10 Best Things to Do in the Riviera Maya + 3 NOT to Do

Discover the top things to do in the Riviera Maya, from popular tourist attractions and adventure activities to hidden gems, as well as things to avoid.

Lucy lounging on a pristine white sand beach in the shallow water in East Mexico. The sand is white and clean, and the water is clear and blue.

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Stretching along the sparklingly blue Caribbean coast, the Riviera Maya is one of Mexico’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. You’ve got access to powdery soft white sand beaches and clear turquoise water, as well as dense jungle, underground rivers, and centuries-old historic sites, all in one neat area.

But with so many attractions, activities, and day trips on offer, not to mention the sheer number of operators all claiming their tour is the best (when in fact, some of them are scams or unethical), it’s not always easy to figure out what’s actually worth your time and money.

We’ve travelled up and down the Riviera Maya several times, from Isla Cozumel and Playa del Carmen to Tulum and beyond, and have created an ultimate list of the most unmissable things to do in the Riviera Maya – that are actually in the Riviera Maya (because day-tripping to Chichén Itzá may be fun, but it’s nowhere near the coast).

A map of Mexico's Riviera Maya with pins highlighting the locations of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Isla Cozumel, Tulum, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Punta Allen, and the region's main airports. — Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a popular vacation spot

More from the Riviera Maya

The best things to do in the Riviera Maya

From pristine beaches to hidden cenotes and jungle-covered ruins, there are so many fun activities and attractions in the Riviera Maya. Some people get confused by which part of the Yucatán Peninsula is actually the Riviera Maya, and many websites lump places like Cancún into their lists when it’s not actually part of the region (albeit a handy gateway). Read on to discover the best things to do in the Riviera Maya, including a mix of must-see highlights, unique experiences, and hidden gems.

Top 10 things to do in the Riviera Maya

Don’t have time to read the whole list? Here are the top 10 things to do in the Riviera Maya.

Read our Riviera Maya Travel Guide

Dan and Lucy smiling as they sit in a two-person kayak on a lagoon in East Mexico. — There are lots of fun things to do in the Riviera Maya

1. Relax on beautiful beaches

Soft white sand, crystal clear waters, and swaying palms – what more could you want from Riviera Maya’s beaches?! The sandy shorelines here really are some of the most photogenic in the world.

From swimmable shores lined with banging beach clubs to secluded coves with views of that signature bright blue sea, there’s a stretch of sand for every kind of beach day. Here are our top picks:

Tulum – Playa Paraíso (Paradise Beach), Playa Las Palmas, Playa Ruinas, and Playa Pescadores.
Playa del Carmen – Playa Coco and Playacar Playa.
Isla Cozumel – Playa Palancar, Playa El Cielo, and Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.
Akumal – Playa Akumal and Playa Chemuyil.
Puerto Morelos – Playa Publica.

To the north, Cancún is the gateway to the Riviera Maya and has some lovely beaches along the Hotel Zone, with easy ferry access to Isla Mujeres’ beautiful beaches.

Early mornings are best for calm conditions, while evening sunsets are particularly dramatic along the southern coastline, with fiery skies reflected in the sea.

Browse Riviera Maya Activities here!

The clean sands of a beach in Mexico's Riviera Maya. A dock leads from the beach with traditional palapas overhead. — The Riviera Maya is home to beautiful beaches

2. Explore ancient Mayan ruins

The Riviera Maya is home to incredible archaeological sites that range from cliffside fortresses to jungle-covered cities. Scattered across the region are the remains of one of the most advanced civilisations in the Americas, and exploring them is one of the best things to do in the Riviera Maya.

Chichén Itzá, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, is a popular day trip, but you don’t need to leave the Riviera to see these sacred sites. Mayan ruins like those in Tulum or Playa del Carmen don’t even require leaving the town. Here are our top picks:

Tulum Ruins – Set dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the Caribbean Sea, these are some of the most scenic Mayan ruins in Mexico, combining ancient history with bright turquoise views below.
Playa del Carmen Archaeological Site – A small and often-overlooked coastal ruin right in town, once part of an important Mayan trading port.
Tancah – A quieter, lesser-visited site just north of Tulum, where you can explore small ruins before cooling off in nearby cenotes surrounded by dense jungle.
Muyil Archaeological Site – One of the oldest inhabited Mayan sites on the coast, known for its peaceful setting within a biosphere reserve and its connection to ancient trade routes through nearby lagoons.
Cobá – A vast jungle-covered archaeological site where you can still climb one of the tallest pyramids in the region and explore ancient sacbeob (white stone roads) connecting the ruins.

