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20+ Excursions & Day Trips from Playa del Carmen

Sophisticated and vibrant, Playa has virtually everything you could wish for in a Yucatan city. From stunning beaches to jungle, culture, nightlife, excellent gastronomy, and shopping… There are so many things to do in Playa del Carmen!

But on top of that, it’s set in a magnificent location that makes it an ideal gateway to explore the area.

I’ve personally spent time in Playa del Carmen many times. I recently went back to the city and revisited some of my favorite attractions around the area, and I even went on a few excursions to places I had never visited!

The thing is, there are virtually dozens of day trips from Playa del Carmen and around to keep you hooked for weeks. It’ll make you want to come back, you’ll see!

Image of a couple sitting on a beach cabana in Playa del Carmen

In any case, I have put together this guide with the best Playa del Carmen excursions to make it easier for you to plan your next vacation. 

But why can you trust me? I have a decade of experience curating travel guides. Besides having a system for identifying the very best tours, I spent several months in Mexico, enjoying the most epic adventures in the country (including a few of the tours in this list).

I’ve used that expertise to select high-quality tours, ensuring that whatever excursion you choose, is guaranteed to be an epic experience!

I use and recommend Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours worldwide. I especially recommend them for their free cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund. 

Are you in a rush? These are the best excursions:

TULUM DAY TRIPTulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote
CENOTES TOURTour Cenotes Oasis Maya
CHICHEN ITZA DAY TRIPChichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive
SNORKELING TOUR Mayan Adventure Snorkeling Tour
XCARET PARKXcaret Park with Buffet & Transportation

Take a Day Trip to Tulum 

Tulum has become an undisputed gem in the Mayan Riviera. At first, it was the powdery coastline and low-key living that attracted tourists.

Now its attractions include a foodie scene to die for, a chic bohemian vibe, appealing beach bars, and options to fit all budgets, just to name a few. Of course, this is on top of the spectacular Tulum beaches and nature.

The most scenic Mayan archaeological site is also located here. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum ruins will cast a spell on you. Their breathtaking views and the site’s fascinating history are a powerful combo!

This ancient city was built as a fortress to protect the area from invasions. You’ll get to see the thick walls surrounding it on three sides, and its main pyramid, which used to be a lighthouse. 

These Mayan ruins are irresistible, and, luckily, there are many trips to visit them from Playa del Carmen!

▶️ The Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves is one of the best options. You’ll visit the beautiful Tulum Archeological Site, with its spectacular views over the Caribbean Sea and historical structures.

Then, go snorkeling on a coral reef to meet the colorful schools of fish and other creatures, and finish the day cooling off in a cenote. You’ll also take a jungle walk and enjoy a local lunch. Roundtrip transportation is included for the ultimate hassle-free experience.

This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, entrance fees, equipment, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Swim in Cenotes near Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a strategic location to go on a cenote spree. Because let’s face it, you can never visit enough cenotes- once you’ve tried one, you’ll want them all! 

Cenote Jardin del Eden, for example, honors its name with paradise-worthy surroundings full of vegetation. It’s only 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen and you can easily get there by colectivo. It’s an open cenote with very clear water, so it’s great for snorkeling!

Cenote Cristalino means “crystal-clear” in Spanish, so you can imagine what awaits here. This is considered one of the most beautiful cenotes around Playa del Carmen, with dreamy clear waters, and not as crowded as other cenotes. It’s also easy to get to, so it’s a win from every angle!

Completing the trifecta, there’s Cenote Azul, which stands out for its bright turquoise waters. This is one of the biggest cenotes in Mexico, and has both shallow and deep areas, making it great for the whole family. 

These 3 cenotes are all close to each other and in a very practical location between Tulum and Playa. They make for a fantastic day trip!

If you’re a cenote junkie like me, consider also joining a tour. These Playa del Carmen cenote tours are some of the best ones.

