Must-Do Riviera Maya Excursions and Tours
Whether this is your first or tenth time visiting, this list of places to go during your Riviera Maya vacation will give you an idea of what you can enjoy here in Mexico. Remember that this destination is full of culture, adrenaline, theme parks, partying, and of course, it’s fringed by one of the best coastlines in the world for beautiful beaches. If you still need a little more convincing as to why you should book some Riviera Maya tours, then keep reading as we will go into depth about what are the best solo day trips and guided tours to take
Chichen Itza
Located in the Yucatán Peninsula. Chichen Itza has been named one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. The beauty of these pyramids lies in the fact that it is considered one of the “younger” Maya cities. It’s well-known that even after the Spanish arrived in Mexico, Chichen Itza was kept as a sacred site; in fact, the Catholics compared it to Jerusalem because of the number of offerings they found.
During your visit to this amazing site, you’ll see where the ancient Mayas played a fireball sport, you’ll read about the human sacrifices they made in the cenotes, and of course, you’ll learn just how advanced this civilization was in medicine.
This is one of our most highly recommended excursions since our guests find it so fascinating, but also easy to do. Even though Chichen Itza is located in another state and two hours away from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, Seek & Go travel agency has made this tour a complete and comfortable experience for families of all sizes.
You can book this tour 24 hours in advance, and a van or bus (depending on the number of people going) will pick you up at Sandos Caracol, Sandos Playacar or Sandos Cancun at about 8 am. Your private guide will lead you through this amazing place, and you’ll get to enjoy snacks and drinks on your way to Chichen Itza. You’ll be back at your hotel by 7 pm, just in time for a lovely dinner at any of our restaurants!
Isla Mujeres
Day tours and even multi-day tours to Isla Mujeres should be on everyone’s list of things to do when staying in the Riviera Maya. The island offers good scuba diving thanks to the healthy coral reefs, and even has it Mayan ruins located in picturesque settings. One of the most popular things to do on Isla Mujeres aside from renting a golf cart and touring the island is to take a bike tour as the island is very flat, so it’s easy to get around and see the sites. It’s easy to organize tours through recommended and reliable companies such as Seek & Go.
Cozumel
Being so close to Sandos Caracol and Sandos Playacar, it’s almost impossible not to visit this heavenly island during your stay for some tours and solo trips and sightseeing. But wait! If you want to really explore the island, we definitely recommend you take the tour, and here’s why.
Cozumel is one of the oldest cities in Mexico, one of the first places conquered by Spain, and a favorite destination for cruise ships from around the world. There are dozens of places to eat, to explore, and to see, so honestly, if you don’t do some research and plan everything just right, you might miss out on some incredible activities.
Seek & Go has a well-planned Cozumel itinerary for our Sandos guests to ensure that your island expedition is complete. You just have to get ready and meet your private guide in the lobby, and they’ll take you to the ferry station; after a 30-minute ferry ride to the island, a representative will be waiting for you at the Cozumel station.
As soon as you get there, you’ll get to feel the adrenaline of driving a jeep around the island until your first stop, where you’ll swim in the crystal clear water of the Caribbean Sea. Make sure to have your Go Pro camera ready: the fish here are so beautiful and colorful you won’t believe it!
You’ll also get to taste the local cuisine of Cozumel while enjoying a live show. Then, you’ll jump back into your jeep to visit “El Faro” (The Lighthouse) and the most amazing beach in Cozumel called “El Cielo” (meaning “The Sky” or “Heaven”).
But wait, there’s more! Shopping in Cozumel is something that everybody loves to do, so you’ll have some time before going back to your hotel to get the best souvenirs, then your private guide will lead you to the ferry. You’ll be back at Sandos by 7:30 pm.
Coba Mayan Ruins
Located just 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen and two hours from Cancun, this archaeological site is considered one of the biggest in the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a beautiful place where you will find lakes and pyramids, along with lots of culture and magical experiences.
Coba is known for the natural preservation of every pyramid; compared to nearby sites like Tulum or Chichen Itza, these pyramids haven’t been renovated or excavated, which means that you’ll see some pyramids still covered in the natural growth of the jungle to create a lush green landscape. As it is close to other famous locations, you could experience places like Coba and Tulum in the same day, amazing right?
Did you know that Coba means “waters stirred by wind”?
While you’re there, you might spot some monkeys, iguanas, and other wild animals. This tour starts at 2 pm, and after visiting the site, you might get to jump into a cenote, enjoy a zip line tour, or learn about the ancient Mayans before finishing the day with a spectacular dinner show. Your transportation will take you back to Sandos, and you’ll never forget that amazing day.
Ik Kil Cenote
This mesmerizing location is 26 meters below ground level in the beautiful state of Yucatán. Underground but with an opening at the top, this cenote allows visitors to see a natural location with long hanging vines, small waterfalls, and black catfish swimming at their feet. If you are looking for a full day tour near Playa del Carmen and Cancun that will change your perspective on excursions, Ik Kil Cenote is the place to be.
Snorkeling with Whales and turtles
If you are looking to enjoy nature with a bit of adrenaline, you should definitely try this expedition.
The ocean in Riviera Maya is quite privileged as Whale sharks, sea turtles, mantas and dolphins are always visiting us, so Seek and go decided to plan the best tours for every guest.
You may choose between a private tour with whale sharks or doing it with small groups; they pick you at your favorite Sandos to take you to Holbox Island, where whales usually are. They will provide you with all information needed, such as equipment. After this amazing discovery, you will enjoy a local breakfast. This tour is available from June to September so if you are coming during this period don’t miss it!
If you are not coming in this season, don’t worry, nature has a lot for you. Seek and Go also gives you the opportunity to explore the most uncommon cenotes while you discover dozens of turtles, this again with breakfast, equipment, and transportation included. In fact, you may do it exploring also an island in which people describe it as Stunning and amazing.
We are talking about Contoy Island, located 2 hours from Sandos Caracol and Playacar and just 1 hour from Sandos Cancún. You need to see it to believe it! Travelers often say you need more than one trip to actually get to know every magical spot that the Riviera Maya and Cancun have for you, and maybe that’s true, maybe not…
No matter where you go or what you see, you should always trust the experts who know everything there is to know about excursions in the Riviera Maya. Seek & Go are the trusted excursion experts at Sandos, and their tours and services are incredible.
With Seek & Go, comfortability and creating new experiences is their number one priority. From the moment you arrive with them, you will be welcomed with a spacious, air-conditioned transportation vehicle to allow you to complete relaxation before and after the tour. The friendly guides will make sure that you indulge in an adventure like no other and fully experience the location that you are visiting, teaching you about what makes your chosen excursion so special.
Whether it be indulging in adventure tours in the Riviera Maya, exploring the Caribbean turquoise waters, venturing through the earth in an underground river, enjoying the cultural cuisine on a food tour, or experiencing a tour in the vibrant Cancun, at Sandos we want to make sure your vacation is designed to allow you as many new and exciting adventures as possible!
Stay tuned for more amazing places to visit and start planning your trip to Mexico. Book your stay at Sandos and get ready for the time of your lives!