Cancun offers a more developed, resort-style vacation with plenty of activities and nightlife, while Playa del Carmen is a smaller beach town with a more relaxed atmosphere. I've always loved the laid-back vibe of Playa del Carmen, and I prefer the beach clubs to the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
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If you're looking for a quieter, more relaxed beach experience, Playa del Carmen might be the better choice for your family. Both Playa del Carmen and Cancun have beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft sand.
Playa del Carmen boasts an enviable collection of beaches, where you can enjoy typical Caribbean relaxation and swim in an unspoilt sea, perhaps coming across turtles while you do so.
The beaches in Playa del Carmen experience a seasonal seaweed influx that can change throughout the year. While efforts are being made to address the situation, visitors should know that the seaweed may impact their beach experience.
Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.
In fact, after staying five nights, I realized this lovely Mexican city is brimmed with beauty and excitement. Playa Del Carmen offers endless activities to make your holiday memorable, from lounging on its sandy beaches to exploring ancient Mayan ruins. And don't forget those cenotes!
Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico for a reason. Visitors can enjoy luxurious all inclusive resorts, fabulous restaurants, local shops and great nightlife. Playa del Carmen beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches as well, with pillowy white sand and turquoise waters.
Located on the scenic Mexican Coast, Playa Del Carmen is a small resort town known for its pristine beaches with light blue water and white sandy shores.
Is tap water ok to brush my teeth in Playa del Carmen? Although there will be some bacteria in the water from the tap it is fine to brush your teeth with, even if you are at a place where you can't drink the tap water.
Playa del Carmen started out as a Fisherman's village, as many as 110 years ago. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back feel have made it a popular destination for tourists.
This coastal town runs along the Riviera Maya, where divers and snorkelers can explore one of the world's largest coral reef systems. The central part of Playa del Carmen is a vibrant avenue filled with quirky shops and restaurants, as well as a beachfront park that hosts traditional Mayan performances in the evenings.
The beaches, the water, the amenities, and the nightlife are just a few of the things that make Playa del Carmen a top Mexican Caribbean destination. With proximity to nearby Mayan cultural centers and offshore islands, there's a little something for everyone in “Playa”.
The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.
The ideal number of days in Playa del Carmen depends on your preferences and interests. Generally, a 3 to 7-day trip should provide enough time to see the main attractions, enjoy the beach, and take day trips to nearby sights.
Prices are generally at their lowest during the humid rainy season, with May to June and September to October usually seeing the lowest prices. However, late April and early December can also see reasonable prices, as well as drier, less humid weather, so be aware of offers around this time too.
Thick rafts of a seaweed-like algae species known as sargassum have caused resorts to close in the Caribbean before, and now they're piling up on Mexico's Riviera Maya in foul-smelling heaps.
While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.
The beaches in Playa del Carmen experience a seasonal seaweed influx that can change throughout the year. While efforts are being made to address the situation, visitors should know that the seaweed may impact their beach experience.
East Coast: Mexico's east coast, particularly the Caribbean Sea's turquoise waters in spots like Tulum, are the stuff beach vacation dreams are made of. The east coast also has a reputation for soft white sand and warm, calm waters.
Puerto Vallarta — Safest Mexico Beach CityPuerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest resort towns in Mexico. While it has these amazing Puerto Vallarta all inclusive resorts, you can of course stay-off resort and best just as safe.