Just 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen lies the hidden gem of Xpu Ha Beach—a slice of paradise in Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya. Known for its soft white sand and mesmerizing Caribbean blues, Xpu Ha offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Spend your day paddleboarding or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, then kick back with live music, fresh ceviche, and tropical drinks at one of the laid-back beach clubs.Whether you’re soaking up the sun, diving into adventure, or dancing to live beats, Xpu Ha serves up the ultimate beach day experience.
How To Get To Xpu-Ha
Getting to Xpu-Ha Beach from Playa del Carmen is simple and only takes about 20 minutes in a rental car. First, head south on Highway 307 until you reach kilometer 265. After passing the Pemex gas station, make a U-turn and you will see a Xpu Ha sign with a large parrot on the right. Turn down this road to the entrance gate.
You can also catch a colectivo (shared van) from the pick up point on Calle 1 Sur in front of the Chedraui in Playa del Carmen. Look for the van taxi marked Tulum. Upon boarding, just let the driver know you’re going to Xpu-Ha. Once dropped off, cross the highway, pay the entrance fee, and follow the path to the beach. Carry small pesos with you for your colectivo pass, which will cost between $35 and $50 pesos one way. The ride, as it is a shared taxi, takes 50 minutes from Playa del Carmen to Xpu-Ha.
Alternatively, taxis or private shuttles are convenient options for direct, no-hassle rides. However, you can expect to pay for the luxury of a private service, which will run between $150 to $200 USD. Be sure to arrange with your driver a return pick up time.
You Have Arrived.
Time For A Little Sun, Sand, and Sea!
As you travel down the gravel road from the highway, you’ll reach the entrance gate. Here, a fee of $100 MXN per person is required, which includes a bracelet for access. The good news? This amount can be credited toward food and drink at La Playa Xpu-Ha Beach Club. Be sure to keep your receipt and bracelets—when you leave, show them to the attendant for a possible refund. The amount you are reimbursed is based on how much you spent (usually $200 MXN per person) and how many bracelets you purchased.
Tip: Bring cash for the entrance fee at Xpu-Ha.
Beach Clubs at Xpu-Ha:
Which One’s Calling Your Name?
La Playa Xpu-Ha Beach Club
The perfect blend of good food and good times. Located just steps from the sparkling Caribbean, it’s where sun-soaked days and tropical vibes thrive. First, grab a shaded table on the sand and settle in. On the other hand, there are loungers and daybeds available for an additional cost. Regardless of which sandy spot you choose, relax, let the laid-back atmosphere and sea breeze do the rest.
Next, treat your taste buds—think fresh ceviche, flavorful tostadas, molcajetes overflowing with seafood, and icy beverages, all served beachside. From Thursday to Sunday, the energy rises with live music starting around 2:30 PM, making your afternoon even more memorable.
Plus, as mentioned above, the $100 MXN entrance fee can be applied toward your bill. With clean restrooms, showers, and a relaxed, well-kept setting, it’s easy to stay from morning till sunset. Whether you’re stopping by or spending the day, La Playa Xpu-Ha makes every moment count.
Xalmar Beach Club
Your go-to spot in Xpu-Ha for easy elegance by the sea. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, this coastal escape offers upscale comforts and an excellent menu of regional and international dishes as well as innovative cocktails.
To start, entry is $600 MXN for adults, less for kids under 12—and the best part? It’s fully reimbursed toward food and drinks. So, you’re not just paying to enter—you’re prepaying for a day of indulgence.
Once inside, enjoy full access to our inviting setup: think plush lounge chairs, comfy poufs, sunbeds, tables, and more. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, sipping a cocktail, or enjoying a seaside lunch, you’ll have the perfect spot to relax.
Note that reservations are recommended, especially during peak holiday times, through WhatsApp at +52 984 980 0746. Xalmar Beach Club is the answer for those looking for a beach day upgrade.
Serenity Beach Club
A magical place where the only plan is to relax and soak up the Caribbean bliss. Open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, this beachfront oasis offers cozy loungers, shaded beds, washrooms, showers, and towel service—all with a stellar view of the crystal-clear Caribbean.
For entry, adults pay $200 MXN, with $100 MXN credited toward food and drinks.This is an incredible value as your entrance fee also provides access to the property’s pool and restaurant. Once inside, you can indulge in fresh ceviche, shrimp tacos, burritos, nachos, and craft cocktails—all at reasonable prices.
Whether you’re lounging under a palapa or enjoying lunch with a sea view, Serenity Beach Club delivers easygoing vibes and warm hospitality from start to finish.
Water Activities Along The Beach
While Serenity Beach Club provides kayaks for a tranquil ride along the seashore, other tour and equipment operators are stationed at the beach. If you enjoy a good snorkel session, Xpu-Ha is an ideal spot to bring your own gear. When the water is more still, you can often see rays and schools of exotic fish.
Though, if you’d like to kick the day off on another level, try a high-speed jet ski outing. There’s nothing more exhilarating than zipping across clear blue waters with the breeze in your hair. Or rather, craving something more zen? Rent a paddleboard and glide over the calm shallows, taking in the vibrant sea life below.
When the wind picks up, it’s go-time for kite and wind surfers—Xpu-Ha’s steady breezes make it a favorite for riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re flying over the waves or floating peacefully along the reef, you’ll find the perfect dose of thrill or chill.
With gear rentals and instructors available right on the beach, embracing adventure is as simple as stepping into the warm Caribbean surf.