While not as remote as some Mayan ruins like Tikal and Caracol, walking between the ruins, you still have a good chance of spotting wildlife like iguanas, tropical birds, and the occasional monkey.

Many sites were important trading or religious centres, and some still have visible carvings and structural details that have survived for centuries. Arriving early in the day helps avoid both the heat and the crowds, while taking a guided Mayan ruins tour is recommended if it’s your first visit, as they often share fascinating myths and practical facts about how the Maya engineered their cities.

Browse Riviera Maya Ruins Tours here!

Stairs leading up a Mayan temple at the museum in Cancún's Hotel Zone. — There are lots of Mayan ruins in the Riviera Maya

3. Swim in sinkhole cenotes

Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone, creating crystal-clear freshwater pools that are perfect for swimming or snorkelling. Some are open-air, framed by jungle, while others are dramatic underground caverns with stalactites and beams of sunlight. They were sacred to the Maya, often used for rituals and as a water supply.

There are over 7,000 cenotes in the entire Yucatán Peninsula, and Tulum’s cenotes are some of the best, with access to hundreds of them. Gran Cenote near Tulum is perfect for snorkelers, while Cenote Azul outside Playa del Carmen offers easy cliff jumping. Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote El Pit are two of the best cenotes for SCUBA diving in the cavernous depths, while Cenote Sac Actun is part of the longest known underwater cave system on Earth.

Browse Riviera Maya Cenote Tours here!

Dan SCUBA diving off Cozumel with his arms and legs out in a star shape. — The Riviera Maya is famous for its cenotes

4. Snorkel on the Mesoamerican Reef

We snorkelled and dived the Mesoamerican Reef all the way from Mexico to Belize and Honduras, and the Riviera Maya’s portion is one of the best bits. You can glide over coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and colourful sponges, while rays and sea turtles occasionally drift past.

Puerto Morelos is one of the best places to take a snorkelling tour, with its own marine national park (Arrecife de Puerto Morelos). While Isla Cozumel has some great shore snorkelling – just be sure to research tour operators before booking to ensure they don’t support unethical wildlife tourism like captive experiences or touching wildlife.

The visibility we experienced was epic (especially in Cozumel), and we saw loads of marine life, including nurse sharks, sea turtles, moray eels, and reef fish. To the north, you can even swim with whale sharks, although the zone is technically out of the Riviera Maya and closer to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy.

Browse Riviera Maya Snorkelling Tours here!

Bright colourful corals, part of the Mesoamerican Reef of Mexico's Riviera Maya. — Snorkelling is world-class in the Riviera Maya

5. SCUBA dive with marine life

For a deeper underwater experience, you have to go SCUBA diving along the Riviera Maya. It’s the perfect destination for certified divers, while there are plenty of operators offering tasters and PADI courses for newbies.

Isla Cozumel‘s walls and reefs are legendary (for good reason) with crystal-clear waters, dramatic drop-offs, and fun drift dives. While Cenote dives are super unique to the region and offer something completely different: crystal-clear freshwater, shafts of sunlight piercing dramatic stalactites, and an eerie, otherworldly calm.

While not part of the Riviera Maya, if you’re passing through Cancún, the MUSA Underwater Museum is worth visiting. The local Manchones Reef really impressed us, too.

Browse Riviera Maya Diving here!

Lucy SCUBA diving off the Riviera Maya in Mexico. — The Riviera Maya is great for SCUBA diving

6. Go wildlife watching

Beyond the coastline, the Riviera Maya is home to a surprising amount of wildlife. Mangroves, lagoons, and jungle patches make the area a hotspot for all kinds of animals. You can spot birds, reptiles, and small mammals in jungle areas, while mangroves are important habitats for marine animals and fish.

Head to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve to see spider monkeys swing through the trees or Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to see crocodiles and manatees lurk in quiet mangrove channels and dolphins play in the milky blue sea. A guided tour of Sian Ka’an, the most biodiverse part of the region, is a must for wildlife-lovers – we saw manatees, a crocodile, dolphins, eagle rays, sea turtles, and countless birds in one day!

We recommend: Full-day Sian Kaʼan Boat Trip to Punta Allen & Snorkel Tour with Mexico Kan Tours.

