🐊 What's Up, Croc? National Crocodile Day in Mexico

Good morning!

First—ICYMI—here’s another chance to read the Tuesday newsletter:
🚢 Taxes, Transito and Titanic Projects

We have some great events coming up that you won’t want to miss: Playa is hosting a fun festival for our four-legged friends. Puerto Morelos invites you to help clean up the mangroves and learn about its toothy inhabitants. Live Music Hall celebrates the legendary divas and McCarthy’s rings in 16 years paying tribute to the giants of Mexican rock.

You get to meet Ivy, Playa Animal Rescue’s Adoptable Dog of the Week and get the Live Music Lineup! Plus, try your luck at this week’s Trivia Question!

Do you know anyone who would enjoy the Riviera Maya Insider? Please share it with them!

TRIVIA TIME

Trivia Time – In Honor of National Crocodile Day

It’s not unusual to spot crocodiles sunning themselves on Riviera Maya golf courses or even see one crossing the access road through the mangroves going into Puerto Morelos. But do you know which species of crocodile you’re most likely seeing here?

You will find the answer at the end of this emai! Did you get it right? We will have another brain-teaser for you next Thursday.

Share this newsletter with all your Trivia-loving friends!

FIVE FUN THINGS

Here are my picks for Five Fun Things you might want to check out! As always, links to ticketing information and the locations are included in each description.

🎸 Tribute to Caifanes & Fobia at McCarthy’s

Get ready, Playa del Carmen! This Friday McCarthy’s celebrates their 16th anniversary with a night dedicated to two giants of Mexican rock: Caifanes and Fobia. A locals’ favorite, rock band Balboa, will take the stage with a set packed full of the hits that defined generations.

It’s all part of McCarthy’s Day, the bar’s biggest celebration of the year. Expect attitude, noise, and a crowd singing until their voices give out. Entry is free, and there’s a special 16th anniversary commemorative glass waiting for you, with green beer or a signature “verdecito.” Refills are just 79 MXN, so you can keep the party going all night long.

📍 McCarthy’s Irish Pub | 5th Ave Playa del Carmen
📅 Friday, August 22 | Starting at 10 PM
🎟️ Free Admission | Ages 18+

🐾 Dog Beach Festival 2025 in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is going fully pet-friendly this weekend with the first-ever Dog Beach Festival, a celebration of community, furry friends, and responsible tourism. Set for Saturday, August 23, the event runs from 5 PM to 10 PM at Plaza 28 de Julio and promises something for every dog lover.

Expect a full afternoon of games, contests, raffles, talks, and workshops, plus a dedicated adoption zone and dozens of local vendors offering pet products and services. The festival will also host the official launch of the Pet Friendly Route, spotlighting restaurants, cafés, hotels, cenotes, and even Playa 72 as welcoming spots for pets and their humans.

With 40 local entrepreneurs, live activities, and plenty of tail-wagging fun, this is more than just an event—it’s a step toward making Playa del Carmen a leader in pet-friendly travel and culture. Bring your pup, enjoy the community spirit, and maybe even head home with a new four-legged friend.

📍 Plaza 28 de Julio | Playa del Carmen
📅 Saturday, August 23 | 5 PM – 10 PM
🎟 Free Admission

🐊 Mangrove Cleanup in Puerto Morelos

This weekend, join a hands-on day of conservation at the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden. In honor of National Crocodile Day in Mexico, you’ll help protect one of the Riviera Maya’s most vital ecosystems—the mangroves—through a community cleanup and an interactive environmental workshop.

The morning kicks off at 7:30 AM with a guided mangrove cleanup, followed by an engaging session where experts will share why mangroves matter, how crocodiles play a key role in the ecosystem, and simple actions we can all take to help. The event is free and family-friendly, but space is limited—so make sure to register in advance.

📍 Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden | Puerto Morelos
📅 Saturday, August 23 | 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📲 Registration – Sign up here

Wear long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle.

👩‍🎤 A Tribute to the Divas at Live Music Hall 

Puerto Morelos turns up the volume this Saturday as Live Music Hall salutes the powerhouse women who changed music forever. Expect the soulful grit of Janis Joplin, the smoky edge of Amy Winehouse, disco anthems from Donna Summer, and blues fire from Koko Taylor, all brought to life in one high-energy night.

The evening opens with Ámbar at 7 PM, then heats up with Segovia & The Killing Grooves at 9:30 PM, keeping the crowd moving late into the night. The setting is set to be intimate, electric, and built for people who love their music raw and live. Come ready to sing, dance, and celebrate the divas with a night of soul, blues, disco, and rock.

📍 Live Music Hall | Puerto Morelos
📅 Saturday, August 23 | Starting at 7 PM
🎟️ 100 MXN cover (Includes 1 beer)

🥃 Mezcal & Coffee Tasting at Off the Vine

Ready for a sensory journey? Off the Vine Playacar is hosting a one-of-a-kind tasting experience that brings together the bold world of artisanal mezcal with the depth of specialty coffee. Guided by Coffee Finders and Maya Sense, you’ll explore three ancestral mezcals, three specialty coffees, and a crafted cocktail—each paired with dishes from Off the Vine’s kitchen.

Along the way, learn about the fascinating parallels between mezcal and coffee, from terroir to tradition, and awaken your senses with a guided tasting that’s as educational as it is indulgent. With only limited spots available, this is your chance to sip, savor, and connect with two of Mexico’s most iconic flavors.

📍 Off the Vine Playacar | Playa del Carmen
📅 Saturday, August 23 | 5 PM - 7:30 PM
🎟️ 990 MXN per person (Reserve with $400 non-refundable deposit)
📲 Reserve your spot here: offthevine.mx

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RIVIERA MAYA INSIDER PROUDLY SUPPORTS

Riviera Maya Insider is working together with PAR - Playa Animal Rescue to help amazing dogs find forever homes. Each week, we will feature a pup who is ready for adoption and eager to join your family.

MEET IVY, OUR DOG OF THE WEEK

🐾 Ivy and her mom Beatrice were rescued from the highway and have become favorites at the shelter. Ivy is just under one year old and is a sweetheart. This pretty little girl is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, parasite free and has received all her monthly preventatives. She is a social little girl who loves playtime. If you are interested in Ivy send an email to [email protected].

💵 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of opportunities to support Ivy and other pets awaiting their forever home. PAR also needs sponsors and volunteers to help with dog walking and charm school. Find out how you can help!

RMI LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

We do our best to get the most up to date information from the venues and bands. However, we are fully into low season and bookings may change at the last minute. We will do our best to keep the list up to date. Use the button below to see the updated list for August 21 - 27, 2025.

If you are performing in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras or Akumal and would like to see your live music, karaoke or open mic night included in the RMI weekly newsletter, please submit your information for consideration.

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