What can I say that I haven’t already said a hundred times before. Xpu Ha Beach – pronounced ish-poo ha’, is one of the many gorgeous pearl white sand beaches that stretches along Mexico’s Riviera Maya coastline. The Caribbean’s turquoise water gently laps upon Xpu Ha’s subtle shore to complete its extreme beauty.
We were wanting to explore what I call a virgin beach that hasn’t been exploited by one of the many mega resorts that line the Yucatan Peninsula’s pristine coastline. We packed our beach bag, grabbed our towels and off we went. Approximately 16 miles south from Playa del Carmen in a slightly hidden small beach front community.
You enter just off the Tulum Highway. There is a rustic makeshift shack that collects forty pesos from each person entering the park. You get the pesos back if you spend money at one of the beach bars. From there you drive down a dirt road to a free for all parking area.
Following one of several paths heading towards the beach, the wondrous scenery – shown left, came into view. I thought to myself this isn’t going to be a bad day!
Who could ever get tired of looking at the blending colors of the Caribbean Sea. The familiar sugar fine sand slides between our toes as we head towards the turquoise water. Our day has begun!
Xpu Ha Beach has many of the same characteristics that most of the Riviera Maya shoreline is graced with. But what makes this charming little Shangri-La a bit different is that it has fewer people. The beach also insets a bit with land-end bookmarks on both sides which makes for milder wave action.
This sheltered community offers its daily visitors a small convenient store, plenty of seating with spectacular views of the water, and a few choices in beach bar & grills. The bar & grills offer a variety of foods such as sandwiches, appetizers and complete meals. They also have a full drink menu as well.
There are plenty of seating options available. You can find a comfy lounge chair under an umbrella or lay out in the sun and work on your tan. There are palapas, shaded pedestal beds, and tables with chairs. You could also elect to hangout around the bar in a swing chair. There is something for everyone!
Xpu Ha Beach is a family friendly community as posted on the sign pictured below left – warning that appropriate clothing is a must. If you happen to get disorientated, the arrows – shown right, will direct you to several landmarks you may know.
Guys; shirts are optional!
Not only does the beach offer food & drink and a relaxing atmosphere, it also has a spa and a few water sports and activities.
Can you imagine getting a relaxing massage right on the beach! Getting pampered with soothing oils, finger tip rubs, and heated stones to settle those restless muscles could be just what the doctor ordered. All this, while the sounds of lapping waves gently penetrate your conscious mind.
How about going out to the Great Mayan Reef – second largest barrier reef in the world, and doing a little diving. I bet if you ask they would take a few snorkelers as well.
If none of these suggestions tickle your fancy or your need for more of an adrenaline rush, then how about kitesurfing! They even include a lesson or two!
This particular sport is growing in popularity all around the world. The Riviera Maya offers near perfect conditions and has lots of individuals who exhibit their talents up and down the coast. You, Me and The Dock did a video article back a few adventures ago on Nicholas Aaftink de Lucas of Playa del Carmen. He’s kind of a local celebrity amongst his peers.
Xpu Ha even has a convenience store to resupply or possibly have that one thing you forgot to bring with you. This place has most everything you need without the hassle that the inner city stores have.
This little resort style community has all the charm of what traditional Mexico has to offer. It has that somewhat rustic feel, but has all the conveniences and amenities you will ever want or need. If you wake up one morning and are longing for a day’s getaway, take the short trip to Xpu Ha Beach and spend a day enjoying the company of others who had the same idea as you. Believe me, you won’t regret it!
Enjoy life and practice these simple words, “Love, Laugh & Travel Lots”!
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony Scopel
Videography: Anthony Scopel & crew
Article Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