▶️ This Xcaret 4 Cenotes – Guided Tour – Snacks, Lunch and Drinks Included is a full-day cenote adventure. You’ll get to kayak through underground caverns, and snorkel in subterranean aquatic habitats. Rappel down rock walls, and zipline over an ancient cenote as well.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, priority access, a guide, all equipment, snacks, lunch, and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ The Tour 4 Cenotes Includes Pick-Up Service is a half-day trip. It enables you to swim in 4 different cenotes in Casa Tortuga. You’ll also get to snorkel with the equipment provided and enjoy a tasty lunch. If you feel like it, you can even go ziplining!

This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, life jackets, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Go on an Adventure Tour from Playa del Carmen

With so much nature around, you can imagine that the Riviera Maya is basically a theme park for thrilling activities. Adventure tours in Playa del Carmen can take you in all directions, from deep into the jungle to visiting caves, flying above the trees, and much more. 

Check out these excursions near Playa del Carmen that are perfect adrenaline lovers.

▶️ This Playa del Carmen Jungle Tour: Tulum, Cenote Snorkeling, Ziplining, and Lunch is a 6-hour trip. You’ll get to glide above the treetops, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and explore the town of Tulum.

A visit to a Mayan village is also included for a cultural experience. Relish a buffet lunch before returning to your hotel.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, all equipment, lunch, and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ Go off-road with this Playa del Carmen Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim and Mayan Village Visit. The action starts by riding a buggy through the rainforest and along scenic roads. Then, wash off by swimming in an underground cenote, and visit an authentic Mayan village.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, all activities, water, and a snack. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Not what you’re looking for? I’ve written two posts about the best Playa del Carmen ATV tours and the best zipline tours from Playa del Carmen. Check them out!

Visit the Chichen Itza Ruins on a Day Trip from Playa del Carmen

No trip to Yucatan is complete without a visit to Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Chichen Itza was the most important cultural and political center for centuries. As expected, the site is nothing short of breathtaking. Today, Chichen Itza receives millions of visitors every year.

Woman standing in front of the pyramid in Chichen Itza

Combining a visit to Chichen Itza with a cenote swim and a stroll around Valladolid is one of the best ways to enjoy a Yucatan day trip.

You can get there and explore on your own, or you can join a tour. I’ve written about the best ones, but if you’re in a rush these two below are the best choices.

▶️ The Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour checks all the boxes. It takes you on a guided tour of Chichen Itza, followed by a visit to the colonial city of Valladolid.

After a busy day exploring, you’ll jump in the waters of a refreshing cenote and enjoy a delicious buffet meal.

This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, entrance fees, all visits, and a buffet lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ This Skip the Line Chichen Itza Private Tour with Sacred Cenote & Lunch is a great alternative. Enjoy a very educational visit to Chichen Itza, and explore the city of Valladolid.

You’ll also be swimming in a glorious cenote, and get to savor a local lunch. A professional guide will be at your entire disposal throughout the day.

This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, entrance fees, snacks, lunch, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Go on a Snorkeling Tour from Playa del Carmen 

Playa del Carmen and the beautiful Riviera Maya are world-class destinations for snorkeling and diving. With coral reefs along the coast, the Caribbean Sea is teeming with the most extraordinary and varied marine life. Sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and even whale sharks are only a few of them!

From Playa del Carmen, snorkeling tours abound and take you not only to the sea but also to cenotes. These are unique spots to explore a different type of flora and fauna in settings that you won’t find easily in other parts of the world. You can’t go wrong with any of these eco tours below.

▶️ This Mayan Adventure Snorkeling Tour from Playa del Carmen is the ultimate Yucatan water experience. It’s a full-day adventure that takes you snorkeling in three ecosystems: the sea, an underground river, and a cenote.

You’ll learn about each of them from your guide, and indulge in a buffet lunch. Transfers are also included.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, snorkel gear, drinks, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ The Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon Snorkeling Adventure is one of the greatest snorkeling trips. It allows you to discover the underwater world of a cenote, an underground river, and a lagoon. A professional guide will accompany you, and you’ll be provided with all the equipment.

