The Best Day Trips From Playa Del Carmen

Are you looking for the best day trips from Playa del Carmen? You are in the right place. Playa del Carmen, in the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of my favorite destinations in Mexico – I have been there 3 times!

If you have a few days available, you definitely should not miss the opportunity of going on a few day trips from Playa del Carmen.

There are several places you can easily visit – independently if you have your car, or even by bus, or on guided tours. From nearby beaches to nature reserves, from underwater caves to Mayan ruins and easy-to-reach islands, there is something for everyone!

Curious to discover the best day trips from Playa del Carmen? Continue reading!

Don’t skip my posts The Best Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen and Where To Stay In Playa Del Carmen: they will be useful resources when planning your trip.

23 Epic Day Trips From Playa del Carmen

Tulum Ruins – one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen

At an easy driving distance from Playa del Carmen, Tulum ruins are simply stunning. Once known as Zama (City of Dawn) because of its orientation, Tulum was actually the port city of Coba, which had a more important role in the Mayan world.

What’s special about this site is its location right on the shores of the Caribbean. Some of the most famous buildings – i.e., the watchtower – are directly facing the sea.

Once you are done visiting, you can walk down to the lovely small beach below the site, so make sure to bring your swimsuit and a towel.

HOW TO GET TO TULUM RUINS FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Should you not have a car, you can easily get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum by Colectivo or even by ADO bus. There are regular daily departures.

Otherwise, for a hassle-free day I recommend this Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archaeological Tour with Lunch – it’s a perfect full-day tour for history buffs interested in Mayan culture. The tour takes you to both Coba and Tulum ruins with an excellent local guide. The tour also includes a traditional buffet lunch, transportation, and entrance fees.

For more information on this wonderful site, make sure to read my Guide To Visiting Tulum Ruins.

Laguna Kaan Luum

A short distance south of Tulum, Laguna Kaan Luum is so beautiful that it’s actually shocking it doesn’t get more visitors.

This lake (complete with a cenote at its center) has the most magnificent turquoise waters that are nice and shallow, perfect for a family day trip (the cenote is actually quite deep and not open for swimming). As it is a protected area, you are advised to only wear environmentally friendly sunblock.

HOW TO GET TO LAGUNA KAAN LUUM FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Laguna Kaan Luum is 5 kilometers (just over 3 miles) south of Tulum, off Highway 307. You can get there by car or hop on one of the many ADO buses to Tulum and then get a taxi.

Coba Mayan ruins

For one of the most interesting day trips from Playa del Carmen, head to Coba ruins. The site has residential complexes, ball courts, temples, and one of the best systems of sabeob-raised paved roads built by the Mayans.

This is one of the largest sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, completely immersed in the thick jungle. As it is very wide, you can expect lots of walking – make sure to wear comfortable shoes for that (flip flops won’t do!). You can also rent a bike or hop on a bici-taxi once there.

HOW TO GET TO COBA FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Coba is 110 km (68 miles) and around 1.5-hour drive from Playa del Carmen. If you don’t have a car, you have the option of taking a bus to Tulum and then either another ADO bus or a colectivo or taxi from there.

The easiest way to explore Coba is with a guided tour. I recommend this From Playa del Carmen: Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes Day Trip: You only need a few hours for ancient ruins, but this is a great tour that includes Tulum and Cenote Kuxtal.

For an in-depth description of the site, and to discover how to visit, head over to my post A Complete Guide To Visiting Coba.

Chichen Itza – one of the most popular day trips from Playa del Carmen

The most famous Mayan site in Mexico, Chichen Itza, is a World Wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chichen Itza is an incredibly well-preserved site that will give you great insights into the culture, religion, and rituals of ancient Mayans. And if you haven’t visited already during your trip to Mexico, you will be happy to know it’s actually one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen.

The most iconic building on the site is the Temple of Kukulcan – the famous stepped pyramid, which, however, cannot be climbed. Other structures you should not miss are the ball court and the Thousand Columns group.

The site is quite large, so you may want to get a guide to make sense of it. You can get one on-site – there are many available in several languages right by the ticket office.

