Tours & Excursions in the Riviera Maya from Playa del Carmen
Chichén Itzá • Tulum • Akumal • Isla Mujeres • Holbox • Bacalar
Explore the Riviera Maya Differently
The Riviera Maya is one of Mexico’s most fascinating destinations. From UNESCO-listed Maya archaeological sites and crystal-clear cenotes to Caribbean coral reefs and protected nature reserves, every excursion offers a different way to discover the Yucatán Peninsula.
Departing from Playa del Carmen, Cancún and locations throughout the Riviera Maya, Halocline Explorers offers a selection of some of the region’s best excursions. Whether you want to explore Chichén Itzá, swim with sea turtles in Akumal, discover Isla Mujeres, visit Holbox or cruise across the Bacalar Lagoon, we work with carefully selected partners to provide a high-quality experience.
All our excursions are organized with safety, comfort and authenticity in mind, so you can make the most of your stay in Mexico.
Which Excursion Is Right for You?
Whether you are passionate about history, love snorkeling or are looking for an adventure in nature, we can help you choose the excursion that best matches your interests.
| 🏛️ History & Culture | 🐢 Sea & Snorkeling | 🌿 Nature & Landscapes | 🚙 Adventure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chichén Itzá Tulum Cobá Ek Balam Tulum + Casa Tortuga | Akumal & Sea Turtles Cozumel by Boat Cozumel by Catamaran Isla Mujeres | Isla Contoy Sian Ka’an Holbox Bacalar Yucatán Cenotes Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos | Río Secreto Maya Adrenaline |
Our Recommendations
🏛️ First time in Mexico?
We recommend Chichén Itzá, Tulum or Ek Balam to discover some of the most famous Maya archaeological sites.
🐢 Love the sea and marine life?
Choose Akumal, Cozumel or Isla Mujeres to enjoy some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Mexican Caribbean.
🌿 Looking for spectacular landscapes?
Discover Holbox, Bacalar, Sian Ka’an, Isla Contoy or the magnificent Yucatán cenotes, among Mexico’s most beautiful natural attractions.
🚙 Looking for something more adventurous?
Explore the underground world of Río Secreto or head into the jungle for an exciting ATV adventure.
Maya Archaeological Sites & Cenotes
Discover some of the Yucatán’s most impressive Maya archaeological sites combined with spectacular cenotes and traditional towns. These excursions are ideal for exploring Maya history while enjoying the extraordinary natural beauty of the region.
Chichén Itzá + 2 Cenotes – Deluxe
Discover Chichén Itzá, the Suytun and Ik Kil cenotes, and the colonial city of Valladolid.
From 3,000 MXN / person
✔ Transportation & entrance fees
✔ Suytun & Ik Kil cenotes
✔ Buffet lunch
✔ Bilingual guide
✔ Valladolid
Chichén Itzá + 1 Cenote – Deluxe
Combine Chichén Itzá with a swim in the spectacular Saamal Cenote and a visit to Valladolid.
From 2,700 MXN / person
✔ Transportation & entrance fees
✔ Saamal Cenote
✔ Buffet lunch
✔ Bilingual guide
✔ Valladolid
Chichén Itzá + Cenote – Plus
Discover the highlights of Chichén Itzá, enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural cenote and finish your day in Valladolid.
From 2,500 MXN / person
✔ Transportation
✔ Chichén Itzá entrance
✔ Cenote
✔ Buffet lunch
✔ Valladolid
Ek Balam + Hubiku Cenote
Explore the impressive Maya city of Ek Balam, swim in Hubiku Cenote and discover Yucatán traditions.
From 3,000 MXN / person
✔ Transportation & entrance fees
✔ Ek Balam
✔ Hubiku Cenote
✔ Buffet lunch
✔ Maya village & Valladolid
Tulum + Cobá + Cenote
Discover two iconic Maya sites, combining the Caribbean coast, jungle landscapes and a refreshing cenote swim.
From 2,300 MXN / person
✔ Transportation & entrance fees
✔ Tulum & Cobá
✔ Cenote
✔ Playa Paraíso
✔ Buffet lunch
Tulum + Casa Tortuga
Combine the Maya ruins of Tulum with four cenotes at Casa Tortuga and finish your day in Playa del Carmen.
