25 Best Day Trips from Playa del Carmen in 2024

Top Picks: Best Day Trips from Playa del Carmen

Best Day Trips from Playa del Carmen

These are the best day trips Playa del Carmen has to offer:

The island is known for its beautiful beaches and incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities thanks to its location on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Taking a day trip to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen is super easy–all you have to do is hop on the ferry from the terminal in downtown Playa del Carmen and you’ll arrive to the island in about 45 minutes.

Once you get there, there are many options for activities including beach bumming at Playa Palancar or one of the many Cozumel water parks, souvenir shopping, snorkeling at El Cielo, or just walking around the cute downtown San Miguel de Cozumel.

Another one of the best things to do in Cozumel is to rent a jeep and cruise down the island’s scenic coastal roads–you simply won’t find that in Playa del Carmen!

Known for its picturesque beaches and trendy beach clubs, Tulum also offers plenty of cultural experiences such as visiting the famous Tulum Ruins or exploring the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

My favorite thing to do on a day trip to Tulum from Playa del Carmen is just to hit up a beach club for the day–some of my top recommendations include Ziggy’s Beach Club and Mia Beach Club.

There’s typically a food and beverage minimum and you’ll get access to lounge beds, umbrellas, and the beach. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy some of the best beaches in Mexico!

You can also ride bikes through the very Instagrammable beachfront hotel zone (Zona Hotelera) which is home to boutique hotels, designer shops, tropical smoothie bars, and trendy restaurants.

To get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen, you can rent a car, take a taxi, take the ADO bus, or take a colectivo.

Located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, these ruins are some of the closest Mayan ruins to Playa del Carmen and the only beachfront Mayan Ruins in the entire state of Quintana Roo.

Trust me, it’s not boring because the ocean views are just stunning!

The ruins are pretty easy to visit on your own or you can opt for a guided Tulum Ruins tour for transportation with hotel pickup and a knowledgable guide.

And after you’ve walked through history, you can even head down to the public beach just south of the ruins for a refreshing swim.

This small island is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches, with plenty of options for snorkeling, shopping, and dining.

Some popular spots to visit on a day trip to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen include the iconic Playa Norte, a jaw-dropping beach that’s usually always seaweed-free.

You can also rent a golf cart to explore the island or visit Punta Sur, which is a stunning cliffside park with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

To get to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen, you’ll have to drive from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, then take a 15-minute ferry over to Isla Mujeres.

This small beach town is known for its abundance of sea turtles that come there to feed on the sea grass in the shallow waters.

You can go on a snorkeling tour in Akumal to swim with sea turtles right off the beach. There’s so many sea turtles there that you are almost guaranteed to see them!

I would recommend visiting Akumal on a tour since it’s a protected area and the tour guides will teach you how to swim with sea turtles responsibly.

But if you do want to go to Akumal from Playa del Carmen on your own, you can rent a car or take a colectivo (shared van).

This impressive archaeological site is home to the famous Kukulkan pyramid and many other well-preserved structures like the Ball Court and Conservatory that offer a glimpse into the fascinating history of the Mayan civilization.

Chichen Itza is located about 2.5 hours away from Playa del Carmen. If you don’t have a rental car, I would highly recommend taking a guided Chichen Itza tour, which includes all your transportation and guide.

Plus, many tours also include a visit to some incredible nearby cenotes, which are way better than the cenotes near Playa del Carmen!

A day trip to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen is definitely a must-do if you’re interested in history and culture during your trip to Mexico!

Cenotes (pronounced “say-know-tay”) are natural sinkholes filled with crystal clear water, and they are a unique phenomenon that can only be found in this part of the world.

There are over thousands of cenotes scattered throughout the Yucatan peninsula, each with its own characteristics and features.

Some are underground caves with stalactites and stalagmites, while others are open-air with lush vegetation surrounding them.

You can typically go swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, ziplining, or even scuba diving in these stunning natural pools.

Some of the best cenotes to visit near Playa del Carmen include Cenote Eden, Cenote Cristalino, and Cenote Azul.

Cenotes typically have a small entrance fee, and then you can spend the day there just swimming and hanging out in nature.

It’s easiest to go by rental car as many are nestled in the jungle, but some of the cenotes closer to the highway can also be reached by taxi or colectivo.

This uninhabited island just north of Cancun is actually a nature reserve and is home to over 150 species of birds and various marine life.

But the real star of the show on Isla Contoy is the jaw-dropping beach with crystal clear water and white sand that feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

I’m telling you this is the prettiest beach I’ve seen in Mexico!

Plus, only 200 visitors are allowed on the island per day, which makes it a more exclusive experience and a nice break from the crowds.

This natural wonder was only recently discovered in 2006, but it’s quickly become a must-visit attraction in the Riviera Maya.

You can explore Rio Secreto on a guided tour that includes transportation from Playa del Carmen.

On the tour, you’ll get to swim and trek through the underground caves, learning about its geological features and history.

It’s a cool way to experience something different in nature while also staying cool from the heat. And since it’s underground, it’s a great rainy day activity in Playa del Carmen!

Located just 35 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, this small town is a hidden gem with its tranquil beaches and authentic Mexican vibe.

