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Beaches Parks & Attractions Mayan Ruins Towns Golf Fishing Xcacel Beach: This secluded beach is a hidden gem in the Riviera Maya and is a must do for every guest, not only because of proximity -
but because you need to set the bar high from the start and you do not have to
go far to find paradise! Xcacel is more than a half mile of fine white sand and
turquoise sea, an untouched stretch of natural beauty. The north end has great snorkeling where you
can see fish, lobsters and other sea creatures, while the middle section is
ideal for body surfing. There is a cenote at the south end of the beach where
you can swim in a freshwater sink hole and jump from a rope into refreshingly
cool water. Educational turtle walks are
offered seasonally to watch mother turtles lay eggs or watch the baby turtles
hatch and make their first trek out to sea. The caretakers of Xcacel beach ask for a donation at the gate (around 10 pesos
per person or 30 per car) and it goes toward preservation of the turtle population and keeping
the beach clean. There is ample parking at the beach if you prefer to drive over with beach supplies - chairs, umbrella, cooler, etc. Restrooms and an outdoor shower are available at the beach.       Akumal Bay: One of the top attractions - not to be missed for the snorkeling with sea turtles right from the beach in front of the Lol-Ha Restaurant and Bar. Akumal is one of the most popular snorkeling areas in the Caribbean and is famous for an array of giant sea turtles, stingrays, barracudas, moray eels and a variety of tropical fish. Akumal Dive Shop on the north end of the bay offers rental equipment for snorkeling and scuba diving trips to several reefs in addition to area excursions (see details and ask about Chan Chemuyil promotions). This small seaside town contains several quaint bars and restaurants, two small grocery stores and gift shops as well as a fresh open air market. Half Moon Bay and Yal-ku Lagoon (biodegradable sunscreen required) also offer snorkeling and swimming. To get to Akumal, make a left on 307 north until you see the sign on the right, turn there and proceed to the arches.       Tulum, El Paraiso Beach: Offers a wide range of activities ranging from beach clubs, restaurants, boating, kite surfing and more. The backdrop of many modeling shoots and Kenny Chesney music videos, this beach is a must-see. The white sand is fine and powdery and the sea is calm here, an ideal spot for swimming. El Paraiso is a very wide stretch and goes on for miles from the Tulum ruins south. We suggest parking on the public access road near El Paraiso Beach Club for easy access to drinks, snacks and bathrooms. El Mariachi also serves food and is a bit more economical. Kiteboarding and stand-up paddleboarding (S.U.P) rentals and training are available here also.       Tulum Beach Clubs (south on beach road): turn right onto the beach road and you will find even more clubs to spend the day, often with drink service to your palapa. Zamas, Ziggy’s, OM (pictured below) and La Zebra are all terrific choices and offer prime beachfront lounging with beverages and dining. There are even some small boutiques and coffee joints popping up on this road.  Xpu-Ha Beach: about 10 minutes north of Chan Chemuyil, make a right at the Xpu-Hu Beach Club/La Playa sign. Here you can snorkel a reef that is in good condition and close to shore with fan and elkhorn coral aplently. You can also rent kayaks, jet skis or get a massage. They also have hammocks and various palapas to lounge on. It costs $25 pesos per person to enter the road, but your pesos are refunded upon exit if you show the receipt from any expenses incurred at the beach club. We highly recommend the chicken/cheese/bean platter. It was layered over chips with jalapenos and sour cream. It was a hit and so was the ceviche – both excellent choices. There is a reef very close in to shore that is in good condition with lots of fan and elkhorn coral. It is also an excellent place for beachcombing.       Chemuyil Beach: accessible only by boat, this is claimed to be the “most beautiful beach in the world” in the book “Lalo of Chemuyil” (a must read for frequent visitors to the area) and we think it lives up to this standard. The beach can be reached on the Robinson Crusoe day trip booked through Akumal Dive Shop on their Kanteris catamaran tour. It is worth the effort to reach this perfect crescent of secluded beach where you can find very good snorkeling and swimming. It is truly paradise to be the only group on the entire beach. |
