7 Unique Seaweed-Free Activities in Playa Del Carmen 2021
If you’re here, then we already know you’re an adventurous foodie and traveler like us.
Which means the cliche activities everybody else talks about on the internet simply doesn’t cut it.
Especially when you have to deal with seaweed, the list of possible things to experience and activities to try in Playa del Carmen (without seaweed), shrinks a ton.
That’s where we come in.
Telling you exactly as it is, and being transparent about activities & experiences we, as locals, do.
First, let’s quickly explain what you need to know about the seaweed situation, and nothing you don’t.
The Seaweed Situation in Playa del Carmen
We all know seaweed is naturally occurring and good for the planet.
However, leading scientists around the world believe that climate change, coupled with pollution from agricultural and urban waste and runoff (among other factors), is the main driver for the abundance of seaweed the entire Caribbean has been experiencing. Heck, remember what happened in 2019 in Miami Beach and other south Floridian beaches! It’s not just here, folks!
Here’s a bit more on the subject:
- Most of the beaches in the area are impacted, so if you’re wanting to double-check the situation, we suggest the live cam of El Taj (a central hotel in Playa del Carmen) or the Sargassum Early Advisory System
- There really is no “best time of the year” to avoid the seaweed. Back in 2014, it seemed it would only be a seasonal occurrence when it first started happening only in the summer, however with recent data and being locals to the area for years now, it appears to be year-round. Although, some locals do say that there’s less in the winter.
- You’ll rarely find locals referring to it as “seaweed”, so a good habit to start forming is getting used to hearing and seeing these other terms: sargassum, sargasso or sargazo.
With that out of the way, let’s get right into unique activities you can do in Playa del Carmen when the seaweed hits.
Take it from a local
In September it’ll be my fourth year of living here in Playa del Carmen. During that time, I’ve seen the city change dramatically.
From simple seasonal seaweed, to full-blown invasions, I’ve swum through it all.
Of course, it’s not up everyone’s alley (especially when you’re here for a good time, not a long time), so here’s what I personally recommend as a local to the area, and what I would do if I were in your shoes.
And since I’m multi-passionate (as I’m sure you are too), I’ve got something listed for everyone: from spiritual ceremonies & wildlife activities to urban experiences & once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Ready?!
Let’s do this.
1. Food Tour
A quick little shameless plug never hurt anybody! We won’t drill into the details, but what you need to know is this: our tours have been touted as the best vacation introduction you can do when visiting Playa del Carmen, and the Mayan Riviera in general.
Boost your confidence in the local culture, people and tastes. Actually, get to know the area on your first day, so you have complete clarity & direction moving forward with the remainder of your vacation!
Think of this as your immersive eating & learning experience.
2. Spa Getaway
Who says that to have a relaxing, vacation experience it needs to occur beachside or it didn’t happen? Nonsense.
My favourite spa is tucked away in Playacar. In fact, it’s so tucked away that any time I mention it to a Playa del Carmen local, they’re shocked they haven’t heard of it before.
Especially because the prices are oh-so-good.
Much more affordable than most spas back home, this is one of my no-brainer options when there’s seaweed galore.
3. Temazcal Ceremony
Okay, this is for my spiritual (or spiritually-curious) folks. You’re most likely familiar with this already if you’re from Canada or the United States. Very similar to a sweat lodge, it just goes by a different name, with its own unique traditions.
Be warned. It’s a very demanding cleansing ceremony, with most barely making it through the entire ritual. But it’s so worth it.
If you’re up for the challenge (both spiritually and physically), here’s where I suggest looking first. Remember to always do your due diligence, especially in an unfamiliar region or country.
You can also check out local facebook groups and use the search bar function looking for ‘temazcal’ as the keyword. You should be able to find upcoming temazcal ceremonies via facebook posts, events and groups.
4. Whale Shark Encounter
That a once-in-a-lifetime activity I mentioned earlier? This is it.
I remember my first time greeting these giants.
So gentle, as if gliding within a surface-level current.
It’s an up-close and personal swim with the biggest fish in the world, and something you should definitely add to your bucket list (and with the seaweed, now is the perfect time to cross it off!)
Also, I strongly recommend bringing pills for seasickness because sometimes the boat ride out to where the whale sharks feed (don’t worry, they only dine on algae) can be choppy and often nauseating.
