When it comes to family vacations in Playa del Carmen, there is a world of adventure parks that provide an exciting array of culture, nature and entertainment. While each park offers exciting activities for families, it can be challenging to pick just one. Whether you are looking for ATV tours in Playa del Carmen or ziplining in Playa del Carmen, there’s no shortage of options.
Many of the parks are owned by the ‘Xcaret group’ and visitors often ask what is the difference between each of the parks, and which is best for thrill-seekers or families.
This guide breaks down the highlights and main differences between the best adventure parks in the Riviera Maya so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
Best Adventure Parks in Playa del Carmen
1. Xcaret
Located 15 minutes south of the center of Playa del Carmen, Xcaret is a great eco-tourism option if you are looking for a mix of nature and nightlight. With over 50 natural and cultural attractions across 200 acres of land, it is impossible to pack everything into one day. The highlights include a lazy river where you can float along three underground rivers, a stingray sanctuary, a water park, wildlife encounters, and snorkeling speed boat tours.
Xcaret Park, Playa del Carmen, isn’t only limited to activities for children. In the evening adults can enjoy wine tastings or a seven-course dinner with their famous theatrical show. General admission includes a buffet meal and tickets range from $130 to $200 depending on the package you choose.
As well as the attractions – Xcaret also has a lot of wildlife to see!
2. Xel-Ha
Located about 40 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Xel-Ha is a beautiful eco-park known for its extensive aquatic activities. Unlike many of the other parks in the area, Xel-Ha offers a more relaxed experience, centered around its natural water features. The park is often described as a giant natural aquarium, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, float down a lazy river, or swim in cenotes surrounded by lush jungle. Xel-Ha also provides plenty of options for more active adventurers, such as cliff jumping, zip-lining into the water, and exploring underwater caves.
Xel-Ha is ideal for families with children of all ages, thanks to its calm, shallow waters and various kid-friendly activities. Additionally, the park promotes sustainability and environmental preservation, making it a great choice for those who prioritize eco-friendly tourism.
Admission includes unlimited food and drinks at multiple buffet restaurants, as well as access to all attractions, and ranges from $130 to $180 depending on the package you choose. If you’re looking for a day of water-based fun and relaxation in a stunning natural environment, Xel-Ha is the perfect choice.
3. Xplor
Xplor is designed for thrillseekers seeking jungle tours in Playa del Carmen. There’s no shortage of heart-racing activities with 14 ziplines, a track for ATVs where you can race through the jungle, and underground caverns.
Other activities include rafting, waterslides, a wave pool, and going on an underground adventure through cenote caves. This park is great for families seeking a high-energy environment but may not be as suitable for families with children under five years old or if you are seeking a more low-key experience.
Admission for Xplor Park Playa del Carmen costs $150 and includes lunch. Buying online in advance gives you a discount!
Xplor Park, near Playa del Carmen is a favorite of those looking for an adventurous day out!
4. Xenses
Located in Playa del Carmen, Xenses is a half-day park that offers a sensory experience that celebrates the mystical side of the Mayan Riviera. Visitors can choose between exploring the Path of Feeling or the Path of Doing. The Path of Feeling features a trip to a crazy town that defies the laws of physics and gravity. The experience is guaranteed to inspire laughter as visitors aren’t sure if they are climbing up or descending down.
The Path of Feeling will also introduce you to dwarves, giants, total darkness in the different ecosystems of the Xensatorium, and natural wonders and gardens. The Path of Doing ventures off to a waterside, an exciting zipline where you can soar like a bird over a canopy of trees, a salt river through underground caves, and ends with a mud bath.
This park is a great option if you want an experience that appeals to the senses and offers something different. The park may not be suitable if you have children 5 and under. The park is designed to be a half-day experience and closes at 5:30 p.m. Tickets purchased seven days in advance cost $71.99 for adults and $53.99 for children.
5. Xavage
Located north of Puerto Morales, towards the airport, Xavage is an extreme adventure park featuring high-octane experiences such as monster truck rides, obstacle courses, ziplines, and kayaking. This park is ideal for families who are seeking an adrenaline rush and unforgettable memories – but as someone who has attended this park – it’s not for the faint-hearted! This park has some of the most extreme and physically challenging activities, so it may not be a good fit for young children, people with mobility issues, and the elderly.
At Xavage you can take a jet boat tour with an expert captain who will race through the park’s canals, spinning in 360-degree turns across the water. Adults can take the wheel of a Monster Truck and venture across 15 obstacles in a circuit, navigating everything from roadblocks to steel ramps and debris from the wreckage of old cars. Minors can take part in this adventure as co-pilots.
The most extreme adventures include a ropes course that reaches 118 feet with 24 obstacles with everything from hanging kayaks and flying bicycles. Xavage also features the only white water rafting adventure in the entire Yucatàn Peninsula. This man-made circuit is considered a class III white water experience (class V being the highest) and includes soaring down seven-foot waterfalls.
