Mexico · RIVIERA MAYA DAY TRIPS

15 Riviera Maya Day Trips in Mexico to Build a Day Around

42 tours  ·  from $20

Good riviera maya day trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour from Cancun & Riviera Maya - What Akumal is really like
Cenote Swimming Tours, Cenote Tours in Playa del Carmen, Half-Day, Playa del Carmen Tours, Riviera Maya Day Trips, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Playa del Carmen, Tour Reviews, Tours

Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour from Cancun & Riviera Maya

1.Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour from Cancun & Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,039 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Start early with a guided snorkel at Akumal Beach, where sea turtles, rays, squid, and tropical fish may appear. Then walk through Parque de Cenotes Yax-Muul and swim beneath stalactites. Guides such as Max, Marina, Daniel, and Alma lead the bilingual tour.

“Great customer service. Our flight was stuck for two days in Toronto Canada. Our excursion was the next day. Without issue we were able to switch and enjoy our excursion the following day. We loved our pictures.”

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Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins and 2 Cenotes Half-Day Tour - Getting to Tulum from the Riviera Maya
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Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins and 2 Cenotes Half-Day Tour

2.Tulum Ruins and 2 Cenotes Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 992 reviews · 6 hours · from $42Best value

Visit Tulum with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, then cool off at Cenote Mariposa and Cenote Chen-Ha. Guides such as Susana, Freddy, Jorge, Carlos Moo, and Perfecto are praised for lively Maya history talks. Hotel pickup, transport, water, and a snack are included, but Tulum entry fees cost extra.

“Excellent trip with an incredibly knowledgeable guide Luis. Driver was great and safe. Really great experience highly recommend.”

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Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya - The speedboat ride can be scenic or rough
Cancun Tours, Riviera Maya Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark Snorkeling

Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

3.Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 929 reviews · 6 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $199

Join a small group of up to 10 for a seasonal whale shark trip from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Riviera Maya. Guides such as Dory, Pia, Pepe, and Diego lead the swims, with reef snorkeling, ceviche, hotel pickup, and optional photo packages included or available.

“The whale shark experience was incredible! From Playa del Carmen ( Hotel Xcaret) it was a long drive and then a long boat ride ( over 1 hr each) to get to the Whale sharks. Santiago was our guide and we were glad he was. He made the experience more fun by being more knowledgeable and helpful for anything we needed. The snorkeling was fun and then right after to a beach area near the snorkeling to eat lunch. Even though it’s only a few minutes each jump into the water with the whale sharks it feels like just enough time. The only thing I wish they had was fresh…”

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Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya - The Marina Xtabay briefing
Cancun Tours, Riviera Maya Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

4.Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 916 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Set out from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Riviera Maya hotels with a bilingual naturalist guide and a group of about 10 on the boat. After a briefing, you search for whale sharks, enter the water in pairs, then stop near Isla Mujeres for ceviche, sandwiches, and a swim.

“Great experience! Got see so many sharks and get pretty close to them as well. Would definitely recommend”

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Camel Expedition and Beach Club In Riviera Maya - Feeding the camels is often the best part
Beach Clubs, Cancun Tours, Riviera Maya Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Camel Expedition and Beach Club In Riviera Maya

5.Camel Expedition and Beach Club In Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 777 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $144

Ride a calm camel through jungle paths and white-sand dunes near Maroma Beach with an English or Spanish-speaking guide. Guides such as Joseph, Bernard, and Angel lead small groups, followed by camel feeding, beach time, snacks, and hotel transportation. Bring water, light clothes, and patience for the photo sales.

“Joe was amazing and super knowledgeable about the camels. It’s clear they really care for them beyond just making money off their labor. The ride is only about 30 mins but it doesn’t take long to appreciate the majesty of these creatures. The photo package is pretty expensive but it was easier to stomach when you learn more about them and how well they’re looked after.”

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Cancun & Riviera Maya: ATV, Zipline, & Cenote Combo Tour - The ride from Cancun or Riviera Maya
ATV & Buggy Tours, ATV & Buggy Tours in Cancun, Cancun Tours, Cenote Swimming Tours, Cenote Tours in Cancun, Quad Bikes, Rappelling & Zip Lines, Riviera Maya Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Zip Lines

Cancun & Riviera Maya: ATV, Zipline, & Cenote Combo Tour

6.Cancun & Riviera Maya: ATV, Zipline, & Cenote Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 657 reviews · 4 hours · from $65

This four-hour outing from Cancun and Riviera Maya combines three ziplines, a 30-minute Honda ATV ride, and swimming at Cenote Verde Lucero. Guides such as Alan, Flash, and Jay keep the pace moving, while tequila tasting, tacos, and a regional snack round out the jungle visit.

