Top 5 Things to do in Playa Del Carmen
I have explored most of the Yucatan Peninsula from Holbox to Bacalar and everything in between. For many reasons, I find myself returning to beautiful Playa Del Carmen. The vibe and energy of Playa is unique and very different from almost any other beach town I have visited. Once here, I like to explore what locals like to do and eat. Read my blog on Top 10 Places to Eat in Playa Del Carmen here!
While there are many activities I love to do here in Playa and this list is by no means exhaustive, here are my top 5 things to do in Playa Del Carmen.
1. CATCH A SUNRISE
Or two. The sunrises in Playa are absolutely my favourite way to begin my day. There are many lovely spots to catch them. My favourite spots are Punta Esmeralda, Playa 88 and Playa 38. Notice they are all on the northern side of the city.
Get there early and listen to the waves wash in. And then back out again.
Then witness a different sunrise every morning over Isla Mujeres. I love to do my morning yoga and swim after the sun rises.
2. BRUNCH AND STREET ART
Between 5th and 10th Avenida all around Tranquilo heading south, are small little cute local brunch, ice cream, cafe spots with great energy and personalities. Take a leisurely walk or bicycle ride and enjoy the beautiful street art by local artists after your brunch. Playa is set up like a grid. Get lost with the beauty and energy of this side of Playa Del Carmen.
Every piece of art tells a different story. A beautiful story.
Be sure to follow the local artists’ Instagram to follow their artwork!
3. VISIT CENOTES
Over 66 million years ago, an asteroid over 10 kilometers in diameter struck the Yucatan Peninsula in one of the largest impact structures recorded on earth at the Chicxulub crater.
As a result of this impact over time, several hundred, even thousands of sinkholes are formed. A “cenote” is a natural sinkhole created where a cave ceiling has collapsed, a window to this spectacular world.
There are literally hundreds of cenotes within 50 kilometers of Playa Del Carmen. There are cave (covered) cenotes and open cenotes like Jardin El Eden. This cenote is my favourite place to relax, swim, nap in my hammock and enjoy a Mayan pedicure (little fishes nibble on your feet in the water)
Cenote Jardin El Eden is only about a 15 minute drive of Playa Del Carmen and there is a cluster of other cenotes around Eden too like Cenote Azul.
4. VISIT ISLA COZUMEL
One of my favourite day or weekend trips from Playa is just a ferry ride over. My tip is to check the sunrise and sunset times and coordinate your ferry ride for these times and enjoy a front row seat to the spectacular sunrise or sunset as you cross the waters.
Once on Isla Cozumel, there are a whole host of water and land activities to fill your itinerary. At least make a day and if possible 2 to 3 days on Cozumel. There is so much to do there that I have also have a “Top 5 Things to do in Cozumel” blog and you can read it here.
5. DIVE OR SNORKEL
And I saved the best for last… The waters between Isla Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen is world renown as the diver’s paradise with the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef which is only behind the Great Barrier Reef of Australia in sheer size. I was spoiled as I got my open water scuba certification in these beautiful waters and saw amazing bull sharks, manta rays and turtles along with absolutely beautiful diverse marine life on every single dive!
Regardless if you are a beginner or experienced diver, I reckon you will not want to regret being here and not explore the beautiful coral reefs. I believe the right instructor or dive master makes the world of difference in your experience and I am happy to refer my Dive Instructor and Dive Master, Bertrand to take you into the water. He is the best! *Pictured above.
CLICK HERE to connect with Dive Master Bertrand & Bluekaidive. or Whatsapp message them below! Just tell him Rudy sent you! 🙂
Posted by: 
Rudy Lim
