Playa 88
A serene public beach in Playa del Carmen, known for its beautiful sunrise views and relaxed vibe, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better shade options
Playa 88
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better shade options
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene public beach in Playa del Carmen, known for its beautiful sunrise views and relaxed vibe, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.
"Beautiful beach to catch the sunrise. Clean calm and a great vibe. Wish I could come every day!!"
🌅 Arrive Early for Shade
Get there around 8 AM to snag a free palapa. Limited shade available, so early birds win!
💰 Restroom Fees
Bathrooms and showers cost 5 pesos per person. Bring coins for convenience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Views
Eastern shore
Catch a breathtaking sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. The calm waters and clean sand make for a serene start to the day.
Tranquil Atmosphere
Main beach area
Experience a more relaxed vibe compared to busier central beaches. It's a great spot for unwinding and enjoying the turquoise waters.
Palapa Shade
Beachfront
Secure one of the limited palapas for shade, especially if you arrive early. They offer a welcome respite from the sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Playa 88
Beat the Sargassum & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Arrive Early for Shade
Get there around 8 AM to snag a free palapa. Limited shade available, so early birds win!
💰 Restroom Fees
Bathrooms and showers cost 5 pesos per person. Bring coins for convenience.
🚗 Parking Availability
Street parking is available on 88th Street near the main entrance.
🌊 Sargassum Management
Seaweed is present but often cleared. Look for less affected areas to enjoy the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Arrive Early for Shade
Get there around 8 AM to snag a free palapa. Limited shade available, so early birds win!
💰 Restroom Fees
Bathrooms and showers cost 5 pesos per person. Bring coins for convenience.
🚗 Parking Availability
Street parking is available on 88th Street near the main entrance.
🌊 Sargassum Management
Seaweed is present but often cleared. Look for less affected areas to enjoy the water.
🚶♀️ Main Entrance Recommended
Use the main entrance for access to facilities and fewer mosquitoes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa 88 is praised for its beautiful, clean sand and tranquil atmosphere, offering a more relaxed experience than busier central beaches. Visitors enjoy the sunrise views and the availability of palapas, especially when arriving early. However, the presence of sargassum and its associated smell can be a drawback for some, and facilities like restrooms incur a small fee.
"Playa 88 is a very nice beach. But the seaweed (sargassum) problem at the moment, making it difficult to even want to visit the beach. Also, it smells so bad, the sand so hard from the tractors 🚜 driving to try and clear the seaweeds."
Damion Newell
"Playa 88 is one of my favourite beaches. Not as many tourists, the beach doesn’t smell weird like the ones in the centro and the vibe is great."
Becks BT
"Beautiful beach to catch the sunrise. Clean calm and a great vibe. Wish I could come every day!!"
Maya James-Stokes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa 88 is located at the end of 88th Street. You can walk from the main Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) or take a short taxi ride. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk if staying in the northern part of the hotel zone.
Yes, street parking is available along 88th Street, especially closer to the main entrance. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
While direct public buses might be limited, local colectivos (shared vans) that run along the coast can drop you off nearby. From there, it's a short walk to the beach.
The main entrance provides relatively easy access. However, the sandy terrain can be challenging. It's advisable to check with local authorities or accommodations for specific accessibility information.
Head towards 88th Street and walk towards the ocean. The main entrance is clearly marked and offers access to facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa 88 is a public beach and generally free to access. However, facilities like restrooms and showers have a small fee of 5 pesos per person.
As a public beach, Playa 88 is typically accessible from sunrise to sunset. Specific facility hours might vary, but the beach itself is open to enjoy throughout the day.
Unlike some hotel-exclusive beaches, Playa 88 is a public access beach and does not require an access card.
Generally, you can bring your own snacks and drinks. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of leaving no trace and respecting the natural environment.
Palapas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning is your best bet to secure one.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning is ideal for capturing stunning sunrise photos with soft light. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour shots.
The beach itself, with its turquoise waters and sand, is the main attraction. The pier-like structures and the coastline offer great perspectives.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and be respectful of other beachgoers before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A polarizing filter can help enhance the vibrant blues of the water and sky.
The interplay of light on the water, especially during sunrise, and the textures of the sand and any sargassum can create interesting photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While facilities like restrooms and showers are available for a small fee, consider bringing your own snacks and drinks. The main entrance offers better access to these amenities. Be mindful of the sargassum situation, as it can sometimes make swimming less appealing for very young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, pack your own snacks and drinks. While vendors are present, bringing your own picnic is more economical. Arriving early to snag a free palapa also saves you from potentially paying for chair rentals elsewhere.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
The main entrance facilities offer convenience, and the opportunity to find a palapa early on provides a comfortable base. You can enjoy the sunrise, take a refreshing dip, and feel safe with the general presence of other beachgoers and occasional vendors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Sargassum at Playa 88
Pro Tip: While sargassum can be a concern, don't let it deter you entirely. Many visitors report finding areas with less seaweed and still being able to swim and relax. The early morning hours might also offer a better experience before the day's heat intensifies any odors.
Community Insight: Some travelers mention that Playa 88 doesn't smell as strongly as beaches closer to the center of Playa del Carmen, which can be a significant advantage when sargassum is present.
Maximizing Your Visit: Early Morning Advantages
Secondly, early mornings mean fewer crowds. You'll find a more tranquil atmosphere, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the beach without feeling overwhelmed. This is also often the best time to witness a beautiful sunrise over the Caribbean Sea, a truly magical experience.
Finally, arriving early can sometimes mean encountering less sargassum or seeing the cleanup efforts in full swing, potentially leading to a cleaner beach experience. The combination of shade, serenity, and natural beauty makes the early bird approach highly recommended for Playa 88.
Facilities and Amenities at Playa 88
While shade is limited, a few palapas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early is key to securing one of these spots. Beyond these amenities, the beach is relatively undeveloped, contributing to its more natural and less crowded feel compared to some other popular beaches in Playa del Carmen.
Vendors may occasionally offer drinks and snacks, but it's advisable to bring your own provisions if you have specific preferences or dietary needs. The presence of these basic facilities, combined with the natural beauty, makes Playa 88 a convenient and enjoyable destination for a day by the sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit