Playa del Carmen holidays

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.

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.

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.