“Excellent, well organised trip with great guides. No faults at all! Particular shout outs to Flash and Julio who made our day a great one”

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Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - Snorkeling at Inah Reef
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Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

7.Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 634 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $139

Sail from Puerto Aventuras along the Riviera Maya, snorkel at Inah Reef, then swim or paddleboard before lunch and drinks. You’ll have attentive bilingual crew, hotel transport from most Riviera Maya hotels, and a choice of family-friendly or adults-only sailing. Guides may include Ivan, Paola, Paloma, or Selene.

“I would recommend this trip to anybody! We had a great time from check in to arrival at the dock. The staff was phenomenal and so hospitable, they would bring us drinks and made sure we were ok the entire time. We went to the reef first with a guided tour and saw so many fish! We then went to a second location for swimming/paddleboarding. The area was protected and shallow so we could stand up in a nice sandy area. The entire time drinks were flowing and food was good! We did not get sick from food/water so you can trust it! We would do this again in a…”

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Riviera Maya: Coba & Chichen Itza Ruins with Cenote Swim - The long ride from the Riviera Maya
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Riviera Maya: Coba & Chichen Itza Ruins with Cenote Swim

8.Coba & Chichen Itza Ruins with Cenote Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 627 reviews · 12 hours · from $971

You’ll visit Coba and Chichen Itza with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, swim at Cenote Chichikan, eat a Mexican buffet if selected, and make a short Valladolid stop. Early departures help you reach Coba and the cenote before the heaviest crowds. Guides such as Juan, Rodrigo, Ramiro, and Arturo bring the Maya story to life.

“Effecient pick up with the tour operator contacting us regularly wiyh updates before hand. The coach was modern and comfortable. Coba was beautiful as the temples are hidden in a forest, but as we only had just over 1hr to see the site, we took a local tricycle tour, which was really nice as we got to have some more infor and also practise our spanish. Next was Chichen Itza which was really hot and crowded with tourists and traders. Beware, take bug spray! We had a quick guided tour ofthis location then some free time for photos. Next was the cenote that included a buffet lunch and tequilla tasting.…”

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Selvatica Adventure Park: Ziplines and Cenote Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya - Tarzania, the zipline coaster
Cancun Tours, Cenote Swimming Tours, Cenote Tours in Cancun, Riviera Maya Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Zip Lines

Selvatica Adventure Park: Ziplines and Cenote Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya

9.Selvatica Adventure Park: Ziplines and Cenote Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 570 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Spend about three and a half hours at Selvatica near Puerto Morelos, flying across ten jungle ziplines, riding the Tarzania coaster, and swimming in a private cenote. Guides such as Paco, Hugo, John, and Chino lead the activities. Lunch and water are included, while transport, lockers, towels, insurance, and photos cost extra.

“Had a wonderful day! It was my first time that my daughter and I had zip lined. What a blast! The staff made us feel safe and comfortable. ATVs we’re a blast! Cenote so refreshing! I highly recommend this trip!”

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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya - Snorkeling near Isla Mujeres
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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

10.Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 519 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $170

Start with a 6 a.m. hotel pickup, breakfast, and a fast boat ride to whale shark waters. Swim in 15-minute rounds, then snorkel near Isla Mujeres and eat ceviche on Playa Norte. Guides such as Jane, Dory, and Naria are praised for safety and marine-life knowledge.

“My daughter and I had the most amazing experience swimming with the whale sharks! It was truly unforgettable to be so close to these incredible creatures. The crew did an outstanding job from start to finish—professional, knowledgeable, and so friendly. They made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable while also keeping the experience exciting and fun. This was a bucket-list adventure, and it exceeded every expectation. Highly recommend!”

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Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim - The Ranch Stop and a Taste of Local Context
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Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim

11.Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 496 reviews · 3 hours · from $105

Drive an automatic 4WD buggy through 18 miles of Riviera Maya jungle with guides such as Fernando, Fernanda, and Rigo. After the dusty ride, cool off in a clear underground cenote, with snorkeling gear, life jackets, hotel transfers, and a small group of up to eight included.