HOW TO GET TO CHICHEN ITZA FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Chichen Itza is 182 km (113 miles) from Playa del Carmen. The easiest way to get there is by car. If you don’t have one, you can use the ADO bus – there is just one per day, so it’s best if you book it in advance.

However, for an hassle free day I recommend this Chicken Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour – one of the best tours to Chichen Itza. The all-inclusive tour takes care of everything for you, and it’s a very exciting, busy day trip from Playa del Carmen. You’ll go with a guide who’ll explain the importance and magnificence of Chichen Itza.

I wrote a detailed guide on What To See In Chichen Itza And Tips For Visiting that will provide further guidance.

Valladolid

Valladolid is quite close to Chichen Itza and another nice place to visit on day trips from Playa del Carmen. I never figured out why it doesn’t get more tourists, as it is honestly a real gem!

The city is very colorful – think quaint colonial-era streets, beautiful buildings, ample plazas, and lots of nice restaurants and cafés (this is where I had the best margarita and the best guacamole I have ever had, honest!).

There’s also a lovely cenote right in the center of town and several incredible ones just a short distance away.

There are so many fun things to do in Valladolid, from the cenotes to the beautiful central square and architecture, to the great local shopping stalls.

If you want more time for Valladolid and Chichen Itza, I recommend staying in Valladolid for a day and night before you go to Chichen Itza. Then you can get an early start and be one of the first ones at the ancient ruins.

HOW TO GET TO VALLADOLID FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Valladolid is 141 km (87.6 miles) from Playa del Carmen. There are many ADO buses that go there, but I think it’s better to go by car so that you can also visit Chichen Itza and one of the nearby cenotes on the same day.

Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour – Many Chichen Itza tours include a short stop in Valladolid, as they are so close to one another. This is the same tour to Chichen Itza that is very popular.

If you wish to spend more time in Valladolid my post, The Best Things To Do In Valladolid, will give you guidance on what to see and do.

Cancun

If you’re visiting Playa del Carmen, then you’re likely flying in and out of Cancun International Airport. If you don’t already have a few days set aside for Cancun, definitely consider a day trip from Playa del Carmen.

Cancun is a bustling city complete with miles of white sand beaches, beautiful resorts, and beach clubs, great shopping, lively nightlife, and even noteworthy museums.

One of my favorite Cancun activities is the underwater museum near Isla Mujeres. The Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) is a unique concept, with hundreds of sunken statues and artwork morphing into new coral reefs. You can snorkel or scuba dive here.

HOW TO GET TO CANCUN FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Cancun is only about an hour from Playa del Carmen. You can take an ADO bus to downtown Cancun, a colectivo, or a taxi. There aren’t many tours from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, but fortunately it’s easy enough to travel to.

Once you’re in Cancun, I recommend this Cancun: Snorkeling Tour at MUSA The Underwater Museum. It is a fantastic snorkeling tour of The Underwater Museum. It’s a great experience overall, with professional guides and necessary equipment.

For more information, read my post The Best Things To Do In Cancun.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

South of Tulum and easy to reach also from Playa del Carmen, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the perfect day trip from Playa del Carmen if you love nature and are into bird watching.

The reserve – whose name means Origin of the Sky – is massive: 1.3 million acres. You will spot mangroves, marshes, tropical forests, and even bits of the barrier reef.

You can kayak around to enjoy the landscape. To make the most of it, you are actually better off joining a guided tour: the guide will help you spot the many species around.

There are actually ruins on the edge of the reserve, as well. Muyil Ruins aren’t as popular, but they are still just as magnificent.

HOW TO GET TO SIAN KA’AN RESERVE FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: The best way to get from Playa del Carmen to Sian Ka’an Reserve is by car. If you don’t have one, you should consider joining a guided tour. There are several departing from Playa del Carmen every day.

If you don’t have a car, I recommend this from Riviera Maya: Mayan Ruins & Sian Kaan Reserve Tour, which includes round-trip transportation, a boat tour through the reserve and a guided tour through Mayil Ruins. The tour also includes lunch, drinks, and snacks. You can arrange pick-up from Playa del Carmen for an extra charge or get to Tulum city center before the start.

