Written by Alex Ruelas

Caribbean yacht cruising

How about hopping on a yacht to see the Caribbean? I mean, you are already staying by the best marina in the Riviera Maya, so why not make the most of it.

There are two extraordinary trips you can make, both departing from Puerto Aventuras. The first is a five-hour ride to the gorgeous InHa reef. This section of the barrier reef is known to be teeming with life, from colorful tropical fish and shiny corals to sea turtles that graze lazily on the seabed. After snorkeling, the crew will treat you to fresh ceviche and cold drinks, both non-alcoholic and tasty cocktails, like their signature Margaritas. Then, the tour moves on to La Bocana, a calm inlet where you can swim and have a second meal before heading back to the marina.

The second tour goes to the breathtaking Playa Palancar in the southern end of Cozumel island. The trip lasts for about eight hours and will take you from the mind-bogglingly clear waters of Palancar to the vibrant Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Meals can be served either on board or under a palapa at the beach, and you can even fish with the crew to try and catch your own dinner. An open bar and snacks are included, as well as snorkeling and fishing gear. 

Gone surfing

The swell is right at your doorstep, so why not grab a board and dive into it. If you’re traveling as a family and want to learn to surf, there is no better place to do it than at Nohoch Surf School. These guys have the experience to get you on your feet in no time. Their instructors are certified in both first aid and CPR, not to mention fantastic at making visitors feel at home.

Everyone can take part. You can book private lessons for both children and adults, so regardless of experiences –or lack thereof– you can all have a nice day riding the waves. Also, if you are feeling confident, you can simply take a board and go for it. The school has a nice variety of gear available for rent, from soft top boards for beginners to shortboards for experienced surfers and even some fiberglass longboards.

Nohoch Surf was founded to share the joy of the ocean. We are sure that they will make you and your family feel welcome and will have you coming back for more after the first session.

Cenote hopping

Part of the beauty of the Riviera Maya is underground. Cenotes are a trademark of the Mexican Caribbean, and many of the most striking ones are a stone’s throw from Puerto Aventuras. 

Possibly the most famous of them is Jardín del Edén, a system of several open cenotes where you can swim and rest in the serviced areas with palapas. With enough visitor infrastructure, several swimming spots, and lifeguards on duty, it is comfortable and safe for families. It is also one of the biggest in the region, a huge swimming pool of crystalline freshwater surrounded by greenery. 

Very close to Jardín del Edén, Kantun Chí Ecopark has a wonderful variety of attractions. It offers a combination of open-air swimming and a tour of an underground river. They even have kayaks for visitors. A bit further south, just past Xel-Ha water park, you’ll find a gorgeous cave cenote called Dos Ojos, with its otherworldly rock formations and a cavern where you can watch bats in their natural habitat. 

There are dozens of beautiful cenotes to explore in the area. To make the most of these natural wonders, contact your Experience Host, who will be able to curate an itinerary according to your needs.

Mediterranean dinner

Puerto Aventuras has great gastronomy. Within the gated community, you will find a wide variety of restaurants that serve food from all around the world. One of our absolute favorites is The Divot, a Spanish restaurant that transforms all kinds of seafood, especially their famous catch of the day, into Mediterranean delights. Lobster, delicately cooked squid, and paella on Saturdays are among their most praised dishes. 

Although they do specialize in seafood, they also have other options like burgers and sandwiches, as well as breakfast packages to begin your day with a delicious meal.

Beach days and marina walks

Puerto Aventuras is a gateway to the Caribbean Sea, where life revolves around the largest marina in the Riviera Maya and the quiet beach. Possibly the best way to get to know the community is to walk. Stroll around the marina and the many restaurants and shops by the water. It is here that one truly can feel the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood.

And then there is the beach. If you are looking for a place to spend the day with everyone, head to PA Beach Club. Here you will find swimming pools, a beachside restaurant, sun loungers, oceanside palapas, and even a kid's area. From here, the rest of the beach is yours to explore. And if you just feel like going for a walk, there is public beach access nearby. Follow the marina walk all the way to the shore, where you can continue from the farito (the small lighthouse) to the white sands of the coast.