12 Unique Water Sports To Do In Playa del Carmen

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Playa del Carmen, located on the beautiful Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, offers a variety of exciting and unique water sports. From snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs to embarking on thrilling jet ski adventures, this coastal paradise has it all.

With so many amazing water sports to do in Playa del Carmen, it can be hard to sort through the options and ensure you don’t miss out on the truly exceptional experiences unique to the area.

To help you make the most of your time in Playa del Carmen, I’ve curated a list of the top 12 water sports that will leave you exhilarated and mesmerised by the wonders of the ocean.

Get ready for an unforgettable aquatic adventure as we dive into the thrilling world of Playa del Carmen’s finest water sports.

Contents

1. Swim in a Cenote

This is singlehandedly the best thing to do in Playa del Carmen as cenotes are primarily found in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, so this is a very unique experience and one you must do regardless of your swimming ability.

Believe it or not, the best place to swim in Playa del Carmen isn’t necessarily in the ocean, so if you were to ask any local where to take a dip and you can be sure to get the same answer – visit a cenote!

You can’t come to this part of the world and not experience this, if you ask me.

Photos don’t do them justice, they are simply breathtaking.

What is a cenote?

Well, I’m glad you asked.

A cenote is a natural sinkhole or freshwater-filled limestone cave that is formed through a unique geological process where the limestone bedrock collapses, revealing a pool of clear and often turquoise-coloured groundwater.

Cenotes are considered sacred by the Mayan civilisation and have significant cultural and historical importance. In ancient times, cenotes were vital water sources for the Mayan people, serving as their main supply of freshwater in the region.

Today, cenotes are popular attractions for tourists and locals alike. They offer unique opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and diving (if you are certified) in crystal-clear waters surrounded by stunning natural formations.

Some cenotes are fully open-air, while others may be partially or fully enclosed within caves.. There are thousands to choose from in the area.

My top tip would be to book a guided tour where you can visit a private cenote. The popular/more public cenotes are full of groups of people all wanting the same photos and can get very crowded.

We visited cenote Hunab Ku, a privately owned cenote as part of our tour with NS vacation tours and it was a glorious experience having the entire place to ourselves. As the cenote is on private land and hasn’t yet been discovered by ‘the internet’, there were no crowds in sight. Only our tour group of around 10 people. Our guide was brilliant and the whole experience was very well organised, I can’t recommend them enough.

2. Explore the Underground Caves at Rio Secreto

Have you ever swam inside a cave before?

If not, you definitely need to check out this unique water sports experience in Playa del Carmen.

I should add there is more walking through water than swimming involved in this one, though it makes for such a unique experience.

Located just a few minutes outside the city, Rio Secreto is a complex of five stunning caves that are filled with underground rivers and springs.

Book a guided tour and you’ll don a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, head lamp and aqua shoes. Going through the underground caves includes the incredible experience of swimming inside a pitch-black cave. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen.

You can click here to book your tickets in advance which also include transportation, lunch and all the gear you’ll need.

3. Snorkel in the Mesoamerican Reef

Discover the beauty of Puerto Morelos’ underwater world on a 2 hour snorkelling tour where you can explore the stunning Mesoamerican Reef; home to an array of colourful marine life and vibrant coral formations.

Om Delfin have expert guides and provide all necessary equipment provided, so this tour is perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers as well as children. They offer a variety of water sports, and prices for their snorkelling packages start from around £25 per person.

This was one of the best experiences we had and I’d highly recommend it.

What is the Mesoamerican Reef?

The Mesoamerican Reef region lies within the Caribbean Sea and touches the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. It contains the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, stretching nearly 700 miles from the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula down through the Honduran Bay Islands.

Dazzling arrays of different types of coral form this underwater wilderness and provide homes and food to hundreds of fish species, marine turtles and sharks.

_{This post was written in collaboration with Original Travel}_{, however all views are entirely my own.}

_{Many thanks to Original Travel for hosting our visit to Puerto Morelos.}

4. Swim With Sea Turtles At Akumal Beach

Akumal beach, south of Playa del Carmen is just a short drive away and one of the best places on the planet to go swimming with sea turtles.

You can access Akumal beach as part of the many guided tours that offer snorkelling here, which is what we did, or you can rent a car or hop on a collectivo minibus and rent your own gear at the beach.

I’d highly recommend the former as the two guides that take you out into the water are experienced at finding the turtles and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see at least one (though they can’t technically guarantee it).

There’s no need to get on a boat to swim with the turtles here, you simply wade into the water and you can usually find several just a short distance off the shore.

The water is very shallow, but you are given snorkelling gear, a life jacket and a ring if you need it as you have to be horizontal in the water to prevent you accidentally stepping on or kicking any turtles at the bottom of the sea.

It’s a wonderful experience and one not to miss!

5. Rent A JetSki

Renting a jet ski is definitely a thrilling (scary, if you ask me) way to enjoy the water in and around Playa del Carmen. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is one for you!

