5 days in Playa del Carmen & Puerto Morelos
Day 1: Scuba Life, Cozumel
There is no team better to go scuba diving with than Carly, Aldo and Capitán Marcelo at Scuba Life. When they realized that we weren’t intimidated by the dive and understood the basic safety instructions, they took us out to some of their favorite spots to see spectacular views of the coral and fish. As instructor Carly says, “Out of all the places [in the world] to dive, Cozumel is the best.” And though I haven’t been to the Red Sea or Costa Rica yet, I must admit, diving with Scuba Life in Cozumel has been the best diving experience I’ve had so far.
Day 2: Snorkeling in
Puerto Morelos
Felicity and Wiz are wonderful hosts and instructors at Wet Set Adventures in Puerto Morelos! If you’re looking for a great company to go snorkeling with, look no further. And after your tour, visit Felicity’s favorite cafe close by, Lola & Moya. The traditional molé dishes, enchiladas, smoothies, crepes, and vast menu ensures everyone can choose something they like.
If you love seafood, Restaurant La Playita, is also close to Wet Set. This restaurant on the beach is not to be missed and 100% worth a travel. The lobster cooked in garlic, seafood cocteles, ceviches and massive micheladas, are some of my family’s favorite things to have when visiting Puerto Morelos.
Fun Fact: If you want to get your scuba certification, finish the online portion before you travel, book 3 scuba sessions, and you’re good to go!
Travel Tip: Bring a snorkel and goggles with you when visiting any body of water in these parts - the views are breathtaking.
Day 3: Cenote Jardín del Eden
When at Cenote Jardín del Eden, seek out the sage taco advice of the cenote’s guardian, Cuitlawok. Cuitlawok and his partner know tacos and they know where to seek out the best deals for 2 kilos of rambutan, if that’s what you’re into. We thank them immensely for recommending Tacos El Fogon (not just any one. the one on Avenida Constituyentes for the Al Pastor and Chorizo tacos), Tacos La Floresta (for the shrimp and fish tacos) and Tacos Ñero (for the tripe, lengua, and eye tacos). If you’re like Cuitlawok and “can eat tacos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner” - those three spots are for you.
Taco Tip: Check the opening hours for each spot before you go as some of them are open only after 3pm.
Approximate Time: Eden is a 15 min. drive from Playa del Carmen, where all three taco spots are. Book a taxi or take the colectivo across the road to PdC.
Day 4: Cenote Nicte-Ha
If you’re looking for one of the most picturesque cenotes, both above and under water, do not miss Cenote Nicte-Ha. In the summer, the abundance of lily pads makes Nicte-Ha look like a page out of a children’s storybook. It’s also less crowded than it’s neighboring cenote, Dos Ojos.
And since Playa del Carmen has an insane amount of great restaurants, finish (or start) your day at La Cueva del Chango. La Cueva is a magical version of Rainforest Cafe (maybe because of there are less children screaming/running), but what really enhances the magic is the food and the service. If you’re a lover of a restaurant experience that treats all 5 senses, La Cueva is for you.
Travel Tip: Nicte-ha is in the same park as Cenote Dos Ojos and Jaguar. If you love cenotes and want to experience a few of them in one go, this is a great spot.
Restaurant Fun Fact: Vegans!!! La Cueva del Chango has a whole page dedicated to you - filled with stuffed poblano peppers and other delicious things.
Day 5: Xcaret Adventure Park
Is Xcaret incredible? Yes.
Can you see all of Xcaret in 1 day? Possibly.
Can you make it through the best parts of the park without feeling completely overwhelmed? Absolutely. I can help with that.
Tip 1. Buy your tickets online early and save $$.
Tip 2. Download the Xcaret app, mainly for the map function.
Tip 3. When you’re there, there are colored lines on the ground to follow (black, white, green, red, blue) - use them. These lines are your friends.
Tip 4. Do not, I repeat, do not miss the bread and coffee shop. For $1 USD, you can get 2 pieces of warm (and delicious) baked bread plus a cup of cafe de olla that will hold you down while you run around looking at birds, butterflies, tortoises and sharks. Coffee is served until 2pm.
Tip 5. If natural pools, beach views, and pics for the gram are your thing, the RED zone is for you. Wet activities first, dry activities later. Bring a waterproof camera or camera holder.
Tip 6. There are 3 locker areas, two near the front and one by the beach. Choose wisely.
Tip 7. Bring goggles - you can tie them around your wrist like a bracelet.
Tip 8. Speak to the employees and learn something new! We learned that the leftover fabrics from the hotel were used to make new items for their gift shop.
General tips: 2 days is enough to really enjoy all Xcaret activities without rushing. //
If your kid has enough energy to run and swim in a park in the sun for 6 hours, that’s the recommended age to go.
I love this park so much. The staff are doing great things with the wildlife and promote ecological responsibility and education for the public and children of Quintana Roo. Please make Xcaret a bucket list destination for yourself. It is worth it!
