Playa Del Carmen is a beach resort destination on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. This tropical paradise is the perfect place for outdoor exploration and thrilling adventures. Much of the Caribbean town is left unpaved, making it an ideal spot for a Quad tour.

Embark on a wild ATV ride in Playa Del Carmen to see as much of the coastal paradise while on your visit.

Here's all you need to know about quad tours, one of the most fun outdoor activities in Playa del Carmen.

What are the best Quad tours in Playa Del Carmen?

Guided ATV outdoor adventure in Playa Del Carmen

This action-packed guided quad tour of Playa Del Carmen pairs an exciting ride with several other activities. Meet your guide at a designated pickup point before heading off on an all-day excursion.

Take a dive into the magical underground cenote sinkholes and marvel at the natural caverns that adorn the resort town. Hike through the jungle before boarding your Polaris UTV for a rip-roaring expedition through unpaved terrain.

Zip-line across the treetops, rappel off of cliffs and snorkel in hidden coves before heading back to your drop-off location.

Emotions Native Park ATV tour in Playa Del Carmen

Learn fascinating details about the ancient Mayans on this history-filled Playa Del Carmen adventure. Head to the lush Emotions Native Park to meet your guide before boarding your quad for the day.

Zoom through the rainforest and marvel at the flora and fauna before stopping to see real Mayan ruins that have been preserved for hundreds of years. Tour several cenotes and dive in while learning about the incredible formation of the Quintana Roo caves. Finish your excursion with a traditional Mayan blessing ceremony.

Off-the-beaten-path ATV tour plus Akumal Monkey Sanctuary

Calling all animal lovers for this special quad tour through Playa Del Carmen. Escape the crowds on your ATV and head to the more remote areas of the resort town.

Cruise along jungle pathways while learning about the lush wildlife of the region. Continue on to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary to watch furry friends in their natural habitat. Visit the Sacred Cenote before heading back to your selected drop-off spot.

ATV tour plus boat ride

For a land-meets-sea excursion, choose a quad tour of Playa Del Carmen that includes either a speedboat or a Wave runner ride. Begin your day with a 45-minute animated jungle adventure as you are led by a professional guide past stunning landscapes.

Fly over sand dunes in a wild ride before heading to the bay to hit the water. Opt for either a speedboat or Wave runner to cruise through the Caribbean ocean while soaking up the Yucatan sun.

Private ATV Jungle & Cave adventure in Playa Del Carmen

Choose a private quad tour for a more one-on-one look at Playa Del Carmen. You’ll be picked up or will meet your expert guide early in the day before heading to the jungle to begin your adventure.

Board an ATV and travel to a subterranean cave to learn about the rich culture of the Mayan civilization. Take a dip in a natural cenote and enjoy the beauty of the region at your own pace.

How much does it cost?

A majority of ATV tours in Playa Del Carmen cost about $100 per person and increase based on the length of the journey and the activities included.

For a basic guided tour that includes zip-lining, rappelling, a trip to a cenote and more, you can expect to spend between $100 and $150 per person.

For a trip that includes a stop at the Emotions Native Park to discover the history of the Mayans, you can expect to spend between $90 and $100 per person.

A quad trip that explores off-the-beaten-track areas of Playa Del Carmen and includes a visit to a monkey reserve typically costs about $100 per person. An ATV tour that features a fun boat or Wave runner ride will run about $150 per person.

For a private excursion that allows for more flexibility in the itinerary, you can expect to pay about $120 per person.

What is included?

Some ATV tours will include pickup and drop-off by a minivan, though most provide a meeting point to kick off the excursion. Quad trips that feature adventure activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining and rappelling will typically include all equipment necessary as well as collision/damage waiver insurance.

Tours with a visit to a nature park or animal reserve will include entrance fees, while those that feature a boat ride will include a locker, key and a marina fee. Most excursions offer a meal in the ticket price, while others provide a small snack and beverages. Some ATV tours include a small souvenir for visitors.

Where does it start?

Some guided tours and most private excursions will offer hotel, resort or Airbnb pickup. However, quad trips that include a visit to a nature park or animal reserve typically ask that visitors meet on the property. Many tours will require that all guests meet at one resort to save time for the outdoor adventure.

How long does it last?

Most quad tours last at least 2 hours as they typically include several other activities in the itinerary. ATV trips that feature zip-lining and a cenote visit last about 3 hours, while longer rides with a snorkel break can extend up to 5 hours.

Full-day quad adventures can last up to 7 hours and will include time for a meal and a snack.

When is the best time for a Quad tour in Playa Del Carmen?

The best time to begin your ATV adventure is in the morning before the midday sun heats up the region. Most of your exploration will take place in the earlier hours, which will leave the afternoon for a swim in the cenotes or a snorkel trip in the Caribbean.

Most tours include a traditional Mexican lunch and conclude in the late afternoon. Plan your ATV tour at the beginning of your trip to Playa Del Carmen to get the lay of the land immediately after your arrival.

Is it safe?

Quad tours in Playa Del Carmen are safe but are not meant for visitors with pre-existing back, heart or any other health complications. ATV rides are also not advised for pregnant travelers and are not wheelchair accessible. Most tours also have a weight requirement so prepare ahead of time.

Are children allowed?

Visitors must be at least 16 years old to drive an ATV. Most excursions will allow children over the age of 8 years old as long as they ride as a passenger, but the minimum height for a driving pilot is 1.5 meters and co-pilot 1-meter.

Do I need a driving license?

Most ATV tours do not require a license to drive in Playa Del Carmen, however, some do. Check company rules before booking. Those that do not require a license may ask drivers to complete a handling test before the ride begins.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Quad tours require good weather in order to operate. If the excursion is canceled due to weather, the company will allow you to rebook at a later date or receive a full ticket refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Playa Del Carmen?

Travel tips

Some excursions require that ATV insurance be purchased in addition to your ticket so plan accordingly.
Dress in athletic clothing to prepare for dirt roads, zip-line harnesses and jungle hikes. Wear sneakers to ensure maximum comfort.
Pack a swimsuit and towel for any tours that include a cenote visit or snorkeling trip.

Quad Tours in Playa Del Carmen