By Bridget Castner
Craving sun-drenched shores and turquoise waters? Riviera Maya, Mexico, beckons!
Picture miles of sugar-soft beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and culture around every corner. Now, are you wondering about the best things to do in Riviera Maya? Read on for can't-miss experiences in this spectacular beach vacation destination.
Scuba Diving
Riviera Maya has some of the best places for scuba diving that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. Immerse yourself in the depth of Cozumel’s waters to explore Palancar Reef, where you'll explore an otherworldly underwater ecosystem filled with turtles, colorful fish, and amazing surroundings. Mahahual, Horseshoe, and Paamul are all great scuba locations as well, unveiling the secrets of the deep – shipwrecks, stunning coral reefs, and the beautiful wildlife under the sea.
Visit Ancient Mayan Ruins
One of the best things to do in Riviera Maya is to visit the Tulum Ruins. Echoes of a lost civilization, where stones meet the sea, these jewels of the turquoise coast are located right in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Explore the breathtaking ruins and wander the sun-kissed stones of the Mayan’s final masterpiece. Remember to wear light, comfortable clothes, fuel up with plenty of water, and head out early for a crowd-free exploration! Just remember - pesos only (no ATMS on-site)! If you want to take a day trip, visit Chichen Itza, another set of ruins just a little under 3 hours outside the city.
Spend the Day at Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park is a great family-friendly thing to do in Mexico. It's a magical place, combining a water park, theme park, amusement park, and eco-archaeological park all in one. Located right in the middle of the jungle, the park is filled with natural settings such as underground rivers, cenotes, and the Caribbean Sea. Get lost in the park's celebrations of Mexican history, folklore, and traditions. Other activities could include catching dinner and a show, taking the kids to an explorative wonderland, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling alongside small stingrays in a natural lagoon.
Explore the Dos Ojos Caverns
Also known as "Two Eyes”, the Dos Ojos provides tranquil diving experiences inside caverns of crystal clear waters and unique rock formations. You'll discover cave shrimp, fish life, and even bats in this turquoise oasis. If you don't feel like going underwater, the caverns are easy to float around and relax as you enjoy the scenery. Just keep in mind some eco-friendly tips: observe, but don't touch the foundations or the animals, and remember that cenote currents can be tricky, so tread with caution.
Snorkel at Puerto Morelos
Snorkeling at Puerto Morelos is hands down one of the best things to do in Riviera Maya. Find a reef snorkeling guide and suit up for one of the best under-the-sea adventures of your life. The reef has a protected status, so the only way to access this stunning area is with an accredited guide – which is totally worth it. With a guide, you'll know what to expect and can feel safe while exploring the fish, turtles, and the many wonders of this beautiful coral garden.
Swim with Turtles in Gran Cenote
One of the most unique things to do in Riviera Maya is to swim with the turtles in Gran Cenote. The cave has several entrances and you can hop into the water via a wooden deck with stairs. Sea turtles are gentle, harmless creatures and will swim right alongside you, so remember to respect them and their environment.
Friendly tip: Avoid putting sunscreen on before entering the cenote. The caves are mostly covered, and it's preferable to not bring chemicals into the water.
Relax at the Beaches
Uncover the magic of Riviera Maya's sun-kissed beaches and unveil the wonders that lie beneath the turquoise waves. You can feel the rhythm of paradise pulse beneath your feet, and the culture and history surrounding you. Bacalar Lagoon is surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and underwater cenotes, Paamul Beach stretches on with tall palm trees providing refreshing shade, and Playa Xcalacoco is a less crowded option surrounded by local restaurants. Visit Akumal Beach, Playa Ruinas, and Playa Puerto Morelos for more incredible beaches in Mexico.
Indulge in Authentic Mexican Food
While you're on vacation in Mexico, don't forget to indulge in tons of authentic Mexican food. Try Cochinita pibil, a traditional Yucatec Mayan dish of roasted pork wrapped in a banana leaf, or Poc chuc, a meat dish marinated in citrus juices served on a bed of rice with pickled onion, beans, and avocado. Other incredible dishes to try include sopes, a fried masa base with savory toppings, and panuchos, a refried tortilla stuffed with refried beans, topped with cabbage, pulled chicken, pickled red onion, and avocado, plus queso relleno, cheese stuffed with meat, raisins, nuts, and delicious spices.
