Taken from Flickr. Photographer David Stanley
I don’t know if you’ve been told but Playa del Carmen is a fantastic holiday spot! There are activities for everyone…from scuba diving to golf, from fishing to visiting Mayan ruins and so much more !
Here are some of our favorite links to organize your next adventure in paradise!
Golf
Playa del Carmen has become a top choice for golf enthusiasts as it is strategically located in close proximity to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
The most popular among these is the Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya at the Playacar Spa & Golf Club, right in the heart of the tourist zone. This magnificent 18-hole, par 72 golf course was designed by renowned architect Robert Van Hagge. It is highly acclaimed as being one of the best golf courses in the world and probably one of the toughest and most challenging as well. A definite must for the golfer who loves a good challenge. More info
The Puerto Aventura’s Golf Course is located nearby at Puerto Aventuras. Just 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. It is a 9-hole, par 36 beauty designed by Thomas Leeman in 1991. It is surrounded by palm trees and lush foliage and is still one of the best-kept secrets in the area.
The Moon Palace golf course (at the Moon Palace Spa and Golf Club in Cancun) is located just 10 minutes from the Cancun airport. It was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is a 18-hole, par 72 course. It currently ranks as one of the best if not the best golf course in the Riviera Maya.
More info and more golf courses can be found here
Watersports
Taken from Flick. Photographer 16:9clue
Flick. Photographer dMap Travel Guide
Aside from scuba diving, there are various water activities you can take advantage of while staying in Playa del Carmen. These include activities above the water, such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, kitesurfing and boating, and underwater activities, such as snorkeling.
Kayaking
The calm waters of Playa del Carmen make it an excellent place to go kayaking. You can tour the mangroves in the area, and explore ecological parks. Most hotels offer free use of kayaking equipment. For information regarding which routes to take when kayaking, and where to rent the kayaks, you can check with tour companies.
Paddle-board/Yoga paddle-board
A rising trend and a new experience in in water sports! You will find stand up paddle boarding tours which will have you slowly flowing down the Mexican Mayan Rivera.
Kite surfing
Not for the weak-hearted! An amazing work-out and so much sensations in one sport!
For more info on those sports check this link: https://www.playaboardsports.com/
Boating
A great boat tour is at the heart of a vacation in Playa del Carmen. You can choose from catamarans, glass bottom boats, speedboats, snorkeling tours, and fishing trips!
More info on: https://www.playadelcarmentours.com/boat-tours-playa.htm and https://www.h2ohcruises.com/
Diving and Snorkeling
If you are going to scuba dive in the Riviera Maya in the beautiful Caribbean reefs you must come in Playa Del Carmen. You will not forget this experience of a lifetime! Playa Del Carmen has beautiful ocean reefs and caverns / cenotes to offer. A dream for beginners as well as more advanced divers. More info here: https://www.divingplayadelcarmen.com/ and https://www.scubaplaya.com/en/
Fishing
Deep sea fishing is extremely good along the coast of the Riviera Maya. The always flowing currents in the channel between the coast of the Peninsula Yucatan and the Island of Cozumel create a perfect habitat for all kinds of game fish. More info here: https://www.sportfishingplayadelcarmen.com/ and https://www.captricksfishing.com/ and https://therustyhook.com/
If you are more into cultural or nature activities, here is a list of sites you can visit that will transport you into ancient history or in the middle of the natural treasures of the Riviera Maya!
Robert Pittman Tulum Ruins 6. Beach from Flickr
Tulum
Tulum, where some of the most remarkable Mayan ruins can be found, is one of Quintana Roo’s most famous archaeological sites. The archaeological zone is one of the most amazing sights that you will ever lay your eyes on. The ruins are exquisitely poised on top of 15-meter high cliffs rising above the Caribbean Sea. Apart from its picturesque setting, there are also about sixty preserved buildings in the ruins in Tulum.
More info: https://www.tulumruins.net/
Xcaret Ecopark: It is one of the most beautiful parks in the whole of Mexico. This Mayan inspired Eco-archaeological theme park is located just 10 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. Xcaret is often considered a paradise, particularly by nature lovers. One whole day is simply not enough to truly enjoy all the wonderful things to see and do.
Si’an Ka’an biosphere: It is a biosphere reserve located in the southern part of the state of Quintana Roo. It was established as a reserve in 1982, awarded full status as a biosphere reserve in 1986 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is approximately 1.3 million acres in size and comprises almost one-third of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
More info: https://www.visitsiankaan.com/
If you still can’t find an activity for you here, well you might want to try volunteer work for a charity.
Here is a list of places that will never refuse your help or a donation:
SOS El Arca: It is run by a woman named Sylvie who is the Mother Theresa of animals in Playa. She and her loyal volunteers have rescued and found homes for hundred of dogs over the years.
More info: www.soselarca.org.
Cocos Animal Welfare: Since 2012, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has been partnering with Coco’s to improve the lives of cats and dogs in Playa del Carmen.
More info: https://cocosanimalwelfare.org/
PAR – Playa Animal Rescue: It is registered non-profit, organization that assists in fundraising for the no-kill animal shelter located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Playa Animal Rescue A.C. is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and abandoned dogs, and to finding permanent, loving homes for each of them.
More info: https://playaanimalrescue.org/