While this is not a cheap activity, like pretty much everything else in Mexico, you can find vendors renting jet skis along La Quinta Avenida or book a package tour including jet skis in advance. Our hotel had a company stationed on the beach selling this experience for around £40 per hour.

12 Unique Water Sports To Do In Playa del Carmen, Nishi V — Pin this post for later!

6. Paddle boarding in Playa del Carmen

The Caribbean water in Playa del Carmen can be blissfully still, especially during sunrise or right before sunset, which makes it a great place to try out paddle boarding, especially if it’s your first time. I did this for the first time in Cyprus and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Paddle boarding rentals can be arranged through various sellers on the beach or on Quinta Avenida which is conveniently located just by the beach. You can opt for private stand up paddle boarding lessons through Aloha Paddle Club too, which range in price from $40 to $75 USD depending on the number of people in your group.

7. Kayaking in Playa del Carmen

Similarly, you can rent a kayak and explore the calm turquoise waters at your own pace. You can paddle along the coastline, visit nearby islands, or explore the mangroves of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Just check the weather before you go as the day we went kayaking, it was anything but calm and the waves created by the Jet Ski’s whizzing past gave me vertigo. Still a fun experience nevertheless.

The hotel we stayed at did complimentary kayak rentals for guests along with snorkel and body board rentals, and I have a feeling many hotels in the gated community area; Playacar do the same, so it’s always worth checking.

8. Try Parasailing

If you have only ever experienced a bird’s eye view of the ocean from a window seat on a plane, then I urge you to give parasailing a go. The views are unmatched!

Jass and I parasailing in Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Yes I know, it looks like we’re sat on the roof of a building. I can assure you were were high up in the sky at this point!

Even if you are terrified of heights, like myself, there is nothing like the adrenaline rush you get from soaring high above the Caribbean Sea on a parasailing adventure.

It is the scariest thing I have ever done, but I am so glad I faced my fear and did it anyway. Something I can tick off my bucket list but also something I certainly won’t be repeating!

Several tour operators offer this exhilarating water sport along the beaches of Playa del Carmen. We booked with the popular company Scuba Caribe.

In all honesty, being up in the air wasn’t the scariest part for me. Getting on and off a Jet Ski to get to a very rocky boat in choppy water was absolutely terrifying and our experience was very rushed. The boat gave me a serious case of vertigo and I wanted to throw up, but once I was up in the air, I surprisingly felt much better!

9. Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life making it an ideal spot for water sports such as diving.

Whether you want to try diving with a beginner scuba diving experience, or if you’re already a certified diver or want to do your PADI training here, like we did in the Philippines, you can do it all here. I also did a try dive in Tulamben, East Bali which was the best diving experience I have had to date.

Om Delfin in Puerto Morelos nearby have expert guides and provide all necessary equipment, but other popular diving spots include Cozumel Island and the cenotes along the Riviera Maya.

Popular experiences include reef diving for certified scuba divers and PADI open water courses for those who want to get their certification. Note that PADI training takes 3 days to complete, so you’ll want to factor that in to your trip.

10. Xcaret Water Park, Playa del Carmen

Xcaret is a sprawling water and theme park with over 40 attractions and things to do. You can float lazily along three underground rivers, visit the stingray sanctuary, hop on a speedboat or swim in the caves and natural pools of a lush tropical landscape. The list goes on.

Check availability for Xcaret water park and book your tickets in advance and spend the day there with lunch and a night show included. Your ticket includes access to all the facilities, showers, dressing rooms, life jackets and snorkelling equipment for your convenience. Adults can also sign up for a wine pairing session at the wine cellar or indulge in a 7-course dinner.

11. Swim with Whale Sharks in Riviera Maya

Snorkelling with whale sharks is a unique, eco-friendly activity that you can only do in certain parts of the world. Book a full-day whale sharks snorkelling tour off the Yucatan Coast from Playa del Carmen. Under the direction of an expert guide, you get to swim with the world’s largest fish while looking out for dolphins, manta rays and turtles.

There are a variety of tours you can choose from to snorkel with the gentle giants of the Mexican Riviera in a small group of people with hotel transfers included too.

12. Catamaran and Boat Tours

If you want to enjoy the water without actually being in it, you can relax and enjoy the coastal scenery by taking a catamaran or boat tour.

There are so many tours on offer and they often include snorkelling stops, visits to secluded beaches, and a chance to explore the nearby islands like Cozumel. While some tours even provide a sunset cruise with dinner and drinks.

As with all water sports, and not just in Playa del Carmen, remember to have the adequate travel insurance before you visit. Always ensure you check local regulations, safety guidelines, and weather conditions before engaging in any water sports too.

It’s often best to book tours and activities with reputable operators who prioritise safety and sustainability. I book most of our activities here, on Get Your Guide and have never had a bad experience to date! The reviews are extremely helpful, so you know what to expect.

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