Playa del Carmen: Sunrise Paddleboard Tour & Photos

Summary

Early morning paddleboarding in playa del carmen with group photos and sea breeze

You’ll meet your guide at Playa del Carmen’s beach club before dawn for a sunrise paddleboard tour on calm Caribbean waters. After basic instruction, you’ll glide out as the sun rises—with group photos captured along the way—and finish with time to relax or grab breakfast by the sea. It’s quiet, vivid, and leaves you feeling like you’ve already lived a whole day before most people wake up.

What’s the experience like?

I showed up at the Aloha Paddle Club in Playa del Carmen when it was still dark, sand cool under my feet and the air carrying that salty, sleepy smell. There were a few of us—some folks from Germany, a couple from Mexico City, and our guide, Alex, who actually seemed wide awake (I’m not sure how). He handed out boards and gave a quick run-through; I was nervous about falling off but he just grinned and said most people are. The sky was barely starting to change color—kind of purple-blue—and you could hear the waves slapping against the shore. I remember thinking: okay, this is really happening.

Paddling out felt weirdly peaceful. The main keyword here is sunrise paddleboard tour—I mean, that’s what we came for—but it’s more than just paddling. The water was glassy except for little ripples from our boards. Alex pointed out a pelican gliding low over the water (he called it “el jefe” of the beach), and someone tried to get a GoPro shot but almost dropped it in. At some point my arms started to ache a bit but then the sun cracked over the horizon—orange and pink everywhere—and everyone just kind of stopped talking for a minute. It’s hard to explain but there’s something about being out there with strangers all quietly staring at the same thing.

Afterwards we drifted back in, legs wobbly from standing so long (mine anyway), laughing about who fell in and who didn’t. Alex had snapped some photos on his GoPro—he promised to send them later—and told us we’d get a discount at Fusion Beach Bar if we wanted breakfast or coffee. I sat there afterwards with wet hair and sand stuck to my ankle, watching people start their day on the beach while we’d already done something pretty good before 8am. I still think about that light on the water sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise Paddleboarding Experience

• Meet at beachfront club before dawn
• Attend brief paddleboarding instruction
• Paddleboard guided towards the rising sun
• Enjoy views of the Caribbean coastline

Top questions

Is this sunrise paddleboard tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners are welcome—basic instruction is included before heading out.

Where does the sunrise paddleboard tour start?

The meeting point is Aloha Paddle Club at Playa del Carmen’s beachfront.

Are photos included during the paddleboard session?

Yes, GoPro (and sometimes drone) photos are included with your booking.

What should I bring for this Playa del Carmen sunrise paddleboard tour?

Wear comfortable swimwear; boards, leashes, paddles, and snorkel gear (if conditions allow) are provided.

Is there any food or drink included after paddling?

No food is included but you get a 15% discount at Fusion Beach Bar or Muza Surf Bar after your session.

Can small children join this sunrise paddleboard group?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller; small children must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

How long has this sunrise paddleboarding been running in Playa del Carmen?

This group has been operating since 2015 with experienced local instructors.

Will I need previous experience for this activity?

No previous experience needed—the session is beginner-friendly with instruction provided.

What’s included

Your morning includes all paddleboarding equipment (board, leash, paddle), basic instruction from local guides before heading onto the Caribbean Sea at sunrise, GoPro photos taken during your session (sometimes even drone shots), optional snorkel gear if conditions allow it, plus a 15% discount at Fusion Beach Bar or Muza Surf Bar afterwards if you want to stick around for breakfast or coffee by the water.