Take a Detour to Paradise at Playa Xpu Ha, Mexico

Sometimes all you need to find what you’re looking for is to take the road less traveled. Or as in the case of Playa Xpu Ha—a gorgeous beach along Mexico’s Riviera Maya—a short detour off a road frequently traveled. The payoff is a less crowded version of paradise, all within range of the area’s biggest attractions.

Where is Xpu Ha, Mexico, Located?

Playa Xpu Ha’s location is nearly equidistant between the tourism powerhouses of Playa del Carmen and Tulum on the eastern shores of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. 

More specifically, this undiscovered beach is nestled between resort-heavy Puerto Aventuras to the north and Playa Akumal to the south. Regardless of your direction of arrival, Xpu Ha Beach (pronounced Shpoo Hah) is just a slight detour off Highway 307—the main artery linking the Riviera Maya’s primary attractions.

How is the Beach in Playa Xpu Ha, Mexico?

With velvety, powder-soft sand and brilliant turquoise water, it’s all about the beach in Xpu Ha. 

Unlike its counterparts to the north and south, this beach is more popular with locals than tourists. This means fewer crowds and a more authentic experience—an increasingly rare commodity in this part of the world.

The water is generally shallow and calm—especially in the less developed northern end—thanks in part to the protection of the massive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef offshore. This makes Xpu Ha Beach snorkeling not only possible but idyllic. 

It’s also a great place just to stand or wade in the shimmering blue of the Caribbean Sea while the waves gently lap at your ankles.

The southern end is the livelier section of the beach, where you’ll find amenities such as restrooms, restaurants, a dive shop and places to rent kayaks, loungers and the like. You can also opt to use the services of one of the Xpu Ha beach clubs for a hassle-free day at the beach. 

And if it’s seclusion you’re after, stroll towards the north for a serene stretch of sand you can often have all to yourself.

Note that between May and November, Playa Xpu Ha doubles as a nesting beach for sea turtles. While the sites are usually marked, keep an eye out for rounded depressions between 4-5 feet wide—there’s likely a nest underneath. It’s crucial that you don’t disturb the nests. The baby turtles need every chance for survival possible. And you’ll be doing your part to contribute to conservation efforts.

Is There an Entrance Fee for Xpu Ha Beach, Mexico?

Yes, there is a nominal fee to enter and park on the beach. 

There are two entrances to the beach, both associated with Xpu Ha beach clubs. The upside is that your fee goes towards food and beverages, so at least you get something more than just access to it.

What Hours is Playa Xpu Ha Open?

Entrance to the beach is between 10 am and 6 pm. Arrive early for the best parking spots and fewest crowds—what little there are. 

Does Xpu Ha Beach have Seaweed?

Unfortunately—as is the case with many Caribbean destinations—there are occasional periods where sargassum seaweed will wash ashore at Xpu Ha.

In recent years, minimal amounts of seaweed have reached the beach, comparatively less than many other Riviera Maya beaches. 

In any case, if you’re visiting one of the beach clubs at the southern end, they work to keep their section as clean and seaweed free as possible.

Things to do in Playa Xpu Ha

Chill at the beach

The main draw to Xpu Ha is its gorgeous beach. Spend some time in the surf and sand to soak in the sun and scenery. If you come early or stay late enough, this is also a great place to take in the sunrise and/or sunset. 

Go swimming

The water is nice and warm, which means you can spend most of your day standing, sitting or floating in the shallows or venturing toward deeper waters. Most of the bay has a gradual slope, so you can easily stay within your comfort level and find firm footing when needed.

Go diving or snorkeling

With relatively calm water that’s crystal clear, this is an enjoyable place to peer beneath the surface. 

The local dive shop can whisk certified divers out to the reef, which is teeming with marine life. But even if you just float in the shallows, you’re still bound to catch an eyeful of colorful Caribbean Sea creatures. 

If you expect to do this often, bringing your own mask and snorkel instead of renting them makes sense.

Get out on the water

At Xpu Ha, you can try your hand at several water-based activities, ranging from kayaking to paddle boards to jet ski rentals. Given the generally calm conditions, this is a good place for beginners to hone their skills and have some fun.

Get a massage at the beach

If all the activities have tired you out, you can opt for a reasonably priced massage right on the beach. While the rub down soothes your aching muscles, the serene view of the blindingly turquoise water lapping on the white sand will soothe your nerves.

