16 Activities in Mexican Caribbean to Enjoy on Your Next Vacation
Mexican Caribbean boasts with activities and things to do… From Isla Holbox, down to Chetumal, and everywhere in between, Quintana Roo state of Mexico has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax, enjoy the beautiful beaches, experience the local culture, party the night away, or have some adventures in the nature, there are countless activity options to choose from. Below, you can find some ideas for things to do in the Mexican Caribbean, and if you’re still feeling overwhelmed with options, let’s talk. I’d love to help you find the right activity for your next vacation.
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Let’s start with a look at a map, and see where things are located within the state of Quintana Roo… You can easily Google the actual locations of things within the state, but here’s a little map that highlights some of the major areas within the Mexican Caribbean.
Please keep in mind that Quintana Roo is a very large area. It takes more than 6 hours to travel from the north part of the state (where Holbox is) down south to Chetumal, and that’s without any stops. It is not recommended or beneficial to visit all these areas during one trip, unless you have a lot of time to spend in Mexico.
The southern and northern parts of the state may require their own trip, or at least a split stay while you’re staying in the Cancun area (ex. 3 nights Cancun & 3 nights Holbox, or 3 nights Cancun & 4 nights Bacalar). These areas are not really a daytrip kind of places (it’s doable, but the drive is long). You need to stay there for couple of nights to experience the magic.
OK, let’s get to the good stuff…. Here are some activity ideas for your next vacation in the Quintana Roo area:
Swim in Cenotes
Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and beautiful surroundings of many cenotes located in this area of Mexico.
Take a Catamaran Cruise around Isla Mujeres
Sail along the coast, snorkel, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling in Cozumel
Explore the second largest coral reef system in the world.
Swim with turtles in Akumal
Snorkel in the calm waters of Akumal Bay, and keep an eye out on sea turtles.
Visit Tulum Ruins
Wander the ancient Mayan ruins on the cliffside with a view of the Caribbean.
Wonder around 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen
Shop, dine, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this pedestrian street.
Experience a traditional Temazcal ceremony
Participate in a traditional Mayan sweat lodge ritual to clarify and be “reborn”.
Visit Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park is a privately owned and operated theme park, resort and self-described ecotourism development located in the Riviera Maya, offering range of activities, like underground rivers, cultural performances, and wildlife encounters, and more.
Discover Coba Ruins
An ancient city of Coba allows us a unique look into the Mayan civilization. The Coba pyramid is crowned with a small temple at the top.
Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka'an is a stunning biosphere located 20-25 minutes from Tulum, Mexico, and it offers immersive adventure in nature, as it’s home to thousands of species of flora and fauna.
Ride and ATV and/or zipline through the Mayan jungle
There are multiple options for jungle tours in the area. You will for sure find one you like.
Visit the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Bacalar Lagoon)
Bacalar Lagoon is also known as the Lake or Lagoon of Seven Colors due to the different shades of blue of its crystalline water. The views of the water are incredible.
Take a Yoga Class on the beach
If stretching on the sand is your thing, you will love this activity.
Take a food tour or attend a cooking class
Try your hand in making traditional Mexican delicatesse, or if cooking is not your forte, hire a guide to take you around to the best eateries around.
Explore Isla Contoy National Park
Only 200 people per day are allowed on the island, so make sure you book this experience in advance.
Exercise at Tulum’s Jungle Gym
Tulum Jungle Gym is a real life Fred Flintstone gym where nearly all the gym equipment is made from wood, bamboo and stone.
Possibilities are truly endless in this little part of the world, and of course I cannot list ALLLL the things you can do in this area, because we would be here for years… but I hope this gives you a little glimpse into Mexican Caribbean. You may have been to Cancun many, many times, but I can bet, there are at least couple of things on this list you had no idea existed or were available in this part of the Mexican Caribbean.
I encourage you to leave the resort and explore what Quintana Roo has to offer (there are countless tours available if you’d like to have a professional take care of all the logistics for you). I can always assist to set something up when planning your next Mexican vacation.
P.S. If you’d like to learn more about 3 island destinations within the Mexican Caribbean, check out my previous post about Holbox, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.
