Top Playa del Carmen Half-day Tours

Take an off-road romp in the jungle beyond Playa del Carmen on this half-day excursion. Drive or ride in a 2-person buggy and follow a guide first into scenic parts of the Playa del Carmen not frequented by tourists, before bouncing and bumping your way into the jungle. Wash off the grime during a swim at a gorgeous underground cenote and journey to an authentic Maya village. This small-group tour is limited to 14 passengers, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention. Hotel transport is included on this family-friendly outing.

Tulum's unreal swimming holes and snorkeling spots can be challenging to find without a guide. On this tour, a guide takes you to float through caverns and rock formations along the waters of an ancient cenote—a limestone sinkhole perfect for swimming. Afterward, head to Akumal Beach for snorkeling among sea turtles that call the beach home. Finish your morning with lunch and free time at a beach club hideaway.

Combine a guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Tulum with a visit to the Casa Tortuga Cenote with this excursion. You'll start at Tulum, where you'll learn all about ancient Mayan culture from a professional expert. You’ll then head to Casa Tortuga Cenote, where you'll get the chance to go for a swim or even rent snorkeling equipment.

Don’t leave your experience of Playa del Carmen’s food scene to chance; let a guide reveal some of the city's best food spots on a culinary walking tour that provides a comprehensive introduction to first-time visitors. Stray from the beaten path and discover lesser-known Mexican specialties that you may otherwise have missed.

Journey to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula to visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza on this full-day tour and experience this incredible archeological site with a local guide. First, take a panoramic tour through the colonial town of Valladolid and then stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim. Midway through the day, enjoy a typical buffet lunch and a tequila tasting, and then explore the archeological site. Walk along El Castillo and the Pyramid of Kukulcan and learn how this pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan Civilization.

Explore coral reefs, ancient history, and nature in the Riviera Maya on an combination tour that features some of the best of Yucatan in a single day. Snorkel through the coral reef in the Caribbean Sea, visit the Tulum archeological site, and swim in a cenote, then explore a limestone cave and take a jungle walk. This tour includes entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and door-to-door transport from hotels in Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Explore the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá on an all-day tour from Cancun and Mayan Riviera. After a convenient hotel pickup, travel to this important pre-Columbian ceremonial center to learn about its temples, observatory, pyramid, and ball court from an informative guide. Cool off in the holy waters of cenote before grabbing lunch at its namesake restaurant (included in the tour price).

Embark on the ultimate eco-tourism experience: a visit to Río Secreto Nature Reserve, an incredible semi-sunken cave system located just a few miles from Playa del Carmen. Don a wetsuit, helmet and headlamp to explore this underground river's vast wonders, marveling at its impressive rock formations and splashing through the waters of its limestone tunnels as your guide identifies unique vegetation and tiny creatures along the way. Back on solid ground, savor a traditional Maya lunch and relax in the jungle before returning to your hotel.

Explore the tropical forest and Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on an adventure tour: ride an ATV through the jungle then head to Maroma Beach, where you can skim across the water in a wave runner or speed boat. This 3-hour tour includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as pickup and drop-off at hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya.

Depart Playa del Carmen for a day of cultural experience and adrenaline-inducing activities. Begin with a visit to Tulum, an ancient Maya coastal city that's home to archaeological remains and sandy beaches. Then visit a modern-day Maya community before entering the jungle to explore two vast underground river systems. Snorkel their cavern waters. Wind down with a buffet lunch of delicious Maya cuisine.

Set off into the warm Caribbean Sea on this half-day catamaran sailing adventure from Playa del Carmen. Your luxurious boat cruises along the Riviera Maya coastline, stopping at the Inah Reef — one of the best locations in the region for snorkeling. Try stand-up paddleboarding while you’re out there too. After your water activities, enjoy a gourmet lunch and an open bar, as well as attentive service from your crew. Hotel transport included.

Pre-book your airport transfers from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen to save time and avoid the stress of seeking out a taxi on arrival. You can choose from one-way transfers to or from the airport, or book a round-trip service for added convenience. If you're getting picked up at the airport, your driver will monitor your flight in case of any delay.

This small-group tour combines two impressive archeological sites of the Yucatán Peninsula: Coba and Tulum. Let a guide accompany you around the ruins and explain their significance. This day trip from Playa del Carmen includes hotel transport, beverages and a buffet lunch, plus a swim in Cho Ha Cenote.

Spend a day exploring ancient Maya cities and an underground pool on a full-day tour from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza, and Ek Balam. Visiting both Maya sites offers the chance to experience the most iconic ruins in the Yucatan, then tour a lesser-visited gem with vivid frescoes and a fascinating history. This tour includes pickup and drop-off in Playa del Carmen, entrance fees, breakfast and lunch, and it’s limited to 15 people for a personalized experience.

Your admission ticket lets you enter the archaeological site first so you can explore in cooler temperatures without the crowds. Enjoy a buffet lunch, and swim in a cenote. Experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with this early access tour of Chichen Itza.

Travel through the Mayan jungle on this action-packed all-day guided tour. Hop on your own ATV (or ride along with a driver) and head to a cenote, an underwater pool, where you can take a refreshing dip. Then fly above the treetops on a ziplining course. A local Mayan lunch is included. Only those 18 years old and above are permitted to drive their own ATV.

Save money and time by pre-booking a shared transfer service between the Cancun International Airport and your Playa del Carmen Hotel. You'll ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle from the airport straight to your hotel, without the added expense of a private transfer or taxi. Both one-way and round-trip service is available for added convenience.

Discover two significant archaeological sites with this guided tour of Tulum and Coba. Walk past restored ruins at the former Maya trading post then scale Nohoch Mul at Coba, the Yucatán Peninsula’s tallest pyramid. Your full-day tour departs from Playa del Carmen hotels and includes a cenote swim and free time at the Caribbean beach of Playa Paraíso. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience.

Explore the Rio Secreto Nature Reserve outside of Cancun on this full-day excursion, where you swim and wade in one of the most spectacular underground caves in Mexico. See the famous crystal caves on a tour that showcases the spectacular natural wonders of the Yucatán. Choose round-trip transportation from your Cancun hotel, or meet your guide at Rio Secreto directly. You also have the option to visit the Tulum ruins which you can add as an upgrade.

Combine a visit to stunning Isla Mujeres with a fun-filled cruise on the Carribean Sea during this shared full-day excursion. Your boat comes equipped with an open bar with unlimited drinks, games and contests, and a tasty buffet-style lunch. Enjoy a quick snorkel with masks and equipment provided at Punta Sam Reef before free time to shop, stroll along the island, or take a swim in a private beach club.

Set sail along the magnificent coastline of the Riviera Maya aboard a luxury catamaran and gaze at the soft hues of sunset. Relax with a cocktail from the open bar while you're served snacks by an expert crew and captain. Hotel transport is provided from most hotels for this excursion.

Discover the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Holbox Island on a day trip from the Riviera Maya. Take a boat ride on a lagoon, explore the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Journey deep into the Riviera Maya on this guided jungle buggy tour from Playa del Carmen. Steer a 4x4 buggy for about 18 miles and admire the lush forest scenery during this thrilling drive. Make a stop at a ranch for a refreshing swim and snorkel at a cenote. Hotel transport included.