Things to do in Riviera Maya & the Yucatan
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Playa del Carmen Nightclub Tour: Skip Line, Unlimited DrinksA VIP nightclub tour in Playa del Carmen takes you through three of the hottest bars and clubs in a single night, with skip-the-line entry, unlimited domestic drinks at each stop, and a local guide steering the route. The tour runs five hours across the venues; club schedules shift nightly, so the exact stops change. Dress code is enforced — no beach wear, flip-flops, sleeveless shirts or tank tops for men — and a photo ID is required at the door.Is it for me?Choose this tour if you speak English or Spanish comfortably and want to move through Playa del Carmen's nightlife without arranging transport or negotiating entry yourself — the guide handles both, and the five-hour pace keeps you moving through three venues in a single night.
Kayaking Tour Through Mangroves in Isla Holbox: See crocodiles and birdsA guided kayaking tour through the mangroves of Isla Holbox where you paddle a double kayak through calm channels, spotting coastal birds, crocodiles and seasonal flamingos with a professional guide who explains the flora and fauna along the way. Hotel pickup and return are included, along with your kayak, bottled water and a protein bar. The tour runs three hours and suits paddlers from age 6 with at least moderate fitness.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want a guided paddle where the pace and navigation are handled for you — the calm water and double kayak mean you can focus on spotting wildlife instead of managing the route. It works well for families with children from age 6 and for paddlers who prefer company over going solo.
Cenote and Turtle Snorkeling Tour in Akumal: Private, GuidedA private snorkeling tour in Akumal pairs an underground cenote in Parque Dos Ojos with guided turtle spotting at Akumal Bay, where you search for three of the world's seven sea turtle species along the second-largest barrier reef. Private transport from your hotel, snorkeling equipment, bottled water and a licensed guide in English, Spanish or French are included; the itinerary is customizable, and you can add a lunch stop at a local restaurant.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to snorkel with sea turtles and explore a cenote without organizing transport or gear yourself, and if a private guide and flexible itinerary matter more to you than a set schedule or group departure.
Cancun: Nichupte Lagoon Kayak Tour with Shipwreck & SunsetYou’ll paddle through quiet mangrove channels in Cancun’s Nichupte Lagoon with a local guide—sometimes spotting wildlife or even a hidden shipwreck if luck’s on your side. Mornings are calm; evenings glow with sunset colors. All equipment is included so you can just show up ready to get a little wet and maybe laugh at your own paddling skills.
Cancun: Private Fishing Charter to Isla Mujeres for Marlin & SailfishYou’ll head out early from Cancun on a private fishing charter toward Isla Mujeres, trolling for marlin or sailfish with experienced crew guiding every step. Expect salty air, wild stories from local fishermen, fresh drinks on ice—and maybe even dolphins alongside your boat. The thrill of that first bite stays with you long after you’re back on shore.
Isla Mujeres & Cancún: Private Inshore Fishing Charter with DrinksYou’ll spend your day fishing off Isla Mujeres and Cancún’s coast with friendly local guides who know every trick in the book. Expect cold drinks, fresh sandwiches, and plenty of time to relax while waiting for snapper or barracuda to bite. Kids are welcome on board too — so bring them along for laughs and maybe even their first catch.
Chichen Itza & Ek Balam: Private Day Trip with Cenote SwimYou’ll wake up early for Chichen Itza before crowds arrive, climb Ek Balam’s pyramid above jungle treetops, taste Yucatecan flavors over lunch in Valladolid, and cool off swimming in a freshwater cenote—all with private transport and a local guide who keeps things real.
Snorkeling in Cozumel: El Cielo, Columbia & Palancar ReefsThis guided snorkeling tour in Cozumel takes you to El Cielo sandbar, Columbia Reef, and Palancar Reef aboard a boat departing from KUZÁ's private dock, skipping the crowds and long transit times of typical reef tours. The 2-hour guided snorkel is included along with snorkel gear, water, and sodas during the tour; afterward, you return to KUZÁ Beach Park for a full day of unlimited buffet dining, open bar, live music, cultural performances, and beach access. Lounge chairs, showers, and nature trails are available throughout the day. A signed waiver is required for entry, and snorkelers must be able to swim and in good physical condition; children under 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian within arm's reach during water activities.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to see three of Cozumel's most celebrated reefs without spending your whole day on a boat—the private dock cuts the transit time, so the morning focuses on snorkeling and the afternoon is yours to relax on the beach with food and drinks already arranged.
Chichen Itza & Valladolid: Early Private Tour with LunchYou’ll walk through Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive, feeling the cool morning air and hearing your guide bring history alive. Afterward, taste real Yucatan dishes in Valladolid and wander its shaded squares at your own pace. This day trip from your hotel includes private transport, entry fees, lunch—and more space to breathe than you’d expect.
Cancun Yacht Charter: Private 60ft Cruise to Isla MujeresYou’ll board a private 60ft yacht in Cancun and cruise turquoise waters toward Isla Mujeres or just around Cancun Bay if short on time. Expect friendly crew help, cold drinks with plenty of ice, snorkeling gear ready when you anchor at Playa Norte, and lots of sun-warmed moments drifting above clear sand. It’s relaxed, not rushed — perfect if you want to feel both spoiled and at ease.
Cancun & Isla Mujeres: Catamaran Sailing, Snorkel & SnacksYou’ll sail from Cancun on a catamaran with a local crew, snorkel in bright blue waters near Isla Mujeres, snack on fresh guacamole and salsa with drinks onboard, then enjoy free time exploring downtown Isla Mujeres before heading back—leaving you with that salty hair feeling and maybe a new story or two.