Cozumel

This is one of the easiest day trips from Playa del Carmen – it just takes a ferry ride to get you to paradise!

This small island is right off the coast of Playa. Once there, you can explore on your own – visit the beaches, go snorkeling, enjoy the delicious local food on offer – or join a guided tour.

Cozumel is world-renowned for its diving. It’s known to have fast-paced drift diving, beautiful coral reefs, lively marine life, and warm waters year-round. If that isn’t your thing, you can go to Punta Sur and take a boat through a lagoon to spot some crocodiles.

HOW TO GET TO COZUMEL FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Regular ferries to Cozumel depart from Punta Venado harbor. It’s a 45-minute ride.

Once you are in Cozumel, I recommend this Cozumel Jeep Safari with Lunch and Snorkeling – A Jeep is one of the most fun ways to explore the small island of Cozumel. This is an excellent tour that’ll take you to all the best spots.

If you’d rather place more emphasis on the beautiful reefs in the area, this VIP Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling 3 Reefs Tour is an excellent snorkeling tour to all the best spots in the Caribbean. The tour includes water, soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

Isla Mujeres – one of the easiest day trips from Playa del Carmen

To do Isla Mujeres complete justice, you should spend a night or two there. But if you don’t have that much time, you will be happy to know you can easily visit on a day trip from Playa del Carmen – in fact, that’s what I did the first time I visited.

The island is gorgeous – think sandy beaches, lesser-known Mayan sites, wildlife sanctuaries, lots of shopping and restaurants, and a very chilled vibe. You can explore on a scooter or – even better – rent a golf cart as soon as you get there.

HOW TO GET TO ISLA MUJERES FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: To get to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen, you’ll need to either drive or take the ADO bus to Cancun tourist harbor. From there, it’s an easy ferry ride. The overall trip should take between 1.5 and 2 hours.

I recommend this Isla Conty & Isla Mujeres Full-Day Tour from Playa del Carmen – It is an excellent day trip from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres. You’ll first visit Isla Contoy, an uninhabited island with lots of wildlife and secluded beaches. You’ll then get 1.5 hours to explore downtown Isla Mujeres.

For more guidance on what to see on the island and how to get there, make sure to read my posts, The Best Things To Do In Isla Mujeres and How To Get To Isla Mujeres.

Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is an uninhabited island near Isla Mujeres. If you take a boat tour to Isla Mujeres, you’ll likely also go to Isla Contoy.

But no matter what, you should definitely try to take a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Isla Contoy. It’s a beautiful island with walking trails, lots of sun, and nearby coral reefs.

It’s also a great spot for birdwatching. The island is home to more than 150 bird species and other small wildlife.

HOW TO GET TO ISLA CONTOY FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Isla Contoy is an uninhabited island that only allows in about 200 guests a day. The only way to get there is with a tour to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy or by boat from Isla Mujeres.

I recommend this Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Day Trip – This boat trip is from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. You’ll get three hours on the island, with a freshly prepared lunch and snorkeling nearby.

Isla Holbox – one of the most enchanting day trips from Playa del Carmen

Holbox Island is the third island accessible from the Riviera Maya and one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen. Cozumel is the closest, Isla Mujeres is the second closest, and Holbox is a little further away.

It may take a few hours to get to Holbox, but it’s well worth the journey. It’s a beautiful island with no paved roads, a very laid-back vibe, and lobster pizza that is even better than it sounds.

I recommend at least a few days for Holbox, as there are a lot of fun activities. But if you don’t have the time, you can also go on a day trip from Playa del Carmen.

The beaches are known for it’s shallow waters, and it’s a very beautiful island to explore and walk around. There’s a three-island tour leaving from the main pier in Holbox that’s also worth the journey.

HOW TO GET TO HOLBOX FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: You’ll have to go to Chiquila, a small fishing village where the ferry to Holbox is. It’s about 120 km (75 miles) from Playa del Carmen. You can take local colectivos, an ADO, or drive to Chiquila. In Chiquila, you’ll take a 20-minute ferry ride to Holbox.

