Well-known for its numerous all inclusive and luxury resorts, the Riviera Maya is a stunning stretch of Caribbean coastline on the north-eastern side of Mexico, with plenty to see and do! From lazing around on powder-soft sand beaches and spotting local marine life, to visiting ancient ruins, the Riviera Maya is certainly nacho’ ordinary holiday destination…
Check out Playa del Carmen’s nightlife
Centred around the beach and Fifth Avenue, nightlife in Playa del Carmen is full of life. Many know Cancun as Mexico’s party place, but with lots of fine cuisine, fantastic cocktail bars and lively clubs on offer, the party is definitely in Playa. Probably the most famous place to head for a night out is the flamboyant Coco Bongo, where entertainment is compared to the likes of Las Vegas!
Head to a jungle adventure park
With a few adventure parks dotted around in the Riviera Maya, it’s pretty easy to inject a bit of adventure into your Mexican holiday. There’s loads of activities available for thrill seekers, from zip-lining through jungle canopies and bungees to underground rafting and ATV tours. Selvatica is a good adventure company with world-class status, so head there to book your adrenaline rush.
Swim in a cenote
Why not take a dip in a large natural sinkhole and experience pure waters with crystal clear visibility? Cenotes are an iconic feature in the geography of the Riviera Maya and are popular spots for divers and snorkelers. Find multi-coloured fish, turtles, moray eels and plenty more whilst exploring. Swimming in them is described as an other-worldly experience, so these magical pools of water shouldn’t be missed.
See some ancient ruins
Tulum is a must-see on your trip to Mexico. As well as awe-inspiring Mayan ruins, the town of Tulum is also home to some fantastic yoga retreats and some pretty tasty ceviche. From this town, and many others in the Riviera Maya, you can also head off on a tour to see the iconic Chichen Itza, the largest archaeological city of the Maya civilization.
See some flamingos and pelicans
Head over to the gorgeous island of Isla Holbox for something a little different. Part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, the lush jungle surrounding the area along with the lagoon is home to around 420 bird species. If you’re lucky you may even catch a sight of some pelicans, herons and flamingos! At certain times of year, the magnificent whale shark can also be seen here, with some tours even letting you dive alongside them.
Play some golf in Playacar
Known for its lush golden beaches and laid back atmosphere, Playacar is a great place to visit whilst in the Riviera Maya. For keen golfers, there’s even more reason to visit with a professional pal 72 course on offer. Known for being the most challenging course in south-eastern Mexico, golf enthusiasts will be in for a treat. You can also grab a massage after all that hard work!
Visit the underwater museum
On the seabed between Cancun and Mujeres lies an unexpected treat for divers. What may seem spooky at first soon turns into an enchanting experience with more than 470 life-size sculptures creating an artificial reef where coral can grow and marine life can breed. Divers must book onto a tour to visit this underwater museum which is now home to the biggest artificial reef in the world.
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