What is the brown water in Playa del Carmen?

What is the brown water in Playa del Carmen? Called “Sargasso” in Spanish, these algae are actually something natural and occur temporarily in many places in the Caribbean. They are washed up by currents from the Sargasso Sea, a sea between Europe and America, in which many brown algae grow.

Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Playa del Carmen?

You can use the tap water to brush your teeth, however, do not drink the tap water. Drink water and lots of it. The myth that the water in Mexico makes people sick is outdated.

Where to go to avoid sargassum 2023?

Is it safe to walk around Playa del Carmen at night?

Playa del Carmen is a pretty small town, so walking alone at night isn't considered too dangerous. However, always listen to your intuition, meaning that if it feels safer to take a taxi ride instead of walking, do that. While there's no Uber in Playa del Carmen, taxis operate all day and night.

Is seaweed still a problem in Playa del Carmen?

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.

Do you tip in Mexico?

Much like in the U.S., in Mexico, it is customary to tip service workers in restaurants, hotels, and Ubers. The standard tip is 10% of the bill, but you can give more or less depending on the quality of service. Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated.

What are the worst months for seaweed in Playa del Carmen?

Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.

Is the water turquoise in Playa del Carmen?

Playa Del Carmen is a stunning destination located on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Just south of Cancun, it is known for its wide white sand playa del carmen beach and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Is it safe to walk at night in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is generally safe at night, however, it is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other city. It is best to stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone at night. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep your valuables out of sight.

What should I be careful of in Playa del Carmen?

Be extra careful at night in Playa del Carmen As with many places in the world, most crimes in Playa del Carmen occur at night. Besides being extra careful at the bars in Playa del Carmen, you'll also want to be extra careful when walking alone at night.

Do cartels target tourists?

Still, experts agree tourists are not the preferred target. “Most tourists will never meet the cartels. In other words, violence is often generic. The violence tourists face is much more local,” Hope said.

Why does Playa del Carmen smell?

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.

What month is best to avoid sargassum?

From October to May to avoid seaweed If you want to dip into sargassum-free beaches, the best season is from October to May. Fun Fact: Some resorts like Seadust Cancun have made efforts to keep the seaweed from arriving at the shore by implementing a marine-life-friendly barrier.

Are mosquitos bad in Playa del Carmen?

Although many of the all inclusive resorts do spray for mosquitoes and fumigate on a regular basis for other insects, you may want to wear bug repellent especially at dawn and dusk. Some resorts have a lot of tropical vegetation and you may be participating in excursions that take you into the jungle.