Early morning is usually the best time for wildlife watching, when animals are more active, and temperatures are cooler. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!

Browse Riviera Maya Wildlife Tours here!

A sea turtle breathing at the surface of turquoise water in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, one of the best places to see wildlife in the Riviera Maya. — Sian Kaʼan is amazing for wildlife encounters

7. Float down a natural lazy river

Drifting down rivers like Muyil’s mangrove channels is one of the most unique things to do in the Riviera Maya. Similar to Bacalar’s Los Rapdios, you can take a kayak, canoe, or inflatable tube, gliding past thick jungle and listening to birdsong.

Most guided Muyil tours include the small Mayan ruins, walking the boardwalks through the jungle, a boat trip on the lagoon to spot wildlife, and the float through what was once a Mayan channel. It’s a relaxing day out and easily accessible from Tulum.

Browse Muyil Tours here!

Dan floating along the natural lazy river in Mexico, with a big smile on his face. — Muyil is home to a lazy river and ancient ruins

8. Cruise along the coastline

Sailing trips reveal the Riviera Maya from a new perspective. You’ll pass beaches that are only accessible by water, spot dolphins leaping beside the boat, and enjoy dramatic sunsets over the Caribbean. Catamaran cruises are particularly popular with couples and are great for celebrating a special occasion together.

Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel all have regular departures, from lively party boats to quieter, romantic sails, so there’s something for every vibe. Many include snorkelling stops on shallow reefs, onboard drinks, and music.

Browse Riviera Maya Boat Tours here!

Boats docked in the light blue waters off East Mexico. Palm trees line either side of the view, and tourists can be seen on the beach nearby. — Taking a boat trip is one of the best things to do in the Riviera Maya

9. Sample local cuisine

Ahh, we love Mexican cuisine, and the Riviera Maya does it well. From street tacos and marquesitas to fresh ceviche and tropical fruit smoothies, there are all sorts of delicious dishes to enjoy. Here are some local foods to try:

Tamales – Corn dough filled with meat or veg, wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks and steamed.
Pescado tikin xic – Fish marinated in achiote and citrus, then grilled in banana leaves.
Ceviche – Fresh fish or seafood cured in lime juice, often served cold with onion, chilli, and coriander.
Cochinita pibil – Pork marinated in citrus and achiote, traditionally slow-cooked underground and served with pickled onions.
Elote – Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, lime, and chilli.
Churros – Crispy fried dough coated in sugar, often served with chocolate sauce.
Sopa de lima – A light, citrusy broth with tortilla strips, local lime, and usually shredded chicken.

Markets like Quinta Alegría in Playa del Carmen showcase local produce, spices, and handmade tortillas, while cooking classes and food tours let you get hands-on, whether learning to make tamales or tasting traditional chocolate drinks.

Browse Riviera Maya Food Tours here!

Fish tacos on a plate in a restaurant in Mexico's Riviera Maya. — The Riviera Maya has some amazing food to try

10. Stay in an eco-hotel

Eco-resorts are a signature part of the Riviera Maya experience, combining style, comfort, and sustainability. Many use solar power, rainwater harvesting, and locally sourced materials, all while offering airy rooms, thatched roofs, and jungle or beachfront views.

Options range from minimalistic jungle lodges in Punta Allen near Sian Ka’an to boutique luxury hotels in Tulum. Staying at an eco-hotel often supports local communities and conservation projects. But sometimes glossy marketing can actually be greenwashing, so it’s best to double-check “eco” claims before booking.

Our top picks for eco-hotels in and around the Riviera Maya are:

Tulum – Our Habitas | Nômade | Azulik Resort.
Playa del Carmen – Palmaïa The House of AïA | Rosewood Mayakoba | Banyan Tree Mayakoba | Etéreo, Auberge Collection.
Isla Cozumel – Coralia Boutique Hotel | Hotel B Unique.
Sian Kaʼan & Punta Allen – Casa Xik’Nal | Casa Bautista.
Cancún – Eco-hotel El Rey del Caribe | Casa Tortugas.

