Playa del Carmen Nightlife

The night itself seems to come alive around Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue with people drinking coffee al fresco, dining at exotic restaurants, savoring cocktails, and dancing at Playa’s clubs. Outdoor events are also numerous at night and Playa del Carmen beaches offer the perfect stage with their starry nights and tropical breezes.

Playa del Carmen hotels also come to life at night with lively bars, authentic restaurants and their own exotic nightclubs. Karaoke is very popular so get your voice ready! Many hotels in Playa del Carmen offer cultural shows starring local residents. Mayan ritual dances are common throughout the region and are not to be missed.

As you’ll probably be spending your evenings on the beaches of Playa del Carmen, local beach clubs are the best places to party. These beach clubs can get busy so be sure to get there early to get the best spot. Some of the best beach clubs are listed below.

MAMITA'S BEACH CLUB

Mamita's is certainly one of the most popular Playa del Carmen clubs. Food and drinks are served around the clock, either direct to your lounge/umbrella on the beach, or on the wooden veranda of the club’s sea view restaurant, but it’s most lively in the evenings. Savor delicious cocktails and move your hips to some of Playa’s best music.

CANIBAL ROYAL

Canibal Royal is one of Playa’s newest beach clubs, featuring 1950s Brazilian architecture and relaxing chill-out music. Canibal Royal has 3 levels; a funky beach bar with lounge chairs and beds for relaxation, a Playa del Carmen restaurant level with a large bar, and a solarium level complete with Jacuzzis. The food is eclectic, the ambiance is laid back and the style is completely Caribbean.

AL CIELO AT XPU-HA

Away from the crowds, Al Cielo is a small, boutique hotel situated on the peaceful Xpu-Ha beach, a 20 minute drive South of Playa. Reputed for its fine dining, Al Cielo serves drinks and exquisite food on its magnificent beach terrace daytime and evenings. Seating is limited so be sure to make a reservation.

However you decide to spend the evenings during your Playa del Carmen vacation, you are destined to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Hotel Maya+

A Brief History of Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is located in the Riviera Maya, which runs from south of Cancún to Tulum and the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve. It was originally inhabited entirely by the Mayan culture. It later developed into a fishing area before becoming the Playa del Carmen vacation destination we know today.

During the height of the Mayan civilization, Cozumel, Cancun and Playa del Carmen were a major part of the area's trade industry. Playa del Carmen's location, lying between the two ports of Honduras and Veracruz, made it perfect for international trading.

In the early 1900's, Playa del Carmen became an official territory of Mexico and a part of the state of Quintana Roo. Mexicans from the mainland began inhabiting the area and finding their new home among the Mayan people.

The 1960's ushered in the growth of the surrounding areas of Cozumel and Cancun. Cozumel gained popularity because of an underwater documentary filming the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. During this time, Playa del Carmen tourism also started to blossom due to its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and exotic ruins.

In the 1970's, Playa del Carmen became more accessible to travelers, with the building of a boat dock enabling ferry service to Cozumel and the Cancun International Airport. More and more tourists started traveling to the area, leading to the eventual establishment of hotels, restaurants and all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resorts. The boat dock also opened the area to cruise lines, bringing in even more travelers.

In the 1990's, Playa del Carmen's population grew substantially and it started becoming more popular in the international community. Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, its main avenue, became filled with more shops and restaurants that catered to international tourists in search of that perfect Playa del Carmen holiday.

Playa del Carmen tourism continues to thrive today, even though its reputation as a small fishing village remains intact. It’s this quality that makes it so charming to travelers worldwide.

Playa del Carmen Tours

Playa del Carmen tours leave every day and offer magical adventures for all ages. Below you’ll find some of the local favorites. For further information on these and additional tours, please contact the front desk of your Playa del Carmen hotel.

TOUR TO RIO LAGARTOS BIOSPHERE & EK-BALAM MAYAN RUINS

This popular ‘ecotour’ departs from Playa del Carmen around 7:30am and arrives 2 ½ hours later at Rio Lagartos Biosphere, one of Mexico’s largest nature reserves situated on the Northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula.  There is a brief stop at a traditional Yucatan village on the way so you can stretch your legs, have a drink and discover some local customs.

On arrival, among the ancestral mangroves, groups of 6 people will be transferred to individual tour boats manned by local expert guides. Smaller boats mean you will be closer to the ‘action’ and freer to film and take photographs. Lasting for 2 hours, the aquatic safari glides across lagoons, inlets and open sea allowing you to see crocodiles, marine turtles, pelicans, ibises and the unforgettable pink flamingos whose colony here is over 40,000 strong!

A specially adapted fisherman’s hut on the edge of a lagoon is where we will stop for lunch. The menu consists of shrimp crepes, sea trout fillet, grouper stuffed with battered shrimp or, for non-fish eaters, beef fillet or omelettes. Local wines, beers and sodas are also available allowing you to kick back, relax and take in this amazing natural experience.