You can spend the day lounging on the beach, snorkeling or diving at the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos, or wandering around the town’s main square.

There are also some delicious seafood restaurants in Puerto Morelos that are worth checking out.

And the town’s iconic leaning lighthouse known as “El Faro Inclinado” is one of the town’s main landmarks.

This stunning stretch of white sand and crystal clear water is much quieter and more secluded than other popular beaches in Playa del Carmen.

The tricky thing about visiting Punta Maroma is that this stretch of coastline is pretty much dominated by private resorts and there aren’t any public beach access points.

But you can still visit by either staying at one of the resorts, booking a day pass to Maroma Beach Club, booking an all-inclusive day pass to Secrets Maroma, or booking a tour with Maroma Adventures.

This is an old road near Puerto Morelos that is lined with a variety of cenotes. Some are hidden and off-the-grid, perfect for those looking for a more secluded and adventurous experience.

Most of the cenotes are pretty secluded so the easiest way to get there is by renting a car and then you can hop around to multiple cenotes throughout the day.

This full-day eco-adventure park has a focus on the culture and history of Mexico and features over 50 different activities such as underground rivers, lagoon snorkeling, cultural performances, and numerous animal encounters.

I highly recommend staying for the nightly Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show (included in your ticket), which highlights traditional dances and performances from different regions of Mexico.

Of all the Xcaret parks, this park is most popular for families, as it’s more low-key and less action-packed than some of the other parks like Xplor and Xel-Ha.

The park features a natural lagoon where you can do unlimited snorkeling, as well water ziplines, cliff jumping, and a natural lazy river.

But the park’s most iconic feature is the 98 ft Scenic Lighthouse, where you can climb to the top and descend down one of its four spiral waterslides.

This all-inclusive park also offers unlimited food and alcoholic drinks, making it a great value for your money. Plus, transportation from Playa del Carmen can be added for an extra when booking Xel-Ha tickets.

This full-day adventure park has some of the most thrilling activities and the tallest ziplines in all of Riviera Maya.

In total, you’ll get to do 6 different adrenaline-pumping activities including ziplining, amphibious vehicles, a stalactite river swim, hammock splash seated zipline, cave rafting, and an underground expedition.

Plus, it’s an all-inclusive ticket so a buffet lunch and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are included in your ticket price.

Transportation can also be added on when purchasing Xplor tickets or you can easily take a quick taxi from Playa del Carmen.

The best part of the site is the impressive Nohoch Mul, a 138-foot (42-meter) pyramid that was once the city’s heart. 

While you’re no longer able to climb the pyramid, the site offers a more secluded experience than other popular ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum.

This hidden gem is a protected turtle sanctuary and not as well-known or commercialized as other beaches in the area.

The beach has no amenities like beach clubs or restaurants, so you’ll need to bring all your own beach gear.

The best way to get to Xcacel Beach from Playa del Carmen is by renting a car, taking a taxi, or taking a colectivo.

It’s the ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking a more tranquil beach experience.

What I love about Playa Xpu-Ha is that it’s secluded but it has the perfect amount of beach clubs and amenities.

You can rent lounge chairs, umbrellas, and enjoy delicious food and drinks while lounging on the white sandy beach.

The best way to get to Xpu-Ha Beach from Playa del Carmen is by renting a car, taking a taxi, or taking a colectivo. It’s definitely worth the short trip for a day of relaxation in paradise!

This hidden gem is a small lagoon located south Tulum that features crystal-clear water surrounded by mangroves.

The lagoon’s most identifying feature is the deep cenote in the middle of the lagoon, which creates a very sharp contrast in the color of the water.

You can hang out on the wooden dock, swim, snorkel, and even take a mud bath in the lagoon for some natural skin care.

The Muyil Ruins are thought to date back to as early as 350 BC and are home to a number of impressive structures, including a tall and narrow pyramid.

The best way to get to the Muyil Ruins from Playa del Carmen is by renting a car or booking a guided tour.

What’s great about the lagoon is that it’s not that commercialized and has a more tranquil atmosphere compared to other popular snorkeling spots like Xel-Ha.

Plus, Yal Ku admission tickets are really affordable and include snorkel gear and a life jacket.

The best way to get to Yal Ku Lagoon from Playa del Carmen is by renting a car or taking a taxi.

This all-inclusive tour takes you to four different cenotes, each with its own special features like cliff jumping, ziplining, rappelling, and kayaking.

The best part is that transportation from Playa del Carmen is included in your Xenotes ticket, making it super convenient and hassle-free.

Xenotes is perfect for those looking for a more secluded and adventurous experience.

This protected area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

The road to Sian Ka’an is pretty rough so the safest way to get there is by going on a guided Sian Ka’an tour through the reserve, where you’ll get to see wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, crocodiles, and birds in their natural habitat.

This popular tourist spot is much more bustling than Playa del Carmen and known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and all-inclusive resorts.

You can take a day trip to Cancun from Playa del Carmen to experience its famous beaches and attractions, or simply stroll through the lively Hotel Zone.

There’s lots of different options to get to Cancun from Playa del Carmen including renting a car, taking a taxi, taking the ADO bus, or taking a colectivo.

Playa del Carmen Excursions: FAQs

Conclusion: Playa del Carmen Day Trips Guide