Cenotes (freshwater sinkhole)

Worlds Cenotes, located in the heart of the Riviera Maya's underwater cavern region (Cancun to Tulum), is offering the unique opportunity to experience cavern diving and snorkeling at its best. Enjoy the ultimate in world renowned cavern diving at Cenote Dos Ojos and the Bat Cave, an exploration of underwater caverns decorated unlike any others in the world.

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving in Playa

Scuba diving in the open seas in the crystal-clear waters of Playa del Carmen is the best in the world. Cozumel is just a ferry ride away for great snorkeling also. You can go snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Mayan Reef, located less than 100 meters out from the beach. Alternatively, you can go diving in the caves, which is also a great experience.

Akumal

Also known as "The Place of the Turtle" (translation from Maya language) this place is main bay is protected by a coral reef, which is now turned into a natural aquarium and excellent site to learn how to scuba dive and snorkel. Located nearby between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It has not so shallow waters and no streams affect it, so it is like a big natural swimming-pool waiting to be explored.

Archaeological Sites Near Playa

Some Mexico's famous archaeological sites are close to Playa del Carmen, such as:

Chichen Itza

This archaeological city of the state of Yucatan was founded by the Maya-Itzas who came led by Itzamna after separating from Acalon. They arrived in the Peninsula around the year 435-455 A.D.. Chichen was occupied twice. The first occupation was from 495 to 692, and the second from 948 to 1204. The architecture of the first period is considered to be authentically Maya, and the second is considered to have Toltec influence, since it has certain elements in common with those found in Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltec-Hueytlapalanecas

Tulum

The Tulum Ruins are considered by many as the most beautiful of the Mayan sites, is small but exquisitely poised on the fifteen-meter-high cliffs above the Caribbean. When the Spanish first set eyes on the place in 1518, they considered it as large and beautiful a city as Seville, Spain. They were, perhaps misled by their dreams of El Dorado, by the glory of its position, and by the brightly painted facades of the buildings. Architecturally, Tulum is no match for these great cities. Nevertheless, thanks to the setting, it sticks in the memory like no other.

Coba

Coba is an archeological site that was constructed in between two lakes. More than 80 squared kilometers of buildings and remains. Its main pyramid is the tallest of the whole Peninsula with 42 meters high (130 feet tall) overlooking the rain forest area.

Sian Ka'an Bio Sphere Reserve

Heading south of Playa del Carmen, past Tulum, travelers can get to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Natural Reserve, also known as "the place where the sky begins". It is an area of 530,000 hectare formed by rain forest, lakes, swamps, coast ponds, bays and reefs; all of which also come to be the natural habitat of thousands of animal species, such as jaguars and pumas, white-tail deer, crocodiles, howler and spider monkeys and an astonishing 345 species of birds. About 1,000 inhabitants in the reserve live off fishing. All day expeditions from Monday to Saturday are available, which include a three hour boat trip. Requires reservations in advance.

Eco Parks

There are a few beautiful Natural Parks around Playa del Carmen. Xel Ha and Xcaret and the largest and offer the most and considered the largest natural aquarium in the world. They are all natural and include a nice setting for hundreds of tropical fishes; ruins, cenotes and caves. Restaurants, showers and lockers available

Shopping in Playa del Carmen

Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is Playa del Carmen's main shopping area. Over 20 blocks long running along the beautiful Playa del Carmen beach. Includes restaurants, shops and clubs. Including All sort of handcrafts from Mexico's different regions, clothes and beach-ware, hammocks and Mexican articles at the open markets including furniture, and silver jewelry available.

Nightlife in Playa del Carmen

The evening offers a number of options such as places to dance and lively bars. Down the 5th avenue you will find a bunch of bars and discos with a great friendly and lively ambiance. If you'd like to have a drink and listen to good music stop by the Tequila Barrel.

Ferry from Playa to Cozumel

The ferry to Cozumel Island is located in Playa del Carmen, running every hour during the day.