On the trip back to Playa del Carmen, we will stop off at the majestic Mayan archaeological site of Ek-Balam located well off the beaten track in the Yucatan jungle where you can explore the magical temples and pyramids. You’ll be back at your Playa del Carmen accommodations by approximately 7:30pm.

TOUR TO SIAN KA'AN BIOSPHERE

Sian Ka'an in the Mayan language means "from where the sky was born." This is a magical place where the colors of the sea blend with nature. A World Heritage Site since 1987, it's considered a natural cradle for several endangered animals and a real treasure in the jungle.

We’ll arrive at the park in comfortable air-conditioned vans and continue the visit in motorboats, always accompanied by a prepared and English speaking guide. We'll explore the mangrove lagoon and the shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea in search of crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and other animals that live in the area.

Snorkel in the reef (equipment included) and swim in natural pools, where between a photo and a dip, we´ll toast with a glass of Tequila. Eat lunch in a restaurant on the beach which offers fresh fish, meat, and vegetarian food, all accompanied by white wine, water or soft drinks. After a cup of coffee, relax on the beach or take a short walk to visit the village of Sian Ka'an. This Playa del Carmen tour gets back before dinnertime.

TOUR TO ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres (the Women's Island) is an enchanting and picturesque island that can be reached by crossing the bay of Cancun.

It takes its name from what the "conquistadores", in the “prehispanic” time found on the island: sketches and small terracotta statues devoted to "Ixchel", Mayan Goddess of the Moon, which represents love and fertility.

We depart from the bay of Cancun on a catamaran where you will find a prepared and fun staff. Music and an open bar will accompany us for the whole day. Snorkel on the beautiful coral reef (equipment included) and then eat a rich buffet lunch back at the beach club (also included).

Relax a bit in the sun or explore the area in a kayak, then get back on the catamaran and sail to a popular Caribbean town where among small paths are exotic shops of all types. Shopping fans will certainly be pleased! You’ll return to your Playa del Carmen hotel in time for dinner.

Make sure you plan some excursions during your Playa del Carmen vacation. These tours are surely a highlight of the perfect Playa del Carmen holiday.

Playa del Carmen Diving and Snorkeling

With the world’s second longest coral reef continuing the whole length of the Riviera Maya southward to Guatemala, it is hardly a surprise that Playa del Carmen diving has become so popular. Renowned for its spectacular reef formations, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is home to dolphins, sea turtles, tropical sponges and over 500 species of fish.

Further inland, and unique to Playa del Carmen Riviera Maya, are the freshwater tropical jungle pools known locally as ‘cenotes’. These pools lead down to a vast network of underwater caves known for their crystal-clear water and slow-flowing currents.

If you’d rather stay closer to the surface, you can always try snorkeling. Equipped only with mask, snorkel and flippers, organized snorkeling tours are a much gentler way of discovering the beautiful coral and unique wildlife during your Playa del Carmen vacation.

If you are not an experienced diver, most Playa del Carmen hotels offer introductory scuba lessons to get you started as well as complete scuba certification courses.  Many resorts also sell and rent scuba gear and snorkeling equipment. For experienced divers, Playa del Carmen tours offer endless resources to immerse yourself in thrilling underwater adventures which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Playa del Carmen Golf

Playa del Carmen golf courses are certainly the best golf courses found in Mexico. These excellent golf courses are no more than an hour away from any Playa del Carmen hotel. Golfers of every level will enjoy the shady fairways and ocean views, with glimpses of exotic animals, birds, tropical plants, and Mayan ruins.


Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club

This Playa del Carmen golf course, designed by P. B. Dye at 6641 yards long for a par 72, is thirty minutes south of Cancun, at KM 309 of Highway 307, between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos. Your greens fee includes snacks and beverages on the course, which has narrow fairways, challenging greens, deep bunkers, and tough sand traps.

Golf Club Playacar

Designed and built under the supervision of famed golf course architect Robert Von Hagge, the Golf Club Playacar is surrounded by lakes and greenery. It's a challenging par 72, at a 7144 yard length. Many excellent players consider the Golf Club Playacar to be the greatest golf challenge in the area. This Playa del Carmen golf course is located near Paseo Xaman.

Grupo Mayan Golf Riviera Maya

Designed and constructed by Nicklaus Design, this par-3 course is a wonderful respite from the intense play needed at the full-sized courses. Located on highway 307 at KM 408 out of Cancun toward Playa del Carmen, past Puerto Morelos, this beautiful 18 hole par 54 course features white sand traps -- the intense color of the greens is something that simply must be seen.

Golf Club El Camalon Mayakoba

A PGA tournament was played in 2007 at this 18 hole Playa del Carmen golf course, which indicates how much of a challenge this course can be. Designed by famed golfer Greg Norman at 7067 yards for a par 72, and located within the grounds of the Mayakoba luxury resort, at KM 298 of Highway 307, dense mangrove trees, tropical jungle, canals bordered with limestone, and breath-taking views of the ocean all combine to overwhelm your senses.