I took my seasickness pill just as we arrived at the port in Cancun, and my day couldn’t have been better.
As I’m writing this in sunny June, the whale shark season is just beginning so you’re in luck!
Looking to book & reserve your whale shark experience? You can easily do so here.
5. Yacht & Snorkel
Let’s say you have a decent-sized group of people. Fifteen, give or take a few.
Now, what if I told you that you could rent a yacht, letting a captain take the wheel as he pitter-patters across the open water, food and drinks all included? Plus a stop in Isla Mujeres along the way.
Not bad, right?
As much as I would love to insert a yachting/boating link here, I actually strongly suggest you do the research on your own.
Why? Because there are so many variables that come into play when choosing the best option.
There are many ports that you could depart from, various places out to sea that you can visit along the way, different boat sizes & trip lengths, and inclusions.
So clearly, there’s much about your personal vacation itinerary that needs to be factored in before I simply redirect you to a company willy-nilly.
Don’t fret though, that’s why Facebook is so amazing, especially in this region!
I invite you to spend time perusing through groups, the best of which I’ve listed at the end of this article. Feel free to join them, search within the group, and even ask your own questions!
Remember, prices will vary a lot, so do your due diligence in selecting the right yacht for you. Either way, you’ll have a blast. When I first vacationed here for a week in 2012, we only had one day where we spent the entire time on the boat.
It was the best part of the ENTIRE trip.
If you’re feeling the urge, do it!
Plus, don’t forget you get to jump, swim and snorkel in the open sea, so there should be minimal if not no seaweed!
6. Bird Watching
Thrilling bird watching tours in the Mayan Riviera? Why the heck not.
When I first stumbled upon Steven, I was immediately impressed. Because here’s a guy that’s doing things a little differently than the standard Caribbean tour.
Not only that, his tours are excursion based.
Meaning you can go boating through the mangroves at Rio Lagartos or even visit the protected wildlife biosphere of Siaan Kaan (both of which are must-go places, and totally seaweed-free).
Steven lays out the details here, with certain tours going out on certain days of the week.
Photo Courtesy: Birding With Steven
7. Mountain Biking
I know, surprising, right?
Who would have thought a mountain biking park would exist in the Mayan Riviera — literally one of the flattest areas in the country.
So maybe it’s not exactly mountain biking and more terrain biking. But it’ll sure be close enough. Plus, the team at the park maintains the trails and area year-round!
To be honest, I think it’s incredible without the mountains anyway because the trail itself is around 16 miles long — going beachside, to cenotes and through a variety of wildlife and jungle, too.
From novices to experts, this is an amazing seaweed-free activity that’s just as good for the body as it is for the mind (thanks endorphins!) 😉
After all, isn’t that what vacations are all about?
Photo Courtesy: Punta Venado Bike Park
8. Duh
For the sake of doing things a little differently than all the other blogs around, we put obvious seaweed-free activities such as rooftop pools, cenotes and scuba diving under its own headline titled ‘duh’.
Because… duh.
And if the need for the beach is real…
It’s not unavoidable, you just need to be flexible.
The winds change often here, and with all the little inlets and bays along the coastline, you could have a seaweed-free morning at the beach, or stumble across a protected bay.
It requires trial and error, and a willingness to remain open-minded.
Keep your ears peeled to conversations going on in Facebook groups and even TripAdvisor forums regarding beaches in the area.
We often venture outside of Playa del Carmen a little bit, knowing the risk that there’s a 50/50 chance we’d hit seaweed, or get lucky!
And as mentioned earlier, these are the Facebook groups I recommend any expat, visitor or tourist to join and participate in…
Friendly Expats in Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen Expats and Locals
Expats & Locals in Playa del Carmen
Expat Community | Playa del Carmen
All in all, Caribbean Mexico is more than just white sand & turquoise water.
Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera has a rich history steeped in multiculturalism.
It has a plethora of outdoor, nature-oriented activities.
A spiritual & wellness community that’s inclusive and growing.
Most importantly, plenty of experiences that take you directly out of your day-to-day routine, which is exactly what you came here to do.
Don’t let the seaweed get you in a funk!
And if it does, now you know which article to keep coming back to 😉
PS. Have any other ideas for unique, seaweed-free activities? Let us know in the comments below!