Drive a Speed Boat in Cancun Mangrove Lagoon: You pilot your own boatDrive your own speed boat through the mangrove canals of Lagoon Nichupte near Cancun, steering through dense jungle while a guide leads the way. The boat holds 2, 3 or 4 passengers, and you handle the controls for the full 2-hour run. A guide in English or Spanish rides along; bottled water, dressing rooms, showers and lockers are included. Minimum age to drive is 18 with a valid ID.Is it for me?Book this if you want to be in control of the boat rather than watching a guide drive. Small groups—just your party in one boat—mean you're not sharing the wheel or competing for attention, and the 2-hour window gives you time to get comfortable before the canals get tight.
Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour: Mercado 28 to Five TastingsA guided Mexican food tour in Cancun that starts at Mercado 28 with a tequila tasting, then moves through four neighborhood taquerías sampling Baja-style seafood tacos, hand-made blue-corn quesadillas and huaraches, northern-style carne asada with norteño salsas, and a signature regional taco. The tour runs four hours with a live guide in English or Spanish, soft drinks at each stop, and hotel pickup available depending on your option.Is it for me?Choose the shared tour to meet other travelers while visiting five food stops; pick the private option if your group prefers the same route and tastings with a dedicated guide.
Jungle Bike Tour from Playa del Carmen with Cenote SwimA jungle bike tour from Playa del Carmen covers 16 km of forest trails on a mountain bike, with a guide in English or Spanish, and finishes with a swim in a cenote fed by underground water. The tour includes bikes, helmets, an air-conditioned vehicle for transport, and hotel pickup. Children from age 12 are welcome.Is it for me?Book this tour if you are staying in Playa del Carmen without a car—the pickup and transport to the jungle trailhead means you do not need to arrange your own way out, and the four-hour loop fits into a morning or afternoon without eating the whole day.
Private Turtle Snorkel with Marine Biologist in Playa del CarmenA private, small-group snorkel in Playa del Carmen with a marine biologist guide combines close encounters with green turtles and instruction in marine ecosystems, built around passive observation and conservation. The guide teaches you to read animal behavior and understand the environmental pressures turtles face; snorkeling equipment, fresh local fruits and an interactive post-snorkel session are included. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the experience runs about three hours.Is it for me?Book this if you want hands-on learning from a marine biologist during snorkeling rather than joining a large group tour, and if you're comfortable in the water.
Drone Photography in Bacalar: Aerial Photos & Video EditA two-hour photography and filming session in Bacalar where you work with a guide to capture drone and camera footage around Lake Bacalar and the city, then receive an edited collection of photos and videos. The guide speaks English, Spanish, or Persian. Service animals are welcome, and the session suits all fitness levels.Is it for me?Book this if you want professional aerial footage of Bacalar without learning to fly a drone yourself—the guide shoots while you decide what matters, and you leave with finished photos and video ready to use.
Jet Ski Cozumel: 30 Minutes at San Francisco BeachJet ski riding for 30 minutes at San Francisco Beach in Cozumel on a two-person craft with instruction, safety gear and beach club access included. The riding area spans 4,000 meters along the coast, and a staff operator on patrol jet ski watches from the water. One companion can ride with you at no extra cost, or wait in the beach club lounge with pool and wi-fi access while you ride.Is it for me?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can follow the safety instruction and ride comfortably in whichever language works for you. The 30-minute window and beach club setup suit couples or small groups where not everyone may want to ride—those waiting have a pool and lounge to use while you're on the water.
Tulum & Akumal: Punta Laguna Wild Monkey Private Tour with PickupYou’ll wander through Punta Laguna’s lush jungle with a local guide, spotting wild monkeys overhead and tropical birds flitting past your shoulder. Enjoy easy walking paths, fresh snacks in dappled sunlight, and real stories from someone who grew up nearby—plus hotel pickup makes it all effortless. It’s not just wildlife watching; it’s being part of the forest for a few hours.
Cozumel Scuba Diving Tour: Small Groups on Barrier ReefScuba diving in Cozumel puts you on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system on earth, in small groups of four divers per guide. You meet at the dive shop, get geared up, then boat out about 45 minutes to the first site. The operator picks both dive depths and locations the morning of your dive based on your training level, so the experience fits what you can handle. Two dives, each up to 60 minutes, with a minimum one-hour surface interval on the boat where snacks and water are served. All diving equipment is provided onboard; if you're not certified, there's an additional charge to cover instruction. The boat returns around 3:30 PM, and you can either head back by taxi or stay longer on the island — the ferry schedule is flexible.Is it for me?Book this if you dive with a partner or two rather than a larger group, and the operator matches your depth and reef to your certification level on the morning of the dive.
Tulum Ruins & Cenote Swim: Private Tour with LunchA private tour of the Tulum Mayan ruins with a certified guide, cenote swimming and snorkeling, and lunch at a local restaurant near the cenotes. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included, along with entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and drinks in the van. You choose which cenote to visit: Nicte Ha for a calm open-air swim, Jaguar for cliff jumping and ziplining, or Taak bi Ha to explore an underground river.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to see Tulum without the midday crowds and want a guide explaining the site rather than walking it alone. The private vehicle and dedicated guide mean the day moves at your pace, and the cenote swim breaks up the ruins visit instead of being a separate trip you arrange afterward.
