If your dog is coming to Playa del Carmen, plan the beach day around Playa 88.
We can vouch for four public beaches. Here is the rule at each one, and what we will not guess about the rest.
Key takeaways
- Playa 88: dogs are welcome.
- Fundadores: dogs are not allowed.
- Punta Esmeralda: dogs are not allowed, though you will see a few.
- Playa 72: known as Dog Beach, north of Playa Mamitas. Dogs are welcome.
Playa 88: the dog beach
This beach is about a 15-minute walk from the touristy stretch of 5th Avenue. The walk there is part of the plan. It is an open beach with nice water, and one of the few in town that has not been commercialized.
Dogs are welcome. There are showers, shade, lifeguards and vendors, which matters on a hot morning with a dog. It is quiet from sunrise until about 10am, and that is the best window to bring one.
Fundadores: no dogs
Fundadores is the public beach less than a minute from 5th Avenue, with volleyball nets, shade, lifeguards and vendors. Dogs are not allowed. It is the busiest of the three. That is one more reason to leave the dog at home for this one.
Punta Esmeralda: not allowed, but you will see them
Dogs are not allowed at Punta Esmeralda, the beach at the north end of 5th Avenue beside the Paradisus resort. Some people bring them anyway. Treat the rule as the rule, and head to Playa 88 instead.
Playa 72: Dog Beach
Often called Dog Beach, this beach is north of Playa Mamitas. It is the other beach where dogs are welcome. Keep your dog under control and clean up after it.
What we do not know
We have not verified the dog rules at any other beach in town. We would rather say so than guess. If we are not sure, this page does not say it.
For the full picture of each beach, read the Playa del Carmen beaches locals actually use.
FAQ
Which beach in Playa del Carmen allows dogs?
Playa 88 and Playa 72 (Dog Beach) welcome dogs. Fundadores and Punta Esmeralda do not allow them.
Can I bring my dog to Fundadores?
No. Dogs are not allowed at Fundadores.
What is Dog Beach in Playa del Carmen?
Playa 72, north of Playa Mamitas, is often called Dog Beach. Dogs are welcome there.
Is Playa 88 close to 5th Avenue?
It is about a 15-minute walk from the touristy stretch of 5th Avenue.
What is the best time to take a dog to Playa 88?
Between sunrise and about 10am, when the beach is quiet.
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