23 Totally Awesome Things to Do in Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Mayan Riviera (or Riviera Maya) refers to the 100-mile stretch of coastline on the Yucatan Peninsula, running just south of Cancun to Tulum and beyond.

Photo: Xplor

We highlight our favorite things to do on the Mayan Riviera. These are bucket list activities – no matter whether you dig nature, culture or adventure.

Learn to SUP

The waters off Playa del Carmen are typically calm and still, especially at sunrise and just before sunset – making Playa del Carmen ideal for SUP boarding.

Photo: Aloha Paddle Club

01.

A fabulous theme-cum-ecological-park. It boasts everything from a replica of a Mayan village to evening entertainment, complete with a horse exhibition and pre-Hispanic dances.

Discover Xcaret

Photo: Xcaret

02.

Chill at Xpu Ha

The turquoise waters are especially lovely in all their different hues of blue. You’ll find beach chairs for rent, little beach bars, eateries, bathrooms and showers.

03.

Experience the magic of Joya

Be mesmerized as you watch trapeze artists swinging on vines, a mermaid contortionist, jugglers, masked wrestlers and other artists perform incredible feats.

Photo: Vidanta Riviera Maya

04.

Take the ferry to Cozumel

Stop at scenic viewpoints or beaches as the mood hits you, and grab lunch at one of the many beachside restos that dot the route.

05.

Get your thrills at Xplor

On the highest Xplor zipline, you’re flying almost 150 feet above the ground. At the end of another zipline, you splash down into a cenote.

06.

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