There aren’t very many Holbox tours as it’s a bit further away, but this Holbox Island from Playa del Carmen is a good day trip from Playa del Carmen. You’ll stop at Passion and Bird Islands, have plenty of time to explore Holbox, and enjoy a delicious, local lunch.

Cenotes – the most unique day trips from Playa del Carmen

There are many cenotes near Playa del Carmen, and you can visit one – or several – on a day trip. These natural swimming holes – which the Mayans thought to be a connection to the underworld – are the perfect place to cool off that Mayan Riviera heat and spend a relaxing day, and they are a lot of fun to explore.

The most popular cenotes that you can easily reach from Playa del Carmen are Cenote Azul, Cenote Jardin del Eden, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Cenote Chaak Tun. If you don’t have a car, you can get there by colectivo or taxi for just a few dollars.

Cenote Kantun Chi is another popular cenote labeled as an eco-park. It actually has five different cenotes, all connected through the intricate cave system. So, you get even more fun and excitement.

Ruta de Cenotes is a road near Puerto Morelos and Cancun. Buses don’t go down this road, so it’s much less popular. But there are dozens of cenotes of every shape and size.

If you don’t have a car, I recommend this hidden cenote exploration in Playa del Carmen – it is an amazing, authentic tour of a beautiful cenote near Playa del Carmen. It’s less “showy” than other tours, which makes it even more memorable.

Check out my post The Best Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen for more cenotes options.

Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas

For a place of stunning beauty, head to Rio Lagartos and the nearby Las Coloradas. It’s roughly a three-hour drive to get there – so it’s a bit longer than it’d take you for other day trips. But it’s oh so worth it – just make sure to leave extra early.

Rio Lagartos is a fishing village and a biosphere reserve that is home to hundreds of pink flamingos. Las Coloradas is a pink lake – the color is due to the salt coming from nearby salt mines. They are both photographically intriguing.

HOW TO GET TO RIO LAGARTOS AND LAS COLORADAS FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: It’s around 235 km (146 miles) from Playa del Carmen to Rio Lagartos.

You’ll need to visit Las Coloradas either in your own car or on a guided tour. This Private Rio Lagartos Flamingo and Pink Lakes is an excellent day trip from the Riviera Maya to Rio Lagartos. It’s a private tour, so you’ll have the guide and adventure all to yourself.

Rio Secreto

Rio Secreto (Secret River in English) is one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen, full of excitement and fun.

Rio Secreto is a magical, underground cave network that has been turned into an exclusive eco-park. You can only get there with an organized tour offered by the park.

On the tour, you’ll go swimming, hiking, and exploring the five connected caverns that cover over 1km of space. It’s a truly unique experience and a great way to learn about the unique ecosystem surrounding Playa del Carmen.

HOW TO GET TO RIO SECRETO FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: It’s only around 8km (5 miles) from Playa del Carmen, right next to Xcaret Park. However, you’ll have to go on a tour as public access is closed for protection.

I recommend this Cancun/Playa del Carmen: Tickets to Rio Secreto and Lunch – It is a great guided tour of the caverns and labyrinth of Rio Secreto. The tour includes round-trip transportation, two bilingual guides, lunch, and all necessary equipment.

Akumal beach – one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen to a beach

About 35 minutes drive south of Playa del Carmen, on the way to Tulum, Akumal is a beach famous for its incredibly white sand and for the coral reef that is home to a large population of sea turtles – hence its name, which indeed means “Place of the Turtle.”

You don’t have to dive to see the turtles – all it takes is just snorkeling! It’s best to go with a tour group from the beach to snorkel, as many parts of the water are protected nowadays. The tour will take you a bit offshore, where you’ll likely come across several turtles.

There are fenced-in areas right on the beach that are open to the public, but options are limited, and it’s less likely you’ll come across roaming turtles.

However, I’ve snorkeled in the free-access areas three separate times. I’ve always seen at least one turtle each time, but they’re definitely harder to find.

