22 Fun Things to Do in Riviera Maya with Kids

With its gorgeous beaches, Mayan ruins and cenotes, Riviera Maya is easily one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. Here are some of the best things to do in Riviera Maya with kids.

My family and I chose to live in the Riviera Maya for good reason – spectacular Caribbean beaches line the coastline, while ancient Mayan ruins, unique natural pools and eco adventure parks sprawl across the jungles inland. While living in the Riviera Maya, our days were spent frolicking in the sea and exploring all the exciting archaeological sites and parks the area had to offer.

Stretching from Cancun to Tulum, this 60-mile stretch of coastline encompasses smaller, quaint beach towns like Akumal and Puerto Morelos, as well as the vibrant Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres. You’ll find laidback vibes, empty beaches and turtle reserves that aren’t quite as easily available in the tourist hub of Cancun.

While living in the Riviera Maya, we explored the area inside out and got to know the Yucatan Peninsula really well. I will share some helpful insights on how to travel Riviera Maya with kids and some pretty cool things to do with your little ones.

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Things to Do in Riviera Maya with Kids

1. Experience Ancient Civilizations at Mayan Ruins

Riviera Maya is home to more than 12 Mayan archaeological sites and they’re excellent natural playgrounds for kids. The most well-preserved site is Chíchén Itzá, around 3 hours from Cancun. Immaculately preserved and perfectly restored, Chichen Itza is arguably the most famous archaeological site in Mexico. The pre-Hispanic city was one of the most important cities of its kind — and it’s easy to see why, from its impressive pyramids and intricate carvings.

Another popular site is the beachfront Tulum Mayan ruins, perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tulum, whose name translates to “wall” or “fence” in Mayan, is thought to have been originally named Zama, which means “dawn” or “morning.” This name is aptly chosen because Tulum is one of the few ancient cities that are not only architecturally significant but also strategically located.

Located a short 45-minute drive from Tulum is another Mayan ruins in the quieter but justs as impressive Cobá archaeological zone. These receive far fewer tourists than Chíchén Itzá and the ones in Tulum, but the scale of its pyramids are impressive and you can still climb them. Cobá was one of the largest and most significant Maya cities and a strategic trading hub for the region. Read my guide on Coba Ruins here.

2. Chill on the Beach

Tulum and Cancun are renowned for their breathtaking stretches of white-sand patches. I personally think Cancun beaches are the best – wide strands with spearmint water and just the right amount of waves perfect for families with slightly bigger kids (aged 5 and above).

Playa del Carmen may not boast the expansive, velvety beaches that are synonymous with Cancún and Tulum, it more than makes up for it with its exceptional beach access. It’s more compact than the other two, and there are easy beach access throughout the town. 

It’s worth noting that many hotels and beach clubs in Riviera Maya charge a minimum consumption of US$25-50 per person on food/drinks and these include the use of beach beds and chairs. But you can still access the beach for free even if you see a resort or beach club occupying a certain stretch because all beaches in Mexico are public. Just bring a beach towel and pick a spot.

3. See the Town on Two Wheels

Riviera Maya has a cycling culture that we love. When we lived in Playa del Carmen, we bought bikes and rode everywhere around town. One of our favorite bike paths is along Tenth Avenue. It’s a beautiful route that runs parallel to the beach, taking you all the way from Parque Fundadores to Avenida CTM.

Playa del Carmen has a fantastic city-wide bike-rental system; BiciPlaya has bike stands all over town. Even if you’re a tourist, you can still use the bikes by downloading the app and registering for just M$98 ($4.80) per day. 

In Tulum, the best way to get from Tulum Centro to the beach is by bike. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Renting a bike in Tulum is both easy and affordable — some hotels provide them for free. I recommend Ola Bikes; they offer reasonable rates and reliable service, including rescuing you in case of a breakdown. It’s also worth noting that it can get scolding hot in the afternoons, so set out early, carry plenty of water, and pack a few snacks to fuel your journey.

4. Explore Eco Parks

One thing that’s certain to put a smile on your little one is visiting an adventure park. Riviera Maya has several parks with different programs to make for a memorable adventure. Places like Xel-Há and Xplor in Quintana Roo offer a variety of kid-friendly activities that keep the little ones entertained and engaged all day long. At Xel-Há, kids can snorkel in a natural inlet, float down a lazy river, or explore the jungle paths.

