Playa Del Carmen

When we began planning our travel adventure, we chose Playa del Carmen as our first destination. Why? It’s one of the most well-known beach spots in Mexico—especially popular in January, when we were kicking things off. Sun, sea, and snorkelling sounded like the perfect way to start.

Well… things didn’t go quite as expected.

Storms, Rain & A Jungle Full of Surprises

We arrived ready for sunshine, but Playa had other plans. The weather was stormy, rainy, and windy—not quite the tropical postcard we’d imagined. But instead of hiding indoors, we decided to explore anyway. And honestly? We’re so glad we did.

Out in the wild weather, we discovered a side of Playa we didn’t expect: lush green jungle landscapes right next to the sea, and wildlife we’d never seen—or heard—before. We found ourselves listening to strange animal calls and trying to guess what creatures were making them. It was the first time we’d experienced nature like this, and it was sensational.

Pelicans swooped overhead, giant iguanas lazed in the sun, coatis scurried through the undergrowth, and colourful birds darted around us. Despite the stormy skies, Playa’s wildlife more than made up for the lack of snorkelling.

Amazing birds!

Pelicans flying above us at the beach

Wildlife Haven!

Iguanas in the trees…

Tourism Overload: The Truth About the Beaches

We did find Playa’s beaches a little disappointing overall. Many were either badly eroded or blocked off by sprawling resorts. Access was limited unless you were staying in one of the big hotels. It became clear quickly—Playa del Carmen caters heavily to all-inclusive tourists rather than self-catering.

Us trying to get around the beaches (eroded away)

If you enjoy resort life, fancy bars, and a nightlife scene all within walking distance, Playa might be your dream. But if you’re more into local living, exploring on your own, or self-catering—like us—it might not be your perfect match.

Popular part of the beach

5th Avenue: Touristy Chaos or Fun in the Madness?

Playa’s famous 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is where everything happens. From souvenir shops to street performers, tattoo parlours, bars, cigars—even tiger petting (yes, really)—this place is buzzing day and night.

Tilly and I got our hair braided here (around £60 for a full head with extensions—not cheap, but fun). The women who did it were lovely, and it was practical too, with all the swimming time we’d planned.

There are plenty of street performers here, and many are fantastic. But heads-up: you’ll be asked for tips just for watching, or sometimes even just for pausing too long near someone’s stall. Vendors approach constantly, and while it’s part of the atmosphere, it can feel overwhelming.

Also worth noting: there’s a strong police presence—especially near the ferry port and the popular beach near the mermaid statues. It didn’t make us feel unsafe, just very aware that Playa is a busy, tourist-managed space.

A Reality Check: Our Third Week in Playa

By our third week in Playa, we decided to head out of the main tourist area—just a 10-minute walk or so—to see if we could find a quieter, more local vibe.

We were hoping for a more relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately, what we found was the opposite.

The area felt quite isolated, with poorly lit streets and a sense of vulnerability we couldn’t shake. To make things worse, there were lots of guard dogs roaming loose—aggressive and clearly on alert. We had a few moments where we genuinely felt unsafe. Walking anywhere quickly stopped being an option, and we relied on taxis instead.

This really highlighted why Playa doesn’t suit self-catering, independent travellers like us. The tourist areas were polished, but anything outside of that felt sketchy—not somewhere you’d want to be with kids. It just didn’t offer the flexibility or peace of mind we were looking for.

Thankfully, we were staying at a beautiful treehouse resort, which completely lifted our spirits. The accommodation was unique, calming, and gave us something positive to focus on while we were there. But we were definitely relieved to move on when the time came.

A Local Gem: Sunday Market Escape

One of our favourite finds was the Sunday street market. It had a much more relaxed, local feel and was a welcome break from the tourist hustle (much cheaper than the tourist areas too). Here, you can find everything from delicious street food, fresh fruit and clothes to handmade goods—and yes, even pets (not on our shopping list, but fun to see!).

If you visit, it helps to know a little Spanish. Prices aren’t usually displayed, and bartering is expected. We relied heavily on the phrase:
"¿Cuánto cuesta, por favor?" (How much is this, please?)😅

Even just that one phrase made a difference in getting better prices and friendlier interactions (often products are not priced along the coastline)

The Highlight: A Snorkelling Day Trip to Cozumel

While Playa itself didn’t deliver the snorkelling we hoped for, our excursion to Cozumel Island with Shark Tours absolutely did.

First things first: the ferry ride is rough. Everyone on board looked a little green by the end, so we recommend bringing motion sickness tablets before travelling. But once we arrived—wow.

Cozumel has a completely different vibe. It felt like a peaceful, older seaside town with cosy cafes, colourful street art, and friendly locals. After exploring a bit, we joined a small group snorkelling tour (about 10 people total) and headed out into the reef.

The tour included all snorkel gear, life jackets, snacks, and drinks. Some of the stops were in open ocean, so being a confident swimmer helps—but if not, you can always stay on the boat.

One of the most magical moments? Swimming with stingrays. It was a first for us, and it honestly took our breath away. The guide was kind, spoke great English, and made sure everyone felt safe and supported.

If you're a marine life lover, this is a must-do. 100% worth it.

For more details and prices, check out our full video below ⬇️

Final Thoughts

Playa del Carmen was a mixed bag for us. It wasn’t the dreamy snorkel paradise we expected, but it surprised us in different ways—with its jungle wildlife, local markets, and unforgettable day trips.

If you love luxury, nightlife, and tourist buzz, Playa might be your perfect fit. But if you're after a more laid-back, authentic experience, you might want to stay elsewhere.

Either way, it was a memorable first chapter to our journey—and a great reminder to embrace the unexpected!