The 8 Best Dining Experiences on the Riviera Maya

1.Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 424 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109Our pick

Sail from Puerto Aventuras Marina for about two hours as the Riviera Maya sky turns pink and purple. You get hotel pickup, a bilingual crew, tropical fruit, cheese and meats, and a fully stocked open bar. Crews have included Paola, Mario, Martin, David, and Celine.

“Very nice cruise. Water was a little choppy. Staff were excellent very attentive and accommodating. I would recommend this activity.”

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2.Tulum: Leopard 51′ Yacht with Gourmet Dining & Water Toys

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 239 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) Top rated

Sail from Puerto Aventuras on a private Leopard 51 catamaran for about four hours. Your group of up to 10 gets reef snorkeling, paddle boards, floats, towels, a premium bar, and chef-prepared food. Choose a morning or afternoon departure.

“Wonderful experience from start to finish. The staff were anticipatory of needs and professional in every sense of the word. The concierge service worked with my clients directly to determine their preferences. VIP in the truest sense. I look forward to working with them again.”

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3.Mayan Ceremony in Tulum. Temazcal, Dinner and pick up included.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $92

Spend about five hours at Dos Palmas near Tulum, learning about Mayan traditions, joining a purification ceremony inside a temazcal, swimming in an exclusive cenote, and eating a simple traditional dinner. Pickup, air-conditioned transport, a guide, refreshments, and an English option are included. The ceremony is mainly in Spanish, with translation available.

“It was amazing to experience this ceremony. Our translator Brigitte did a great job preserving the beauty of this sacred gathering.”

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4.Salsa Class,Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Spend an evening at Luhme Tulum learning salsa with Leo and Jose, making your own Mezcalita, and eating Mexican dishes such as ceviche, tacos, and fresh salsa. The class suits beginners, groups, and celebrations, with vegetarian and vegan choices available.

“This experience was so memorable. We started the night with salsa dancing. Léo and José were so energetic and were full of good vibes. The mezcalita workshop was extremely enjoyable, and it was very tasty! The food was also delicious and they cater to any dietary restrictions. Bayati helped with videos/photos so we didn’t have to worry about taking our own! I would definitely recommend trying this experience if you are ever in Tulum!”

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5.Authentic Gastronomic Mexican Food Experience in Downtown Tulum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65Best value

Walk downtown Tulum with local guide Luis for about three hours, stopping at up to five places for authentic Mexican food. Learn the story behind each dish, hear about Mayan culture, and finish with Al Pastor tacos. Vegetarian options can be arranged.

“Luis is the best guide. We enjoyed and learnt so much from him. Great stops on the tour and really interesting conversations in between! We loved the first and last stops most. Traditional Mayan food and ending with Al Pastor tacos. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting downtown Tulum.”

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6.Steak or Lobster dinner in a magical jungle setting.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Follow a sparkly lit jungle path to Josephine’s, a five-table restaurant near Playa del Carmen. Heather welcomes you, while William serves Chef Max’s steak or lobster dinner with soup or salad, infused water, and wine or a margarita. Plan for about 2 hours 15 minutes and arrange transport ahead.

“Josephine's exceeded our expectations tenfold. We were renting a villa in the vicinity and the owner suggested we try the nearby Josephine's. My wife was gung-ho to try it, but I had my doubts. When we arrived my doubts doubled, this was a tiny bistro, in the jungle, what quality of food were we going to find here?”

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7.Tulum: Romantic Dinner on 34′ Aventura Catamaran – All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Take a private three-hour evening cruise from Puerto Aventuras aboard a 34-foot Aventura catamaran. You get a premium open bar, candlelit setting, and a chef-prepared four-course dinner for two. Crew members have included Captain Jufed, Scarlett, Yamil, and Chef Onan, though staff can vary.

“Our experience was perfect. Captain Jufed, Hostess Scarlett and Bartender Yamil were considerate, professional and a lot of fun. Chef Onan made a meal that was to die for. Every course of food was better than the last.”

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8.Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

You control a private five-hour Tulum ride for up to 10 people, with pickup where you need it, leather seats, air-conditioning, bottled water, and a bilingual driver. Ask to visit a cenote, shop, or dine at Casa Jaguar, Kin Too, or Gitano. Driver Welker is praised for careful service.

“Overall it worked out however there were a few things that should've been better. For starters you (I) would think the van would be nice and air conditioned upon arrival- it's wasn't. Also site says waters are provided- no water just empty cooler. When the driver dropped us off at first location he gave us his number to call when we were ready. Called over 6 times with no response, we had to walk around until we found him. I even messaged the company that driver wasn't answering and where we were, never even received a response back.”

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