Pet friendly beaches near Playa del Carmen

Woman walking a small white dog on a leash along a quiet beach near Playa del Carmen at sunset

Start Your Stay in a Pet Friendly Rental First

When you travel with your dog, the first step isn't choosing the beach. It's finding a place where your pet truly feels welcome.

At Riviera Vacation Home, our Pet Friendly Rentals are designed for guests who love to bring their small dogs along. Every studio offers comfort, light, and proximity to cafés, parks, and the beach.

Because our properties are located inside condominiums, there are a few easy rules most pet travelers already know:

  • Pets must weigh 10 kg or less.
  • Always keep them on a leash in shared areas.
  • Pets are not allowed in condo common spaces.

Inside your studio, your pet can rest freely, nap in the cool air, or watch the sunset from your balcony. Once you're ready to explore, you'll find that the Riviera Maya has several beaches where your four-legged friend can enjoy the sea breeze too.

Playa 72: Playa del Carmen's Official Pet Friendly Beach

Located in the Colosio area, Playa 72 is the only official pet friendly beach in Playa del Carmen and a popular spot for early-morning walks when the sand is cool and quiet.

There's no exclusive pet zone, so be respectful of others, keep your pet hydrated, and bring a small towel or umbrella for shade. After your walk, you'll find several cafés nearby where you can sit outside for breakfast while your dog relaxes by your side.

Small dog standing alone on the shoreline at sunrise on a pet friendly beach near Playa del Carmen

Day Trips With Your Pet: Cozumel and Tulum

Playa Azul Beach Club, Cozumel

Cozumel is an easy 40-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen and offers a few places that welcome pets. One of them is Playa Azul Beach Club, on the north end of the island's Zona Hotelera. Pets are treated like part of the family here, with their own water dish waiting by the beach loungers while you enjoy the calm, turquoise water.

From the ferry terminal, it's about 15–20 minutes by taxi, costing roughly 12 USD each way. Most ferry companies allow small pets if they are leashed and calm during the crossing, a simple way to spend the day on a nearby island without leaving your best friend behind.

Man relaxing on a beach lounger under a palapa with a small dog resting beside him at a beach club in Cozumel

La Monina Beach Club, Cozumel

Also in Cozumel, La Monina Restaurant & Beach Club has an open-air patio right by the sea and welcomes guests with pets. It's ideal for a long lunch or a quiet afternoon where your dog can rest in the shade while you enjoy the ocean view.

Mía Restaurant & Beach Club, Tulum

About 70 km south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum's Mía Beach Club is another excellent day-trip destination. It's pet friendly for small dogs on a leash, and the wide sandy beach is perfect for early-morning walks. You can stay for a day pass and spend time between the loungers and turquoise waters.

Couple walking a small dog on a leash past beach loungers and palapas at a pet friendly beach club in Tulum

After the Beach: Pet Friendly Dining in Playa del Carmen

Back in Playa del Carmen, several restaurants and cafés with open-air terraces welcome guests accompanied by their pets. You'll find options for every mood, from relaxed brunches at Lara & Luca or La Cueva del Chango, to casual dinners at Zitla or La Vagabunda.

Woman enjoying lunch at an open-air jungle-inspired restaurant terrace in Playa del Carmen with a small dog resting under the table

These spots are part of a growing culture in Playa del Carmen where locals and travelers enjoy the city with their pets, from morning walks to dinner under the palms.

Ready to Travel With Your Pet?

Traveling with your pet in the Riviera Maya is easy when you start with the right home base.

Stay in a Pet Friendly Rental by Riviera Vacation Home, a comfortable studio near the beach, perfect for you and your furry travel companion.

From Playa 72 to Tulum or Cozumel, every day can end with sandy paws and a happy tail.

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FAQs

Which beaches in Playa del Carmen are pet friendly?
Inside Playa del Carmen, only Playa 72 in the Colosio area is officially recognized as pet friendly. Other nearby options include pet friendly beach clubs in Cozumel and Tulum.
Can I take my dog to Cozumel?
Yes. Small dogs are allowed on the ferry if leashed and calm during the trip. Once in Cozumel, beach clubs such as Playa Azul and La Monina welcome pets in their outdoor areas.
What are the pet rules at Riviera Vacation Home?
Pets must weigh 10 kg or less, remain on a leash in shared areas, and avoid common condo spaces. Inside the studio they can rest freely.
Where can I eat with my dog in Playa del Carmen?
Restaurants such as Lara & Luca, La Cueva del Chango, Zitla, and La Vagabunda offer outdoor seating that welcomes pets.
Alf Palacios

Lives in Playa del Carmen and contributes to Riviera Vacation Home’s travel and hospitality content. As a graphic designer and local resident, he shares recommendations, local experiences, and travel tips to help visitors enjoy a more authentic stay in the Riviera Maya.

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