Cozumel Country Club

This 18-hole golf course, the first in Cozumel, was built by Nicklaus Design to preserve the environment of the surrounding tropical rainforest, marshlands, and mangrove trees. It's a par 74, at 6734 yards. Besides the snack bar and the golf shop, you'll find a chipping green, a putting green, and a practice bunker to try out your sand shots. The course is located 6.5 kilometers along the Carretera Costera Norte.

Playa del Carmen hotels are happy to provide detailed information regarding local golf courses in the Riviera Maya. Whether you are a professional golfer or simply a golf enthusiast, Playa del Carmen golf courses offer the best of the sport amidst beautiful and natural surroundings.

Getting Around at Playa del Carmen

Getting around town during your Playa del Carmen vacation is easy and affordable. You can travel by bus, taxi, scooter or rental car. The choice is yours.

Buses will be the most affordable mode of transportation during your Playa del Carmen holiday. Most tourist buses pull into Playa del Carmen off the highway at Benito Juarez Avenue and drive to the downtown bus station which is located right on Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue. The ferry docks to Cozumel are located close to the bus station as well. There are two bus stations. The one located on 5th Avenue is primarily for buses running up and down 307 from Cancun to Chetumal. The other bus station in Playa del Carmen is located at Avenida 20 and Calle 12, just behind the "San Francisco" supermarket.

Taxis are definitely the most convenient way of getting around at Playa del Carmen. Everything of interest is close to the many Playa del Carmen hotels and you can easily negotiate prices with your taxi driver. They even expect it!

Many vacationers rent scooters to get around at Playa del Carmen, but you should be very careful when renting them. Accidents are common, so it is suggested that you travel by taxi, bus or rental car instead.

Rental car companies are abundant and offer plenty of Playa del Carmen deals for vacationing tourists. You may want to do some searching online before your vacation to make sure you find the best rental car package.

Venture beyond your Playa del Carmen hotel and explore the island during your stay. It does not take long to acquaint yourself with the area. Most important of all, be safe and enjoy your vacation!

Playa del Carmen Restaurants and Bars

A Playa del Carmen vacation would simply be incomplete without a visit to the nearby restaurants and bars outside of the major Playa del Carmen hotels. What would a vacation be without a little adventure? The exotic cuisine and tropical drinks throughout the Mayan Riviera are guaranteed to excite your taste buds and create lasting memories!

Restaurants

Unless you’ve already been to Playa del Carmen, it’s hard to imagine the number of different restaurants that one can experience within a very short distance. Those who dare to tread away from their Playa del Carmen hotel buffet will find exciting dining adventures. Playa del Carmen restaurants offer food of every type and price range. Most menus in the tourist zone along Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue are usually in English and most waiters speak fluent English. Bottled water is also available in every restaurant, and most restaurants use bottled water for cooking.

The majority of restaurants on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue or close to it are owned or co-owned by foreigners. By and large they mostly offer International cuisine and even the “Mexican Restaurants” are more International than Mexican. Reservations are not required in the majority of establishments, but you may want to book a table in advance.

So how does one recognize an authentic and official Mexican restaurant?  Well, nobody speaks English, the menus are all in Mexican, the place is filled with Mexicans and it smells delicious! To find authentic Mexican restaurants, simply walk up Juarez to 30th Avenue then walk North along 30th. Along the way you will start to see several odd and authentic restaurants.

As is the case in much of Mexico, the street food is also not to be missed. Simply walk south down Playa del Carmen Fifth Avenue until you reach the pier and taxi stand. There are generally several carts serving tacos of various types. Every seafood taco is usually outstanding, along with the pollo, carnitas, and chorizo. Also, definitely try the stuffed poblano tacos! Tacos are typically in the $2-3 USD range. For the best and freshest tacos arrive mid-morning before the lunch rush as the carts are setting up.

Bars

There is no shortage of great bars in Playa del Carmen, many of which can be found right on the beach. Mexico is well-known all over the world for both its alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  One of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Playa del Carmen is tequila. Tequila, which is a Mexican drink, is extracted from the sap of the blue agave plant. This plant can be found in and near the area of Tequila, Mexico.

There are basically four kinds of tequila. Silver tequila has no added flavors in it, while gold tequila has an added caramel flavor. Tequila reposado has usually been aged for two months, while Anejo tequila has been aged for at least a year. All varieties of tequila are served in Playa del Carmen’s restaurants and bars.  Other popular Mexican alcoholic drinks include mezcal and pulque.

Popular non-alcoholic drinks in Playa del Carmen are fruit juices and exotic shakes. Being a tropical beach destination, cold fruit drinks are very popular with tourists. “Aguas frescas”, which are flavored waters, are also very popular. These are served in most restaurants in the area, especially along the beach.

The wide variety of exotic restaurants and bars in Playa del Carmen will surely make your Mayan Riviera vacation an unforgettable experience.  You may even want to try and recreate the Mexican food and drinks once you eventually get back home!