Playa del Carmen is a good base for day trips. These are the outings we recommend, with a guide for each.
Key takeaways
- Cenotes: from a 10 to 20-minute drive to a morning trip near Tulum.
- Cozumel: take the ferry and snorkel the reef with David.
- Xcaret: a full day, planned for you.
- The Sunday Bazaar: on Sundays, at 56th Street and 10th Avenue.
Cenotes
Read the cenote comparison to pick one. For a jump, read Eden and Azul. Without a car, read cenotes by colectivo.
Cozumel
Take the ferry from the central terminal on Avenida Benito Juárez. Allow about an hour from the dock to the dock. Read the ferry guide and the snorkeling guide.
Xcaret
Xcaret is a full day, and everything in it is planned for you. Read the Xcaret guide.
Closer to town
On Sundays, go to the Sunday Bazaar. Zazil-Ha is an 8-minute walk from 5th Avenue: read the Zazil-Ha guide.
FAQ
What are the best day trips from Playa del Carmen?
Cenotes, Cozumel by ferry, Xcaret and the Sunday Bazaar.
How long is the ferry to Cozumel?
Allow about an hour, counting loading and unloading.
How far is Cenote Eden from Playa?
About 25 minutes by car, south of Playa.
How far is Zazil-Ha from 5th Avenue?
An 8-minute walk.
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