Xplor brings out the inner adventurer with zip-lining through the treetops, paddling rafts through underground caves, and driving amphibious vehicles on rugged terrain. Xcaret in Cancun lets kids float through underwater caves, cross rope bridges, take a boat ride through the cenotes, and ride on a rotating watch tower. There are also evening events, which include performances exploring the area’s Mayan past.

Just north of Puerto Morelos, CroCo Cun Zoo offers kids an interactive adventure with animals. Here, you’ll find crocodiles, parrots, spider monkeys, peacocks, deer, snakes, among others. They let you touch and feed the animals. When we visited with Kaleya, she petted a baby snake despite my initial reservations. These parks are designed to be both fun and educational, ensuring your little ones have a blast while learning about the unique ecosystems. Admissions start from US$70 and US$300 depending on the adventure park or preferred ticket class. For instance, Xplor charges US$262 and these tickets include lunch and drinks. To get to Xplor Park, it’s best to book a day trip if you don’t have your own transport.

5. Swim in Cenotes

When a deadly asteroid slammed into the sea floor off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula 66 million years ago, it created over 6,000 fresh water sinkholes and caves called cenotes. The ancient Mayans used these groundwater pools as sacred wells and performed offerings and spiritual rituals here. Today, these cenotes are open to the public for exploring, swimming, and scuba diving.

The most popular cenote in Tulum (also my favorite) is the Gran Cenote, a gorgeous sinkhole filled with clear turquoise-colored waters, partly open to the sky and partly under a cave. Entry is 500 MXN (US$25) and includes use of snorkeling gear and life vest. Other Tulum cenotes include; Cenote Calavera, Cenote Azul, Cenote Eden, Dos Ojos Cenote, Cenote Carwash, and Cenote Yax-Kin, among others.

About 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen, there lies about four cenotes (Cenote Eden, Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino, Cenote Kantun-Chi) that are easy to get to. You can easily stop here on your drive from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, and make it a full day excursion by visiting all of them in one day.

6. Take a Ferry to Cozumel

Kids always love an adventure on peculiar modes of transport. For Kaleya, it has always been trams and ferries. While in Playa del Carmen we boarded a ferry to the beautiful island of Cozumel. It is just a 40-minute ride and she couldn’t hide her excitement.

However, the island is not your normal Caribbean vibe. Unlike the coastal towns, the 34-mile-long by 11-mile-wide island is largely undeveloped, with expanses of jungle and untouched shoreline. Check out my full list of things to do in Cozumel and where to stay in Cozumel.

7. Snorkel with Turtles in Xcacel and Akumal

Just 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen is the quiet beach town of Akumal, famed for the loggerhead and green sea turtles that swim and feed in the bay. The protective reef in the bay at Akumal is so large that waves can’t disrupt the bay and that makes for some great snorkeling. We used to visit Akumal often on weekends and it’s one of our favorite beaches in the area.

All year round, loggerhead and green sea turtles can be seen swimming and feeding in the bay. As it’s protected by the reef, Akumal Bay boasts calm waters and plenty of sea grass that keep the turtles coming. Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to go snorkeling on your own at Akumal. It’s mandatory to join a snorkel tour to see the turtles and it costs around 500 MXN (US$25) per person. A guide will take you in small groups to snorkel off the beach and into the reserve (part of the sea that has been cordoned off). Sightings of turtles are almost always guaranteed.

Further south along the coast is the Xcacel-Xcacelito sea turtle sanctuary. Every year, around 200,000 white and loggerhead turtle hatchlings are released here. Their annual nesting and spawning season runs from May to November. If you’re coming in October, don’t miss the annual turtle festival that takes place in Xcacel (one of the best times to visit Tulum).

8. Pose for Snaps at Intagram-famous Spots

If you are traveling with tweens or teens who love a glitzy snap or two, Riviera Maya is full of cultural spots worth exploring. Tulum is very popular with Gen Zs, who are constantly snapping pretty pics for their Insta. Tulum offers an abundance of Instagrammable locations, particularly in the Hotel Zone.

While this area is often pricey, seeing the famous spots is a budget-friendly activity because most of these picturesque spots are free to access. For instance, the “Follow that Dream” sign, which sits right by the Lolita & Lolita shop, has made several rounds on Instagram. This famous spot is completely free to access and most people bike there for their viral shot.

