Imagine a place where the sun shines almost every day of the year, where white sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, and where adventures await around every corner. Playa del Carmen, once a sleepy fishing village near Cancun, has now become one of the most popular holiday destinations for families seeking fun and excitement. With its stunning natural landscapes, mysterious cenotes, adventure parks, and turquoise waters, the Riviera Maya is the perfect playground for kids of all ages.
Get ready to dive into a world of entertainment and thrills with these must-do activities that will make your little explorers’ eyes sparkle!
Cenotes
Imagine swimming in magical natural sinkholes! There are hundreds of cenotes in the Riviera Maya, and while some are hard to reach, many have been developed for tourism. This is a unique experience you can only have in the Riviera Maya, perfect for children of any age who can swim confidently.
Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera to capture these magical moments!
Ziplining
Local adventure parks are a great way to spend the day. Xplor is an eco-adventure park with plenty to keep children of all ages busy. Older kids will love the 14 ziplines in the park that offer unparalleled views of the area.
Snorkelling
The turquoise Caribbean Sea is perfect for snorkelling. If you don’t have your own equipment, it is easy to rent in the hotels or with tour groups. There’s enough marine life that smaller children can do it at the beach or older children can take snorkel tours that feature coral reefs and swimming with turtles.
Scuba
For those with the proper certification, kids can not only scuba dive in the ocean but also in the cenotes. Imagine exploring underwater caves, rivers, and tunnel passages that are scattered throughout the region. It’s like discovering a hidden world beneath the surface!
Buggy tours
Hop into a 4×4 buggy and head into the jungle to explore the natural flora and fauna of the Riviera Maya. It can get a bit wet and muddy, so come with a sense of adventure! Most tours also include a refreshing swim in a cenote. It’s a fantastic way to escape the tourist attractions and dive into nature.
Spelunking
Playa del Carmen is home to many underground caves that are perfect for older kids to explore. Just a few kilometers south, Rio Secreto offers a half-day tour of flooded caves. Kids can learn all about stalagmites and stalactites while hiking and swimming through this special place.
Horseback riding
There’s nothing more memorable than riding a horse along a picturesque beach. Many horseback tours combine a ride with a swim to a cenote and welcome all levels of experience. Some tour operators work with ranches that rescue horses, providing a great learning opportunity for children.
Sport fishing
Older kids will love the unique experience of sport fishing in Playa del Carmen. Families can spend the day out on the open water, safely a kilometer away from shore. Half-day or full-day excursions often encounter local dolphins and sea lions along the way.
