Nature Theme Parks
On the beach and in the jungle, nature theme parks in Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera offer exciting and exotic daytime adventures.
Xcaret playa del carmen
Location: just south of Playa del Carmen. Open daily from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm. Xcaret park is one of the most amazing nature theme park in the entire Mayan Riviera. Loaded with attractions, Xcaret has something for everyone. Snorkel the underground river. Visit the aquarium. Swim with dolphins. Enjoy the butterfly exhibit. Visit a Mayan village. Stroll along the beach, and much more. Think that’s a full day? Just wait until you experience Xcaret at night. A world-renowned Mayan firelight ceremonial dance, held in an amphitheater housed in a dry, comfortable cave. Also entertaining regional music and dancing from around Mexico.
Xel-Ha
Location: about 30 miles south of Playa del Carmen. Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.Explore a Natural Wonder. The waters of Xel-Ha park are a combination of salt water from the seas and freshwater from the underground rivers. This provides a unique habitat for a variety of fish, birds and other wildlife. You can enjoy snorkeling, tubing, biking or just a quiet stroll around this beautiful nature area
Aktun Chen
Location: about 28 miles south of Playa del Carmen.Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (to 7pm in the summer).You won't want to miss this cave!A walk through Aktun Chen is as close to "dry cave diving" as you'll get, and provides one of the best examples of the extensive caves in the area. The variety and number of stalactites is staggering! The park also encompasses an area of 400 Hectares (988 acres) of unexplored sub-tropical rainforest and exotic wildlife.
Yaax Che Botanical Garden
Location: about 17 miles north of Playa del CarmenOpen Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.This is a great 1/2 day trip to see tropical flora native to the Yucatan peninsula, all clearly identified and displayed in a natural setting. The gardens have paths that lead to various environmental zones, a scenic overlook, small Mayan ruins and an example of a traditional Maya village.