This tour includes: Pick-up and drop-off from selected hotels, a guide, snorkel gear, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

We DON’T recommend snorkeling with turtles in Akumal due to concerns about the turtles’ welfare and the sustainability of the activity. We urge you to make responsible decisions when booking tours, especially those that involve animals.

Spend the Day at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka’an is a pristine ecosystem south of Playa del Carmen, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of over 2007 square miles (5,200 square km) between land and sea.

This Biosphere Reserve is home to a large diversity of flora and fauna and offers amazing attractions to enjoy this natural gem to the fullest. I think it’s one of the ultimate attractions in the Riviera Maya!

Therefore, I highly recommend checking out the best tours to Sian Ka’an from Playa del Carmen. This way, you’ll get to explore the region with a knowledgeable guide.

▶️ This Sian Ka’an Adventure Full-Day Trip to Punta Allen is a fantastic way to visit. You’ll go snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Reef, meet the manatees at Boca Paila Lagoon, and enjoy a great tour around the reserve. Cap off the day with lunch and free time in Punta Allen.

This tour includes: A guide, a boat tour, snorkel gear, life jackets, snacks, water, and lunch. Transfers from Playa del Carmen have an extra cost. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Visit One (or More!) of the Xcaret Parks

Xcaret is a set of huge adventure and nature parks along the Riviera Maya, with more than 40 activities on the sea, jungle, and rivers. The parks also offer shows that showcase the cultural traditions of this part of Mexico.

The Xcaret Parks can keep you hooked for days! Luckily, there are many excursions from Playa del Carmen to check out.

A girl smiling and standing on the shore of a beach in Xcaret

Xcaret has underground rivers, the Caribbean Sea, and Mexican culture all in a single place. It includes more than 50 natural and cultural activities and attractions.

You’ll get to snorkel in cenotes, follow a rainforest trail to Mayan ruins tucked deep in the jungle, and witness some very cool shows. Especially the 2-hour night show about the history and traditions of Mexico, which is a must-see!

▶️ With this Xcaret Park Entry Ticket with Night Show Included, you’ll have access to a ton of activities. These include swimming in cenotes and caves, visiting a coral reef aquarium, and checking out the Art Museum.

You’ll also get to watch the musical show in the country, Mexico Espectacular. You can upgrade your ticket to include use of the Plus Area facilities.

This tour includes: Entrance fee, safety equipment, activities, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ If you’d rather make the trip on your own, you can get the Xcaret Admission, which includes access to all the activities and tickets for the night show. You’ll also be able to use the lounge areas and changing facilities, and get free parking. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


Xplor is a great option for adrenaline junkies. This park is all about zip-lining above the treetops, rafting through caves, and driving ATVs through the thick jungle.

You’ll also go on underground expeditions, and swim in subterranean rivers. Xplor is sure to get your blood pumping!

▶️ The Riviera Maya: Xplor Park Food & Drinks with Transfers gets you full-day access to all of the theme park’s attractions. You’ll get to fly over the treetops, drive amphibious vehicles through the jungle, and swim in underground rivers.

This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, all activities, equipment, beverages, and a buffet lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Plan on driving to the park yourself? Then get the All-Inclusive Ticket Entry instead, which grants you access to all the activities, a buffet lunch, and facilities, as well as free parking. ➥ BUY YOUR TICKET HERE


Xel-Ha is all about water: waterslides, inlets, cenotes, rivers and coves can be found in this adventure park! There are plenty of activities in the jungle as well, of course.

▶️ For a special nature experience, check out this Riviera Maya: Xel-Há Admission Ticket All Inclusive. Xel-Há Park is dedicated to the preservation of flora and fauna, and this pass gives you access to all the activities.

From snorkeling to playing in the lazy river, cycling through the jungle, and swinging from a vine, all are included.

This tour includes: Admission to the park, all activities, equipment, breakfast, lunch, and an open bar. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Alternatively, buy the Xel-Ha Admission directly and make your way to the theme park on your own. You’ll have access to all the activities and equipment, enjoy breakfast or lunch, make use of the open bar, and park your car for free. ➥ BUY YOUR TICKET HERE


Xavage is an incredibly exhilarating adventure park in the region. It features beautiful canals, which are the perfect setting for kayaking, and the only whitewater rapids in the Riviera Maya.

