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Is Playa del Carmen safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Playa del Carmen's tourist centre, Playacar and the beaches are visited by large numbers of travellers without trouble, though the Riviera Maya has seen some organised-crime violence, mostly linked to the drug trade and rarely aimed at tourists. The realistic risks are petty theft, overcharging, nightlife incidents and the sea. Follow current US and UK advice for Quintana Roo.
The real risks
Overcharging
Unmetered taxis, dollar prices on Fifth Avenue and 'special' drink prices in some bars. Agree fares, ask peso prices and check the bill.
Nightlife
In the clubs around Calle 12, watch your drink and never buy drugs, which fuels violence and carries severe penalties.
Petty theft
Bags and phones on the beach and in crowds on Fifth Avenue. Use the hotel safe.
Sea and cenotes
Currents can be strong on some beaches and in Cozumel's eastern side. Follow flags and guides, and use life jackets in cenotes if unsure.
Hurricanes
June to November, peaking in September and October. Follow hotel and civil-protection instructions.
Areas and times to take care
Centro around Fifth Avenue, Playacar and the beachfront north of Calle 28 are busy and generally safe. Fifth Avenue and the nightlife streets near Calle 12 get crowded late; take care after midnight. Outer residential neighbourhoods away from the coast are not places visitors usually need to go at night.
Getting around safely
Walk the centre. Colectivos and ADO buses are safe by day and the cheapest way to travel along the coast. Taxis are unmetered, so agree the price first or have your hotel call one. If you rent a car, watch for speed bumps (topes) and avoid driving at night outside towns.
Solo and women travellers
Many solo women visit Playa del Carmen. Expect some catcalling on Fifth Avenue and in nightlife areas; go out with others where possible, watch your drink, and use hotel-called taxis late at night. Daytime colectivos are widely used by solo travellers.
Health, water and heat
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water. Sun and heat are strong all year (highs of 26-31°C), and mosquitoes can carry dengue, especially in the rainy season. Sargassum seaweed from about April to August is mainly a nuisance; check the daily sargassum maps. Use reef-safe sunscreen in the sea and shower before entering cenotes.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Playa del Carmen safe?
The tourist centre is generally safe with normal precautions. Avoid buying drugs, watch drinks and follow current US and UK advice.
Are taxis safe?
Yes, but they are unmetered; agree the price before you get in or ask your hotel to call one.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. Use bottled or filtered water; hotels and restaurants use purified ice.