Riviera Maya
Cenotes, jungle, Mayan ruins and 120 miles of Caribbean coastline — Mexico's most spectacular stretch of coast
Explore Riviera Maya
Click any marker to find out more about each spot.
Things To Do in Riviera Maya
The best cenotes, beaches and jungle experiences on Mexico's Caribbean coast.
Cenotes
The Riviera Maya is dotted with cenotes — natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater, connected to an underground river system that is the largest in the world. Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino are among the best. Swimming and diving in the cenotes is one of the most unique experiences in Mexico.
Akumal — Swimming with Turtles
Akumal Bay is one of the best places in Mexico to swim with sea turtles. The bay is a natural turtle habitat, and green turtles can be seen feeding on the seagrass in the shallow water. Snorkelling with the turtles is a magical experience. The bay is protected and guides are available to ensure the turtles are not disturbed.
Playa Maroma
Playa Maroma is consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico — crystal-clear water, powdery white sand and a sheltered bay that is perfect for swimming. The beach is backed by jungle and has a more secluded, natural feel than the Hotel Zone beaches. Several luxury resorts are located here.
Cobá Mayan Ruins
The Cobá ruins, in the jungle inland from the Riviera Maya, are one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Mexico. The Nohoch Mul pyramid — at 42 metres, the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan — can be climbed for panoramic views over the jungle canopy. The site is less visited than Chichen Itza and has a more atmospheric, jungle feel.
Xel-Há Natural Park
Xel-Há is a natural aquatic park where a freshwater river meets the sea, creating a natural inlet filled with hundreds of tropical fish. Snorkelling in the inlet is extraordinary — the fish are so numerous and so tame that they swim right up to you. The park also has zip lines, cliff jumping and a lazy river.
Riviera Maya Travel Guide
The Riviera Maya is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world — 120 miles of Caribbean coast between Cancun and Tulum, dotted with cenotes, Mayan ruins, luxury resorts and some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
The cenotes are the defining feature of the Riviera Maya. The Yucatan Peninsula sits on top of the world's largest underground river system, and where the limestone ceiling has collapsed, cenotes are formed — natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino are among the most beautiful. Swimming and diving in the cenotes is one of the most unique experiences in Mexico.
Akumal Bay is one of the best places in Mexico to swim with sea turtles. The bay is a natural turtle habitat, and green turtles can be seen feeding on the seagrass in the shallow water. Snorkelling with the turtles is a magical experience.
The Cobá ruins, in the jungle inland from the Riviera Maya, are one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Mexico. The Nohoch Mul pyramid — at 42 metres, the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan — can be climbed for panoramic views over the jungle canopy. The site is less visited than Chichen Itza and has a more atmospheric, jungle feel.
Playa Maroma is consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico — crystal-clear water, powdery white sand and a sheltered bay that is perfect for swimming. The beach is backed by jungle and has a more secluded, natural feel than the Hotel Zone beaches.
The Riviera Maya stretches from just south of Cancun to Tulum, about 1.5 hours south. It makes an excellent base for exploring the wider region.
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