A day at Xpu-Ha in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean is all about embracing the moment, however you choose to spend it. Lounge beneath the palms with your toes in the sand, savor a chilled drink in front of the shimmering turquoise sea, or indulge in fresh, flavorful dishes that capture the taste of the coast. And if you’re seeking a unique quest, the sea is your playground. At Xpu-Ha, you choose how to enjoy your day—whether it’s pure relaxation, a splash of adventure, or a little of both.
Playa del Carmen is a beach vacation hotspot due to its glorious white sand shoreline and clear Caribbean waters. For this reason, visitors flock from around the globe to explore all this coastal town has to offer. That being said, there are a handful of beaches that receive less traffic and provide a more rustic and peaceful setting. If you are in search of a tranquil escape from the lively and crowded beach club scene, this list offers 6 peaceful alternatives.
Playa 72
Situated on Calle 72 off of 5th Avenue, is a favorite beach for locals. Here you can witness spectacular sunrises in the stillness of the early morning that tend to stop you dead in your sandy tracks. Usually, there are two volleyball nets set up to the right of the entrance where you can meet and join in with other active residents and visitors alike.
Playa 72 is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Playa del Carmen and offers bathroom and shower access for a minimal fee of around $5 pesos. Similar to most of the beaches on this list, the weekdays are the best time to come to avoid the crowds. Overall, this is a peaceful and rustic paradise that is ideal for beachgoers who prefer a more zen atmosphere.
Playacar
Since this beach is located within a gated community, access is limited. That being said, you can walk along the shoreline from downtown Playa del Carmen and enter through Señor Frogs at the southern end of 5th Avenue. Otherwise, you must be a guest in Playacar to gain entry to this placid paradise.
If you head further south from Señor Frogs, there is plenty of sandy shore to spread your towels and take in the mesmerizing Caribbean vista. Continuing even further south, the seashore gets a little busier as you are entering the Playacar hotel zone. Indeed you’ll become aware of this all-inclusive domain as there are loungers spread out across the sand. However, the beach in front of the sun loungers remains open to the public, but there are no public restrooms.
The breadth of Playacar beach means that you’ll have extra real estate than you would at some of the downtown beaches that have been more affected by erosion. Whether you’re sipping a coffee at sunrise or immersing yourself in a good book in the afternoon, you’ll discover tropical tranquility at Playacar beach.
Playa 88
The gorgeous expanse of white sand is just over an hour’s walk from downtown Playa del Carmen. Situated at Calle 88 off of 5th Avenue, this beach stands out for its sustainability efforts. As it is a popular spot for nesting sea turtles, conservation standards are high, encouraging eco-friendly tourism practices in the area.
Much like Playa 72, it’s a good idea to bring along a few pesos for the attendant in charge of keeping the bathrooms and showers clean. In addition to a pocketful of pesos, bring your snorkel gear with you for a serene underwater experience. In fact, when the water is calm, you’re likely to spot some fascinating marine creatures enjoying the warm Caribbean waters alongside you.
Marena Beach Club
Although you will probably need a taxi or your own vehicle to get to Marena, this beach club does offer relaxing respite for traveling seeking seaside bliss. While the pool and restaurant side of Marena are popular, the lounge area on the sand, shaded by towering palms, presents a tranquil setting. Even farther to the right, past the sun loungers, is a wide open, powdery soft coastline beckoning sun seekers wishing for more serene solitude.
In order to find Marena Beach Club, you must enter through the Grand Coral gates either via the 307 Federal Highway or by the Avenida Pintores and 5th Avenue security gate. There is a fee of $350 – $500 Mxn, which goes towards consumption. This cover charge provides access to the bathrooms, loungers, as well as food and beverage menu. See their Facebook Page for current discounts and promotions on their day passes.
Xcalacoco
Still north, approximately a 10-minute drive from downtown Playa del Carmen, sits one of our all-time favorite beaches, Xcalacoco (Shcal-a-co-co.) Typically, the waters at this sandy gateway to the majestic Caribbean Sea are clear and calm courtesy of the nearby barrier reef. However, the shore is quite rocky due to the abundance of coral. If you are a swimmer, it’s a good idea to wear water shoes.
Thanks to the protection of the reef, the calm waters are ideal for snorkeling. In addition to colorful fish, chances are you will see starfish, small crabs, and the porcupine’s of the sea, black sea urchins.
Although you can bring your own cooler with snacks and beverages, there are two hotels with restaurants on either side of Xcalacoco. Nothing compares to coastal cuisine and cold beers after a day at the beach. Also, set up along the shore are massage huts where you can go to drift off into Caribbean dreamland. Moreover, bathrooms, showers, and beach umbrella rentals are available for added convenience.
Hidden Gem
If you love long walks on the beach, this sandy journey ends with a stunning surprise. If you continue past the all-inclusive hotel zone on Playacar beach, heading south for about 1.5 hours, you’ll discover a hidden gem. An isolated bay area awaits, perfect for a picnic on the sand or a cool dip in the sea.
Not yet developed, there are no bathrooms or facilities of any kind nearby. What you will find is a rustic and secluded beach with hundreds of meters of white sand all to yourself.
In conclusion, these six less crowded beaches in Playa del Carmen offer the perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to unwind in solitude, explore pristine waters, or simply enjoy the scenic views, each of these less visited treasures promises a serene alternative to the bustling tourist spots. So pack your beach essentials and discover the more tranquil side of Playa del Carmen, where relaxation and inspiration meet.