21 businesses in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen punches well above its size when it comes to extracurricular activities, with a particularly strong offering in dance, martial arts, and water sports. Salsa and bachata classes with instructors like Martin Cardozo and at Dance For Fun Studio attract serious students alongside beginners, the Caribbean location means local Mexican dance culture is genuine and accessible rather than performative. Gracie Barra Riviera Maya is a legitimate Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym affiliated with one of the world's most respected BJJ organizations, attracting practitioners of all levels. The broader activity landscape includes yoga studios, freediving courses, cenote snorkeling, and kitesurfing schools, most within a short distance of the town center. Prices for group classes typically run 150-300 MXN per session, with monthly memberships at most sports facilities in the 1,200-2,500 MXN range. The expat and international community actively participates in all of these, finding your activity niche is one of the fastest ways to build a social circle in Playa del Carmen, especially if you're not a big nightlife person.
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Browse extra-curricular activities listings on ExpatsList to find stores in Playa del Carmen that carry imported and international products. Grocery stores, specialty shops, and markets catering to expats are all included.
ExpatsList covers extra-curricular activities businesses in Playa del Carmen from tour agencies and bars to community groups and hobby shops. It's a great way to find things to do and meet other expats when you're new to the city.
Many cities have thriving expat communities. Check our extra-curricular activities section for social clubs, sports groups, and community spaces in Playa del Carmen where you can connect with other internationals and locals alike.
Salsa and bachata are genuine social currencies in Playa del Carmen, knowing the basics opens doors at beach parties, rooftop events, and local fiestas that can feel closed off without them. Studios like Dance For Fun offer beginner group classes at low cost and no prior experience is needed.
Popular activity studios in Playa del Carmen often run reduced schedules or close temporarily during low season (June-October) when local enrollment drops. Confirm current class schedules directly with the studio before making plans, especially if you arrive outside peak tourist months.
Several fitness and activity studios in Playa del Carmen offer informal resident rates that are lower than the tourist day-pass price. It's worth asking directly, particularly at martial arts gyms and dance studios where building a consistent student base matters more than maximizing per-visit revenue.
Lost Tiki
Lost Tiki is a great place for a relaxed atmosphere and good food and drinks. It's a spot worth visiting while you're in Playa! For drinks and food, Lost Tiki is a top pick, with a unique atmosphere and great food and drinks. The owners are good friends of some locals, who visit each other's restaurants to try each other's food.
Cantina Don PP
Cantina Don PP is a must-visit for its authentic Mexican experience. It's a 100% Mexican concept that takes you back to the old times. As a local guide, this is the place to go for traditional Mexican dishes, and it's located in Playa del Carmen.
Zitla
Every Wednesday at Zitla (34 between 5th and 10th), there are gatherings to meet people and practice languages. These gatherings start at 7pm, making it a great opportunity to socialize and improve your language skills in a relaxed setting.
