
Riviera Maya
A getaway to Mexico
Virgin Voyages' guide to Cozumel & Playa del Carmen
The 3-in-1 Mexican destination
If you go beyond the expected in Cozumel, you’ll find thriving ecotourism efforts, unspoiled whitesand beaches, and a coast lined with the miles-long Meso-American Barrier Reef — home to some of the most stunning coral reef formations and sea creatures in the Caribbean.
But the added luxury lies in Cozumel’s close proximity to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Across the water from the electricity of PdC and a stone’s throw from the artists haven and bohemian escape of Tulum, arriving here comes with a wealth of options and opportunity. Deciding where you want to be, what you want to see, and who you want to be can change with the Caribbean wind. And so can your plans.
What to do in Quintana Roo
Nature park featuring underground caverns and more
A VIP, all-inclusive day at Anemona Beach
Explore Chichén Itzá and swim at Cenote Ik Kil
Xcaret's Xplor Park
Attention adventurers and thrill seekers: Xcaret, a nature park, is jam packed with activities to pump up your adrenaline and guarantee a good time. Join Xcaret at Xplor to go deep into the underground world and explore caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites (some fancy names for ancient rock formations). Sail through the water-filled caves on rafts and take a dip if you dare.
VIP Day at Anemona Beach in Punta Sur
At Cozumel’s ecological reserve—Punta Sur State Park—you’ll spend a leisurely four hours at the gorgeous Anemona De Mar Beach. At this undisturbed and gorgeous beach, you’ll be able to snorkel, swim, play volleyball, sunbathe or just relax with a margarita in your hand. You’ll also have an opportunity to see the famed crocodile sanctuary and climb to the top of a lighthouse for unrivaled views of the island.
Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil and Lunch
Begin your journey with a narrated ride to the famous Chichén Itzá Mayan ruins. Learn about the Mayan ball game court, the temple of the Warriors and the Kukulkan pyramid. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the turquoise water of a natural and sacred cenote formation—considered by the Mayans to be the entrance into the underworld.
Virgin Select
This experience is exclusive to Virgin Voyages; additionally, a donation to our environmental and social impact charity partners will be made on behalf of your booking.
At Cozumel’s only Reef Restoration program, experts provide you with an introduction to coral reproduction and restoration concepts—including an up-close look at coral spawning at the shoreside aquarium. Afterwards, guides will take you on a snorkel tour of the coral gardens, followed by downtime at a bar at the beach with local food and drinks. Proceeds from your participation support the Coral Farms program, allowing the program to continue their efforts to replenish reefs and educate others.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
This aquatic venture takes you to part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System — one of the largest living structures on the planet. You’ll get a fish-eye view of tropical marine life, lobsters, rays, sharks, and turtles, then head to Cozumel’s famed wall — a vertical descent plunging you down 100ft. Experience some real aquanaut feels while gazing out of large port holes to view the Felipe Xicotencatl, an incredible wreck that is now home to an assortment of breathtaking species and coral.
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Head to Playa del Carmen to witness the low-lit caverns, natural pools and stalactites of Cenote Chaak Tun. A sacred site to the ancient Mayans, these natural wonders were created by the filtration of water through limestone terrain over the course of thousands of years. Follow the guides to a freshwater underground river, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the underground caverns and take a dip. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to wander around Playa del Carmen’s lively downtown.
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Riding in style on boat (yeah, that never gets old), you’ll head toward Colombia Reef—a sublime snorkeling spot hailed as one of Cozumel's finest. During the 45-min snorkeling tour, you’ll spot sea turtles, coral communities, barracudas and schools of shimmering fish. Then ride by boat to El Cielo Beach (aka “sky”), for a dip while spotting starfish and stingrays in the crystal-clear waters. All while dining on guacamole, ceviche, lobster salad, fresh fruits, local beer and cold refreshments.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
At the Mayan Cacao Company, unearth the history of chocolate and learn how it became such a central role in Mayan social and religious life. See the manufacturing process first-hand, participate in a demonstration and sample delicious artisanal chocolate. Walk into the workshop ready to create a chocolate margarita from scratch. Oh, and then drink it. Just like that, you’ve found your new go-to drink.
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A natural well formed by the collapse of limestone — exposing water below.
The Amazing Secret River
Explore the region’s most unique natural treasure—a series of caverns connected by underground rivers known as “Mother Nature’s crystal museum."
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGS
Docking in Cozumel can often feel like you were let in on a secret that no one else knows — arriving somewhere with more possibilities than you could have ever imagined.
It’s just not three destinations in one — it’s three opportunities to explore a side of Mexico, and yourself, that you hadn’t considered. In a world punctuated by constantly locking your future into your calendar, the freedom to choose, do, and explore whatever side of yourself shows up when you disembark — is an intoxicating concept worthy of your well-earned time off.
Set Sail the Virgin Way
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