Ziplines, jet boat trips, and obstacle circuits are a few of the activities visitors can take part in. While most attractions are for adrenaline seekers, there’s also a wonderful Children’s Zone to keep the little ones entertained.

▶️ Get the XAVAGE Park Tickets with Transportation *Official Product*. The admission allows you to enjoy all the thrilling activities at Xavage Park! An extensive buffet is included to keep you going, and you can choose between the Basic and All-Inclusive options.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all activities, equipment, use of facilities, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ If you’d rather explore Xavage Park on your own, you can buy the Xavage Entrance Ticket. You’ll get to choose between the Basic and the All-Inclusive admissions, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch and drinks to refuel. Free parking is included in both ticket options. ➥ GET YOUR ADMISSION HERE

Swim in an Underground River

Image of a girl smiling in an underground river at Rio Secreto

Rio Secreto is an astounding underground river usually referred to as the Crystal Museum. This is due to the immense amount of stalactites and stalagmites that cover the caves, which add a unique charm to the attraction.

Believed to have been the location of Mayan rituals back in the day, today it’s a magnificent attraction enjoyed by people from all over the world. When visiting, you’ll get to swim in the river, and meet the small animals that inhabit the cave system, which include bats and catfish.

▶️ The Rio Secreto Plus Tour in Playa Del Carmen is a 5-hour adventure. You’ll get to hike and bike in the reserve’s nature trails, swim in the river, and enjoy a lights show inside the astounding Room of Peace cave.

Learn about the incredible geology of the site, and use your snorkeling masks to discover the underwater world! You’ll feast on a buffet lunch afterward.

This tour includes: Entry fees, a guide, lunch, use of bicycle, and refreshments. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Go on a Boat Tour from Playa del Carmen

A yacht sailing in blue waters

One could say that of Playa del Carmen’s main attractions, fifty percent are on land, and the other half are on water.

It’s right on the shores of the Caribbean Sea after all. And the pristine beaches, lively coral reefs, and gorgeous islands are a very strong reason why people visit.

Catamaran cruises and boat trips in Playa del Carmen are, therefore, very popular (and recommended!) They’re a fantastic way to get a new perspective on Playa’s coastline. Besides, you’ll get to snorkel in prime locations, visit the stunning islands, and swim in crystal-clear waters.

▶️ This Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks is a great option. You’ll sail along the coastline on a half-day trip, and enjoy a snorkeling guided tour at the reef.

You can also try stand-up paddleboarding, and indulge in an onboard lunch with drinks from the open bar.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a catamaran tour, snorkel gear, paddleboards, lunch, and an open bar. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ Check out the 5-Hour Private 38′ Luxury Catamaran 2-Stop Tour w/ Food, Open Bar & Snorkeling. You’ll set sail with your group of friends, making the most of the catamaran’s open bar.

Enjoy snorkeling stops along the reef, and relax on the deck with a scrumptious lunch. If you’re into fishing, you can opt to catch your very own meal, which will be grilled onboard. It’s one of the only fishing trips you’ll find, and certainly the best.

This tour includes: A private catamaran tour, snorkel gear, life jackets, towels, lunch, and an open bar. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Visit the Coba Ruins 

Yucatan is internationally known for its Mayan sites and visiting at least one of these ancient cities is a must when you’re here. The cool thing is that they’re all quite different from each other, so you can visit several at a time, and never get tired!

The Coba Ruins are one of the most impressive of the ancient Mayan cities, and they are a great alternative to the more crowded Chichen Itza. Plus here you get to climb a Mayan pyramid, which is strictly forbidden in most sites. It’s also super easy to reach Coba from Playa del Carmen!

▶️ The Coba Multun-Ha Cenote Tulum and Paradise Beach Small Group is a small-group excursion. It combines a visit to the archeological sites of Coba and Tulum with a professional guide.