Another spot is the striking “Come to the Light” structure found in the Ahau Sculpture Park. Entry fee of just MXN 60 (US$3). The 3D Museum of Wonders in Playa del Carmen showcases optical illusions and surreal artworks that feel like they’re jumping off the walls. If you have kids with a witty sense of humor, this is a place they can get some fantasy snaps for keeps.

9. Go Caving in Rio Secreto

Located just a few miles away from Playa del Carmen, Rio Secreto is definitely the coolest cenote in Riviera Maya in my opinion. Having been discovered only a few years ago, Rio Secreto only opened to the public in 2007 as a protected nature reserve. I have to warn you though that it can get a bit claustrophobic.

There are no artificial lights inside the caves other than some scattered wireless flashes. So, make sure your little one is adventurous with tight and dark spaces before making the trip. There is an active effort from the authorities to conserve this largely unexplored cave system.

Kaleya is an adventurous spirit and we made this trip without fuss. You can only visit Rio Secreto through organized tours offered by the reserve. The average minimum age for caving here is 4 years for most basic tours. It’s an incredible experience and I highly recommend it!

10. Swim with Whale Sharks

Swimming with whale sharks is another magical adventure to share with your kids in Riviera Maya. The whale shark season runs from May to September. This window guarantees some action with these sea giants when they migrate to the warm, nutrient-rich waters off the coast of Quintana Roo.

Despite their intimidating name, whale sharks are docile, making them the perfect companions for an unforgettable family adventure. They are the largest fish in the sea and can reach an astonishing 40 to 50 feet in length. You’ll have to join a tour for this exclusive experience, many of which offer convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, so there’s no need to worry about transport.

Plus, you’ll enjoy delightful snacks, coffee, and a Caribbean lunch while on the boat. I recommend this Whale Shark Tour from Tulum, where a small-group boat whisks you to Isla Mujeres, a prime whale shark location.

11. Taste Mayan Chocolate in Playa del Carmen

Kaleya has a sweet tooth, so I had to take her to taste Mayan chocolate in Playa del Carmen. At Ah Cacao Chocolate Café or the interactive Choco-Story Museum, we learnt about the intricate process of Mayan chocolate making and enjoyed a few treats too. The museum has up to 7 rooms showcasing the history of cacao and the different traditional methods used in the past.

Ah Cacao is dedicated to using responsibly sourced cacao from all over Mexico, and they handcraft a range of delicious cacao products. They have several branches around PDC, but the one on 38th St is my favorite as it’s spacious and laptop-friendly. Read more about traditional Mexican desserts and sweets here.

12. Swim in Yal-Ku Lagoon

Swimming in Yal-Ku Lagoon is one of those adventures you don’t want to miss out on, especially if you are traveling with kids. Close to the main Akumal beach is a unique inlet from the ocean known as Yal-ku Lagoon. It contains a mixture of fresh and salt water and is home to sea turtles, tropical fish and manta rays. Most of the lagoon is 5 to 15 feet deep and there are rocks where you climb on and rest.

Look out for starfish, parrot fish, blue tangs and queen trigger fish, among other Caribbean species. Surrounding the lagoon is a sculpture garden with bronze statues that you can explore. Admission is 270 MXN (US$13.5) per person and 200 MXN ($10) for kids. Life vests are mandatory. You can get 50% off if you book tickets 21 days in advance.

13. Check Out Mystika Tulum

Right by the Tulum ruins is the new museum, Mystika Tulum. It’s a one-of-a-kind sensory experience, designed to take you on a journey through large-format photographs and multi-sensory installations. This spectacular venue has behind the brilliant mind of its founder Pepe Soho, one of the most recognized Mexican photographers.

The place is small and the entrance fee is higher than local museums, but those traveling with kids would love it. The museum is open Monday through Sunday 9am-6pm. Admission is 450 MXN (US$22.5) for adults and 270 MXN ($13.5) for kids under 12.

14. Wander around SFER IK Art Museum

If your kids love the arts, then Tulum’s bohemian vibes will definitely appeal to them. SFER IK contemporary art museum, part of the AZULIK hotel, is truly one of its kind. Constructed mainly from bejuco wood with traditional Maya artisan techniques, this building was designed specifically to blend into the backdrop of the Tulum jungle.

Wander barefoot through the weaving corridor and bridges made of knotted vine-like wood and take in the art collection of famous artists like Ernesto Neto and Artur Lescher. There are also sacred Mayan plants and traditional masks on display. The museum charges 200 MXN or US$10 (be sure to remove shoes at the entrance).

