Riviera Maya · WORKSHOPS

Top 15 Workshops & Classes on the Riviera Maya

24 tours  ·  from $49

The 15 best workshops & classes you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Playa del Carmen: Mexican Cooking Class - Why the pepper lesson is worth your time
Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Playa del Carmen Mexican Cooking Class

1.Playa del Carmen Mexican Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 306 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $113Our pick

Join Chef Alma in Playa del Carmen for a three-hour, hands-on Mexican cooking class. Make tortillas, salsas, guacamole, rice, enchiladas, tamales, or other traditional dishes, then eat your meal. The English and Spanish class is limited to eight people and includes recipes to use at home.

“We had a great experience learning and gaining experience behind the cultural aspects of different foods here in Mexico. The chef and her daughter are an amazing team and it was easy for us to follow along and still gain new culinary skills. The food was very authentic and cooked in traditional clay dishes. We used simple ingredients and learned how to develop their flavours in unique ways. We even made our own tequila drinks the right way! I highly recommend this cooking class! For everyone of all ages and skills.”

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Mexican Cooking Class 1 or 3 Courses Tequila and Mezcal Tasting - What you may cook: sauces are the real lesson
Cooking Classes, Food & Drink, Playa del Carmen Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Tequila and Mezcal Tastings, Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Mexican Cooking Class 1 or 3 Courses Tequila and Mezcal Tasting

2.Mexican Cooking Class 1 or 3 Courses Tequila and Mezcal Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $105

At Co.Cos Culinary School in Playa del Carmen, Chef Coty leads hands-on one-course and three-course Mexican cooking classes in her home kitchen. You prepare your own food, learn about chiles and sauces, dine with drinks, and finish with a tequila and mezcal tasting.

“One of the best meals and best cooking class experiences I have ever had. Chef Coty is an excellent teacher and communicator. She is very knowledgeable and insightful. The way she thinks about how the tastes, textures, colors, and smells of the ingredients is very inspiring. The menu and ingredients change with every class and every season. Among the things we made were a tortilla soup and a shrimp-stuffed chile relleno. These were absolutely the best I've ever had. We also made a great flambe dessert and learned about tequila, mescal, bacanora, and pulque. I will take her class again the next time I return to Riviera Maya.”

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Private Kiteboarding Lesson in Tulum - Water skills begin with body dragging upwind
Private, Tour Reviews, Tulum Tours, Workshops

Private Kiteboarding Lesson in Tulum

3.Private Kiteboarding Lesson in Tulum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $270

Spend about three hours at Mexican Caribbean Kitesurf & Paddlesurf in Tulum with an IKO-certified instructor. You’ll learn wind theory, safety, kite control, body dragging, power strokes, and waterstarts in a private English-language lesson. Mauricio and Roma can adapt instruction for beginners or returning kiters.

“Mauricio and Roma are fun, friendly, personable, reasonable, and most importantly, excellent teachers. M was very adaptable to me wanting to work on kiting tricks, strapless, and winging, and was great w my partner who was a complete novice. He was professional when wind was not working and we needed to adjust schedule, and generally made it a great experience. 5 stars.”

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Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen - Walking from DAC to Isa’s home kitchen
Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen

4.Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120

Meet Chef Isa at DAC market in Playa del Carmen, choose a Mexican main dish, shop for fresh ingredients, then walk to her home kitchen. You will make salsas, two guacamoles, tortillas, a seasonal fruit drink, and lunch in a group of no more than eight.

“This was a great culinary experience. Wonderful hosts who carefully explained every part of the meal from buying fresh food at a local market to preparing the sauces and main meal. We enjoyed helping with several traditional Mexican dishes and then eating everything afterwards. This was a great afternoon that I would highly recommend.”

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Tulum: Mexican Cooking Class in Local Home - Arriving at Calle Ciricote 13
Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Cooking Classes, Tour Reviews, Tulum Tours, Workshops

Tulum: Mexican Cooking Class in Local Home

5.Tulum: Mexican Cooking Class in Local Home

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 34 reviews · 3 hours · from $99

Join host Lily, also called Lilly, for a three-hour Mexican cooking class at her home in Tulum. Make salsa and tortillas from scratch, learn family recipes, taste mezcal, and sit down to a full meal with drinks. Spanish and English are spoken.