You’ll explore ancient Mayan ruins and delve into their fascinating history with a guide. Plus, you’ll enjoy a refreshing dip in a cenote nearby, spend time in Paradise Beach, and refuel with a buffet lunch.

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, a guide, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Swim Responsibly with Whale Sharks

The waters of the Mayan Riviera offer a unique opportunity to see and swim with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. Every year from May to September, hundreds of whale sharks visit the waters of the northern Yucatan Peninsula.

However, whale sharks are an endangered species, and it’s crucial that you pick a responsible tour operator. You want to join a company that genuinely cares about the protection of the animals and the marine environment as a whole. 

The whale shark season runs from May to September, though you’ll have better chances of spotting them between June and August.

I wrote a whole post about the best whale shark tours, but this below is one of the best ones.

▶️The Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya is led by an expert marine biologist. Learn about the gentle giants of the ocean and how to interact with them responsibly as you sail toward them.

You’ll get to swim with the beautiful creatures – surely a highlight of your trip! – while also looking out for dolphins, manta rays, and turtles. Then you’ll enjoy lunch on the boat off the coast of Isla Mujeres, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

This tour includes: Transfers, a biologist, snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Go on a Cozumel Day Trip from Playa del Carmen

When it comes to day tours, Cozumel is one of the top destinations. The island is gorgeous! Besides boasting white-sand beaches and being a diving hotspot, it offers great snorkeling.

To get to Cozumel, you’ll need to take the ferry. The Ferry Terminal is located in Av. Benito Juárez 239, merely two blocks from 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

There you’ll board either an Ultramar or a Winjet ferry, both of which take around 40 minutes to complete the journey.

Tickets cost around 600 Pesos (approx. $35) at the time of writing. You can find the timetable and more info on how to get to the island in the post I wrote about getting from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.

The island is so big that, if you decide to explore it on your own, you’ll need to plan in advance where you want to go and how. You can alternatively book a tour that will do all the planning for you. You’ll still have to travel to Cozumel first, as the excursions are within the island.

▶️ The Private Jeep Excursion in Cozumel with Lunch and Snorkeling picks you up at the ferry terminal in Cozumel. You’ll be taken to the island’s main attractions on a day full of exploration.

Learn about Cozumel’s Mayan history, swim and snorkel at the beach, and help your guide design your perfect itinerary!

This tour includes: Private transportation, a guide, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ Ready to go snorkeling? Join this Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia, and El Cielo Reefs. The trip takes you to two different reefs, and to a beach inhabited by gorgeous starfish.

You’ll get to snorkel in these stunning locations, led by a professional guide. Refresh with soda, water, and beer in between snorkeling sessions!

This tour includes: A guided snorkeling tour, stops in all locations, an insured boat, snorkel gear, drinks, and a snack. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Rainy Day? Take a Cooking Class

Days in the Mayan Riviera are usually warm and sunny, but even paradise has rainy days. Especially in the summer, mainly in the form of showers. If this happens, don’t worry. Mexico is much more than beaches and jungle… and one great example is food!

Mexican cuisine is famous around the world for a reason. I know, you know, everyone knows that you’re going to miss those delicious tacos and quesadillas when you’re back home, are you not?

Why not learn how to make them yourself so you can soothe the craving? Cooking classes are one of the best activities in town.

I’ve written a whole post about the best ones, but here is my top pick:

▶️ This Playa del Carmen 3 hrs Mexican Cooking Class is a great plan for the whole family. You’ll meet a local to hit the shops and spice markets, where you’ll get the ingredients needed for your meal.

Then, take part in a hands-on cooking class, preparing Mexican classics such as tortillas and guacamole. At the end of the lesson, you’ll enjoy the dishes you’ve created. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

This tour includes: Markets visit, a cooking class, all ingredients, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Join an Isla Mujeres Tour from Playa del Carmen

Isla Mujeres, a tiny island off the coast of Cancun, is the kind of place you probably think about when you think of a Caribbean vacation. The fine, white-sand beaches lined with palm trees are perfect to relax and enjoy the low-key vibe of island life

This tropical paradise has tons of opportunities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking. It’s also full of inviting rustic bars and restaurants.

