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Riviera Maya holidays
The Rivera Maya is admired across the globe for its stunning landscapes, gleaming beaches, enchanting coral reefs and magnificent Mayan ruins. The region’s natural wonders are equally matched with a vibrant nightlife, authentic restaurants and incredible resorts, making it the ideal choice for travellers who want the whole package!
- Flight time
- 10h
- From London to Cancun
- Currency
- $
- Mexican Peso
- Time zone
- GMT - 5h
Getting to Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is a region south of Cancun, there are many beachfront towns within this district such as Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, Paraiso Beach, Playacar, Akumal, Xel-Ha and Tulum. The largest and most popular of these towns is Playa del Carmen.
The easiest way to travel to the Riviera Maya is to get a flight to Cancun International Airport and then a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel. The drive from the airport to the Riviera Maya usually takes just over an hour. There are also regular bus services operating from downtown Cancun to Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos.
Average weather in Riviera Maya
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Holidays in Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen has an incredible nightlife which is quickly catching up to Cancun. Whether you’re after a cold beer or swanky cocktail, you’ll find everything you need from casual beach bars to vibrant nightclubs. For the best nightlife, head towards Fifth Avenue in the heart of Playa del Carmen. Dolores Yucabar is a rooftop bar with incredible city views and live DJs, Club de Cerveza has a huge selection of Mexican craft beers and El Jardin takes centre stage with its spectacular cabaret show.
The restaurants of Riviera Maya are some of the highest-acclaimed in the country, with an exquisite variety of traditional Mayan seasonings and international influences. Porifio’s is a contemporary Mexican restaurant that adds an urban twist to its dishes, it can be found in the heart of Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen. This is a fantastic mix of traditional homemade recipes, street food, and contemporary cuisine. It serves up a great selection of cocktails, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the spicy peach martini! Aldea Corazon is the perfect brunch spot, its secret garden whisks guests away to a dreamy oasis, where they’ll enjoy mouthwatering food and calm surroundings. If you want to be engulfed by authentic Mexican flavours, check out La Lunita, an intimate beachfront restaurant in Akumal.
Playa del Carmen is the place to go if you want to do a huge shopping haul. Fifth Avenue is a shopping hotspot that runs parallel to the beach, here you’ll find an array of shops, restaurants and tourist entertainment. This is a great place to pick up a few souvenirs, there is so much choice! For a unique gift, pick up a handwoven tapestry from Rosalia, or a bottle of Xtanbentun liquor, a Mayan liquor that can only be found in this part of the world. You’ll come across more great stores on the side streets of Fifth Avenue, where you can buy artisan crafts, handmade jewellery and local art.
Activities in Riviera Maya
If you want to add a little adventure to your holiday, the Riviera Maya is bursting with exhilarating watersports, vibrant city streets and glorious rainforests. You won’t need to look far for your latest escapade, read our activities guide to help you make the most of your holiday.
Watersports
Diving in Riviera Maya
Submerge yourself in mystifying tones of beryl and indigo as you explore the impressive lagoons and cenote formations found in the Riviera Maya. This region has an abundance of unique diving opportunities, from ethereal underwater caves to aquatic limestone formations. Playa del Carmen is worth a visit if it’s spectacular diving sites you're after. For advanced divers, Pared Verde is a must-see! Alternatively, Yal Ku Lagoon is great option for inexperienced divers and children.
Surfing in Riviera Maya
Many of the bays in the Riviera Maya are protected by an outer reef, meaning the beaches here have beautiful and safe waters. The downside is this region doesn’t have great surfing conditions, but paddleboarding is highly recommended.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Riviera Maya
With a curving shoreline of stunning white sand lined with coconut palms, Xpu-Ha is a dream destination for kitesurfing. As well as these stunning surroundings, you’ll have an offshore breeze and plenty of room to glide through the tides. This beach is only 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.
Sailing in Riviera Maya
Sailing excursions are an amazing way to explore the Riviera Maya. An all-inclusive snorkelling tour to Isla Mujeres is the perfect addition to any family trip. Alternatively, set sail for the uninhabited Contoy Island and bask in its serenity, exploring the incredible Ixlache Reef along the way. Whether you want to experience some sunset sailing on a luxury yacht or a morning sunrise on a private catamaran, there are so many boat charters to choose from.
Fishing in Riviera Maya
The waters of the Yucatan Peninsula have the perfect conditions for both deep-water and flats fishing, due to its access to both the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The best way to experience these waters is on a fishing charter, as you’ll be guided by professionals. If you prefer to stay close to land, you can try shore fishing which doesn’t require a licence, just steer clear of hotel fronts and swimmers.
Canoeing & kayaking in Riviera Maya
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a sublime location for canoeing and kayaking. This is the largest protected area on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, you can find it just south of Tulum, a serene pocket of nature. Its name comes from the Yucatec Maya language meaning “where the sky is born” this perfectly encapsulates the brilliance of this green haven. The reserve is a combination of tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs, blue lagoons, cenotes savannahs, and beaches. If you’re yearning for a magical evening, visit Isla Holbox for night-time kayak tour. As a blanket of stars envelopes the sky above, bioluminescent water begins to glow. This natural phenomenon is caused by plankton, and is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Land activities
Golf in Riviera Maya
El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course is the most famous in the Riviera Maya. This 18-hole course is a legendary Greg Norman design, it has impeccable conditions and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. In November, the PGA Tour’s OHL Classic is held here. Beginners will thrive in the Grand Coral Golf Club designed by Nick Price. Hard Rock Golf Club is perfect for those who want a challenge, with six lakes, narrow fairways, sharp doglegs and small greens, this 18-hole course will keep you on your toes.
Cycling & mountain biking in Riviera Maya
Punta Venado Mountain Bike Park is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, only a few minutes from Playa del Carmen. This park has so many bike trails to choose from, suitable for all skill levels. Hop on a mountain bike and soar through tropical jungle and finish off your ride on a golden beach, where you’ll be met with a fresh sea breeze.
Walking & hiking in Riviera Maya
A small-group tour is an excellent way to see the sights and experience several different hiking trails. Get picked up from your hotel and travel to the Coba ruins where you can climb the 120 steps up the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula – Nohoch Mul. After taking in spectacular views of the verdant jungle, head down to Cho Ha Cenote, you can take a dip in its emerald waters if you need to cool off. From there, your guide will drive you to Tulum and Playa Paraiso where you can stroll into the sunset. If you want a little more freedom, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is an incredible place to hike.
