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The underwater landscape along the eastern shores of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula provides divers with a varied and rewarding range of underwater experiences through a series of colorful reefs filled with marine life

Bucket List Swims and Family-Friendly Tours

Come face to face with the biggest fish in the sea. Its wide-open mouth could easily swallow you whole, but don't worry, the whale shark isn't interested in snacking on snorkels, and is instead scooping up clouds of tiny sea creatures. This is just one of many thrilling animal encounters that await in the Riviera Maya.The same waters are one of the few places in the world where swimmers can witness sailfish slashing through schools of sardines. Milder but equally memorable adventure awaits on coastal reefs and seagrass beds patrolled by turtles. For those who prefer dry land, there are aviaries, butterfly gardens and wildlife parks that are home to the elusive jaguar and other denizens of the Yucatan jungles.

Highlights

  • Best for: Everyone, from budget to luxury travellers, spa enthusiasts, to soft and rugged adventureres
  • Best season to visit: Year round
  • Weather: Tropical, with winter temperatures in the mid70s, and summer highs reaching into the 90s. East trade winds cool beachside locations. May to December sees passing rain showers, while February to early May tends to be drier

Riviera Maya Information

Animal Interactions in Riviera Maya Overview

Bays and coastal cenotes along the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula are favorite locations for snorkeling with turtles and tropical fish. These sites can be reached by road from hotels all along the Riviera Maya and Cancun strip. Shoal waters to the north of Cancun attract seasonal gatherings of whales sharks and are the site of winter sailfish. Reaching these sites involves a boat ride of about an hour.

Animal Interactions in Riviera Maya Tips

Different animal encounters are best at certain times of the year. Whale shark gatherings peak between June and September. The sailfish run takes place from December to March. Turtles can be found on coral reefs and shallow seagrass throughout the year, but numbers swell during nesting season, which can be between mid-April and November, depending on the species.

Best Places for Animal Interactions in Riviera Maya

Swims with massive but gentle whale shark take place in waters near Holbox and Isla Mujeres. The wildlife park at Xcaret is home to hundreds of native species, including jaguars. Offshore of Contoy Island, snorkelers can witness fast-moving sailfish corralling and hunting silver clouds of sardines. The coral reefs of Akumal Bay provide a protected sanctuary that attracts six of the world's seven species of sea turtle.

What to Pack for Animal Interactions in Riviera Maya

A sun hat and light cover up for boat rides. A personal mask to ensure a good fit without leaks. A form-fitting water shirt and a streamlined swimsuit for low-drag movement. A waterproof camera or smartphone housing with a wrist lanyard for in-water security. A mesh bag or small nylon backpack to keep everything organized.

Resorts

Animal Interactions

Riviera Maya

The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa

PLAYA DEL CARMEN – Located along a sun-kissed stretch of Caribbean coastline just a short stroll from trendy Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue. This beautiful all-inclusive beachfront resort features well-appointed Caribbean-style rooms, each with terrace or balcony. Amenities include 3 full-service restaurants, 4 bars and poolside dining around a spectacular free form pool. A variety of activities are available for guests of every age. PADI 5-Star instructor development dive shop Reef Marina offering Nitrox option. Free use of fitness center, kayaks, snorkel gear, boogie boards. You can book your stay choosing the all-Inclusive package or room/breakfast package.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Animal Interactions

Riviera Maya

The Reef Coco Beach

PLAYA DEL CARMEN – Located along a sun-kissed stretch of Caribbean coastline just a short stroll from trendy Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue. This beautiful all-inclusive beachfront resort features well-appointed Caribbean-style rooms, each with terrace or balcony. Amenities include 3 full-service restaurants, 4 bars and poolside dining around a spectacular free form pool. A variety of activities are available for guests of every age. PADI 5-Star instructor development dive shop Reef Marina offering Nitrox option. Free use of fitness center, kayaks, snorkel gear, boogie boards. You can book your stay choosing the all-Inclusive package or room/breakfast package.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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See Packages & Learn More
Animal Interactions

Riviera Maya

The Reef 28

PLAYA DEL CARMEN – All-inclusive 5 star adults only chic, urban and boutique-style resort. Spa services, hydrotherapy, and more available. PADI 5-Star dive shop Reef Marina offers Nitrox option, whale shark encounters, cenote diving and Cozumel day trips. Downtown style, uptown amenities, and the warm depth of Mexican culture at a property that caters to divers, non-divers, couples, friends, and singles in an adults-only environment. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive or bed & breakfast stay. Free access with transportation included to our beach properties The Reef Coco Beach and The Reef Playacar. Unlimited activities include non-motorized water sports, snorkel gear, bicycles, nightly entertainment, and a fitness center.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Animal Interactions

Riviera Maya

Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort and Spa

RIVIERA MAYA - Located in the fantastic urbanization of Puerto Aventuras . A tourist development that has a marina for yachts , a golf course , restaurants and ponds with dolphins , all close to the main attractions of the Riviera Maya . 423 rooms characterized by their spaciousness, by their Mexican-Caribbean decoration and by having a terrace or balcony. The gastronomy of the Catalonia Riviera Maya resort hotel is available in 7 restaurants offering a wide variety. Of course, near the pool and by the sea there is always a beautiful place to have a drink or a snack. Steps away from Pro Dive International PADI 5 Star IDC. Offering both ocean and cenote diving as well as seasonal whale shark excursions