HOW TO GET TO AKUMAL FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: There are regular colectivos connecting Playa del Carmen to Akumal beach.

If you don’t have a car, I actually recommend this guided snorkeling expedition from Playa del Carmen. It is the easiest way to get to Akumal and swim with sea turtles. The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, lockers, and snorkeling equipment.

Read my posts The Best Beaches In Playa Del Carmen and The Best Beaches In Mexico.

Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is one of the easiest day trips from Playa del Carmen.

Puerto Morelos is a beach town only about 30 minutes from downtown Playa. It was once a small fishing village but has grown into more of a tourist hotspot in recent years.

There’s one main road along the beach, with taco shops, restaurants, and live music in the evenings. There’s a large beach that you can walk all along, with several freshwater cenotes at the water’s edge (they basically just feel like cooler, fresher water as you can’t really see the water coming out).

This is the perfect escape from busy Playa del Carmen. It feels like a breath of fresh air, as there are fewer tourists and a very low-key vibe.

HOW TO GET TO PUERTO MORELOS FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Puerto Morelos is along the highway near Cancun. There are regular colectivos heading toward Cancun that will drop you off on the highway, just a short walk from downtown Puerto Morelos. You can also take an ADO to Cancun and ask to be dropped off at Puerto Morelos.

Playa Maroma

Playa Maroma, or Punta Maroma, is another great spot to escape the crowds in Playa del Carmen. This is an exclusive beach with only a small handful of resorts and beach clubs.

You can spend an entire day relaxing at the beach or at one of the beach clubs. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere and the perfect place for an off-the-grid afternoon.

There are also some water sports right on the beach. You can rent kayaks, jet skis, or even go parasailing.

Because there is no public access point, it’s a little more difficult to gain entry. You’ll have to stay at one of the few resorts there, purchase a day pass at a hotel, go to Maroma Beach Club, or gain access through a tour.

HOW TO GET TO PLAYA MAROMA FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Playa Maroma is about 30 minutes by car from Playa del Carmen. The easiest way to get there without a tour is to either drive or take a public van (colectivo) from Playa del Carmen toward Cancun. You’ll ask to get off at Punta Maroma, where you’ll have to walk about 15 minutes down to the beach.

To access Playa Maroma, I recommend this Combos: ATV Speedboat, ATV Waverunner, or ATV Parasailing with Transportation. It is the perfect way for adventure travelers to visit Playa Maroma. You can choose your activity: ATV and speedboat ride, ATV and waverunner ride, or ATV and a parasailing adventure. Afterward, you get free access to Playa Maroma.

Spend a day on the water

If you’re visiting Playa del Carmen, you’re probably looking forward to the crystal clear waters surrounding the bustling tourist town.

Getting out in the water, whether it’s for a snorkel tour, sunset cruise, or a private yacht, is the best way to experience the best of the Caribbean Sea. Most boat tours take you all around Playa del Carmen, giving you a great view of the Riviera Maya, the vast jungle beyond, and the beautiful sea stretching before you.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are nice, but getting out on the water is an entirely different experience.

And fortunately, there are tons of great boat tours leaving from Playa del Carmen or nearby.

HOW TO GET TO PUERTO AVENTURAS FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Many boat tours in Playa del Carmen leave Puerto Aventuras. It’s a small town about 15 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen. If your boat tour doesn’t arrange transportation, you’ll have to take a taxi or colectivo to Puerto Aventuras.

I recommend this Riviera Maya Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling, Lunch and Drinks Included. It is an excellent boat tour from Playa del Carmen on a beautiful boat with a great itinerary. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, all snorkel equipment, lunch, and drinks.

Swim with whale sharks

The Yucatan Peninsula is known as one of the best places in the Americas to swim with whale sharks. Whale shark season is from June to September, so if you’re in the Riviera Maya, this is a must-do activity.

Whale sharks are large, gentle giants. Although the name can be a bit confusing, they are actually sharks, but they eat plankton, krill, and other small organisms.

To swim with whale sharks, you’ll have to take a whale shark tour, as they usually congregate far from the shore off the coast of Cancun.