With only 4 miles (7 km) from north to south, Isla Mujeres can be covered in one day. Many people embark on Cancun or Playa del Carmen day trips to the island!

▶️ This Beach Escape to Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling offers pure island bliss. It will take you snorkeling in a coral reef, and to visit a nature sanctuary in Contoy Island.

Enjoy free time at the beach, and wander around the historical center of Isla Mujeres for some souvenir shopping. A morning snack and lunch are included to help you keep your energy up all day. 

This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, snorkel gear, a morning snack, lunch, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Go on a Local Walking Food Tour

How about letting someone else do the cooking this time? Mexican cuisine is mouth-watering, and there are some dishes you can’t miss while in the city.

Red plate with four corn tacos with different condiments on them.

These include tacos (of course! If they’re Al Pastor even better), enchiladas, pozole, tostadas, and tamales. Consider going on a food tour in Playa del Carmen to try as many dishes as possible, and have a local foodie to guide you.

▶️ Get an insider’s glimpse into the adult food scene on this Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour. A guide will take you off the beaten path to get a comprehensive introduction to Mexican cuisine.

Discover lesser-known Mexican specialties, and eat to your heart’s content while exploring the city on foot. Forget about having dinner, as the tastings of tacos, antojitos, quesadillas, and ice creams will more than make up for a meal!

This tour includes: A guide, all food tastings, and beverages. Vegetarian options are available. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Check Out a Cirque du Soleil Show 

Playa del Carmen is no stranger to fancy restaurants and amazing night shows. The city’s nightlife is one of its charms, after all. Among some of the amazing cultural attractions around is Cirque du Soleil’s show.

▶️ Get the Cirque du Soleil JOYA Admission Tickets to access a fine dining experience like no other. You’ll visit an intimate dinner theater in the jungle to enjoy a spectacular show that draws on Mexico’s heritage.

You can opt to add a fantastic dinner and champagne to your experience as well.

This tour includes: Admission tickets, and optional dinner, champagne, and appetizers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Explore Holbox for One Day

This small island off the coast of Cancun is the epitome of serenity. Imagine a slow-paced island with no cars or roads. Instead, you’ll find white sand beaches framed by palm trees, flamingos, and a peaceful atmosphere. This is Isla Holbox.

A woman in a red swimsuit walking along a white-sand beach in Holbox, holding a colorful Mexican hat in her right hand

Holbox is still one of the hidden gems in the Riviera Maya, and I certainly hope it stays that way. It’s the lack of crowds and touristic developments that makes Holbox so special, after all.

More and more people are visiting every year, so just in case, I recommend you check it out right now. While you can go there on a day trip, I suggest spending a few days on the island if you can.

You can get from Playa del Carmen to Holbox on your own, but it will be almost impossible to do it on a day trip. If a day is all you have, I HIGHLY recommend joining a tour like the one below or one of these ones.

▶️ This All-Inclusive Holbox Island Tour from Playa del Carmen is among the best boat excursions. You’ll get to spend the day exploring the quiet beaches of Holbox, surrounded by amazing natural views and crystal water.

You’ll also visit the pristine beaches at Isla Pasion and Punta Mosquito, and wander around its main town. A guide will introduce you to the stunning island and its flora and fauna.  

This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Try Diving in Playa del Carmen 

Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera are great places to try diving for the first time. The coral reef system along the coast guarantees an amazing and colorful experience to see tropical fish and marine life.

▶️ With this Discover Scuba Diving Course in Playa del Carmen with Two Coral Reef Dives, you’ll learn the basics of diving theory and technique.

Practice your skills in a pool before diving at two different locations on Playa del Carmen’s gorgeous coral reef system. It includes all the necessary equipment and a professional instructor.

This tour includes: An instructor, all necessary equipment, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.