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Animal Interactions

Riviera Maya

Catalonia Royal Tulum

RIVIERA MAYA – Located in Xpu-Ha, the Mayan Riviera, on one of the Caribbean Sea’s most beautiful beaches. Winding paths through lush vegetation, wooden bridges, lagoons and cenotes. The hotel's 288 rooms, located in 3 story villas, are along this path. Relax in the spa, enjoy our massages and beauty treatments. Partake in sports and recreational activities to explore the Mayan Riviera. Take a trip through the world's different cuisines in our 7 restaurants: Enjoy authentic Mexican food, discover a taste of the Mediterranean, by our exemplified Spanish and Italian cuisine. Juices, cocktails, refreshments and much more are available in the hotel bars throughout the day and at night! Dive excursions can be arraigned with Pro Dive International PADI 5 Star IDC Resort.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Call 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Animal Interactions

Riviera Maya

Allegro Playacar

PLAYA DEL CARMEN – This all-inclusive resort is located on a pristine stretch of white sand beach and offering a great vacation experience for divers, non-divers and is a family friendly resort. Minutes away from the picturesque town of Playa del Carmen, this 286-room property provides an oasis for relaxation with guest rooms boasting a bright tropical decor and offering either garden, pool or ocean views. On site Pro Dive International PADI 5-Star & National Geographic Dive Center offers reef dives and dive excursions to the Cenotes, excursions to Cozumel and seasonal Whale Shark safaris.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Animal Interactions

Riviera Maya

Occidental at Xcaret Destination

RIVIERA MAYA - Tucked amid an ecological and historical preserve, this all-inclusive captivates guests with spectacular grounds, a pristine coastline and unparalleled service. This glorious resort boasts winding river channels, free-form pools and a private beach with powder-soft white sand on a quiet cove. PADI 5-Star & National Geographic Dive Center. Wide selection of non-motorized sports. Convenient to the Xcaret Park, enjoy ecotourism and adventure exploring the remains of a Mayan village, snorkel ancient caves and underwater gardens, swim with dolphins and observe jaguars, butterflies, tropical birds and other native species in their natural habitat. ($)

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Passport and/or Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements: All U.S. citizens are required to present a valid, undamaged passport. Visas are not required for stays less than 180 days. One blank page is required in your passport for the entry stamp.

Exit Requirements: All persons leaving the Riviera Maya, pay a Government Departure Tax of approximately USD $30, which should be included in your International ticket.

Immunizations

Vaccinations are not required for entry into Mexico. Check with your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel at cdc.gov.

Culture and Customs

From ancient Mayan cities to strobe-lit dance clubs, and jungle-clad swimming holes to five-star beach resorts, the attractions of the Riviera Maya run the full gamut. Cancun is one of the western hemisphere's most celebrated vacation destinations, with dazzling beaches flanked by luxury resorts, clubs and upscale eateries. A half-hour to the south, the lively avenues and beach clubs of Playa del Carmen are a favorite with both backpackers and jet setters. Along a 50-mile stretch of the coast, roadside entrance gates lead through coastal greenery to exclusive golf and beach resorts, while farther on, the eclectic seaside village of Akumal remains old-school Caribbean. At the southern end of the resort corridor, the village of Tulum and its namesake beach are a favorite winter haunt of East Coast sophisticates, but savvy budget travelers can still find hostels and campgrounds that cater to the wanderers of the world. English, French, Dutch and German are often heard along the beaches, but areas to the left of Highway 307 are pure Mexico, where tacos or a helado treat can still be purchased from a street vendor for a few pesos, and life proceeds at a more relaxed and accommodating pace.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

Electricity in Mexico is 120 volts, 60 cycle, so no adapter will be needed for U.S. visitors. The country code for the Yucatan is 52. Check with your service provider for long distance plans. Internet service is available at many hotels, restaurants, bars and shops.

Water Quality

Most restaurants and bars in tourist locations use purified water. Outside of resorts, be cautious with ice in drinks or vegetables which may have been washed in tap water. Bottled water is available for purchase and is recommended for drinking and brushing teeth.

Language & Currency

Spanish is the official language of Mexico, although English is widely spoken. The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Due to new regulations, merchants and business can no longer exchange U.S. Dollars for Pesos. That must be done at a currency exchange office. U.S. credit cards are widely accepted. Check the current exchange rate here.

Time

Mexico spans four different time zones. February 15, 2015, the state of Quintana Roo, which includes the Riviera Maya changed to Eastern Standard Time Zone (Zona Sureste). Riviera Maya does not observe Daylight Savings Time which puts it 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT),

Location, Size and Population

The Riviera Maya is one of the fastest growing areas in Mexico, located in the state of Quintana Roo. Situated north of Cancun, on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, this area includes the areas north of Cancun City including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, and Felipe Carrillo Puerto which is 40 kilometers to the south of Tulum. This region is approximately 86 miles long.

The Riviera Maya encompasses a large area with a population estimated around 150,000, with cities like Playa del Carmen with a population of 118,570 and Tulum with a population of 18,370.

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