“!!! What a beautiful morning cooking !!! Today’s Mexican cooking class was bursting with energy, vibrancy, and colour. Lilly the host’s enthusiasm was infectious—she cooked with such joy and confidence, inviting us to taste as we prepared each dish. Every flavour had a purpose, and learning those connections made the recipes feel complete and alive. I left feeling enriched, inspired, and delighted by the whole experience. 5 stars!!!!!”

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3-Hour Drinks and Appetizers Class in Playa del Carmen - Small plates that are meant to be paired
3-Hour Experiences, Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

3-Hour Drinks and Appetizers Class in Playa del Carmen

6.3-Hour Drinks and Appetizers Class in Playa del Carmen

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 27 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $49Best value

Meet at 7 pm near Avenida Constituyentes and Avenida Diagonal 85 Norte, then join a local host such as Lily, Virgie, or Liliana in a Mexican home. You’ll prepare four cocktails and four appetizers, hear food stories, and leave with recipes. Virgin drinks are available for anyone under 18 or avoiding alcohol.

“Was a truly authentic experience with great food, drinks and even better company. The host was very engaging and made it easy to understand a lot of interesting facts about Mexico!”

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Surfing Lessons - Learn To Surf In Playa del Carmen - Land practice: stance, balance, and the pop-up
Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Surfing Lessons – Learn To Surf In Playa del Carmen

7.Surfing Lessons – Learn To Surf In Playa del Carmen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Meet Aloha Paddleboard & Surf Club at Fusion Beach in central Playa del Carmen for a two-hour beginner lesson. You’ll learn safety, board balance, paddling, pop-ups, and basic wave skills with a group capped at six, plus storage, showers, and a 15% food discount.

“The tour guide never showed up. I tried contacting them several times and I got no response. It was a waste of my time.”

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DRINKING SCHOOL: Mexican Cocktail & Appetizer Class - Mexican salsas for tacos
Drinking Tours, Playa del Carmen Nightlife and Coco Bongo, Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

DRINKING SCHOOL: Mexican Cocktail & Appetizer Class

8.DRINKING SCHOOL: Mexican Cocktail & Appetizer Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $105

Meet Chef Coty at El Cielo Residencial in Playa del Carmen for a three-hour English-language class built around Mexican spirits, fresh ingredients, three cocktails, and three appetizers. You prepare the food and drinks yourself, learn the recipes, and leave with instructions to repeat them at home.

“Chef Coty is a sweet and wonderful human being with amazing talent. She guided us through preparing. three incredible cocktails and three amazing appetizers. We will definitely return to take a more advanced cooking class. We didn’t want the fun to end..”

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Best in Class: Private Snorkeling Xpedition - Cenote Nicte-ha: an open-air change of pace
Playa del Carmen Tours, Private, Riviera Maya Reef Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Best in Class: Private Snorkeling Xpedition

9.Best in Class: Private Snorkeling Xpedition

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Start with cave snorkeling at Cenote Taak Bi Ha, swim in open Cenote Nicte-ha, then explore fish-filled Yal-ku Lagoon. Your private guide, often Danny, Dani, Ivan, or Roberto, handles transport and adjusts the pace for your group. GoPro photos and a Mexican lunch may be available.

“We had an incredible experience with Primitive Xpeditions, and the highlight was our tour guide, Danny. He was absolutely outstanding....always on time, extremely knowledgeable, and so friendly that he made the entire adventure enjoyable from start to finish. Danny went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable, engaged, and having fun. His deep knowledge of the area and history really brought the excursions to life, and his passion for what he does is contagious. I can’t recommend Danny enough – if you’re booking with Primitive Xpeditions, make sure you request him. He truly made the trip unforgettable!”