All-access admission includes all activities and a buffet lunch for $134 for adults and $101.24 for children ages 5 to 11 if purchased seven days or more in advance. Basic admission includes access to rafting, ropes course, and splash zone as well as a buffet lunch and is $71.99 for adults and $53.99 for children if purchased seven days or more in advance.
Xavage, Playa Del Carmen has a high ropes course that is not for the faint-hearted!
6. Xochimilco
Located in Cancun, Xochimilco brings the historic canals of Mexico City to the Riviera Maya. Here you’ll experience a rich cultural experience complete with Mexican traditions, floating boats decorated with flowers, traditional music, and regional food. This park is perfect for families that want to kick back and enjoy a leisurely activity.
In addition to traveling through canals and beautiful natural scenery, you can also visit an aviary, butterfly pavilion and coral reef aquarium. Unlike many other parks, the main attraction here occurs at night. In the evening, you can take a trajinera tour to the park’s canals to the rhythm of live music. You can also experience a delicious-tasting dinner and an open bar. End the evening dancing and singing to mariachi tunes under the starlight.
This is a great option for those who want to experience a unique park attraction in the evening. Tours begin at 7 p.m. and end at 11 p.m. Admission is $98 for adults if purchased seven days or more before and $74.24 for children ages 5 to 11.
7. Jungala Water Park
Located at Vidanta Resort, close to Puerto Morelos, Jungala is perfect for visitors who want to cool off and relax in a beautifully designed waterpark. Here you’ll find impressive free-fall water slides, lazy rivers, a wave pool and modern amenities such as concierge services, lounge beds, and private cabanas. The park includes several eateries where you can find everything from fresh salads, to ceviche and tacos. The spacious design means that Jungala rarely feels crowded or you’ll encounter long lines.
Jungala offers several packages from basic to premium that include drinks, towels, food, and concierge services. Children’s admission is for ages 3 to 9. Children under 3 can enter for free. Packages range from $51 for children to $73 to $104 for adults. Private cabanas can also be rented for the day separately. The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
8. Nickelodeon Riviera Maya
This Nickelodeon themed resort and water park in Cancun is designed with children in mind but provides fun for all ages. Here you can enjoy a six-acre themed Aqua Nick water park where visitors can get slimed, explore water slides at Soak Summit Tower, or ride on a lazy river.
Your favorite Nickelodeon characters are on hand for meet and greets and the park features several entertainment shows and games. Access to the park is included for guests of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya but day passes are also available for non-guests for $200 for adults and $168 for children under 10. Admission includes towels, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and food from Aqua Bites restaurant.
9. Río Secreto
Located in Playa del Carmen, Rio Secreto is where you’ll find some of the best underground rivers and cave exploration. Here you can take part in guided tours through an underground river and cave system, featuring stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters. Rio Secreto offers a more serene adventure compared to some of the other parks and a unique experience to explore an underground world.
Admission is $89 for adults and $44.50 for children. Admission includes access to the nature reserve, guided tours, a life jacket, towels, headlamp, a regional buffet, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Other Adventure Parks in Playa del Carmen to Consider:
- Selvatica: An adventure park with off-road adventures, a bungee swing, and thrilling outdoor experiences. Admission: $100 – $150 per person
- Adventuras Maya: An adventure park with off-road vehicles, ziplining and cenotes. $90 – $130 USD per person
- Ventura Park: A fun park with a mix of water slides, go-karts, and funfair attractions, ideal for families and groups looking for a variety of entertainment options. $80 – $120 USD per person
When it comes to choosing an adventure park during your trip to Playa del Carmen, there are options for every budget and preference. Whether you want to stay cool by the pool, enjoy nightlife or embark on thrilling adventures in the jungle, each park offers something unique.
Keeping Kids in School
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on all the best adventure parks in Playa del Carmen, it’s time to dive into some serious fun! Whether you’re into zip-lining through the jungle, exploring underground caves, or splashing around in cenotes, Playa del Carmen has the perfect thrill for every adventurer. Go ahead, try them all, and discover which adrenaline rush is your favorite.
But here’s something to keep in mind while you’re flying high above the treetops: In this beautiful part of Mexico, many students face real challenges when it comes to getting a full education. Unlike in some other countries, high school isn’t free here. For many families, the costs—equivalent to about two months of local wages per year—are simply out of reach. Add in the expenses for uniforms, school supplies, and other essentials, and staying in school becomes a major struggle for a lot of kids.
The great news? For only $2USD per day, you can help keep a student in high school. KKIS (Keeping Kids in School) is a non-profit organization based in Playa del Carmen that’s focused on making sure students can complete their education and chase their dreams.
So, as you’re gearing up for your next thrill at one of Playa’s adventure parks, think about how you can also help give a young person a chance to succeed by supporting KKIS. It’s a small gesture that can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Donate today!
Thanks for checking out our KKIS blog on ‘Best Adventure Parks in Playa del Carmen.’
Be sure to check out the other posts in our ‘Best of Playa del Carmen’ series here…