“Activity was excellent. Buggy’s were a good experience and the centre swim was amazing.”

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3 Hour Xpu-Ha - 51' Sea Ray Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - What the 51-foot Sea Ray adds
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3 Hour Xpu-Ha – 51′ Sea Ray Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

12.3 Hour Xpu-Ha – 51′ Sea Ray Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 489 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Spend three hours aboard a private 51-foot Sea Ray from Puerto Aventuras to Xpu-Ha. Your crew handles lunch, an open bar, music, paddleboards, and a swim stop, with a high-dive from the upper deck. Crew members may include JJ, Uriel, Ricardo, Gonzo, Jesus, Tomás, or Charlie.

“The crew and the food we’re amazing! Uriel, Ricardo, and Gonzo are top notch! They even caught fish.”

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Selvatica Park Ziplines, Cenote, and ATV Tour From Cancun and Riviera Maya - Ten ziplines above the Yucatan jungle
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Selvatica Park Ziplines, Cenote, and ATV Tour From Cancun and Riviera Maya

13.Selvatica Park Ziplines, Cenote, and ATV Tour From Cancun and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 473 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $149

Spend a high-energy day at Selvatica near Puerto Morelos with a 10-zipline circuit, Tarzania rollercoaster, Superflight, ATV or Polaris RZR, bungee swing, rope course, private cenote, lunch, and hotel transport options.

“So much fun, always felt safe, staff are very fun and welcoming creating a really warm and fun atmosphere with the group.”

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4 Hour - 47' Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - The run to Inha Reef
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4 Hour – 47′ Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

14.4 Hour – 47′ Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

You’ll cruise the Riviera Maya aboard the private 47-foot Azimut yacht Los Tres Piratas, leaving Puerto Aventuras for snorkeling at Inha Reef. A professional guide, lunch, drinks, paddle boards, music, and karaoke are included. The four-hour charter suits families and groups wanting a flexible day on the water.

“Lovely crew. The lunch was great. Our kids had a blast and the adults did too. They took care of us well.”

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Riviera Maya: Sian Ka'an Reserve Ancient Maya Canals Tour - From Riviera Maya hotels to the Maya palapa
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Riviera Maya: Sian Ka’an Reserve Ancient Maya Canals Tour

15.Sian Ka’an Reserve Ancient Maya Canals Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 453 reviews · 8 hours · from $173

Travel from Riviera Maya hotels to Muyil with a small group of up to 12. Guides such as Manuel, Jenny, Gilberto, and Javi lead boat rides through four lagoons, a 950-meter canal float, wildlife watching, a Pez Maya beach stop, and traditional Maya meals.

“Amazing experience! Our boat driver was awesome too! Big note - bring loads of sun cream for after the floatation as you are our in the sun all day!”

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New in Riviera Maya Day Trips

★ 4.5Cancun Guided Bus City Tour (from Cancun and Riviera Maya)From $55100 reviews
★ 4.9Snorkeling & Private Cenote Half-Day TourFrom $16936 reviews
★ 4.6Rio Secreto Guided TourFrom $119177 reviews
★ 4.4Horseback Ride, Zipline, and ATV AdventureFrom $12982 reviews
★ 4.1Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2025From $2054 reviews
★ 4.1Dolphin Encounter with Beach Club AccessFrom $10934 reviews
★ 4.8Croco Cun Interactive Zoo TourFrom $4454 reviews
★ 4.4Chichen Itza, Valladolid & Cenote Swim TourFrom $89123 reviews
★ 4.1Exclusive Rio Secreto and Tulum TourFrom $17952 reviews
★ 4.7Sian Ka’an Half Day Tour w/ LunchFrom $20454 reviews
★ 4.3Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Day Trip w/LunchFrom $104118 reviews
★ 4.83 Cenotes Adventure Tour with LunchFrom $16958 reviews
★ 5.0PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program in the Riviera MayaFrom $12667 reviews
★ 4.3Holbox Full-Day Tour with LunchFrom $104322 reviews
★ 4.5Fishing Tour & Beach Club In Riviera Maya50 reviews

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Cenote Swimming Tours129Snorkeling87Cruises & Boat Tours252Scuba Diving23Sailing118Sunset Cruises12Canoes & Kayaks44Whale Shark Snorkeling8
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Where Mexico is worth a whole day

Reef, ruin, market or agave field.

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