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Dreaming of the last word seashore escape in Riviera Maya, Mexico? Look no additional than Xpu-Ha Seaside!
Set between Playa del Carmen and Tulum (Google Map), this excellent stretch of powdery white sand is among the finest 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 previously, it’s nonetheless below the radar of most guests.
Is Xpu-Ha Value Visiting?
As a decide for the Golden Seaside Award 2024 (featured in over 600 media retailers worldwide), a guidebook creator (Lonely Planet and Fodors) and a traveler to numerous seashores throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, I’ve skilled a number of the world’s most gorgeous shorelines.
From the hidden great thing about Playa Estacahuite in Oaxaca to Cancun’s iconic sands, I’ve seen all of it—and I’m assured in saying that Xpu-Ha Seaside stands out as the most effective seashores in Mexico.
Whereas it’s not a hidden gem, it’s not overwhelmed with individuals.
However with the high-speed Tren Maya (Mayan prepare) anticipated to deliver elevated tourism to Quintana Roo, it’s best to go to now earlier than the crowds arrive.
Right here’s what you could learn about this excellent patch of seashore paradise.
This publish was initially printed in 2018 however was up to date with recent info after an onsite go to in November 2024.
Learn how to 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 standard 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 way in which to Tulum, in between Puerto Aventuras and Akumal.
It makes an ideal cease for those who’re on the way in which to Bacalar Lagoon, Mahahual or Chetumal.
Though this stretch of shoreline is typically affected by seaweed throughout sargassum season, very often the waters are utterly clear.
Learn how to Get There
It’s comparatively straightforward to get to Playa Xpu-Ha, even for those who don’t have your personal automotive.
We’ve simply visited on days journeys from Laborious Rock Resort Riviera Maya, Resort Xcaret Arte, Secrets and techniques Moxché and the Barceló Maya Caribe.
You may take a taxi (remember to request a pickup time to return) or you’ll be able to hop on one of many minivans often known as colectivos.
In contrast to 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 journey (one-way) price simply 100 pesos (below $5 USD) for two individuals from Playa del Carmen.
Costs topic to vary so ask earlier than you get within the van.
You may 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 shall be pointing north on the road.
You simply climb into one with an open door, seize a seat and inform the driving force the place you’re going.
Learn how to 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 probably the most embarrassing issues you can 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 whenever you get out. After a 20 minute journey, 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 Seaside Membership.
Save your meals invoice so you may get a refund of your 50 pesos in your method out (assuming you allow earlier than 6 pm).
It’s a straightforward 10 minute stroll, previous mangroves and fruit bushes, and is generally shady.
Nonetheless, 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 embody swimming, snorkelling or simply splashing about.
It’s the most effective seashores in Mexico for households. Even non-swimmers can often discover a straightforward spot to swim, assuming you don’t arrive on a windy day.
If it’s windy you’ll be able to all the time go kitesurfing or go for a protracted stroll. The sand is flat and clean so excellent for seashore strolling.
However what most individuals do is simply hang around and calm down on the seashore. Sip a cocktail, order a bucket of beer and sit back listening to the waves.
There’s not plenty of shade on this seashore. So except you’re a dedicated solar worshipper, deliver your personal solar shade umbrella or spend the day on the seashore membership.
Seaside Membership La Playa
Until you deliver your personal chairs, foods and drinks, your only option for the day is Restaurant & Seaside Membership La Playa. It’s laborious to overlook it because it’s the biggest restaurant on the seashore.
The clamshell chairs and tables are free to make use of for the entire day with a minimal order of foods and drinks.
This will get you entry to tidy washrooms with flush bathrooms, showers, lockers and alter rooms.
At present, the seashore membership and restaurant is open year-round from Tuesday to Monday from 10:00 am to six:30 pm.
In excessive season, remember to 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.
Anticipate to pay 200 pesos for ceviches and aguachiles, a tasty combo of shrimp, tomato, cucumber, cilantro, lime, serrano chile and pink onion.
New to the seashore membership menu are molcajetes, an enormous order of seafood served in a stone bowl, the normal Mexican mortar constructed from volcanic stone. It comes with sufficient condiments to inventory an OXXO retailer.
This is among the most in depth menus you’ll discover of any of the seashore golf equipment in Riviera Maya.
You may 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 & Seaside 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.
Try our publish on Sargassum Seaweed Situations in Cancun for particulars on seaweed season, well being hazards and forecasts.
To observe present seaweed circumstances in Xpu-Ha, you’ve 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 Pink de Monitoreo del Sargazo Cancun Fb Web page.
2. View Webcams
Try 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 may also examine the Sargassum Early Advisory System (SEAS), a forecasting mission based mostly 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 Resorts
Serenity Luxurious Eco-Tents
These Asian-inspired glamping tents are situated immediately on Xpu-ha seashore.
Your sleeping choices vary from one-bed lodging to a double with a king and a queen dimension mattress which makes Serenity is an effective choice for households.
It’s additionally standard amongst {couples} in search of a barefoot luxurious expertise.
Test 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 complicated comprising six distinct resorts.
Every resort provides its personal distinctive facilities and attraction, however they share entry to the complicated’s in depth 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 one in every of our prime selections for Black Friday offers.
Catalonia Royal Tulum
Test Costs and Availability at Catalonia Royal Tulum Resort & Spa on Reserving.com.
In the event you’re in search of beachfront lodges close to Tulum, examine our publish on the most romantic lodges in Mexico for extra choices.
Extra Stunning Seashores in Mexico
Love seashores? To find extra about holidays on different lovely seashores in Mexico, take a look at these posts:
10 Greatest Seashores in Huatulco
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets and techniques
Newbie’s Information to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Roca Blanca Seaside
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