Riviera Maya beyond the all-inclusive: worthwhile excursions in the Mexican Caribbean

Not to brag, but Spain has some of the best beaches in the world. In fact, for the English, this is where the best in the world is . However, we've all fantasized about swimming in the Caribbean . Crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking landscapes are the reasons we want to cross the pond for our vacation.

One of the most popular destinations across the Atlantic is the Riviera Maya, a highly touristic area of Mexico within the Yucatán Peninsula . This Mexican Caribbean resort will leave you breathless... and not just because of its all-inclusive hotels. This type of accommodation is one of the most common in the area, and while it's tempting to spend the day at resorts, the Riviera Maya is much more than just an all-inclusive resort.

In fact, its paradisiacal beaches, like El Carmen and Akumal, stand out, as do its curious cenotes and Mayan ruins, like Tulum . So, if you thought going to the Caribbean meant lying around in the sun, you were very wrong. Although there's a bit of that too, it's worth taking one of the excursions I've mentioned below.

The mystical Chichén Itzá

In Mexico, we can find truly amazing Mayan archaeological ruins. While we can marvel at the ruins of Tulum in the Riviera Maya itself, it's worth taking a trip to Chichén Itzá, one of the wonders of the world . The Kukulcán pyramid is the best known, but there's much more. To discover it, Civitatis offers a combined excursion with the Chichi Kan cenote.

The activity includes a guided tour of the ruins with an expert who will explain all the details. Afterward, you can enjoy a swim in the cenote and a buffet lunch. The final stop includes a visit to the colonial city of Valladolid , including a panoramic tour of its old town.

Another option from the same operator is to combine this archaeological site with the Ik-Kil cenote and the ruins of Cobá , where the Nohoch Mul, the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatán, is located.

Islands of contrasts

Among Mexico's most typical destinations, Isla Mujeres ranks at the top . Its idyllic corners make it irresistible, although it's more built-up than Isla Contoy, protected as a National Park, and completely unpaved . Both are part of a Civitatis excursion that takes us to the contrasts of the Mexican Caribbean . In fact, visiting the second island is only possible through organized groups.

The activity includes breakfast and a boat ride to the islands. First, to Contoy, the last virgin island in this area. You'll hike and snorkel on one of the largest coral reefs in the world. After lunch, it's time to head to Isla Mujeres, where you'll have an hour of free time. If you'd like to explore this island in more depth, a catamaran excursion is also available, focusing solely on this area.

Water activities

Although there are many other islands and archaeological ruins to visit, it's almost mandatory to set aside time for some water activity. The area's seabed will amaze you, and you won't see anything like it. We can enjoy a combination of ruins and water on the excursion to Tulum and Akumal with snorkeling in a Mayan cenote. This option includes a guided tour of the ruins located on an impressive cliff, free time to explore, snorkeling in Akumal, and a swim in the Mayan cenote, as well as lunch.

For the bravest (although if you're not, you'll regret it), Civitatis offers a swim with whale sharks activity. Despite their large size (they're the largest fish in the world), they're docile and can only be seen with snorkeling equipment. The excursion also includes time on Isla Mujeres, where lunch will be served.

And if you're not up for diving with these fish, you can also snorkel at the Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary , the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. Although they're the centerpiece of the activity, you might be lucky enough to see starfish (in one of the areas accessible only by boat) or manta rays. This is a more affordable activity, lasting four hours and including Mexican appetizers.