What's Surrounding Playa del Carmen?
The Mayan Riviera begins just south of Cancún International Airport and stretches down to the entrance of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, just south of Tulum. Running parallel to the Caribbean coastline along Highway 307, the region is flat and covered in lush tropical jungle. It’s best known for its ancient Mayan ruins, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, cenotes, and all-inclusive resorts.
Playa del Carmen is located just about in the middle of the Riviera Maya and is easily accessible from all the resorts in the area.
Playa del Carmen is the main town in the Riviera Maya and most tourists will plan time during their vacation to take a stroll down the famous 5th Avenue, enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants, or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs. You can easily spend a day exploring Playa del Carmen and all it has to offer.
Beyond Playa del Carmen, each surrounding area in the Riviera Maya has its own charm. You can find marinas, giant sea turtles, deserted beaches, and coral reefs.
It is fairly simple to get around the area and many excursions will allow you to take in several highlights in one day. If an organized tour is not for you, taxis are readily available and you can explore on your own.
Read on to find out more about the different areas of the Riviera Maya.
Areas Around Playa del Carmen
Playacar
Playacar began development in 1979 and was designed for both residents and tourists. The area is divided into Phase 1 and Phase 2 and is known for its proximity to Playa del Carmen, beautiful beaches, and a golf course that runs through the community.
Thanks to its location, within walking distance of 5th Avenue or just a short taxi ride away, Playacar is a popular and highly sought-after all-inclusive resort area. The entire complex is gated and features 24-hour security throughout.
Mayakoba
The prestigious Mayakoba area spans more than 640 hectares of mangroves and tropical jungle, all bordered by the Caribbean Sea. It is home to the renowned El Camaleón Golf Course, which hosts the annual PGA Tour event each November.
Mayakoba is also known for its collection of luxury resorts, including Fairmont Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, along with exclusive Mayakoba Residences.
Playacar Golf Course - Hard Rock Golf Course
Formerly known as the Playacar Golf Club, the course is now owned by Hard Rock Hotels but remains open to the public. The property also features a spa offering a range of relaxing services. Designed by Robert Von Hagge, the golf course includes an 18-hole layout, along with a driving range and putting green.
Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is a gated community located along Highway 307, about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. The area is centered around a picturesque marina, surrounded by upscale homes and condominiums.
The marina hosts catamaran tours, deep-sea fishing operations, and a selection of restaurants and bars, making it a pleasant spot for a stroll or a relaxed meal. The beaches here sit within protected coves, resulting in calmer waters. Puerto Aventuras also offers several all-inclusive resorts, including Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya, along with a wide range of condominium rentals.
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a laid-back fishing village located roughly halfway between Cancún International Airport and Playa del Carmen.
One of its biggest draws is the coral reef, which sits so close to shore that it can be reached by swimming directly from the beach, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling. The town is also known for its fresh seafood, with plenty of places to enjoy locally caught fish. Fishing charters are readily available as well.
Akumal
Akumal is amazing, plain and simple. The beach is long, white and not as busy as Playa del Carmen. The bay allows for shallow, calmer waters. The beach bars and restaurants along the bay are certain to please.
In Akumal Bay you will find a turtle sanctuary. The dark patches you see in the water is where the sea grass grows, and where the sea grass grows you will find the sea turtles. If you do not have your own snorkeling equipment, you can rent some on site. There are also many tours to snorkel with the sea turtles.
Riviera Cancun
Riviera Cancún is a quieter, more upscale stretch of coastline located just south of Cancún International Airport and north of Puerto Morelos. Known for its wide beaches, calm atmosphere, and low-density development, it’s a favorite for travelers who want luxury without the crowds. The area is home to several high-end all-inclusive resorts including the Dreams Riviera Cancun, the adults-only Excellence Riviera Cancun and the new Royalton Riviera Cancun. While nightlife and shopping aren’t the focus here, Riviera Cancún makes up for it with space, privacy, and easy access to the airport.
Tulum
Tulum is more than just the ruins it is famous for. Tulum town is a growing community that is increasing every year due to the large number of tourists that visit the area.
If you want an all inclusive resort, you do have some options in the Tulum area, but it is most popular for the beach road, a small strip leading up to the entrance of Sian Ka’an. Here you will find small hotels, a few restaurants and beach clubs, as well as the cabañas option.
If you are looking for more information on Tulum, visit our sister site www.tulum.com
And then there’s Cancun, the magnificent town that needs no real introduction. Known for its turquoise waters, buzzing nightlife, luxury resorts, and easy access to ancient Mayan sites, Cancún perfectly balances laid-back beach days with high-energy experiences.
Neighbouring islands near Playa del Carmen
If you’re up for venturing a little further, several beautiful islands sit just a short trip away from Playa del Carmen.
Cozumel - A diver’s paradise famous for its coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
Isla Mujeres - Relaxed, charming, and perfect for slow beach days and sunset views.
Isla Holbox - Rustic, artsy, and car-free, with a strong nature-first approach.
Isla Contoy - A protected natural reserve known for untouched beaches and rich wildlife.