Hang out at a beach club

Those looking for peaceful isolation would be best off visiting the northern reaches of the beach. In contrast, those looking to eat, drink and be merry can choose the services of the beach clubs at the southern end of the strand. 

You can rent loungers and umbrellas, order food, and drink in views and margaritas from one of these establishments. 

Pro tip: Getting there early will allow you to snag a lounger with open water views. Depending on the time of year, each club will have its own minimum consumption charges for using its facilities. Still, an afternoon spent munching and lounging here won’t have you lamenting the few extra pesos.

Things to do Near Playa Xpu Ha, Riviera Maya

One of the greatest blessings of Xpu Ha is its relative anonymity within close range of the world-class attractions of the Riviera Maya. Below is a list of some of the amazing options for day trips.

Go Beach Hopping

While Playa Xpu Ha is a hidden gem, it’s not the only wonderful beach in the area. Just a short drive away are some additional world-class beaches that beckon to be visited.

Playa Akumal

Thanks to the seagrass buffet beneath the waves, this Playa Akumal is a prime spot for viewing and snorkeling with sea turtles. Join a guided tour for your best chance of seeing these beautiful citizens of the deep.

Playa Paraiso

With a name like Paradise Beach, it’s no wonder many come here to enjoy the lovely natural setting of palm trees, azure water and white sand. This is a great place to relax—especially if you’ve just toured the nearby Tulum Ruins.

Hit the town in Playa del Carmen

In barely a half hour, you can be off Xpu Ha beach and into the bustling tourist town of Playa del Carmen. 

This means access to all sorts of lively restaurants, beach cafes, boutiques and souvenir stores. 

And after dark, you can party til your heart’s content and still be back at your hotel at a decent (or not so decent) hour.

Get some culture at the Tulum Ruins

It would be a shame to visit this culturally-rich region of Mexico without taking in some of its impressive history. 

Just 20-30 minutes south of Xpu Ha, the Tulum Ruins are a huge tourist draw—mainly for their location overlooking the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea. This collection of stone ruins once served as a Mayan port. Now they serve as a historical marker of an ancient empire. And given their location overlooking the turquoise water, it’s a perfect spot for a photo opportunity. 

Pro tip: Since this is a popular destination for day-trippers from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, you’ll want to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Where to Stay in Playa Xpu Ha

There are thankfully no mega-resorts in Playa Xpu Ha, which is part of its appeal. Instead, there are some small hotels and guesthouses, and even a luxury camping option. 

Regardless of your style or budget, low-key accommodations are the only options.

Xpu Ha, Mexico Weather Guide

Just like the rest of the Riviera Maya, the weather in Xpu Ha is consistently warm. 

August is the hottest month, and January is the coolest. 

The driest period is from February through May, with September and October being the wettest months. Technically hurricane season in the Yucatan runs from June through October, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

There is a very high ultraviolet index for most of the year, so sunscreen is a must, even in cooler months.

Packing List Essentials for Xpu Ha

• High-SPF sunscreen
• A water shirt will save both your skin when snorkeling and sunscreen 
• A wide-brimmed hat that covers your ears and neck
• Multiple bathing suits for multiple days at the beach
• Comfortable flip-flops or sandals that can go from beach to street 
• Lightweight shorts and shirts for lots of time outside
• Sturdy, closed-toed shoes for hiking, touring and other adventure activities
• Bug spray for mosquitoes
• Underwater camera 
• Dry bag for bringing your valuables with you in the water
• Your own snorkel and mask 
• Lightweight backpack with a lock just to be extra safe

Map of Xpu Ha

How to get to Xpu Ha Beach

The nearest international airport is Cancun International (CUN), approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) north. It’s less than a 1.5-hour drive from Cancun Airport to Xpu Ha. 

From Playa del Carmen to Playa Xpu Ha, it’s about a 25-30 minute drive (approximately 25 kilometers/15 miles) in a taxi. 

Alternately, it’s about a 20-minute ride south from Playa Xpu Ha to Tulum.

Your best options for getting around Mexico are to rent a car for maximum freedom, take a colectivo minibus—your cheapest option, or arrange for a shuttle, which will be the least hassle of the three.

A Few Final Words about Playa Xpu Ha

The Riviera Maya is a world-class beach destination with many hidden gems waiting to be explored. So, armed with the above advice, take a detour to paradise by visiting Playa Xpu Ha.

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