Exploring Cancún & Riviera Maya
Besides lounging by the pool in the resort or going to the beach, there are other incredible things to do in the area, so here are some of our recommendations!
Activities Outside the Resorts
Visit / Swim in a Cenote
These natural freshwater pools are all over the area and absolutely worth visiting. Some are hidden in caves, others are open and super photogenic. Cenote Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote are popular ones!
Swim with Sea Turtles
The water there is crystal clear, and if you head to Akumal, you can actually swim with sea turtles. The reef is beautiful and full of colorful fish too.
Tulum Ruins or Chichén Itzá
If you're into history (or just insane views), check out the ancient Mayan ruins. Tulum has stunning ocean views, and Chichén Itzá is one of the Seven Wonders of the World—pretty amazing. Just keep in mind they’re both quite a drive from Playa del Carmen.
Day Trip to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres
Hop on a ferry and explore one of these incredibly stunning islands. Rent a golf cart, snorkel, or just hang out on the beach with a margarita in hand.
Yacht Day
If you want to go all out, renting a yacht in Cancún is one of the best things to do! You can cruise around, snorkel, sip some drinks, and just soak up the sun with your favorite people. We can give recs for companies if you’d like!
Xcaret / Xplor Parks
If you're looking for a fun day away from the beach, Xplor and Xcaret are two adventure parks nearby. Xplor includes ziplining through the jungle, swimming in underground rivers, and driving ATVs through caves. For something more cultural, Xcaret offers snorkeling, jungle trails, and evening shows with music, dancing, and a celebration of Mexican history. Both are full-day experiences!
Ilios Cancun
Highly recommended Greek restaurant in Cancun with amazing views
Taboo Cancun
Amazing restaurant and bar with great music, food, and club vibes for those looking for more nightlife outside the resort!
Funky Geisha
Beautiful, fun spot for delicious sushi and a lively atmosphere—perfect for a memorable night out in Cancún.
Activities within the Iberostar Property
JOIA / Selection Paraíso Maya Suites
Iberostar Golf Course
Located right on the property, a par 72, 18-hole competition course with fine-sand bunkers and deep pits, ingeniously mounded greens, and narrow fairways.
Diving Center
The hotel’s professional diving center, where classes and outings are organized. You can dive into the underwater museum of art, visit sunken ships, and starfish shoals while diving with sea turtles or whale sharks, in natural wells, or in reef parks
Sports and Fitness Center
Access to a fitness center (for guests aged 16 or older), cycling studio, yoga, Zumba, kickboxing, body pump, boot camp, water sports, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and more.
Adults-only area of the hotel, with various specialized massages (Thai, hot stone, energizing, Swedish…), beauty treatments and well-being services.
*Additional costs
Spa Services
Children’s activity program that includes games, wave pools, carousel, etc, and includes babysitting services too.
Star Camp for Kids
Multiple Pools + Beach
Pools, waterslides, pool bars, quiet beaches, wave pools, etc. Can’t get any better