6 activities to do in Playa del Carmen

Person snorkeling in Playa del Carmen

What’s to do in Playa del Carmen you may wonder… Well, let me tell you, there’re a lot of things to do in Playa del Carmen! Some are extreme and adventurous, but surely all are fun and unique. If you’re up for it, here’s a list of 6 activities you don’t want to miss out on!

1. Dolphins! Dolphins!

Starting off this list with a family friendly activity, swimming with dolphins will surely be the highlight of your vacation. Create unforgettable memories by swimming with these beautiful animals and let yourself be amazed by the whole experience. Here you’ll not only swim with dolphins but also be allowed to also enjoy a beach club and other amenities. Only a couple of minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, in Playa Maroma you can find this amazing activity. Don’t forget to add the photo package to your experience to bring home some sweet memories that will last forever.

Dolphins in Playa del Carmen-Recreational activity
Dolphins in Playa del Carmen

Check out Dolphin Discovery to know more about this.

2. Did anyone say “bull shark”?

Yes we did. Bull shark swimming is the ultimate experience for those certified divers seeking for unique waters to immerse in. Mexico Blue Dream offers the extreme scuba diving experience for certified divers. The perfect time to do so is when they migrate to the coast and stay here from December to March, when they migrate north. This is no regular diving experience since you get a unique and ultra close view of these magnificent creatures. Swimming with bull sharks does require any specific certification, if you don’t happen to be a certified diver you can enjoy swimming with other marine animals like the whale shark or the catshark.

Bull shark diving in Playa del Carmen
Bull shark diving in Playa del Carmen

3. Parasailing!

Wanna feel like you’re flying? Jump into adventure with parasailing! Walk into the beach and it shouldn’t take you long to find it. Do ask if your hotel already has this activity, but either way, you don’t want to miss it. How does it work? Parasailing is a recreational kiting activity where a person is towed behind a boat while attached to a specially designed canopy wing that reminds one of a parachute, known as a parasail wing. This is fun for everyone! Well, not for people afraid of heights, that’s for sure.

Couple parasailing in Playa del Carmen
Parasailing in Playa del Carmen

4. Have you seen Nemo?

One quick glance of Playa del Carmen’s most famous beaches and you’ll feel in paradise. Even though the blue ocean is right there, for the ultimate snorkeling experience, we recommend going snorkeling a bit further than the shore. Snorkel Expedition offers to take you to the great barrier reef in Riviera Maya. The reef hides amazing natural jewels that you can discover diving. This is the way to go if you want to witness the wild marine life and its biodiversity. This great ecosystem has a wide variety of fauna and flora, as well as being composed of several species of coral.

If you’re looking a little extra for your snorkeling expedition in Playa del Carmen, set sail along the Riviera Maya on a catamaran! In your hotel or at the beach, you can ask anyone about this. With plenty of space for you to chill and relax, the sailors will take you to unique spots around the area for you to take a swim and snorkel in the Caribbean Sea. Lunch and beverages are included on board, so wait no more for this amazing trip and bring joy to the whole family. 

Girl snorkeling in Playa del Carmen
Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen

5. Let’s go for a ride!

Explore the streets of Playa del Carmen like no regular tourist! A bike tour is just what you need to get to know Playa del Carmen’s street art scene in a unique way. Check out urban murals and art pieces located around town. Cycle to the beat of the Caribbean and set out to a tropical journey while the sun sets on the horizon. This guided tour will let you know more about the history of Playa del Carmen. Be ready to take some cool photos and try amazing street food.

People bike touring in Playa del Carmen
Bike and art tour in Playa del Carmen
Jet Ski in Playa del Carmen
Jet Ski in Playa del Carmen

6. In the need for speed?

If you’re in for speed and adrenaline you must try jet skis and wave runners at the beach of Playa del Carmen. This activity is ideal if you want to go deep into the sea. You can rent a jet ski right at the shore, or ask for exclusive tours where the guide will take you to natural areas around the reef. The great thing is that you can go for a 30 to 60 minute ride if you want to. We recommend you have someone to jump in with you, jet skis are often a 2 person experience. This activity’s advantage is that you can do it when you’re done exploring the ruins and cenotes near Playa del Carmen.

Don’t forget to check out our Playa del Carmen Travel Guide to know more about places to stay and attractions to visit.