Playa Del Carmen: Overview
Where to stay PDC
So.....Obviously. Stay where ever you want. This, like everything else on this site, is a rough guide to what I consider convenient or would for other people.
Breaking up the walk one way with snacks, smoothies, fresh fruit or beer doesn't make it seem so bad.
And you're on vacation, presumably. Or on the lam.
Either way, you can grab a cab or bike home!
Coming Soon!
Shopping
Supermarkets:
Electronics:
Gear Rental:
SD Cards:
Snorkels:
Between 6th & 8th Streets
Seaweed!
There is a lot of seaweed in recent years that is showing up on the beaches. This is mostly due to currents, which locals have nothing to do with (crazy, right?)!
There is active clean up for collecting it and taking it away, but there are still mountains of it especially where it's piled to collect. This makes swimming difficult, dirty, and can be unpleasant. Or you can feel like a beast of a swimmer who just leveled up.
Honestly, I recommend just having a backup plan, go to a pool instead and the rooftop ones generally have food, drinks, showers, oceanviews. Hit up a waterpark, go to a cenote.
Getting to Cozumel
Head down to the pier. Grab tickets at the offices. One will be closed, they run on opposite days. The longest line will most likely be the one running THAT DAY.
Here's a link: Ultra Mar Ferry
$500MXN /$25ishUSD each way
The lines get pretty long / take a long time. There are bathrooms and snacks (bring cash) scattered around but I would try to go beforehand!
Seaweed, Surf, and Sun
IN COZUMEL:
You can make a decent day trip out of this or stay a few days, either way is enjoyable. I did both.
Great snorkeling, friendly people and some hit and miss food over there. Lots of souvenir shopping and more diamond stores than I've ever seen in one location if you're into that.
Prices obvious fluctuate, but they were less than $30 each way. Airbnbs are plentiful while the ships aren't docking.
Cozumel is the cruise ship mecca. I got to go when there weren't any, so got a different vibe completely. There are tons of gem shops and touristy souvenir shops for trinkets worth more than my house. The waters here are pretty big and full of life/seaweed/coral on ocean side. The area between the west side and the mainland are serene, clear, and great to snorkel anywhere you can find a spot. Tons of parking, pretty much everywhere. If you're unsure, just ask someone. Another great option is to find a beach side restaurant that looks like they have water access or activities. Bring your swim/snorkel gear or plan ahead and dive with one of the companies.