What excursions are available from Playa del carmen in Mexico? Preferably land one's!?

Question

I know it will sound silly to some but i have a deep phobia of sharks and wouldn't feel comfortable or relaxed swimming or snorkelling in the sea in Mexico. I did indulge in Dom Rep in July jus gone but from what i have read here on the net, i'd be more at risk in Mex. Hard to explain how terrified i feel in water but just to give an idea i have only been in the sea twice in my whole life...i am 28 and the first time was when i was 25 lol ! Don't ask why.....maybe i was attacked by 1 in my last life?

Answer 1

Maui Guy is correct about the ruins, though I would think that Uxmal is too far for most people using PDC as a home base. Also consider the ruins of Ek Balam aside from the other ones Maui Guy mentioned. There are many cenotes and caves in the area that are open to tourist.

Answer 2

Go check out Chichen Itza...the ruins.  Also Uxmal (pron. USH-MALL).  Both of these even have really cool hotels near the ruins...and are very reasonable cost-wise.  Added benefit for the Itza hotel is that since most visitors come there on a day trip, you usually have the entire site to yourself in the mornings.  Then when it gets real hot around noon or 1pm, about the same time the day trippers arrive, you can walk back to the hotel and jump in the pool and cozy up with a margarita and a senorita!

Chichen is a few hours from Cancun/Playa C, and Uxmal is a little further near Merida.  Also near Playa is Coba ruins.  

While in Playa, visit Tulum, more ruins right on the beach and is awesome...and be sure to visit Xel-Ha (pronounced SHELL-HA) (x's is spanish are pronounced Shhh.)  Xel-Ha is right near Playa..and is a clear-salt water lagoon where you can swim, snorkel, float on a river, sunbathe, play with dolphins, eat and drink all in the same area.  You have to pay an entry fee.  Google "Xel-Ha" for more details.