Affiliate Disclosure – Some links on onthegowithashley are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you choose to book or purchase through them. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Are you planning a Riviera Maya vacation? With its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and lush jungle landscapes, it’s easy to understand why Riviera Maya is a top Mexico travel destination. This area offers so many opportunities for adventure! From swimming in hidden cenotes and visiting the ancient Mayan ruins to snorkeling and exploring charming coastal towns, there’s something for every traveler.
I’ve been to Riviera Maya twice, and I’ve personally experienced some of the top Mexico excursions that the area has to offer. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo trip, here are 15 things to do in Riviera Maya that will help you make the most of your trip!
1. Visit the Tulum Ruins
I’ve been to the Tulum Ruins not just once but twice — and I highly recommend adding it to your Riviera Maya itinerary! Perched on the limestone cliffs overlooking the turquoise water, this Tulum archaeological site is perfect for history lovers or anyone who wants to learn more about ancient Mayan culture.
If you plan to visit this Riviera Maya attraction, I highly recommend booking a guided group tour. It’s a great way to learn more about the Tulum Ruins and make the most of your visit to this attraction.
To learn more about my experience and for tips on what to know before you go, check out Things To Do in Tulum: The Tulum Ruins.
Book your Tulum Ruins guided tour now!
Looking for nearby accommodations? I recommend staying at Maxanab Hotel Tulum or Mezzanine by La Zebra, an SLH Hotel.
2. Check Out X-Caret
X-Caret is one of the best places to visit in Riviera Maya if you’re taking a family vacation. Often referred to as the Disney World of Mexico, this Riviera Maya eco-archaeological and water park offers unique opportunities for adventure. Some of the things you’ll find at this Mexico theme park include:
- Swimming and snorkeling
- Underground river channels
- Mayan archaeological sites
- Wildlife (monkeys, birds, and butterflies) in the jungle
The X-Caret night show is one of the most popular things to do in Riviera Maya! Featuring Mexican and Mayan music, dance, and lights, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss out on!
Book the Xcaret park day trip now!
Want to stay at a hotel that’s conveniently situated? Book your stay at Hotel Xcaret and enjoy the park longer!
3. Take an Isla Mujeres Catamaran Cruise
Take an escape over the Caribbean when you book a catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres. You’ll have the chance to jump off board to go snorkeling or swimming with colorful marine life. When you arrive at Isla Mujeres, you’ll also get to explore the island’s streets and head to the beach.
I did this Mexico excursion and loved it! If you’re looking for the best Riviera Maya snorkeling, look no further! This was actually my first snorkeling experience ever. Snorkeling over the MUSA museum was truly unforgettable.
Ready to take an Isla Mujeres catamaran cruise? Book now!
4. Stroll Down Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue
Exploring Fifth Avenue (or Quinta Avenida) in Playa del Carmen is one of the top things to do in Riviera Maya. This pedestrian-only walking street offers places to shop and restaurants offering everything from tacos and seafood to international cuisine.
It’s also the perfect place to get a taste of Riviera Maya nightlife! There are lots of great rooftop bars, clubs, and bars with live music, and more.
At night, Quinta Avenida really comes to life! The whole street lights up, and street performers light up with LED hula-hoops, neon paint, and fire!
5. Take a Day Trip to Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a large ruined ancient Mayan city on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula — and a Mexico attraction you won’t want to miss out on! It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and for good reason. Chichen Itza features a giant pyramid, the largest ancient sports field in the Americas, and an ancient astronomy observatory.
Book this day trip to Chichen Itza, which also includes a visit to Cenote Xunáan, a visit to the historic city of Valladolid, and lunch! If you’re a history lover, this is one Riviera Maya excursion you won’t want to miss out on.
6. Go Snorkeling With Sea Turtles at Akumal
If you love sea turtles as much as I do, this is one Riviera Maya attraction you won’t want to miss out on! When I went snorkeling at Akumal, I saw eight sea turtles! It was such an amazing experience, and it’s definitely one of my favorite things to do in Riviera Maya. I HIGHLY recommend doing a group trip with a guide because I know exactly where the turtles hang out.
Read more about my Riviera Maya snorkeling experience here!
Ready to go snorkeling with sea turtles at Akumal? Book your guided tour now!
7. Visit Rio Secreto
The Rio Secreto Nature Preserve is one of the most stunning places to visit in Riviera Maya! You can go swimming or wade in one of the most popular underground caves in Mexico! You’ll also see crystal-like cave formations above the turquoise water.
If you’re going to visit this Riviera Maya attraction, I highly recommend that you book a guided tour!
Check out Where to Stay in Riviera Maya: Playa del Carmen vs. Tulum
8. Explore Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Spanning across 1.3 million acres on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, this nature preserve is located in Tulum. It’s one of the best things to do in Mexico for nature lovers. The preserve is home to a lot of flora and fauna, as well as some incredible wildlife. You can see more than 300 bird species, as well as animals like monkeys, jaguars, and ocelots!
Take a half-day tour of Sian Ka’an wetlands that includes snorkeling, a boat ride, and lunch. Reserve your spot here!
