Things To Do In The Riviera Maya: Part 1 (Water & Adventure Parks)

To be honest, once you are checked into your resort, there may not be any reason to leave. The beach, the pools, the great food and water activities are all available at your finger tips at the resort. However, the Riviera Maya has so much more to offer and planning an excursion or two could be just the thing to make your vacation extra special. See the great information below and then click here for more excursion ideas.

Adventure Eco-Parks:

Xel-Ha – Known to the Mayans as “the place where water is born,” Xel-Ha is a natural aquarium where the ocean and freshwater currents combine to create springs and underground rivers. The park is one of the most amazing attractions in all of Riviera Maya. It’s a perfect place to practice snorkeling, float down a natural river through a tropic banyan tree forest, dive off cliffs in the cool refreshing cenote waters, swim with dolphins and scuba diving. For a real treat, don’t miss the Sea Trek, where you can walk (and breathe) under water with the help of a specialized helmet, so you can explore the seabed naturally without any previous training. http://www.xelha.com/

Click here to see a short video about Xel-Ha

XCARET – Historically, Xcaret was once a Mayan port for departures to Cozumel. Located on the Caribbean seashore, visitors who travel to the Mayan ruins of Xcaret can learn about the rich ecology and culture of the Riviera Maya by touring more than 40 natural attractions like the butterfly pavilion to see native butterflies in their habitat, a unique coral reef aquarium and an authentic cone-shaped Mayan cemetery with seven levels and 365 different tombs. Other activities include swimming with dolphins or even sharks. Once the sun sets, the fun really begins with a nightly theater show that features more than 300 actors on stage who will take you on a musical journey through Mexico’s rich history starting with pre-Hispanic times all the way to the present day. http://www.xcaret.com/

Click here to see a short video about Xcaret

XPLOR – A fascinating underground world hidden below the surface of the Yucatan Peninsula! Xplor offers over 6 miles of adventure including a circuit of 11 thrilling zip-lines, a slide and a bone-jolting 3-mile trek through the jungle in amphibious vehicles! You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the cave’s cool waters and explore amazing stalactites and stalagmites. http://www.xplor.travel/xplor-tour-cancun.php

Click here to see a short video about Xplor

Aktun Chen Natural Park – Located approximately 25 min south of Playa Del Carmen and close to Tulum, Aktun Chen (Mayan for “natural well inside a cave”) is a smaller and likely more economical option to the larger parks like Xpolr, Xcaret or Xel-Ha. It offers a guided walk through an ancient 640 meter dry cave with incredible stalactites, stalagmites and beautiful rock columns and pillars. National Geographic has included Akten Chen on the list of Top 10 Underground walkways in the World.