Kids under 13 enter for free but are allowed access to only the ground floor. They recently opened up a new SFER IK in the village of Francisco Uh May, 45 minutes from Tulum Beach. The venue is said to be bigger and more innovative than ever, and also features a signature treehouse hotel. Read more about SFER IK here.

15. Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

About a 20 minute drive away, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a vast wilderness area that lies at the edge of Tulum. In the language of the Mayan people, Sian Ka’an means ‘Origin of the Sky’. The 1.3 million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of a wide array of ecosystems, ranging from tropical forests to mangroves and marshes.

It’s a highly protected area and there’s a limit to the number of visitors each day. If your kids love nature and adventure, this will definitely be the best day trip from Tulum. The easiest way to visit Sian Ka’an is on a boat trip through its ancient canals dug out by the Mayans centuries ago. First, you’ll need to get to Muyil ruins, then walk the trail behind El Castillo to get to the dock.

A 2-hour boat tour with a Mayan local costs 1,000 MXN (US$50) per person. The speed boat will whisk you through two lagoons before dropping you in one of the ancient canals. It’s a glorious and relaxing 40-minute drift along crystal clear waters to your next pickup point. While drifting down canals, try to spot giant land crabs and manatees, and listen out for howler monkeys.

As you walk along the boardwalk back to the boat, keep a lookout for jaguars in the savannas! Another way to get to Sian Ka’an Reserve is from Punta Allen, a remote and uncommercialised fishing village in the ocean side of the Sian Ka’an. It involves driving a treacherous, unpaved road from Tulum all the way south of the Boca Paila peninsula. For more details, read my guide to Punta Allen.

16. Attend the Atlantis Submarine Expedition in Cozumel

The Atlantis Submarine Expedition is a great way for your little one to explore the Caribbean’s underwater wonders—without even getting wet. Aboard a real-life submarine, families descend 100 feet beneath the surface to discover the vibrant Chankanaab Reef, located in a protected marine park.

The certified crew keeps things safe and educational as children marvel at rainbow-colored coral formations and schools of tropical fish gliding past the windows. It’s a thrilling and dry dive into marine biology that’s both fun and fascinating—just remember, dock fees aren’t included in your ticket. Book your ticket here.

17. Snorkel the Great Mayan Reef in Puerto Morelos

The Great Mayan Reef, just off the Riviera Maya coast is a great spot for an undersea family adventure. If your kids are strong swimmers and comfortable in open water, it’s well worth the adventure. The reef is a calm, protected shoreline, but out at the reef itself, choppier waters and stronger currents are common—especially on windy days.

Make sure the kids are not only confident swimmers, but also aware of their surroundings to avoid drifting. You’ll need to book a tour for the experience. This is quite easy because most hotels will arrange everything upon request. Tours can be quick or last half a day, depending on what you bundle with the snorkeling. Book this tour for the experience.

18. Kayak Across Nichupte Lagoon in Cancun

Nichupte Lagoon, separating downtown Cancun from the hotel zone, is one of the most under-rated Cancun attractions. If your kids love the kick of nature, this is the place to go. The lagoon is formed by seven lakes and is an ecosystem of both fresh and salt water in the mangrove area. 

You’ll find a lot of operators running motorboat and jet-ski tours in the lagoon, but I suggest going for a kayak eco-tour experience. I recommend either the sunrise or the sunset guided kayak tour in Nichupte Lagoon where you get to paddle into the mangrove forests and canals and spot herons, cormorants, and even starfish.

19. Take a Ride on SkyWheel Cancun

La Isla Shopping Village is a large, open-air entertainment complex in the heart of the Cancun hotel zone. Winding canals run through the bright colored buildings, where you can take a boat ride. There’s an Interactive Aquarium here, which my daughter loved (but we strongly advise against swimming with dolphins).

The SkyWheel Cancun, a giant Ferris wheel located at La Isla Shopping Village, is amongst the best things to do in Cancun with kids. The Ferris wheel has air-conditioned cabins that take you 60 meters high in the sky. From up there, you get spectacular views of Nichupte Lagoon, beachfront, Caribbean Sea, and the entire hotel zone of Cancun.