You’ll get to swim with the whale sharks, usually multiple times, depending on the size of your group. This is an incredible opportunity that will surely make your trip more memorable.

HOW TO GET TO THE WHALE SHARKS FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: The whale sharks are never in the same location, so your boat will spend some time driving around, talking to other boats looking for them, until they are spotted. It’s usually about an hour’s boat ride from Playa del Carmen or Cancun.

I recommend this incredible whale shark tour which includes hotel transport, breakfast, snacks, water, and all necessary equipment. In addition to whale sharks, you might also see sea turtles, wild dolphins, and manta rays.

Xplor Park

This adventure park close to Playa del Carmen is quite the perfect place for a day trip for all kinds of travelers – including families with children.

Set in the thick jungle of Yucatan, there are caves, waterfalls, underground rivers, and cenotes inside. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, there is a set of seven ziplines; and you can drive amphibious vehicles.

This is a real adventure park, very different from the ones in other parts of the world. It has basically everything, including natural and man-made attractions.

HOW TO GET TO XPLOR FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: Xplor is just a 15-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, so if you don’t have a car, you can conveniently get there by taxi.

I recommend purchasing your Xplor Park All-Inclusive Entry Ticket ticket ahead of time to make things much easier. This ticket includes access to the entire park, buffet lunch, lockers, and more.

Xcaret

Another fun place that is within easy distance from Playa del Carmen, Xcaret is a nice mixture between a theme park and a resort – the perfect place to spend a day if you have kids, as they will find plenty of things to keep entertained. The only downside is that it can get quite crowded.

Please be aware that one of the attractions on site is swimming with dolphins. I wholeheartedly recommend you not to do it because it’s not exactly considered ethical animal tourism. Other than that, it’s a fun place to spend a day.

HOW TO GET TO XCARET FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: If you don’t have a car, you can easily get to Xcaret by taxi – it’s a 15-minute ride.

You can buy your Xcaret Park: Plus Full-Day Admission in advance. This ticket includes admission to all the main attractions, as well as the cultural night show and buffet lunch.

Bacalar

Bacalar is 280 km (174 miles) from Playa del Carmen, and the drive takes about 3.5 hours. Although it’s a little far, it’s still one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen.

Bacalar Lagoon, also called the La Laguna de Siete Colores (The lagoon of seven colors), is a magnificent sight. It’s a large freshwater lagoon with turquoise blue water in varying shades. The closer you are to the shore, the more transparent the water becomes.

It’s one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever visited, with a quintessential small Mexican village built up on the edge.

You can paddleboard, kayak, or take a sailboat tour around the lagoon. There are even a few cenotes and small rapids in the lagoon.

Of course, it’s a long journey for one day. If you can spare a few days in Bacalar, that’s much better. But if you simply don’t have the time, it’s possible to do this trip in one day if you leave early and prepare for a late return.

HOW TO GET TO BACALAR FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: The easiest way to get to Bacalar from Playa del Carmen without a car is to take the ADO bus. The ADO leaves throughout the day and goes directly to Bacalar, dropping you off only about five minutes from downtown Bacalar.

Mahahual

If you’re going in the direction of Bacalar, you can also consider stopping in at Mahahual. Mahahual is about 290 km (180 miles) south of Playa del Carmen, near Bacalar. It’s another long trip, and there are no direct buses there, but it’s worth the trouble.

Mahahual is a small town, popular for cruise ships and known for its incredible scuba diving and snorkeling along the Mesoamerican Reef. But very few people visit outside of the cruise ship passengers.

It has a beautiful beach, great souvenior shopping, and several restaurants right on the beach. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards from one of the many stands along the beach.

It’s a very different vibe than Playa del Carmen. Much more laid-back and less crowded.

HOW TO GET TO MAHAHUAL FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: You can take an ADO bus from Cancun to Mahahual, but this trip takes a long time as you’ll need to change buses. And the bus frequently suspended Mahahual service. The easiest way is to rent a car and drive or hire a private transfer. The drive takes about 4.5 hours, so it would be another long day.

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