We could earn earnings from hyperlinks on this put up. Please learn this Disclosure for particulars.
Dreaming of the last word seaside escape in Riviera Maya, Mexico? Look no additional than Xpu-Ha Seashore!
Set between Playa del Carmen and Tulum (Google Map), this excellent stretch of powdery white sand is likely one of the greatest seashores on the Mexican Caribbean coast for swimming, snorkelling or simply chilling out.
Though it’s not as a lot of a secret hideaway because it was prior to now, it’s nonetheless beneath the radar of most guests.
Uncover all the things you’ll want to plan the last word seaside day plus insider suggestions for eating places, swimming, snorkelling, and absorbing the solar.
Is Xpu-Ha Price Visiting?
As a decide for the Golden Seashore Award 2024 (featured in over 600 media shops worldwide), a guidebook writer (Lonely Planet and Fodor’s) and a traveler to numerous seashores throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, I’ve skilled a few of the world’s most gorgeous shorelines.
From the hidden great thing about Playa Estacahuite in Oaxaca to Cancun’s iconic sands to dreamy Naxos in Greece, I’ve seen all of it—and I’m assured in saying that Xpu-Ha Seashore stands out as one of many world’s greatest seashores.
Whereas it’s not a hidden gem, it’s not overwhelmed with individuals.
However with the high-speed Tren Maya (Mayan Practice) anticipated to convey elevated tourism to Quintana Roo, it’s best to go to now earlier than the crowds arrive.
This put up was initially revealed in 2018 however was up to date with contemporary data after I visited in November 2024.
How you can Pronounce It
Many locations within the Yucatán Peninsula and Guatemala (from Xcaret to Xela) have names starting with the letter “X” as a result of it’s a typical letter in a number of Maya languages.
The letter “X” is pronounced like “sh” in English. And whereas its identify doesn’t precisely roll off your tongue, for those who pronounce Xpu-Ha as “SHPOO-ha” you’ll be fairly shut.
Location
Playa Xpu-ha is situated 25 kilometres south of Playa del Carmen off Freeway 307 on the best way to Tulum, in between Puerto Aventuras and Akumal.
It makes an ideal cease for those who’re on the best way to Bacalar Lagoon, Mahahual or Chetumal.
Though this stretch of the Mayan Riviera shoreline is typically affected by seaweed throughout sargassum season, very often the waters are fully clear.
How you can Get There
It’s comparatively simple to get to Playa Xpu-Ha, even for those who don’t have your individual automobile.
We’ve simply visited on days journeys from Arduous Rock Resort Riviera Maya, Resort Xcaret Arte, Secrets and techniques Moxché and the Barceló Maya Caribe.
You possibly can take a taxi (make sure you request a pickup time to return) or you may hop on one of many minivans generally known as colectivos.
Not like Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca the place a colectivo is most frequently a pick-up truck with a buzzer in again, right here on the swanky Riviera Maya, they’re air-conditioned, comparatively new mini-vans, full with seat belts.
Not solely are they comfy however they’re low cost. Our trip (one-way) price simply 100 pesos (beneath $5 USD) for two individuals from Playa del Carmen.
Costs topic to vary so ask earlier than you get within the van.
You possibly can catch a colectivo in Playa del Carmen on the nook of 20 Avenida and a pair of Calle Norte, a 5 minute stroll from Walmart. The vans headed to Tulum will probably be pointing north on the road.
You simply climb into one with an open door, seize a seat and inform the motive force the place you’re going.
How you can pronounce Xpu-ha? The pronunciation of Xpu-ha is pronounced shpoo-ha (shouting “poo-pa” from the again of a crowded van is probably going some of the embarrassing issues you might ever do ).
As soon as the mini-van is full, it can depart, making stops alongside Federal Freeway 307 to let different passengers out.
You pay your fare if you get out. After a 20 minute trip, you’ll arrive at your freeway cease (km 265).
Then, cross the freeway, pay 50 pesos on the kiosk, get a wristband and stroll down the dust street with the signal for La Playa restaurant, dwelling of the Xpu-Ha Seashore Membership.
Save your meals invoice so you may get a refund of your 50 pesos in your manner out (assuming you permit earlier than 6 pm).
It’s a straightforward 10 minute stroll, previous mangroves and fruit timber, and is generally shady.
Nevertheless, there are mosquitos within the Cancun Riviera Maya space. So, spray your self with insect repellent earlier than you begin strolling.
Issues to Do at Xpu-Ha
On calm days, the highest issues to do in Xpu-Ha embrace swimming, snorkelling or simply splashing about.