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Things to Do in Riviera Maya with Kids at Night

20. Attend the Jolly Roger Pirate Show and Dinner in Cancun

The Jolly Roger Pirate Show is like a live-action adventure straight out of a storybook. Departing from Cancun, families board a stunning replica of the Santa María, complete with towering sails and an energetic crew of swashbuckling pirates. The evening kicks off with interactive fun—kids wide-eyed as buccaneers swing from the yardarms, clash swords in thrilling battles, and fire cannons over the Caribbean Sea.

Below deck, there are Mexican-style dining rooms where you can enjoy a delicious dinner from an international menu. The night ends with a dazzling firework display lighting up the ocean, making this high-seas escapade unforgettable for your little ones. Book your trip here.

21. See a Show at the Cirque du Soleil in Playa del Carmen

For circus lovers, the Cirque du Soleil in Playa del Carmen is the perfect way to wind down. Anyone who’s seen the Cirque du Soleil perform knows it’s an experience unlike any other. The world-renowned circus troupe has set up a permanent venue in the Riviera Maya, complete with a custom-built theater that can seat over 600 people.

The show, called “JOYÀ,” is a stunning display of acrobatics, music, and storytelling that takes audiences on a magical journey through the history and culture of Mexico. From aerial acts to contortionists, every element of the show is designed to amaze and entertain.

Entry to the Cirque du Soleil shows come with luxurious canapes and champagne. The ambiance is upscale and sophisticated, with every detail carefully designed to create an immersive and unforgettable evening. It’s one of our favorite Playa de Carmen activities. We recommend checking availability early and securing your tickets in advance to ensure the best seats.

22. Munch on Street Food

Riviera Maya has a surprisingly good range of street food on offer that your kids will certainly love. In Tulum, many food stalls are located in Tulum Centro, just right outside the OXXO convenience store at the intersection of Highway 307 and Calle Geminis Sur. The area bustles with countless food trucks selling some of the best tacos you’ll ever have.

Kaleya absolutely loves the tacos in this area and we found ourselves coming back here a couple of times. Most food trucks in the area charge just 15-20 MXN (around $0.75 to $1) per taco. You can feast on a plate of three or four for roughly 60 MXN ($3) or less—making it one of the best budget-friendly dining experiences in town. Read my guide on Tulum’s restaurants.

In Playa del Carmen, just walk up Avenida Constituyentes (away from the beach) and you’ll find a string of taco trucks perched on the curbside of the supermarket, Mega Soriana. Hermanos Taco Truck has the biggest following. Adventurous foodies shouldn’t miss their tacos de suadero (made with thinly sliced beef brisket) and tacos de tripa (tacos with crispy pig’s intestines) for just M$25 ($1.25) each.

Cancun’s street food scene is just as vibrant. These unassuming little stands sell everything from simple delights like tacos and tamales to corn-based dishes like elotes and esquites at affordable prices. To enjoy these delights, head to the downtown area, especially around Mercado 28 and Parque las Palapas. You can get 2-3 platefuls for less than $10 and sodas (500ml) go for 18 MXN each.

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Riviera Maya Travel Guide

How to Get to Riviera Maya

There are mainly two entry points into Riviera Maya depending on where you want to base yourself. The most common option for many travelers is Cancun International Airport (CUN). It’s about 19 minutes from Puerto Morelos and 1 hour’s drive from Playa del Carmen. Find out how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

Flying into Cancun from the US is really affordable. You can fly from New York to Cancun for as little as $300 return (4.5-hour flight). Flights from Los Angeles to Cancun are slightly more expensive around US$350 return (4.5-hour flight).

But if you want to start your adventure in Tulum, the best option would be to enter via the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO). The airport opened on December 1, 2023. The airport is perfect for those eager to explore Tulum and nearby towns like Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Valladolid.

Flying into Tulum is also rather affordable. You can fly from New York to Tulum for as little as $126 return (8-hour flight with one layover). Flights from Los Angeles to Tulum are slightly more expensive around US$618 return (8-hour flight one layover).

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Best Time to Visit Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya is a year-round destination, but in general, the best time to visit the region is the winter months (December to April). If you dread crowds, we recommend visiting Riviera Maya during the shoulder season (September to November) when there are fewer tourists. 

June through November is hurricane season here. There are chances of a hurricane striking during your vacation, with days of heavy rainfall and storms. Check the weather forecast before your trip and as always, we recommend getting travel insurance in case of any incident.

TIP: It’s important to have travel insurance whether you’re traveling for weeks or years. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers worldwide travel. Refer to my Mexico travel insurance guide for more details.

