One of the best things about Playa Del Carmen is that unlike some other Mexican resort cities, a lot of tourists and visitors leave to go visit the clubs and bars in town. That’s also one of the worst things about it. Because as safe as you are being protected by the armed Marines in camouflage carrying machine guns, it’s a little disconcerting when you realize why they need to do this. You’re also not in their field of vision when the taxi driver you ask to help you find weed or white takes you into the non-tourist section of town.
The police you can bribe, but the cartels and criminals will want more than just a couple of bucks. All in all you’re safe, just don’t do anything too loco after dark.