A bed inside a bohemian bedroom in a hotel along Mexico's Riviera Maya. — There are some beautiful hotels in the Riviera Maya

Other fun activities in the Riviera Maya

Beyond the headline experiences, the Riviera Maya has plenty of more varied activities that add a different layer to your trip, including:

Laguna Kaan Luum – A peaceful lagoon with shallow turquoise water surrounding a deep cenote-like centre, best visited early for fewer crowds and calmer conditions.
Spot stunning street art – Colourful murals are scattered across towns and beach areas, showcasing local culture and making for an easy, free activity while exploring on foot.
Cirque du Soleil Joyà – A high-production evening show blending acrobatics, storytelling, and Mexican cultural influences in a purpose-built jungle theatre near Playa del Carmen.
Join a yoga class – Open-air sessions in beach or jungle settings offer a relaxed way to slow down, with classes available for all levels, particularly in Tulum.
Take part in a cacao ceremony – A guided, often meditative experience rooted in Mesoamerican tradition, centred around drinking pure cacao and setting intentions.
Sweat in a temazcal – A traditional steam bath ritual using heated stones and herbal steam, designed as a short but intense cleansing experience.
Shop till you drop – Browse markets and boutiques for handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, with a mix of artisan and tourist-focused stalls.
Party the night away – Beach clubs and nightlife spots range from laidback bars to high-energy venues with music, dancing, and late-night crowds.
ATV tour in the jungle – Ride through lush jungle trails and rugged terrain on a guided ATV tour, often combined with cenote stops near Tulum.
Rent a bike or take a bike tour – Flat coastal roads and town paths make cycling an easy way to explore at your own pace or with a guide.
Kayak on the calm water – Paddle through sheltered lagoons or along quiet stretches of coastline where the water is usually flat and easy to navigate.
SUP over the still surface – Stand-up paddleboarding is best done in calm morning conditions, offering clear views down into the water below.
Zipline over the canopy – Glide above the jungle on a zipline course, giving you a fast-paced way to take in the landscape from above.

Browse Riviera Maya Tours here!

Dan at an outdoor yoga class holding himself up on his hands in a 'side-crow' pose. — There are lots of activities in Riviera Maya to fill your days

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Popular Riviera Maya day trips

The Riviera Maya is perfectly located for exploring beyond the coastline, with a mix of offshore islands, major Mayan sites, and colourful colonial towns all within reach as day trips.

North towards Cancún – Head north for boat trips and island escapes, including seasonal swims with whale sharks (typically June-September), snorkelling at the underwater sculptures of MUSA, or relaxing on the beaches of Isla Mujeres. For something quieter, Isla Contoy is a national park with limited visitors, known for its birdlife and untouched coastline.
West into Yucatán – Inland, you’ll find some of Mexico’s most famous cultural and historic destinations, including Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Nearby, Valladolid offers pastel streets and cenotes, while Mérida is known for its colonial architecture, Uxmal Ruins, and food scene. Izamal stands out for its bright yellow buildings, and Río Lagartos is famous for flamingos and pink-hued salt lagoons.

Browse Riviera Maya Day Trips here!

Dan with his arms out wide in front of El Castillo Mayan pyramid at Chichén Itzá. — There’s a wide range of day trips from the Riviera Maya

What not to do in the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is packed with genuinely incredible experiences, but there are also plenty of activities that look appealing on the surface while raising real ethical and environmental concerns. A lot of these are heavily marketed as eco-friendly or educational, when in reality they prioritise profit over conservation.

1. Unethical animal experiences

Parks owned by the Xcaret and Xel-Há Group, Delphinus, Dolphin Discovery, and Barceló are heavily marketed, but many rely on captive animal encounters and curated experiences that aren’t actually ethical. There are many smaller, independent establishments that also offer these kinds of encounters.

While it might be tempting to book a dolphin, manatee, or shark experience at a park, most captive programs confine animals in small tanks and force them to perform. Even attractions marketed as educational often profit from cruelty. The good news is that laws in Mexico now ban dolphin performances, breeding in captivity, and swim-with-dolphin programs, but not every facility has fully adjusted.

Any tour, vendor, or photo-op involving captive animals, from baby sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles to tigers, iguanas, parrots, and monkeys, should be avoided. These animals are often taken from the wild, held in cramped cages, and stressed by constant handling. And not every place labelled as a sanctuary is genuinely focused on rescue and rehabilitation, like Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, which has faced criticism for its practices.

Even if a captive turtle or iguana seems calm, their behaviour is a survival response, not comfort. Animals like tigers and lions are drugged and treated terribly. Turtle hatchlings, in particular, are extremely vulnerable, and staged release programs where tourists touch them can drastically lower survival rates. Even wild and supposedly regulated experiences, like Akumal turtle tours, have issues.

