Xpu Há Beach

Xpu-ha Beach (pronounced Shpoo-Ha) is a typical crescent of white sandy lapped by gentle aquamarine waters on the Yucatan peninsula. It’s just off Hwy 307, tucked between the popular resort of Playa del Carmen (17 miles away) and Akumal, but it’s rarely overcrowded.

The offshore reef is excellent for snorkelling, but you need to wade through patches of algae that occasionally form along the shoreline - it’s a pervasive problem in this area.

Algae notwithstanding, Xpu-ha is ranked one of the best beach on the Yucatan peninsula. This idyllic beach is dotted with shady palm trees and large papala thatched huts providing shade.

There’s a handful of local bars and restaurants providing seafood, snacks and drinks and there are some local hotels if you fancy staying longer. The Xpu-ha Beach Club provides beach chairs, kayaks, security lockers (advisable) and massages at reasonable cost. This is in addition to the entrance fee of around 50 pesos (US$2.50) per person. You can also go parasailing, take kitesurfing lessons and rent jet skis.

Just across the highway from Xpu-ha there are two natural cenotes (water filled sinkholes) known as Cenote Azul and Cenote El Jardin. These natural phenomena are well worth seeing.

There’s free parking with limited spaces so you may prefer to arrive by taxi or shared colectivo. They line the road waiting to take you back to your resort at the end of the day.