According to forum posts, the ADO bus is a popular public transport option from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, with buses running every 30 minutes and tickets costing around 240 pesos per person. The bus stops at the ADO terminal in central Playa del Carmen, from where passengers can walk or take a taxi to their final destination.

Some travelers mentioned using private transfer services for direct transportation to their accommodation. Reliable services mentioned include Canada Transfers, USA Transfers, and AGI Tours. Prices vary, so travelers are advised to check the companies’ websites for fare calculators.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, shared shuttle services are available. The website cancunshuttles.com offers shared shuttle bookings, and travelers are encouraged to share their experiences on the forum.

For local trips within Playa del Carmen, travelers can use colectivos (shared vans) for inexpensive travel between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. These colectivos can be flagged down anywhere along the route and cost about 50 pesos for a one-way trip from Cancun to Playa.

According to forum posts, some of the best resorts in Playa del Carmen include Hilton (The Royal), Panama Jack's, and Riu Palace in Playacar, each known for quality services and facilities. Prices for day passes at Hilton and Panama Jack's were mentioned to be over $100 US. Riu Palace also receives specific praise for its offering and is similarly priced around $100 for a day visit.

For families, the forum posts highlighted The Royal Hideaway in Playacar, which is noted for fewer beach vendors, providing a more relaxed atmosphere. Families also recommended resorts in the Playacar area due to their proximity to other attractions in Playa del Carmen, making it convenient for outings and exploring the area.

For a more secluded and luxurious experience, travelers have called out Catalonia Maroma and Secrets Maroma as top choices. These resorts are located north of Playa, away from the busier central areas, and are noted for their privacy and lack of beach vendors. Additionally, El Dorado Maroma and Valentin Imperial Maya were mentioned for their secluded beaches and upscale amenities.

According to forum posts, the Yal-Ku lagoon at the end of Half Moon Bay in north Akumal is highly recommended for a family excursion. It offers snorkeling experiences and is easily combined with a visit to Akumal itself, making it suitable for families looking for a mixture of beach and cultural experiences.

For families with older children or teenagers, some travelers have recommended visiting Xplor Adventure Park. The park is popular for its zip lines and cenote swims, providing an exciting day out for families with adventurous spirits. The park also offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, which is great for hungry teens, though it's noted that alcohol is not served.

Travelers have called out the Tulum Ruins as a must-visit for families interested in historical sites. Easily accessible by car, this site offers a glimpse into ancient Mayan civilization with the added benefit of stunning sea views, making it both educational and picturesque for a family outing.

According to forum posts, Hotel Xcaret Mexico is highly recommended for milestone celebrations, particularly for its extensive amenities and inclusion of adventure park access, making it ideal for memorable experiences. The hotel offers luxury services, great dining options, and is suitable for all ages.

For a vibrant atmosphere and proximity to local nightlife, the Hilton Playa Del Carmen is suggested by some travelers. It is located right off the bustling 5th Avenue, providing easy access to shops, bars, and restaurants. This location allows guests to immerse themselves in an exciting and convenient celebration stay.

Travelers have called out the Playacar Palace for its location and high-quality offerings. It is praised for its beachfront views and proximity to 5th Avenue, making it a practical choice for those who want both relaxation and entertainment during their celebration.

According to forum posts, El Fogon is highly recommended by several travelers for its tacos, particularly the tacos al pastor. This spot is frequently mentioned across multiple discussions as a favorite for authentic Mexican tacos.

Other travelers have mentioned Don Sirloin as a good place for tacos in Playa del Carmen. For a variety of local flavors, Taqueria Gomez is noted for its pork and tripe tacos, adding more options for those seeking authentic local tastes.

According to forum posts, Iberostar resorts in Playa del Carmen, such as Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal and Iberostar Paraiso Lindo, offer a variety of amenities. These include multiple pools, a selection of restaurants and bars, and spacious accommodations. The complexes also feature entertainment options and activities suitable for both adults and children.

Some travelers have highlighted that Iberostar properties are particularly family-friendly. For instance, the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo offers an aqua park and a slow river ride, enhancing the enjoyment for children. Additionally, the resorts are noted for their easy navigability, making it simpler for families to stay connected and move around the premises.

Travelers have called out the excellent beach access at Iberostar resorts, with some locations offering particularly stunning beachfronts that are free of rocks and ideal for swimming. Furthermore, guests at higher-tier accommodations within the Iberostar complexes may enjoy inclusive access to premium services like gourmet dining and exclusive pool areas.

According to forum posts, sargassum typically starts appearing in Playa del Carmen around late February or early March, with the peak period from April through June. The situation tends to abate by September or October, although variations occur yearly.

Travelers have reported varying conditions at different times and locations. Some beaches, like Calle 38, have days with little to no sargassum, while others consistently experience larger amounts. The situation can change rapidly depending on wind patterns and weather conditions.

Local cleaning crews are actively maintaining the beaches, but at times the volume of sargassum can overwhelm these efforts. For those seeking clearer waters, forum users suggest visiting nearby cenotes or the western sides of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, which are typically less affected.

Travelers looking to monitor the situation in real-time can utilize several webcams and online resources, including the Sargassum Monitoring Group on Facebook and satellite images from the University of South Florida. These tools provide updates on beach conditions across the region.

Some travelers mentioned purchasing tickets for attractions like Xcaret, Xplor, and Xel-Ha directly from resorts or hotels, which they found convenient as these often include transportation arrangements. Others advised buying tickets online to potentially benefit from discounts and promotions.

For those looking to visit parks like Xel-Ha, options include buying tickets that come with transportation from places such as the ADO Turistica bus terminal located at the corner of 5th Avenue and Juarez, which could be more economical and less stressful than arranging separate transport like taxis.

Travelers have called out that certain attractions check the type of sunscreen used due to environmental concerns. It was suggested to either purchase eco-friendly sunscreen before the trip or buy it at the destination, as these parks sell suitable products.