Playa Del Carmen tours

Things to do in Playa Del Carmen

Picture setting foot in Playa del Carmen, where the Caribbean Sea shimmers with shades of turquoise and the air vibrates with the lively beat of mariachis. It's where the essence of Mexico meets the rhythm of the waves, crafting a paradise that pulses with life. With your local guide, Playa del Carmen tours transcend mere sightseeing. They grant you a backstage pass to the heart of this coastal treasure. Feel the sand beneath your feet on a private walking tour, or delight in a food and wine tour that takes you from bustling taco stands to secluded beachfront bistros. Your guide knows the tricks to bypass the crowds at popular spots, ensuring you delve into the culture and allure that makes Playa del Carmen truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Playa Del Carmen. Explore Playa Del Carmen your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Playa Del Carmen tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Playa Del Carmen for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Snorkel Akumal with a licensed guide to see sea turtles while following reef‑safe rules. Or boat the Sian Ka’an channels to spot dolphins, crocodiles, and frigatebirds before swimming in clear lagoons. Adventure tours: Zipline and rappel in the jungle at a local park, then ride ATVs on sandy tracks with cenote swims to rinse off. Certified divers can plan a guided cavern dive at Dos Ojos for light‑beam swim‑throughs. Food and Drink tours: Do a taco crawl beyond Quinta, tasting al pastor on 30 Avenida, cochinita at a morning lonchería, and ceviche at a neighbourhood marisquería. Finish with a guided mezcal tasting to compare agave varieties and roasting flavours. Public transit and getting around: The town core is walkable and colectivos run along Highway 307, but cenotes and reserves sit outside town. Your guide can arrange private transportation or a chauffeured tour to link beaches, jungles, and eateries in one day. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Playa Del Carmen inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods When exploring Playa del Carmen, a private walking tour with a local guide offers the perfect chance to get to know the area's unique neighborhoods. These vibrant spots will surely become highlights in your custom itinerary. - Centro: This bustling heart of Playa del Carmen is perfect for families and groups eager to dive into lively street scenes. With its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and entertainment, Centro is a place where you can feel the energetic pulse of the city. - Playacar: Known for its lush greenery and serene beaches, Playacar provides an ideal escape for those seeking relaxation. Whether you're with family or on a romantic getaway, this neighborhood offers a peaceful setting with a touch of luxury. - La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue): Ideal for cultural tourists and those looking for meaningful connections, this pedestrian-friendly street is lined with local artisans, international eateries, and vibrant nightlife. It's a hub of activity where you can truly soak in the local culture. Day trip ideas from Playa Del Carmen From Playa del Carmen, you are surrounded by ruins, reefs, and cenotes that work well as day trips, and your tour helps link the right stops so the travel time stays simple. Tulum Ruins and beach coves: Walk clifftop Maya temples with sea views, learn the basics of the site, then swim or snorkel in a nearby cenote to cool off; great for history fans who also want water time, with your tour planning early entry and a quiet swim after. Cozumel by ferry: Cross in under an hour, snorkel clear reefs from shore or boat, loop the wild east coast, and try a taco stand in town; strong pick for snorkellers and casual cyclists, and your tour can focus on low-current spots for easier swims. Cobá ruins plus a cenote: Bike the shaded causeways between temples, climb-free but still panoramic from nearby mounds, then drop into a cool cenote for a float; suits curious visitors who prefer jungle paths and short rides, and your tour can choose the least crowded cenote. Akumal turtles: Slip into calm water with a licensed spotter to see grazing turtles and reef fish, then rest on a quiet stretch of sand; good for families and first-time snorkellers, and your tour keeps the swim short and safe. Cenote corridor south of town: Pick two or three open-air and cave cenotes like Azul or Jardín del Edén for swims and photos in clear water; perfect for freshwater fans and photographers, and your tour can space the stops to avoid peak times. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Playa Del Carmen most travellers miss.