There are a wide variety of excellent day tips available to visitors in Playa del Carmen, and many of these excursions are within a short distance of Playa del Carmen condo rentals and other local lodging. While most of the popular day trips involve water sports and beach destinations, there are also archeological sites and eco-parks close to Playa del Carmen condo rentals. Some of the most popular and exciting day trips are as follows:
Xcaret
Xcaret is an impressive eco-park with a large swimming and snorkeling lagoon. Visitors can swim and float along a river and cave system into an open lagoon. Xcaret has an extensive collection of flora and fauna, including a bat cave, a butterfly sanctuary, and several islands that house monkeys and jaguars. There are daily cultural shows that highlight the traditional song, dance, and dress of Mexico.
Tulum
Located about 45 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, the town of Tulum has one of the most famous and beautiful Mayan ruins in the Riviera Maya. The ruins are located on the beach about ten minutes north of the town of Tulum. Visitors can tour the ruins with professional guides, swim at the on-site beach, and purchase locally-produced handicrafts at the visitor center.
Sorkeling and Diving
The Mesoamerican reef system is located directly offshore from Playa del Carmen's beaches. This reef system is home to thousands of species of coral, fish and other marine organisms. The diving and snorkeling spots in this area are considered to have some of the greatest diversity of marine life in the region. Divers and snorkelers are likely to see marine turtles, large fish species, and marine mammals such as dolphins.
Hidden Worlds
Hidden Worlds is an eco-park that houses a large cave and cenote system. Visitors can snorkel inside of several large cenotes and caverns. Qualified divers can also take a guided dive of the cave system. Hidden Worlds also offers visitor the option of a zipline and jungle tour.
Cancun
The city of Cancun is located about 50 minutes north of Playa del Carmen. Visitors can enjoy the extensive nightlife in Cancun as well as many top-rated restaurants and luxury shopping centers.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is an island located about 20 minutes off of the coast of Cancun. Day visitors can reach the island by ferry or by guided tours. Full of beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots, Isla Mujeres is an ideal spot to take a sailing cruise. Many visitors travel to Isla Mujeres for the day and enjoy a lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants.
Whale Shark Tours
Whale sharks migrate through the offshore waters north of Playa del
Carmen from May to August, and many area tour providers travel daily
from Playa del Carmen to offshore snorkeling areas. Visitors can
snorkel with these enormous sharks and they will also likely see a huge
variety of fish, rays, dolphins, and birds during these excursions. The
tours often take visitors to an area near the remote and undeveloped
island of Holbox, which is known for its wildlife, untouched beaches,
and clear, blue water.