Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?
If you’re looking for an exotic beach destination in Mexico with all kinds of entertainment, then look no further than Playa del Carmen.
Here we can find all kinds of unique and memorable activities, which range from visiting cenotes to diving with Whale Sharks.
In this article we’ll list the seven best reasons to visit Playa del Carmen, as well as cover any other important information you’ll need to know.
Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting?
Quick Answer: This Caribbean coastal city offers all kinds of entertainment and fun, and everyone will find at least one thing they like here in Playa.
Whilst it definitely feels over-touristy (especially on the beach), the perks of this is that we can easily find great tours for a good price. This includes heading on an island hopping tour to nearby Isla Mujeres, or exploring the colonial cities of Mérida and Valladolid.
It also means we’ll find almost unlimited eating options along the bustling Quinta Avenida, which range from tasty Mexican classics to all kinds of international cuisines.
Playa del Carmen is also the perfect base camp for seeing nearby attractions. There are various archaeological ruins close-by, and it’s easy to visit Chichén Itzá with this highly-rated day tour.
As well as there being many incredible cenotes to visit such as Aktun Chen and Cenote Azul, there are many beaches close-by too (such as Puerto Aventuras and Punta Esmeralda – both of which are more chill than that of Playa del Carmen’s main beach).
Where is Playa del Carmen?
This popular Mexican destination is situated within the Riviera Maya, in the extreme south-east of the country. The closest popular destinations to Playa del Carmen are Cancún and Tulum, and it’s also easy to drive south to Mahahual within a few hours too.
Given its location, Playa has a hot and tropical climate year-round. The dry season remains the best time to visit (from December until April), although even in the wet season it’s pretty enjoyable too!
How Far is Playa del Carmen from Tulum?
Another popular destination within the region, most travelers also visit Tulum when heading to the Riviera Maya. Playa del Carmen is located some 65 km north of Tulum, which takes around an hour to drive to.
There are multiple ways to make the journey, although using the ADO bus remains the most popular which leaves several times throughout the day. Those who want the cheapest option can use local colectivos, whilst those who prioritize comfort can take a taxi.
For more transport advice be sure to see our guide that covers the best way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum if you’re a thinking about doing a day trip.
Have you got travel insurance for Playa del Carmen?
7 Reasons to Visit Playa del Carmen
Are you still wondering if Playa del Carmen is really worth the visit? Here’s 7 awesome reasons why we think you should head on over to this popular beachside hotspot.
1. Eat Authentic Mexican Food
We’ll be the first to say that this is easier said than done in Playa, where all kinds of international restaurants have popped up all over (with some being quite expensive).
However, being the crazy explorers that we are, we’ve scoured the city and have found options that remain both authentic and also great for the wallet.
Firstly you can head to the Parque Leona Vicario, which is just four blocks in-land from the main ferry dock. Here we’ll find some local taco stands which do some really tasty dishes, and also is a great place to try out a Marquesita (which is a crepe-esque dessert which is native to the Yucatán region).
You can also head to El Gran Taco which is found on Calle 41 Sur, which has an impressive selection of taco and quesadilla varieties to choose from.
2. Go Snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea
One of the biggest pulls for travelers coming to the Riviera Maya is to swim in the warm ocean.
Not only are the temperatures pleasant year-round here, we’ll also find the waters to be really transparent too. This makes it perfect for snorkeling, and you can easily grab some gear and head to the local beach in Playa.
However the best spots are further away, such as Akumal (which is best for seeing turtles) as well as Isla Mujeres (for spotting all kinds of marine wildlife).
We highly suggest booking this memorable day tour, where you’ll visit both Isla Mujeres as well as the stunning Isla Contoy. Here you’ll make a stop-off at the Ixlache Reef, where you’ll have snorkeling gear provided. As well as having hotel pick-up and drop-off, you’ll also have lunch and an open bar included on your boat.
3. Visit Stunning Cenotes
A really popular site to see in Mexico (which you’ll most likely have already seen photos of) are the cenotes, which are limestone caves filled with bright blue or green water.
Many of these have had their ceiling fall-through, meaning rope vines hang down making it look something just out of a prehistoric film (especially that of Ik Kil).