It’s among the finest seashores in Mexico for households. Even non-swimmers can normally discover a straightforward spot to swim, assuming you don’t arrive on a windy day.
If it’s windy you may all the time go kitesurfing or go for an extended stroll. The sand is flat and easy so excellent for seaside strolling.
However what most individuals do is simply hang around and calm down on the seaside. Sip a cocktail, order a bucket of beer and sit back listening to the waves.
There’s not lots of shade on this seaside. So until you’re a dedicated solar worshipper, convey your individual solar shade umbrella or spend the day on the seaside membership.
Seashore Membership La Playa
Except you convey your individual chairs, food and drinks, the best choice for the day is Restaurant & Seashore Membership La Playa. It’s laborious to overlook it because it’s the biggest restaurant on the seaside.
The clamshell chairs and tables are free to make use of for the entire day with a minimal order of food and drinks.
This will get you entry to tidy washrooms with flush bogs, showers, lockers and alter rooms.
At the moment, the seaside membership and restaurant is open year-round from Tuesday to Monday from 10:00 am to six:30 pm.
In excessive season, make sure you arrive early as lounge chairs disappear rapidly.
On the weekends, plan to remain for the day as reside music begins at 2:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Whereas costs aren’t as little as they’re in downtown Cancun or Playa del Carmen, they’re not exorbitant.
Count on to pay 200 pesos for ceviches and aguachiles, a tasty combo of shrimp, tomato, cucumber, cilantro, lime, serrano chile and purple onion.
New to the seaside membership menu are molcajetes, an enormous order of seafood served in a stone bowl, the standard Mexican mortar made out of volcanic stone. It comes with sufficient condiments to inventory an OXXO retailer.
This is likely one of the most intensive menus you’ll discover of any of the seaside golf equipment in Riviera Maya.
You possibly can take pleasure in a tempting array of snacks, from cheese-loaded nachos and freshly-made guacamole to golden coconut shrimp. There’s even a child’s menu.
Browse the menu at Restaurant & Seashore Membership La Playa
Sargassum Seaweed
Like a lot of the Mexican Caribbean, this stretch of the Riviera Maya is usually affected by sargassum seaweed between Could and October.
Take a look at our put up on Sargassum Seaweed Circumstances in Cancun for particulars on seaweed season, well being hazards and forecasts.
To watch present seaweed circumstances in Xpu-Ha, you could have a number of choices.
1. GET MAPS AND SEAWEED UPDATES ON FACEBOOK
This not-for-profit group publishes maps of areas affected by sargassum seaweed in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Tulum. Get updates on the Crimson de Monitoreo del Sargazo Cancun Fb Web page.
2. View Webcams
Take a look at the seashores on Webcams of Mexico to see reside video frames up to date each 15 seconds.
3. Seek the advice of Seaweed Forecasting Projections
You too can examine the Sargassum Early Advisory System (SEAS), a forecasting mission primarily based in Texas that gives forecasting for the Gulf Coast, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Professional Tip: If there’s an inflow of seaweed, spend the day on the cenotes of Tulum.
Journey Information to Glamping, All-Inclusive Resorts and Accommodations
Serenity Luxurious Eco-Tents
These Asian-inspired glamping tents are situated straight on Xpu-ha seaside.
Your sleeping choices vary from one-bed lodging to a double with a king and a queen dimension mattress which makes Serenity is an efficient possibility for households.
It’s additionally widespread amongst {couples} searching for a barefoot luxurious expertise.
Verify costs and Availability on Serenity Luxurious Eco-tents on Reserving.com.
Barceló Maya Grand Resort
Positioned a bit additional north alongside the coast, the Barceló Maya Grand Resort is a sprawling advanced comprising six distinct resorts.
Every resort presents its personal distinctive facilities and appeal, however they share entry to the advanced’s intensive amenities, together with swimming pools, water parks, eating places, bars, and leisure venues.
5 of the six resorts are family-friendly whereas Barceló Maya Riviera is Adults-only. The Barceló is usually on sale and is considered one of our high selections for Black Friday offers.
Catalonia Royal Tulum
Verify Costs and Availability at Catalonia Royal Tulum Resort & Spa on Reserving.com.
For those who’re searching for beachfront inns close to Tulum, examine our put up on the most romantic inns in Mexico for extra choices.
Extra Lovely Seashores in Mexico
Love seashores? To find extra about holidays on different lovely seashores in Mexico, try these posts:
10 Finest Seashores in Huatulco
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets and techniques
Newbie’s Information to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Roca Blanca Seashore
Save to Pinterest!
