Four Incredible Day Trips From Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the perfect spot for holidaymakers and backpackers alike. This beach resort truly has something for everyone. The beach in Playa del Carmen is utterly beautiful, but, if you are feeling adventurous, there are lots to day trips to discover within an hour of Playa del Carmen!
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1. Cenote Jardín del Eden
The first place we recommend visiting is the Cenote Jardín del Eden. The cenotes have a huge significance on Yutucán peninsular. Cenotes were the main water supply for the Maya even and in some cases were considered sacred. Some human sacrifices even took place in cenotes. A cenote is formed when the limestone of a cave has collapsed to reveal the groundwater underneath. This creates the deep, freshwater pools that we see today. The cenote Jardín del Eden has been preserved in an incredible way and the pool is healthy and full of life.
What can I do there?
The cenote Jardin de Eden is perfect for swimming. The water is completely clear and ideal for snorkelling. If you have a license, you can even dive in this cenote! (Yes, it is THAT deep)
How do I get there?
From Playa del Carmen you have two main options if you don’t have your own transport. You can take a taxi to the cenote, or you can take the colectivo from the main stop in Playa del Carmen which is a much cheaper option.
How long should I stay there?
We recommend at least half a day to visit the cenote. You will need some time for jumping in, swimming, and exploring the nature surrounding the cenote.
How much will it cost?
You can reach the cenote in the Colectivo from Playa del Carmen. This will cost around $40 pesos (€1.50) per person. A taxi will cost around $300 pesos (€12.85). The entrance fee will cost $200 pesos (€8.60) for an adult.
2. Cozumel Island
Cozumel island is a small island off the coast of Playa del Carmen, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. The island has become an absolute must in any visit to this region of Mexico. It boasts some of the best coral reefs in the world and is very popular with divers. This is why it makes a incredible day trip from Playa del Carmen.
What can I do there?
We recommend joining a diving tour and checking out the beautifully preserved reefs around the island. Here you will see a huge level of biodiversity. You can spot eagle rays, turtles, lobsters, and even nurse sharks! Exploring the island is also special as it has an important historical significance, it was a commercial center for the Maya and has some great archaeological sites of interest.
How do I get there?
We recommend taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen directly over to Cozumel. If you take the Ultra Mar Ferry you may even get live music!
How long should I stay there?
We recommend at least one full day. If you book on a diving tour from Playa del Carmen, make sure to ask the dive school if they can leave you in Cozumel after the diving so you can get the ferry back yourself whenever you have explored the island!
How much will it cost?
The ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel will cost you around $250 pesos (€10.50) per person. For a diving excursion, you can expect to pay around $3,243 pesos (€140).
3. Akumal Beach
If you like turtles and beautiful white sand beaches, and let’s face it, of course, you do. You can check out Akumal beach within 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen. At Akumal Beach, you can snorkel with turtles in a specially protected nature reserve and have a drink, relax and watch the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
What can I do there?
Aside from the classic relaxing on the beach, we recommend taking a snorkelling tour out to the protection part of the sea. In this area, you will see schools of fish, stingrays, and of course, those beautiful green sea turtles.
How do I get there?
You can travel with the colectivo to Akumal. Ask the driver to drop you at Akumal, cross the bridge over the highway and walk about 10 minutes down the road and you will reach the paradise beach of Akumal.
Check out our Complete Guide to Akumal Beach for more information.
How long should I stay there?
We recommend taking one full day to visit Akumal Beach. If you choose to take a snorkelling tour you will be in the water for at least an hour, and the beach itself feels like paradise so you will definitely want to spend some extra time here.
How much will it cost?
To travel to Akumal, you can take a colectivo for around $45 pesos (€1.93). A taxi will cost about $500 pesos (€21.00) The beach itself is a protected nature reserve so will cost $120 pesos (€5.15) to enter. A snorkel tour will also cost around $500 pesos (€21.00). You can read more about this in our Day Trip to Akumal Beach Guide.
4. Tulum
If you have one little app, you have almost certainly heard about Tulum. Yes, you can reach the Instagram heaven from Playa del Carmen. You can experience paradise beaches, fascinating history, and check out those cool food spots you have undoubtedly drooled over on an influencers story!
What can I do there?
Our top recommendations for a visit to Tulum include the Tulum ruins, Playa Paraiso, and the tasty restaurants in Tulum Centro! The Tulum ruins will give you an incredible glimpse into the culture of the Maya, Playa Paraiso was voted the most beautiful beach in Mexico, and the restaurants in Tulum Centro are tasty, different and great value for money!
How do I get there?
You can either take the colectivo from the main stop in Playa del Carmen or, if you have luggage with you, you can take the Oriente or ADO bus from the ADO bus station.
How long should I stay there?
You will need at least one full day to experience Tulum. We recommend heading over to the ruins first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. From the ruins, you can walk over to the Playa Paraiso. After that you can take a colectivo from the ruins into the centro to try out some of that deliciously instagramable food, we recommend Burrito Amor!
How much will it cost?
The colectivo to Tulum will cost $50 pesos (€2.15). The Oriente bus will cost you more or less the same as the colectivo but is the better option if you are carrying luggage. The ADO Bus is likely to be slightly more expensive, but ADO first-class busses have air conditioning. If you choose to head to the ruins in Tulum, the entrance fee will cost $80 pesos (€3.43). Eating on a budget in Tulum is possible in Tulum Centro, but things will be more expensive in the Hotel Zone.
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