tours while in playa del carmen

[Mike S]

We'll be at the Royal Haciendas Easter week with two 15 year olds. My son and I will scuba one day but I was looking for nature park that he and his friend will enjoy. His friend likes to snorkel. I'm looking at XPLOR, Xcaret and Xel-ha.
Any thoughts?
Also I was told we could visit Tulum on our own, we won't have a rental, what's the best way of doing that?
Thanks

 

[Phydeaux]

Skip the tourists places that all begin with an 'X', and take a day trip to Akumal. Pick a spot on the beach at La Buena VIda, great place, and terrific snorkeling. Rinse off in their pool, and have a very nice lunch there. Climb up the tree hut for a great view. Great day and for a fraction of the cost of one of the X's. Just a thought... we'll be there in a few days...

For Tulum, personally I'd pick up a rental car. Without one, best bet is colectivo.

 

[jules54]

I would say XCaret as you have teenagers there you can snorkel and see many other things. That park has an underground river that you float down and it is breathtaking and very different. Something I would think your kids will remember for the rest of their lives.
There is an inexpensive travel agency in Playa Del Carmen that I have used often to go to Mayan Ruins about 1/2 price of large resorts. I think it is on 2 between 10th and 15th on North side of street. I am looking for their card right now, but of course I can't find it in my messy office.
Get the Mayan Riveria Map with Playa del Carmen map from www.cancunmap.com that will be the best 12.00 investment of your trip.
Don't try to do something big everyday it will be to trying for everyone. See things, but take time to relax and just enjoy the ocean and the area. The resort you are staying at is fabulous and walkable to town on the beach it takes 45 minutes. DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE WATER TO DRINK EVERYWHERE. Our saying for Mexico is less clothes more money and fluids:whoopie:
I am leaving for Playa myself on Friday if I remember I will get the name of travel agency and send it to you.

 

[chriskre]

Tulum is beautiful worth visiting with a gorgeous beach. You could drive there yourself but there are also tours there. If you want to enjoy the beach then drive yourself because the tours rush you.

XCaret is also definitely worth visiting. The underground river is awesome. You can snorkel your way down the river to a little lagoon at the end. They also have a little boat if you don't want to swim it. I believe it's a natural river but improved by the developer to make it easy to visit. They have a beach front restaurant that if I recall was nice.

Chichen Itza was also worth visiting but I hired a local guide when I got there. It's huge. Go early cause it gets really hot mid day. We had a rental car and left early and got there by opening time. There are little towns to stop along the way for the full Mexican experience.

 

[pjrose]

I would say XCaret as you have teenagers there you can snorkel and see many other things. That park has an underground river that you float down and it is breathtaking and very different. Something I would think your kids will remember for the rest of their lives.
. . . .
Don't try to do something big everyday it will be to trying for everyone. See things, but take time to relax and just enjoy the ocean and the area. The resort you are staying at is fabulous and walkable to town on the beach it takes 45 minutes. DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE WATER TO DRINK EVERYWHERE. . . . . .

++++++ for XCaret and for NOT doing something big every day. Enjoy the resort rather than running all over the place!

Tulum is beautiful worth visiting with a gorgeous beach. You could drive there yourself but there are also tours there. If you want to enjoy the beach then drive yourself because the tours rush you.

XCaret is also definitely worth visiting. The underground river is awesome. You can snorkel your way down the river to a little lagoon at the end. They also have a little boat if you don't want to swim it. I believe it's a natural river but improved by the developer to make it easy to visit. They have a beach front restaurant that if I recall was nice.

Chichen Itza was also worth visiting but I hired a local guide when I got there. It's huge. Go early cause it gets really hot mid day. We had a rental car and left early and got there by opening time. There are little towns to stop along the way for the full Mexican experience.

+++++ on these three - and in my opinion, stick with the RH and Playa the rest of the time. Note that Tulum is a half-day, and could be combined with 1/2 day at Akumal (see Phydeaux' post) if you get a rental car for just the day.