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Dreaming of the final word seashore escape in Riviera Maya, Mexico? Look no additional than Xpu-Ha Seashore!
Set between Playa del Carmen and Tulum (Google Map), this good 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 up to now, it’s nonetheless beneath the radar of most guests.
Uncover all the pieces it’s good to plan the final word seashore 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 among the world’s most beautiful 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 finest seashores.
Whereas it’s not a hidden gem, it’s not overwhelmed with individuals.
However with the high-speed Tren Maya (Mayan Prepare) anticipated to carry elevated tourism to Quintana Roo, it is best to go to now earlier than the crowds arrive.
This put up was initially revealed in 2018 however was up to date with recent info after I visited in November 2024.
Tips on 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, if you happen to 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 if you happen to’re on the way in which to Bacalar Lagoon, Mahahual or Chetumal.
Though this stretch of the Mayan Riviera shoreline is usually affected by seaweed throughout sargassum season, very often the waters are fully clear.
Tips on how to Get There
It’s comparatively simple to get to Playa Xpu-Ha, even if you happen to don’t have your personal automobile.
We’ve simply visited on days journeys from Exhausting Rock Lodge Riviera Maya, Lodge Xcaret Arte, Secrets and techniques Moxché and the Barceló Maya Caribe.
You possibly can take a taxi (you’ll want to request a pickup time to return) or you may hop on one of many minivans generally 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 experience (one-way) price simply 100 pesos (beneath $5 USD) for two individuals from Playa del Carmen.
Costs topic to alter 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.
Tips on 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 should depart, making stops alongside Federal Freeway 307 to let different passengers out.
You pay your fare while you get out. After a 20 minute experience, 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, residence of the Xpu-Ha Seashore Membership.
Save your meals invoice so you may get a refund of your 50 pesos in your approach out (assuming you permit earlier than 6 pm).
It’s a straightforward 10 minute stroll, previous mangroves and fruit timber, 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 embrace swimming, snorkelling or simply splashing about.
It’s among the best 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 at all times go kitesurfing or go for a protracted stroll. The sand is flat and easy so good 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 relax listening to the waves.
There’s not quite a lot of shade on this seashore. So except you’re a dedicated solar worshipper, carry your personal solar shade umbrella or spend the day on the seashore membership.
Seashore Membership La Playa
Except you carry your personal chairs, foods and drinks, your only option for the day is Restaurant & Seashore Membership La Playa. It’s onerous to overlook it because it’s the most important 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 the moment, the seashore membership and restaurant is open year-round from Tuesday to Monday from 10:00 am to six:30 pm.
In excessive season, you’ll want to arrive early as lounge chairs disappear rapidly.
On the weekends, plan to remain for the day as dwell 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 crimson onion.
New to the seashore membership menu are molcajetes, an enormous order of seafood served in a stone bowl, the normal Mexican mortar constituted of volcanic stone. It comes with sufficient condiments to inventory an OXXO retailer.
This is among the most intensive menus you’ll discover of any of the seashore 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.
Try our put up on Sargassum Seaweed Situations in Cancun for particulars on seaweed season, well being hazards and forecasts.
To watch present seaweed situations in Xpu-Ha, you have got just a few 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
Try the seashores on Webcams of Mexico to see dwell video frames up to date each 15 seconds.
3. Seek the advice of Seaweed Forecasting Projections
You may as well test the Sargassum Early Advisory System (SEAS), a forecasting challenge 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 Resorts
Serenity Luxurious Eco-Tents
These Asian-inspired glamping tents are situated instantly on Xpu-ha seashore.
Your sleeping choices vary from one-bed lodging to a double with a king and a queen measurement mattress which makes Serenity is an effective choice for households.
It’s additionally common amongst {couples} searching for a barefoot luxurious expertise.
Examine 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 affords its personal distinctive facilities and attraction, however they share entry to the advanced’s intensive services, 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 certainly one of our high selections for Black Friday offers.
Catalonia Royal Tulum
Examine Costs and Availability at Catalonia Royal Tulum Resort & Spa on Reserving.com.
For those who’re searching for beachfront resorts close to Tulum, test our put up on the most romantic resorts in Mexico for extra choices.
Extra Lovely Seashores in Mexico
Love seashores? To find extra about holidays on different stunning seashores in Mexico, try these posts:
10 Greatest Seashores in Huatulco
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets and techniques
Newbie’s Information to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Roca Blanca Seashore
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