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Is it Safe to Visit Riviera Maya?

Riviera Maya is one of the most popular tourist regions in Mexico and is generally safe for tourists. Most crimes don’t involve tourists; and they are usually drug-related. As long as you steer clear of drug cartels and drugs in general, you should be fine. However, make sure to catch up on Travel Advisory from your country for any updated safety information.

However, common scams are quite common across the region. One common scam is money switching, particularly at gas stations. You may hand over a 500 peso note and the attendant swiftly changes it for a 50 peso note, insisting you need to pay more. Make sure when you hand over the correct amount, keep your eyes on them and don’t leave until you have the correct change.

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How to Get Around Riviera Maya

By Foot

Depending on how far your hotel is, you can pretty much get around most towns in Riviera Maya. Cities like Akumal, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel are rather small and can be navigated on foot. When we relocated to Playa del Carmen, we were able to walk everywhere because we were right in the middle of town.

By Car

It’s wise to hire a car if you plan to do day trips to nearby towns, I recommend hiring a compact car. It’s easy to drive through most towns and drivers with foreign licenses are allowed to drive. You’ll also get to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of exploring at your own pace.

I always book my car rental from Discover Cars as they offer the best prices and excellent customer service. An economy rental car in Mexico averages just $100 for a whole week, which is less than $20 a day. The current price for gas is 16.50 pesos per liter (about $2.50 per gallon), though this varies throughout the country.

By Colectivo/Bus

Colectivos (shared minibus or minivan-like vehicles) run all around Mayan Riviera towns. These shared white minivans, retrofitted with route names stenciled below the windshield, are a common mode of transport for locals. They tend to get crowded but they’re cheap and frequent, running either end of the towns all day.

The colectivo fares are cheap, and you just need to flag them down along when you see one. If there’s space, the driver will stop; if not, another colectivo will be along shortly. When you reach your destination, just shout “bajan!” (Pronounced ba-han) to let the driver know you’ve arrived. Be sure to have Mexican pesos in hand to pay the fares.

By Taxi

You can easily flag down a taxi from anywhere in Riviera Maya, but taxi drivers tend to jack up the price with foreigners. Make sure you negotiate and agree on a rate before starting the ride. Also taking a taxi further away from the beach areas should get you better prices.

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Where to Stay in Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen: Ocean Riviera Paradise

The newly built Ocean Riviera Paradise Destination is one of the most family-friendly hotels we have stayed in. The all-inclusive hotel is located along the Riviera Maya seafront a few minutes from Playa del Carmen. This expansive resort impresses with its sleek modern architecture and Mediterranean-inspired interiors, blending style with comfort. You can unwind in one of several swimming pools, including one located right on the beach. Check rates here.

Tulum: La Zebra

Many of the beach hotels in Tulum are adults-only, so we were thrilled to find this kid-friendly resort right on the waterfront. La Zebra is our go-to beach club in Tulum and we often spend weekends here with Kaleya. Besides having a playground on the beach, the hotel also has large spacious family suites suitable that can accommodate up to 4! Check rates here.

Puerto Morelos: Dreams Jade Resort & Spa

This gorgeous, 5-star resort is where we stayed during our day trip to Puerto Morelos. They have a private beach, 3 outdoor pools, 8 restaurants, and a terrace with sea and jungle views. After a tiring day of splashing in the ocean, I was thrilled to make use of their very relaxing hydrotherapy spa. Check rates here.

Cancun: Vela’s Condos Ocean Front

A mere 100 meters from the beach, Vela’s Condos Ocean Front offers individual apartments with a fully equipped kitchen. This condo-hotel is an excellent value for money and the best to stay in Cancun with family. The rooms flaunt a neat design and come with a private bathroom. Check rates here.

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Further Reading on Riviera Maya

I hope you’ve found this list of things to do in Riviera Maya useful! I have tried to include as many things as possible. Let me know in the comments field below if there are any other fun activities in Riviera Maya worth mentioning in this article.

Check out other articles I’ve written on Riviera Maya:

• Mexico City with Kids
• 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary
• 30 Fun Things to Do in Cancun
• 30 Best Things to Do in Merida
• 20 Fun Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico
• 15 Cool Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico
• Isla Holbox Travel Guide
• How to Visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
• What to pack for Tulum
• How to Spend 3 to 7 Days in Tulum
• How to Avoid the Tulum Seaweed Problem
• 15 Free Things to Do in Tulum

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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