Rating8.9
Rating7.9
Rating8.0Adults OnlyThe two water parks (one beachfront, one in the family section) are the headline family draw. Four floodlit tennis courts, a 9-hole mini-golf course, free guided bicycle tours, and a 3,750 sq ft fitness center fill the non-water day. Scuba pool demo is free once per stay — worthwhile for anyone considering a reef dive trip.
Large pool steps from the beach with water slides and swim-up bar. The center of family activity. Most social and active pool on property.
Beachfront water park with two splash parks and slides. Included. Active from mid-morning — arrive early for shorter slide waits during peak season.
Exclusive to Select Club guests (18+). Loungers, dedicated waiter service, pool bar. The quietest main pool experience. Access requires booking Select Club accommodation.
Infinity pool for Royal Elite guests. Swim-up bar, waiter service, premium liquor, Bali beds. The top tier pool experience on the property.
Infinity pool for Royal Elite families. Swim-up bar, waiter service, premium liquor, Bali beds.
Each 8-suite Hacienda villa has its own private sundeck, pool, and whirlpool. The most private pool access available — exclusively for villa guests.
Private pool exclusively for Platinum Tower guests. Designed for genuine quiet away from the main resort's activity. The most peaceful pool option at the property.
Multiple dedicated children's pools in addition to the water park. Safe splash areas for younger guests.
Wide, white-sand beach with calm Caribbean water — one of the better stretches of the Riviera Maya coast. Cozumel Island's offshore position reduces wave energy, keeping water consistently swimmable. Beach chairs, hammocks, and waiter service for drinks. The Select Club adults-only beach club section (renovated 2025) has its own service zone. Non-motorized water sports launch from the beach.
Equipment included for one hour per day. The Playacar beach has calmer water than most Riviera Maya stretches — snorkeling from the beach is reasonable on good-visibility days.
Equipment included. Insurance fee applies. Best in the morning before wind builds.
Equipment included, lessons not included. Insurance fee applies.
One complimentary pool dive demonstration per stay. Worth taking if you're considering the paid open-water dive excursions — good way to know if scuba agrees with you before spending on a trip.
Equipment included, lessons not included.
Four floodlit courts with prior reservation. Equipment provided. Proper attire required. Included.
9-hole course with equipment. Included. Walk-in.
Basketball, beach volleyball, and pickleball on dedicated courts. Included.
Guided daytime bicycle tours around the resort. Free bike rental included. One of the more underused activities at Playacar — the gated community road network makes cycling safe and pleasant.
Billiards, ping pong, backgammon, chess, dominoes, and cards. Included. Walk-in.
3,750 sq ft fitness center with Life Fitness equipment. Aerobics, stretching, yoga, and Zumba classes included.
10 AM–10 PM. Games, crafts, playground, swimming, puppet theater, tree clubhouse, face painting, movies, and sports. One of the longer Kids Club operating hours in the Riviera Maya — useful for parents who want full-day coverage. Included.
Noon–midnight. Arcade games, video games, mocktail bar, dance floor, ping-pong, billiards, foosball. The after-dinner hang for teenagers. Included.
At the outdoor plaza or theater. Included. Schedule posted at the lobby.
Various venues throughout the resort. Included.
18+ only, no cover charge, open until 2 AM. Included.
Full program for all ages posted daily. Included.
Water basketball, water polo, aqua aerobics in the resort pools. Included.
Jet-ski and similar activities at extra cost.
Organized reef dives. Cozumel is one of the world's top dive destinations — if you have any interest, this is the place to do an open-water certification or guided dive. Additional cost.
Deep-water fishing excursions. Additional cost.
Tulum, Chichen Itza, Xcaret. The proximity to the Mayan archaeological sites is one of the Playa del Carmen location's genuine benefits over Cancun. Additional cost.
Playacar Golf Club borders the property — an 18-hole course through the jungle development. Green fees apply.