Whilst cenotes can be found all around the Yucatán region, there are also some worthwhile ones to visit near Playa del Carmen.
Personally I (George) really love Aktun Chen, which is a deeper cave system with giant rows of stalactites and stalagmites pretty much everywhere you can see.
Here you’ll get to visit a fully-enclosed cenote after some cave exploring, with another cenote further along which you can swim in.
If you want more of a relaxing experience for swimming and taking photos, then you can head to Cenote Azul or Gran Cenote, both of which are easy to reach from Playa del Carmen.
4. Visit some Incredible White Sand Beaches
As we’ve mentioned throughout this article, the beaches in this area of Mexico are really good, and many travelers end up staying much longer because of them.
To be completely honest, the beach in Playa is nice but can get overcrowded quickly (it’s better if coming early in the morning).
Nearby to Playa we’ll find various other options depending on what you are looking for. Puerto Aventuras is just a 40 minute ride away, and has a much longer stretch of white sands. You’ll also find plenty of amenities in the resort area too (where the entrance to the beach is).
Another great option nearby is Punta Esmeralda, which is much quieter than the main beach of Playa. It’s located on the northern part of town, and also has a really cool open cenote here to enjoy too.
5. Visit Chichén Itzá with a Day Tour
By far the biggest bucket list item to tick-off in this area of Mexico, Chichén Itzá really is a site to behold.
Here we can explore various pyramids and temples, which were once the focal point of the entire Maya kingdom (which at its peak stretched as far south as Honduras).
The Pyramid of Kukulkán is the main highlight here, which stands at 98ft tall and has four different steep slopes leading up to the top.
Make sure you bring lots of water when heading here, since it can get really hot (also sunscreen too in order to avoid getting burnt).
You can head here independently with buses, however we personally recommend heading on this organized tour from Playa. As well as having a guide show you around the ancient archaeological site, you’ll also visit the colonial city of Valladolid and get to swim in the Chichikan Cenote. This tour also includes all transport as well as a buffet lunch.
6. Party Up along the Quinta Avenida
In recent decades Playa has earned itself a legendary status when it comes to heated nightlife, and this is all centered around the bustling Quinta Avenida (which is the main strip close to the beach).
Here we’ll find all kinds of bars open all nights of the week, including chill beach bars and those pumping with house music.
From here there are several big nightclubs to make your way to. Mandala is one of the biggest and deserves at least one visit during your time here, as well as Santino which has a more Latin vibe going for it.
Playa del Carmen also is home to Coco Bongo, which is arguably the best nightclub in the country (we can also find the club chain in Punta Cana and Cancún). Here they have crazy performances and all kinds of cocktails on offer, and will certainly be a night you won’t be forgetting any time soon. You can pre-book your Coco Bongo ticket here.
7. Go Swimming with Whale Sharks
One of the biggest bucket-list items you can do in the Riviera Maya region is to go swimming with Whale Sharks.
Measuring up to a whopping 18 meters in length, you’d probably think twice about getting up and close with a shark this size. However, these giant fish species are docile, and are friendly with humans.
Given they swim close to the surface, this means you can go snorkeling and see them up and close (you can also go diving too for more in-water freedom). You’ll need to go with an organized tour to spot them, given they’re located within the Caribbean Ocean.
We highly recommend this highly-rated day tour, where you’ll have all transport, gear and snacks included, as well as a stop at the legendary Playa Norte beach on Isla Mujeres.
It’s important to remember that the Whale Shark season in the Mexican Caribbean runs from June until September where they make their annual migration to warmer waters.
Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting?
And that’s all for our guide on why you should visit Playa del Carmen.
Known for its awesome atmosphere and variety of things to see and do, Playa del Carmen is a must-stop for any traveler heading around Mexico.
Here we can visit cool cenotes and go snorkeling in crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
There’s also plenty of worthwhile day trips to take, such as to Chichén Itzá and to nearby towns like those of Akumal, Tulum and Puerto Aventuras.
While you’re still here, be sure to read our the best time to visit Playa del Carmen for more ideas on when to go, and what you can do in each month here.
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