From 2,500 MXN / person
✔ Transportation
✔ Tulum entrance
✔ 4 cenotes
✔ Buffet lunch
✔ Quinta Avenida
Snorkeling & Marine Life
The turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya and Mexican Caribbean offer some of the region’s most beautiful snorkeling experiences. Swim with sea turtles in Akumal, explore Cozumel’s protected coral reefs or enjoy a catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres. These excursions are accessible to a wide range of travelers and offer an unforgettable introduction to the Caribbean’s marine life.
Akumal + Tulum + Cenote
Combine three Riviera Maya highlights: Tulum, the sea turtles of Akumal and a natural cenote.
From 2,600 MXN / person
✔ Transportation
✔ Tulum
✔ Akumal sea turtles
✔ Cenote
✔ Lunch & snorkeling
Akumal – Sea turtles + Cenote
Swim with the sea turtles of Akumal before enjoying the crystal-clear waters of a natural cenote.
From 2,400 MXN / person
✔ Akumal sea turtles
✔ Snorkeling
✔ Snorkeling equipment
✔ Cenote
✔ Life jacket
Akumal + Tulum
Combine the Maya ruins of Tulum with a snorkeling experience among the sea turtles of Akumal.
From 2,400 MXN / person
✔ Tulum
✔ Akumal
✔ Sea turtle snorkeling
✔ Snorkeling equipment
Cozumel Snorkeling – Boat
Explore Palancar, Colombia, El Cielo and El Cielito on a snorkeling boat excursion.
From 1,300 MXN / person
✔ Boat excursion
✔ 4 snorkeling sites
✔ Snorkeling equipment
✔ Drinks on board
Cozumel Snorkeling – Catamaran
Enjoy Cozumel’s turquoise waters on a catamaran excursion combining snorkeling, sailing and relaxation.
From 1,600 MXN / person
✔ Catamaran
✔ Snorkeling & equipment
✔ Several reefs
✔ Open bar
✔ Snacks
Isla Mujeres Catamaran
Sail to Isla Mujeres and enjoy a Caribbean day combining snorkeling, Playa Norte and time on the island.
From 2,200 MXN / person
✔ Catamaran
✔ Snorkeling
✔ Buffet lunch
✔ Open bar
✔ Isla Mujeres & Playa Norte
Nature, Islands & Landscapes
Explore some of the Yucatán’s most spectacular landscapes, from protected nature reserves and wild islands to lagoons and cenotes.
Isla Contoy
Discover a protected island combining snorkeling, pristine beaches and wildlife observation.
From 3,000 MXN / person
✔ Transportation
✔ Boat excursion
✔ Snorkeling
✔ Buffet lunch
✔ Bilingual guide
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Explore a UNESCO-listed nature reserve of mangroves, lagoons, wildlife and crystal-clear waters
.
From 3,300 MXN / person
✔ Transportation
✔ Boat excursion
✔ Wildlife observation
✔ Natural pool
✔ Lunch
Holbox
Discover the unique atmosphere of Holbox, Punta Mosquito, Isla Pasión and Yalahau Cenote.
From 2,900 MXN / person
✔ Transportation
✔ Boat excursion
✔ Yalahau Cenote
✔ Punta Mosquito & Isla Pasión
✔ Lunch
Bacalar – Lagoon of Seven Colors
Cruise across Bacalar’s spectacular lagoon and discover its cenotes, the Pirates’ Channel and Bird Island.
From 2,800 MXN / person
✔ Transportation
✔ Boat tour
✔ Lagoon of Seven Colors
✔ Main attractions
✔ Buffet lunch
Yucatán Cenotes
Discover four iconic Yucatán cenotes and enjoy a stop in the colonial city of Valladolid.
From 2,800 MXN / person
✔ Transportation
✔ 4 cenotes
✔ Life jackets
✔ Buffet lunch
✔ Valladolid
Las Coloradas + Río Lagartos
Discover the famous pink lagoons before exploring Río Lagartos in search of flamingos and other local wildlife.
