10 Best Things To Do In Riviera Maya

1. Book a tour to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Translated as ‘where the sky is born’, the beautiful Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one of the must see in Riviera Maya. It is located 10 km south of Tulum and it is reachable by car. Booking a day tour from Tulum, makes getting to the Biosphere Reserve much less of a hassle.

Natural wonders such as beaches, saltwater lagoons, Mayan ruins, coral reefs, and more may be found at this UNESCO Heritage Site. In other words, this is the place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Tulum.

In addition, there is a greater chance of spotting marine animals like manatees, dolphins, and turtles if you travel to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

To book this tour click here.

2. Go stand-up paddle boarding in Playa del Carmen

Going stand up paddle boarding is a must-do in Riviera Maya. It is a unique adventure that is perfect for both experienced riders and first timers who want to learn new hobby.

The water in Playa del Carmen is typically very calm and still, making it an ideal location for stand-up paddle boarding. One of the top-rated tour companies that offers a wide range of SUP boards is the Aloha Paddle Club.

Aside from tours, they also provide stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lessons in the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.

3. Buy souvenirs on 5th Avenue

New York’s 5th Avenue is well-known for the abundance of upscale international department stores that line its streets. Playa del Carmen, on the Riviera Maya, also features its own version of 5th Avenue, where visitors may buy a broad selection of authentic Mexican trinkets.

You can get a wide variety of souvenirs, from pottery plates to leather purses and handmade jewelry, in the many gift stores lining the streets.

Restaurants serving Mexican and other international cuisine, pubs, and art galleries can all be found along this lively, colorful, and popular pedestrian avenue.

Additionally, it is a must visit place to purchase your favorite high-end products. Sephora and Victoria Secret are among the places to see in the street.

Moreover, the Frida Kahlo Museum is one of the must-see in Riviera Maya. It is a place that contains the artworks of a popular Mexican painter Frida Kahlo who is known for her self-portraits that often dealt with mortality, individuality, and the human form.

4. Have a fun and interesting excursion at Xcaret

If you’re looking for a vacation spot that boasts both cultural and natural features, Xcaret in Playa del Carmen must be on your list.

Visitors looking to go swimming or try out water sports like snorkeling will find Xcaret to be an ideal destination. It’s a wonderful spot to learn about Mexico’s past in an entertaining and interactive way.

An enjoyable journey awaits you at this location, which features a water park, cenotes, underground rivers, beach, lagoon, and pools. This is why people in Mexico regard it as a spiritual paradise. It first opened its doors to tourists in 1990, and since then they’ve gotten to experience the area’s rich history and unique wildlife.

To book this tour click here.

5. Go snorkeling with turtles in Akumal Bay

The Riviera Maya is brimming with breathtaking landscapes and picturesque spots. Akumal Bay, often known as the “place of the turtles,” is a fantastic destination for people who are always eager for an adventure.

Snorkeling with Akumal sea turtles is definitely one of the most special activities when visiting Riviera Maya. Akumal Bay is home to a large number of sea turtles due to the abundance of sea grass in the area.

Going snorkeling in Akumal will allow you to get close to the turtles as they are used to the presence of humans. Akumal nests different sea turtle species like green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Encountering these beautiful creatures can be a highlight of your trip to Riviera Maya.

To book this tour click here.

6. Practice your golf skills at Gran Coyote Golf

Playing golf in Gran Coyote Golf is one of the best activities in Riviera Maya. It’s a great course for beginners and pros alike because it offers a good mix of challenges and friendly competition.

Within walking distance from Costa Beach Club, you’ll find the immaculate fairways of Gran Coyote, home to an impressive 18-hole course. If you or your loved ones are golf enthusiasts, this is a must-see destination.

There are many ways to make your golf course more fun when you’re in Gran Coyote Golf like making your own rules and bet money with fellow golf players. Through this, you’re having fun and exercising at the same time.

7. Take aesthetic photos at 3D Museum of Wonders

The 3D Museum of Wonders in Riviera Maya is a fun place to visit for people of all ages. Guests are not only entertained, but also taught about the power of depth perception in the realm of optical illusions.

Upon entering the museum, you can instantly become an active part of the illusion and take aesthetic and funny photos with your friends or family. This place can also be a perfect time to have bonding with loved ones or just take photos to update your Instagram feed.

Inside the museum, you can see some of the 3D illusion artworks made by famous artists like Michelangelo and DaVinci. It is also an ideal place to appreciate the beauty of art and the power of the imaginative mind to transcend one to another world.

8. Enjoy a day trip to Cozumel

Cozumel is among the beautiful islands in Riviera Maya that is worth checking out. This is an ideal place for a day trip especially if you want to experience loads of activities close to nature.

From Playa del Carmen, you may take a short ferry to Cozumel. Water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving are extremely popular on this island.

In addition to the enjoyable pursuits available on the island, there are many interesting locations to explore here. El Cielo beach, where you can occasionally spot starfishes, the ruins at San Gervasio, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park are just a few.

You can spend a day in this island if you want to unwind and get away from the busy streets of the city.

To book this tour click here.

9. Boost your adrenaline at Emotions Native Park

One of the most exciting activities in Riviera Maya is riding an ATV through Emotions Native Park. Travelers looking to get their heart pumping may do so at Emotions Native Park. You can try out energy booster sports like riding ATV and zip lining over the stunning Riviera Maya Forest.

In addition to these exciting rides, visitors to Emotions Native Park may also learn about and engage with Mayan culture. After exploring the jungle on wheels, the Casa de los Suenos, or “House of Dreams,” is just a short stroll away. This is where you can learn the lifestyle of the first settlers in the region.

In addition, swimming in the cenote is a fantastic way to cool off after exploring the natural beauty of Emotions Native Park. The Ixchel Cenote is an underground cenote where tourists are allowed to swim and take photos.

Ixchel is one of the sacred Mayan cenotes. Ancient Mayans consider cenotes as the communications centers with their gods. For them, they consider Ixchel as the goddess of water, healing and fertility.

To book this tour click here.

10. Drop by at the Tulum Archaeological Site

A trip to Riviera Maya would not be complete without visiting the Tulum Archaeological Site. The magnificent Tulum ruins are the things to see in Riviera Maya that you shouldn’t be missed. It is perched on high cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea so if you’re looking for Instagram worthy spots in the region, Tulum ruins should be part of the list.

The natural beauty at the Tulum Archaeological Site complements the site’s historical significance. The Mayans occupied the area from around 1200 AD until the 15th century. But they eventually fled to the jungle after the Spanish came to Central America.

Moreover, Tulum ruins are open to the public from 8 a.m to 5 p.m (Mondays to Sundays).

10 Best Things To Do In Riviera Maya