Best Tours in the Riviera Maya

There is a lot to experience here in the Yucatán Peninsula. Where do you start? Where do you go?

The origins of the magic in the region you are about to experience started a long time before you actually arrived on these sandy beaches. In fact, it started over 66 million years ago.

An asteroid more than 10 kilometres in diameter struck the Yucatán Peninsula — one of the largest impact structures ever recorded on earth, at the Chicxulub crater. This singular event set off a chain reaction that changed the topography, geology, and civilisations of the region. A butterfly effect of epic proportions.

You do not want to regret being here without quenching your curiosity for the magic of the Riviera Maya. You cannot experience this anywhere else on earth.

I have taken many tours with many providers. My personal favourite is David Riviera Maya Tours. He promised to take good care of you as he did for me — and he has delivered every time. Your tour guide has a pivotal role to play in your experience. Here are his 7 recommended tour packages to help you discover the magic of the Riviera Maya.

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1. Chichen Itza Plus

All Day Tour · 6 hours

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — and it earns the title. The pyramid of Kukulcán (El Castillo) is a masterpiece of Mayan astronomy: 91 steps on each of its four sides plus the top platform equals 365, one for every day of the solar year. At the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow of a descending serpent appears on the staircase. Standing in front of it is one of those moments that stays with you for life.

This full-day tour takes you there and back with everything covered.

Includes:

• Box lunch (sandwich, chips, cookie, juice)
• Umbrellas at Chichen Itza
• Unlimited beverages on the bus (water, soda; beer available after Chichen Itza)
• Butler on bus
• Free entrance to Chichen Itza
• Certified bilingual tour guide
• Visit to the colonial town of Valladolid
• Regional buffet lunch
• One beverage with lunch
• Free entrance and swim at a cenote
• Towel at the cenote (life jackets available as an extra)

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2. Cozumel "Cielo" Tour

Snorkel Tour + Best of Cozumel Reefs · 4 hours

Cozumel sits above the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second largest reef system on earth. The reefs on this tour are among the most celebrated dive and snorkel sites in the Caribbean: Palancar Gardens, Cardona, El Cielo, and El Cielito. El Cielo in particular is famous for its shallow sandy floor covered in starfish — a completely otherworldly sight.

This is one of the most beautiful four hours you can spend in the Riviera Maya.

Includes:

• Boarding pass
• Snorkelling equipment
• Basic open bar (water, soda, margaritas, tequila)
• 2 beers per person
• Snack: fresh fish ceviche, tortilla chips, guacamole, seasonal fruit
• Professional guide, crew member, and diver on board

Reefs visited: Palancar Gardens · Cardona · El Cielo · El Cielito

Note: Marine tax of 100 pesos per person. Departure from the ALDORA pier.

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3. Tulum & Akumal — Swim with Turtles

All Day Tour · 6 hours

Two legendary experiences in one day. Tulum's archaeological zone sits on a cliff above the Caribbean — one of the only Mayan sites with a direct sea view. The main temple, El Castillo, served as a lighthouse to guide Mayan trading canoes safely to shore for centuries. Then it is on to Akumal — "Place of Turtles" in Mayan — where wild green sea turtles feed on seagrass in the bay and you can swim alongside them.

Includes:

• Bilingual guide throughout
• Free entrance to the Tulum Archaeological Zone
• 1-hour guided tour of the site + 45 minutes of free time
• Bottle of water upon leaving Tulum
• Photo at the Tulum sign
• Lunch (choice of beef fajitas, chicken fajitas, grilled chicken breast, breaded chicken breast, or beef quesadillas)
• 1 hour at Cenote No-ho Much
• Swimming with turtles in Akumal
• Snorkelling equipment

Does not include: drinks at lunch. 416-peso tax per person applies.

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4. Xochimilco by Xcaret

A one-of-a-kind Mexican night out. Xoximilco in Cancún is modelled on Mexico City's famous Xochimilco canals — colourful trajineras (traditional painted boats) travelling through the waterways, accompanied by live mariachi, regional music, and the most celebratory atmosphere you will find anywhere in the Yucatán.

This is not a quiet dinner. This is Mexico at full volume, and it is absolutely wonderful.

Includes:

• Traditional kermesse upon arrival
• Night tour on a Mexican trajinera through the canals
• Live mariachi and rotating musical groups
• Diverse traditional dishes from across Mexico's gastronomy
• Open bar (tequila, beer, vodka, rum, aguas frescas, and soft drinks)
• Entertaining host throughout the evening
• Free parking

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5. Xcaret

Mexico's Iconic Eco-Adventure Park

Xcaret is built around a natural underground river system that you can float and snorkel through — the river winds through a series of caves and emerges at the beach in a genuinely magical way. Beyond the river, the park is one of the most comprehensive eco-cultural experiences in the Riviera Maya.

Includes:

• Underground river swim (safety bag provided)
• Access to beach, inlet, and natural pools
• Tropical jungle trail
• Coral Reef Aquarium, Butterfly Pavilion, and Aviary
• Children's World
• Equestrian show, Papantla Flyers, and pre-Hispanic dances
• The Xcaret México Espectacular evening show
• Life jackets and inner tubes
• Restrooms, showers, and changing rooms
• Free parking

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6. Xplor

The Riviera Maya's Premier Adventure Park

For anyone who wants to fly through the jungle, navigate underground rivers, and drive an amphibious vehicle through flooded caves — Xplor is your answer. This is pure adrenaline in a spectacular natural setting.

Includes:

• Two circuits of 7 zip lines each, including the tallest zip line in the Riviera Maya
• Amphibious vehicle through the jungle, across bridges, and through flooded caves
• Underground river circuit aboard a raft (paddled with your hands)
• Stalactite River Swim
• Hammock Splash
• Cave Hike
• Unlimited snacks and soft drinks
• Buffet lunch
• Locker for two people
• All safety equipment (helmet, harness, life jacket, raft, paddling gloves)
• Rest areas, changing rooms, and restrooms

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7. Xel-Há

The World's Largest Natural Aquarium

Xel-Há is a natural water park built around a cove where freshwater and saltwater meet, creating an extraordinary ecosystem of fish, coral, and marine life. The snorkelling here is some of the best you will find without getting on a boat — the variety of fish and the clarity of the water are remarkable.

Includes:

• Unlimited snorkelling in the natural inlet
• Tube rides on the river
• The Lighthouse Lookout: 360° views from 40 metres high, with a slide back down
• Continental breakfast
• Snacks and buffet food throughout the day
• Unlimited drinks and open bar
• Adventure World and Children's World
• Panoramic snorkel mask
• Life jackets, floating tires, and bicycles
• Lockers, restrooms, showers, and changing rooms

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My Advice

I have lived in the Riviera Maya for over 5 years. I have experienced all of the above tours and visited close to 40 different cenotes.

My advice: do not try to do everything. You want to enjoy yourself, not stress. You do not want to need a vacation after your vacation. Choose 2 or 3 experiences that speak to you and consult David for his personal recommendations based on who you are travelling with and what you love. You are in good hands.

Message David on WhatsApp

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