/strong><\/a> is my absolute favorite thing to do in Riviera Maya.<\/p>\n

    You get such a buzz from tearing through the jungle in a buggy.<\/p>\n

    And you have the perfect opportunity to get messy and have a blast<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Plus, there are amazing memories to be made on this adventure.<\/p>\n

    \"two<\/p>\n

    After exploring Mayan villages while driving on and off-road, you move on to the next part of your day.<\/p>\n

    This is when you get to swim in a cenote and explore an underground river.<\/p>\n

    It’s a breathtaking opportunity that I’d recommend for anyone who loves an adrenaline rush.<\/p>\n

    Call us at\u00a0888-537-9797<\/a> for more info about this adventure.<\/p>\n

    6. See the Manatees and Crocodiles at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve<\/h2>\n

    Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> and it’s easy to see why.<\/p>\n

    The wetlands, lagoons, cenotes, and mangrove swamps are simply magical.<\/p>\n

    You also get to experience local wildlife, including flamingos, pumas, jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, manatees, crocodiles, and vultures.<\/p>\n

    How impressive is that?<\/p>\n

    \"Sian<\/p>\n

    Bear in mind that the reserve covers 1.3 million acres,<\/strong> so you need to plan what you’re going to see or take an organized tour.<\/p>\n

    I’d recommend a trip along the Mayan Canal<\/strong> and a visit to Punta Allen if you want complete tranquility.<\/p>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    7. Snorkel the Reef in Cozumel<\/h2>\n

    Staying in Riviera Maya and want to check out\u00a0the islands<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

    I’d recommend Cozumel, where you can savor some of the best snorkeling in the world<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Get up close to the marine life<\/strong> and enjoy the stunning Caribbean surroundings.<\/p>\n

    \"two<\/p>\n

    We’ll help you make the most of your visit to Cozumel by booking you on the “Playa Mia & Coral Reef Snorkeling in Cozumel<\/strong>” tour.<\/p>\n

    After snorkeling, you get to visit Starfish Sanctuary and sample the amenities at Playa Mia.<\/p>\n

    Call us at\u00a0888-537-9797<\/a> for more info about this tour.<\/p>\n

    You may also want to read my blog post for more advice about Cozumel.<\/p>\n

    “The Ultimate 1-Day Guide to Cozumel \u2013 What to Do in 24 Hours”<\/a><\/p>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    8. Treat Your Tastebuds at Cassa Ceviche<\/h2>\n

    Simply put, this place serves the most delicious Peruvian Ceviche ever<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    It’s to die for.<\/p>\n

    As is all the food at this Playa Del Carmen eatery<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \"food<\/p>\n

    image: pdceatsanddrinks.com<\/a><\/p>\n

    It also has a really friendly vibe<\/strong> and it’s a super cute space.<\/p>\n

    Definitely not tourist chic and all the better for it.<\/p>\n

    For more insights into where to eat in Playa Del Carmen<\/strong>, have a look at my blog post.<\/p>\n

    “Where to Eat? Your Ultimate Guide to Different Cuisines in Playa del Carmen”<\/a><\/p>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    9. Discover the Magic of Joya<\/h2>\n

    The Joya performance by Cirque du Soleil<\/a><\/strong> only happens in Riviera Maya.<\/p>\n

    And, the purpose-built performance space<\/strong> is spectacular.<\/p>\n

    \"cirque<\/p>\n

    This is a perfect activity in Riviera Maya<\/strong> for people of all ages, from kids to middle-aged vacationing couples.<\/p>\n

    I mean, who doesn’t love Cirque du Soleil, right?<\/p>\n

    We’ll help you enjoy the experience of watching contortionists, acrobatic gymnasts, dancers, jugglers, and musicians perform.<\/p>\n

    You can book with us<\/a> to see the show.<\/p>\n

    Choose from four options:<\/p>\n