I’m going down for a week in April. Anyone know the open water conditions? If not good, what about pool options?
rough water where I was. however, the pool at the Sandos was about 200 yards long!
should be just right for swimming with a wet suit (but a bit too cool to swim for long with no wet suit) - the outer ring of buoys will be out too so you have the option of swimming the course too.
enjoy
Every time I’ve been down to Playa it’s been like bath water. I see no need for a wetsuit. It’s also been really calm every time I’ve gone and I just swam parallel with the beach for as long as I wanted and turned around.
same
warm water and swim parallel to beach. Also go early in morning cause no one on the beach
Wetsuit for me in May 2 years ago. Could swim without, but a touch cold to stay long. Water is clean and clear. Normally quiet but if the wind turns it can be a bit choppy bit definitely not dangerous and the buoys give you a good line to follow. Swimming pool: the only real option is Club La Santa, but it’s too far and I believe you have to stay at La Santa (not sure on this last point). Enjoy the opportunity to swim open water.
Probably depends where you’re staying, but we’ve stayed there 5 times, including 2 times at resorts outside of Playa, but there’s no need for a wetsuit in open water, unless the surf is rough, then you might need it.
Be careful of the shallow areas and try not to disturb the reefs - they’re barely hanging on down there.
I was down there in January. Stayed in town at a resort. I would go early and stay as close to shore as possible. Lots of boats and crazy people on jet skis.
I was in Playacar in the month of June and swam every morning after a sweaty run. The water was warm, clear, calm and empty at that time. I think i found a souvenir on each swim, mostly sunglasses but one bottle of rum. Great way to start the day. I swam parallel about 20 yards out.
I was about 20 miles north of there last week (Excellence Riviera Maya near Puerto Morelos). A wetsuit was definitely not needed - the ocean was actually a touch warmer than the water in the hotel pools. It was a bit choppy from the March winds though. Save the space in your luggage and use it to take back an extra bottle of tequila - a nice reposado should do.
I was down there for a wedding last year around the beginning of april. The water was just fine. I was only there for a couple of days, but swam on the beach at the resort where we stayed. The water was fine. The employees said that the tiburones* don’t come in past the sand bar (or whatever was out there.)
I hear that the Quintana Roofers started down there. 
*tiburones=sharks