9. Check Out the Coba Ruins
For anyone with an interest in ancient Mayan history and culture, the Coba Ruins is one of the top things to do in Riviera Maya. The Coba Ruins is an ancient Mayan city set deep in the jungle of Quintana Roo.
The Coba Ruins feature the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, the tallest pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula. One of my favorite things about this Riviera Maya attraction is that you can climb 120 steps to the top of the pyramid! The Coba Ruins are also home to La Iglesia temple and an ancient ball court, as well as carved stone stelae and altars.
If you’re planning to visit this Riviera Maya excursion, I highly recommend taking a guided tour so you can learn more about the ruins. Book now!
Looking to book a hotel near the Coba Ruins? I suggest staying at Coqui Coqui Papholchac Coba Residence & Spa!
10. Go Snorkeling With Whale Sharks
If you want one of the most unique Riviera Maya snorkeling experiences, then look no further! In the Riviera Maya area, you can go snorkeling with whale sharks. Even though whale sharks do not bite, this Mexico excursion can still give you an adrenaline rush!
To go snorkeling with whale sharks in Riviera Maya, book a guided tour now!
11. Relax on Xpu-Há Beach
Located about 25 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Xpu-Há Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Mexico. Featuring a scenic stretch of white sand, turquoise water, and calm surf, it’s the perfect place to spend some time under palm trees.
In addition to being one of the most picturesque Riviera Maya beaches, it’s also home to beach clubs and oceanfront restaurants and bars. If you like watersports, I highly recommend adding this beach to your Riviera Maya itinerary! You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding here.
For anyone looking to add the perfect mix of relaxation and fun to their trip, this is one of the best places to visit in Riviera Maya.
Want to stay at a hotel nearby so you can spend lots of time relaxing at the beach during your Riviera Maya trip? Book your reservation at El Dorado Seaside Suites or Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort!
12. Swim in the Riviera Maya Cenotes
One of the most unforgettable things to do in Riviera Maya is its cenotes. These natural swimming holes formed when limestone bedrock collapsed, revealing crystal-clear freshwater pools beneath the jungle.
Swimming in a cenote is a great way to cool off and experience one of the most unique natural attractions in Mexico. You can go swimming and snorkeling. At certain cenotes, you can also go scuba diving. The area offers hundreds of cenotes. Some of these are family-friendly, while others are more adventurous.
If you’re looking to book an unforgettable Riviera Maya excursion, consider booking a 3-in-1 cenote tour! This guided tour allows you to explore four cenotes. From rappelling down rock walls in one cenote to ziplining over another cenote, this Riviera Maya excursion is a unique way to experience the area’s flooded sinkholes!
13. Snorkel at Cozumel Reefs Natural Marine Park
Cozumel Reefs Natural Marine Park is one of the top Riviera Maya attractions. You can take a day trip to the park and snorkel at Cozumel Reefs.
One of the reasons why this is a top Riviera Maya snorkeling spot is because of the vibrant coral reefs, abundance of tropical fish, and exceptional visibility. If you love snorkeling, this is definitely a spot to add to your Mexico snorkeling itinerary!
If you’re not a snorkeler, that’s okay! Cozumel Reefs is still one of the best places to visit in Riviera Maya. It’s a great place to relax on the beach or go scuba diving, kayaking, or paddleboarding. It ultimately depends on what Cozumel tour you decide to book!
14. See Cirque Du Soleil JOYA
For a night of entertainment, add Cirque Du Soleil JOYA to your Riviera Maya itinerary. It combines acrobatics, live music, theater, stunning costumes, and visual effects — all inspired by Mexican culture. The show takes place in a theater surrounded by jungle, making it a unique experience even if you’ve seen other Cirque Du Soleil productions.
If you’re looking for things to do in Riviera Maya at night, this should be at the top of your list! Keep in mind that tickets sell out quickly, especially during the busy season, so it’s best to order them in advance. Order your Cirque Du Soleil JOYA tickets now!
15. Take a Jungle Buggy Tour
If you’re looking for a fun way to experience the scenery in the area, this Riviera Maya attraction is a great way to do so! Take a jungle buggy deep into the Riviera Maya on this guided tour. You’ll get to stop to swim and snorkel at a cenote along the way! This thrilling drive is perfect for anyone looking for a little adventure during their Riviera Maya vacation!
If you want to experience one of the most adventurous things to do in Mexico, book your jungle buggy tour now!
Check Out Where I Stayed For My Riviera Maya Vacation!
Ready to book your Mexico vacation and experience these 15 things to do in Riviera Maya? Check out my hotel spotlight on Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya, one of the best all-inclusive luxury resorts in Riviera Maya!
Make Money Traveling to Cool Places Like Riviera Maya!
Have you ever wanted to get paid to travel to places like Mexico? There’s no better time than now! Grab my $1 guide Booked While You Sleep to learn about ways to make money traveling or check out my ebook Check-In & Ca$h-Out to learn how I get paid to travel!
Want to read about travel that changes you? If so, download the first edition of my digital travel magazine On the Go!