From 2,700 MXN / person
✔ Transportation
✔ Las Coloradas
✔ Boat excursion
✔ Wildlife observation
✔ Río Lagartos
Adventure in the Riviera Maya
Looking for something beyond the classic excursions? Discover a different side of the Riviera Maya with adventures through its underground world and Mexican jungle.
Río Secreto
Walk and swim through a spectacular underground river surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.
From 90 USD / person
✔ Full equipment
✔ Helmet & light
✔ Specialized guide
✔ Underground river
Maya Adrenaline Park
Head into the Maya jungle on an exciting ATV adventure.
From 2,100 MXN / person
✔ ATV
✔ Maya jungle
✔ Safety equipment
✔ Professional supervision
Not Sure Which Excursion to Choose?
Tell us what you are looking for: Maya culture, snorkeling, wildlife, cenotes, islands, nature or adventure. We will help you choose the excursion that best matches your interests, budget and the length of your stay.
Why Choose Halocline Explorers?
At Halocline Explorers, we select excursions based on the quality and professionalism of our local partners.
Our goal is simple: to help you discover the best of the Riviera Maya in the best possible conditions.
Our Commitments
✔ Carefully selected local partners
✔ Professional certified guides
✔ Assistance in English, French and Spanish
✔ Comfortable transportation depending on the excursion
✔ Simple booking and personalized assistance
✔ Recommendations adapted to your interests and stay
Frequently Asked Questions About Riviera Maya Excursions
What is the best excursion from Playa del Carmen?
It depends on what you want to experience. If you are interested in Maya history, Chichén Itzá is the classic choice. For nature, we recommend Sian Ka’an, Holbox or a snorkeling trip in Cozumel. Families particularly enjoy Akumal for the opportunity to observe sea turtles.
Do the excursions include transportation?
Yes. Most excursions include round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen, Cancún or other designated pickup points in the Riviera Maya. Exact transportation arrangements depend on the excursion.
Are meals included?
Most excursions include lunch, often served as a regional buffet. Some also include a box lunch or drinks during transportation.
Are the excursions suitable for children?
Yes. Many excursions are suitable for families, including Akumal, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, the Yucatán cenotes and several archaeological tours. Some adventure activities may have age or height restrictions.
Do I need to know how to swim for snorkeling excursions?
You should be comfortable in the water. A life jacket is provided when required, and guides supervise participants throughout the activity.
Can you swim with sea turtles in Akumal all year round?
Sea turtles can be found in Akumal Bay throughout the year. Sightings cannot be guaranteed and remain subject to natural conditions and regulations designed to protect the animals.
What is the best time to visit Chichén Itzá?
Chichén Itzá can be visited year-round. Early departures generally provide more comfortable temperatures and can help avoid the busiest periods of the day.
How long do the excursions last?
Depending on the destination, excursions generally range from half-day experiences to full-day trips. More distant destinations such as Chichén Itzá, Holbox and Bacalar normally require a full day.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
- a swimsuit;
- a towel;
- lightweight clothing;
- a hat or cap;
- environmentally friendly sunscreen where permitted;
- cash for local taxes and personal expenses.
Are the excursions guided?
Yes. Excursions are accompanied by professional guides, certified where required, who provide information about the region’s history, culture and natural environment.
Can I book at the last minute?
Sometimes, depending on availability. However, we recommend booking several days in advance, especially during holidays and high season.
Are excursions available in English?
Yes. English is widely available on many excursions. Depending on the excursion and availability, other languages may also be available. Our team can assist you in English before booking and help you choose the most suitable option.
Book Your Riviera Maya Excursion
Whether you want to discover impressive Maya archaeological sites, explore the Yucatán’s most beautiful cenotes, swim with sea turtles in Akumal or visit the paradise islands of the Mexican Caribbean, we can help you choose the right excursion.
Our team can assist you in English, French and Spanish and help organize your activities according to your interests, budget and the length of your stay.
Reviews from Our Guests
Every year, travelers from around the world trust us to organize their diving activities and excursions in the Riviera Maya.
Their reviews reflect our commitment to providing professional, personalized and high-quality service, with particular attention to safety, organization and each guest’s experience.
Read their reviews and share your own Halocline Explorers experience.
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Cenotes • Cozumel • Playa del Carmen • Technical Diving • IANTD Training
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