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Basic Surf Lessons in Tulum - One hour of instruction in the water
Tour Reviews, Tulum Tours, Workshops

Basic Surf Lessons in Tulum

10.Basic Surf Lessons in Tulum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $51

Meet your instructor at Ahau Tulum for land-based safety and technique, followed by one hour in the water learning to paddle, catch waves, turn, and read the ocean. Lessons are limited to one or two people, with boards, leashes, rashguards, and life jackets supplied, plus an extra hour of free practice.

“Great experience. I liked it, and it was enjoyable and interesting. The instructor is a friendly person and explains everything well. Thanks”

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Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks - Corn dough is the heart of the class
Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks

11.Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

Spend about four hours cooking in a real Playa del Carmen home with a bilingual host such as Lily or Luis Carlos. Prepare Mexican antojitos, tacos, beans, guacamole, and dessert, then share the meal with unlimited drinks. The group is capped at six and includes recipes and a food guide.

“Chef Louis Carlos provided a great experience. The outsoor setting was shady and breezy. There was a pool to cool off in. The food we prepared was simple, fresh and delicious. We had a lot of fun talking about the world in multiple languges. His passion for Mexican food and life really shows.”

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Playa del Carmen: Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class - From market produce to Isa’s home kitchen
Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Playa del Carmen: Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class

12.Playa del Carmen: Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 18 reviews · 3 hours · from $120

Meet Chef Isa at DAC market at 11am, explore Mexican chiles and ingredients, then follow her to her home kitchen. In three hours, you’ll prepare dishes such as guacamole, tortillas, ceviche, mole chicken, birria tacos, or beef fajitas in a group of up to eight.

“My family and I were visiting Playa del Carmen and wanted a fun group activity. Isa’s cooking class was the perfect choice. We got to visit a local market and then learn how to make a variety of different dishes - including ceviches, green mole chicken, and even homemade tortillas - in Isa’s beautiful outdoor kitchen. She kept it interesting, enjoyable and we learned a lot. Would absolutely recommend!”

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Playa del Carmen: Mexican Cooking Class - Why the pepper lesson is worth your time
Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Playa del Carmen: Mexican Cooking Class

13.Playa del Carmen: Mexican Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 3 - 5 hours · from $113

Join Chef Coty and Carlos at Co.Cos Culinary School near Playa del Carmen for a 3 to 5 hour Mexican cooking or cocktail class. Prepare fresh dishes, explore Mexican peppers, taste tequila and mezcal, and share the meal in English or Spanish. A taxi may be needed from central Playa.

“One of my trip highlights! the best food I’ve had in Mexico so far and an amazing group of people. Chef Coty is a very warm and friendly host who proudly shares the Mexican culture through her method of cooking. I learned a lot of new techniques and recipes. We all sat down around the table to enjoy the delicious ceviche Tambal starter at 8 or 9pm. The tequila and mezcal lesson / tasting was super helpful, feel a bit more empowered navigating the tequila tiendas. Highly recommend.”

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Mexican Cooking class experience in Tulum - Ceviche and aguachile with local seafood
Cooking Classes, Playa del Carmen Cooking Classes, Tour Reviews, Tulum Tours, Workshops

Mexican Cooking class experience in Tulum

14.Mexican Cooking class experience in Tulum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $140

Spend about three and a half hours cooking with Barbara, Valeria, or Eduardo in Tulum. You will make fresh salsas, ceviche, aguachile, tortillas, antojitos, and a main dish, then enjoy margaritas, tequila, mezcal, and the meal you prepared.

“Great experience. The team was well prepared. Lots of cooking and food. We had a great time. Go hungry as you eat everything you prepared.”

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Salsa lessons playa del carmen or Bachata Dance - Meeting in Playa del Carmen without a pickup
Playa del Carmen Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Salsa lessons playa del carmen or Bachata Dance

15.Salsa lessons playa del carmen or Bachata Dance

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $64

Meet Salsa Lessons Steve in Playa del Carmen for a private one-hour class in salsa, bachata, or both. You will warm up, learn basic steps, and build toward more advanced moves. Classes may be held at your accommodation or another agreed location, but transportation is not provided.

“Friendly professional teaching for salsa dance for us complete beginners. Gave us good confidence to practice on our own”

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