Playa del Carmen holidays

Sandy beaches, a shallow sea and hours of tropical sunshine – Playa del Carmen’s sparkling coastline is an ideal getaway. Not only does it have a beach right by the town centre, there’s also lively Playa Mamitas and laid-back Playacar nearby. The atmosphere is relaxed wherever you go, with sunrise yoga to start the day and chilled-out beach bars to end it.

Beyond the seaside, there’s lots for families to do in and around the resort. Visit the three-story aquarium, watch the Papantla dancers in Parque Fundadores or explore the surrounding area by bicycle. At Xplor Park, you can zipline through the jungle or visit Xcaret Eco Park for wildlife encounters, snorkelling and a boat trip down the ‘Paradise River’.

Day trips make it easy to see the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula, such as the Mayan ruins, cenotes (natural sinkholes where you can swim in freshwater) and national parks. Divers, meanwhile, are in for a treat: nearby Isla Cozumel is a hotspot for marine life and spectacular coral formations. Likewise, snorkelers don’t have to float far off the beach to find a range of colourful tropical fish and starfish.

As the sun sets, the city lights up with an eclectic nightlife scene. Take your pick from relaxed outdoor beach clubs, trendy cocktail bars or a carnivalesque nightclub with acrobats spinning above your head as you dance until dawn. Other bars come alive with Cuban bands playing salsa beats or live jazz.

Winter and spring are the high season, with plenty of sun and hardly any rain. Temperatures reach 28C between December and February, making it a popular choice for Brits to escape the chill back home. Prices are high, but there’s a magical festive atmosphere at Christmas time.

If you’re after a cheap holiday to Playa del Carmen, travelling in the wet season – June to September – is your best bet. It’s even hotter, with average highs of 32C. Although you’re more likely to experience a tropical downpour, it’s likely to come in short bursts, so you’ll still get some beach time.

The end of October and November also see some great deals as well as the city’s liveliest festivals. Halloween street parties lead into a vibrant Day of the Dead celebration, followed by the Riviera Jazz Festival, which features both local and international musicians.

Swimming in cenotes, exploring mystical Mayan temples and taking boat trips around the Caribbean Sea – Playa del Carmen holidays are jampacked with things to see and do. Prefer to do very little? Well, you can always spend the day by the pool with a michelada in hand. Bliss.

Diving and snorkelling

With clear, warm waters filled with marine life, Playa del Carmen is known for its excellent diving, whether off the beach, from a boat trip or in one of the magical cenotes. Take the ferry or an organised scuba diving trip to nearby Isla Cozumel to see reefs swarming with manta rays, turtles and nurse sharks.

Another must-see on any scuba enthusiast’s bucket list are the whale sharks. These enormous, curious beasts migrate along the coastline north of Playa del Carmen from June to September. Take a tour to Isla Mujeres, an hour’s drive north of Playa del Carmen, and you can dive or snorkel to see them as they swim south.

Cristalino Cenote and Cenote Ponderosa

When it comes to swimming, the Riviera Maya has thousands of freshwater cenotes (natural swimming holes) to dip your toe in. With such natural beauty, even the Mayans considered these collapsed limestone pools to be special, sacred places.

South of Playa del Carmen, about a 25-minute drive away, Cristalino Cenote is fantastic for some sinkhole snorkelling. Jump into the crystal clear water and explore the rocky underwater world that a multitude of colourful fish call home.

Cenote Ponderosa – also known as Jardin del Eden – is another large pool, partly covered by a natural rock ceiling. It’s excellent for an underwater adventure.

Xcaret Eco Park

Xcaret Eco Park, 15 minutes’ south of Playa del Carmen, has masses of wildlife to see, as well as underground rivers and jungle trails to experience. Visit the coral aquarium, spot the big cats on Jaguar Island and learn about sea turtles via the park’s conservation programme.

The park also shows off Mexican culture and history. Visit the Mayan village and watch the evening show for music, dancing and colourful costumes.

Tulum and Cobá

At an hour’s drive away, the Mayan ruins at Tulum are a popular day trip from Playa del Carmen. This three-walled ancient city is in impressively good nick for its age, with an imposing watchtower and two temples still standing proudly. To get the most of your trip, consider an independent guide for hire at the entrance.

Cobá, on the other hand, is hidden deep within the jungle about a 90-minute drive from Playa del Carmen. This significant Mayan city dates back to the 1st century, and the area is so vast that it’s worth hiring a guide and a bicycle to make the most of your visit.

Museo Frida Kahlo

If the weather’s not playing ball, there are plenty of indoor attractions to entertain you away from the coast. The Frida Kahlo Museum has a small exhibition where you can learn about the life of one of Mexico’s most famous artists.

Other options for a non-beach day include the aquarium or the illusions at the 3D Museum of Wonders.