Independent reserves, community-run eco-projects, and responsibly guided tours of mangroves, reefs, and lagoons offer a much more ethical alternative, where animals remain wild, and ecosystems are respected.

A man standing smiling with a monkey sat on his arm and holding an umbrella to protect him from the sun. A nearby sign reads "Photo with the monkey". This is one of many examples of unethical wildlife practises that are happening in Tulum. — Please don’t support cruel practices in the Riviera Maya

2. Unrealistic day trips

We’ll be real with you: most of the recommended day trips from the Riviera Maya require long journeys and barely scratch the surface of the place you’re visiting. Locations like Bacalar Lagoon and Isla Holbox just really aren’t feasible to visit in a day, and we’d recommend adding them to your Yucatán itinerary as stops in their own right instead.

The stunning colours of Bacalar Lagoon, including Cenote Esmeralda, as viewed from a drone. — Some day trips are simply too far from the Riviera Maya

3. Only staying inside the resort

The Riviera Maya is a popular fly-and-flop vacation destination, and it might be tempting to stay within the comfort of an all-inclusive, but you’ll miss out on what makes Mexico so special. Beyond the hotel gates, the region is packed with cenotes, Mayan ruins, coral reefs, adventure activities, and small towns that give you a much more authentic experience.

Resorts can feel quite disconnected from the surrounding culture, with imported food, entertainment, and activities that don’t reflect the area. Do yourself a favour, and get out and experience some of the amazing things to do in the Riviera Maya on your next trip.

Lucy leaning on the Follow That Dream sign in Tulum. — There’s so much to see around the Riviera Maya region

Things to do in the Riviera Maya FAQs

To help you choose what to do in the Riviera Maya, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions.

What are the best things to do in the Riviera Maya?

The best things to do in the Riviera Maya include exploring ancient Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes, snorkelling or diving on the Mesoamerican Reef, relaxing on white-sand beaches, spotting wildlife, and taking day trips to colonial towns and archaeological sites.

What is the Riviera Maya best known for?

The Riviera Maya is best known for its turquoise Caribbean coastline, cenotes, Mayan archaeological sites, and the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. It’s also one of Mexico’s most popular holiday destinations thanks to its beaches, wildlife, and easy access to attractions across the Yucatán Peninsula. The region is also known for its eco-hotels, excellent food scene, and fun outdoor adventures ranging from kayaking to ziplining.

What to do in the Riviera Maya for free?

Many of the best experiences in the Riviera Maya cost little or nothing. Relaxing on public beaches, spotting street art, watching sunrise over the Caribbean Sea, wandering through local towns, cycling, and exploring nature trails are all excellent free activities. Technically, all beaches in Mexico are free, but some access points may charge a small fee. Some cenotes may also charge an access fee, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options throughout the region.

What to do in the Riviera Maya at night?

Evenings in the Riviera Maya can be as relaxed or lively as you like. Popular options include dining at local restaurants, enjoying cocktails by the beach, watching cultural performances, joining a sunset cruise, or experiencing the nightlife in places like Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Many hotels and beach clubs also host live music and evening events.

What to do in the Riviera Maya when it rains?

Rain usually comes in short bursts rather than lasting all day, but wet weather is a good excuse to visit museums, take a cooking class, enjoy a spa treatment, join a cacao ceremony, browse local shops, or visit covered archaeological museums. Cenotes can also be a great rainy-day activity, provided conditions remain safe, as you’re already getting wet!

What to do in the Riviera Maya as a couple?

The Riviera Maya is one of the most romantic destinations in Mexico. You and your partner can swim in cenotes, snorkel together on the reef, enjoy beachfront dinners, stay in jungle eco-hotels, take sunset sailing trips, visit archaeological sites, or relax with spa treatments and wellness experiences. The combination of nature, beaches, and boutique accommodation makes it particularly popular for honeymoons and anniversaries.

What to do in the Riviera Maya with kids?

Families will find plenty to do in the Riviera Maya, from beach days and wildlife spotting to boat trips, snorkelling, and exploring Mayan ruins. Older children often enjoy activities like ziplining, kayaking, and swimming in cenotes, while younger kids will love the calm beaches, nature reserves, and family-friendly attractions found throughout the region.