Just ten minutes by car from the fascinating center of Playa del Carmen lies one of Riviera Maya’s best-kept treasures: Playa Xcalacoco (pronounced Shcalacoco).
Its name in the Maya language means “twin coconuts.” Although we might say that Xcalacoco is almost a virgin beach, it is discovered daily by hundreds of tourists who come to be amazed by this paradise.
It is far enough from the center to enjoy it without crowds, yet so close that long distances are not necessary to reach it. Its waters are clean and clear like most of the Caribbean beaches.
A Beach with the Blue Flag Distinction
This year, three beaches in Playa del Carmen, including Xcalacoco, Punta Esmeralda, and Calle 88, were recertified with the Blue Flag distinction. To achieve this certificate, it is necessary to meet over 30 requirements set in the protocols. Some of these include having access, bathrooms, showers, information modules, storage facilities, and security.
It is no surprise that this distinction has been received. The characteristic white sands of the area and the spectacular color of the Caribbean Sea seem to be accentuated at Xcalacoco. Perhaps it is due to the little tourism in the area, because although this beach has several high-end hotels, they are so exclusive (and mostly boutique) that the number of tourists is never too high.
The views upon arriving at this beautiful beach will leave you indifferent. If you fall in love and decide to spend the night, you will find accommodations for all budgets, including a seaside campsite with an incredible view of the stars.
What to Expect at Playa Xcalacoco
It has a lot of sand space, making the walks long and comfortable. At the start of your walk, you will encounter a variety of mobile stalls and palapas offering massages and other luxuries.
A few years ago, some “whale” sand sculptures were placed in the water, which ensures a gentle surf, ideal for children and for swimming. Another benefit of these wave-breaking barriers is that they help keep the beaches clean of sargassum, even in the worst seasons.
The shore is almost entirely covered with rocks, so wearing water shoes is highly recommended. You will find it interesting and fun to discover starfish, sea urchins, and small crabs that run to hide when the wave approaches them.
In the water, colorful fish also abound, both near the whales and among the rocks, so bringing snorkeling gear is an excellent idea.
Services at Xcalacoco
The services are also high-end, though you can bring a cooler with your food and drinks and lay your towel on the sand under your umbrella. The beach clubs and restaurants you will find are affordable and delicious. It is definitely worth stopping by one, even if just for a cold beer, since you will not find stores nearby.
Being a Blue Flag beach, you can find public bathrooms, clean and well-maintained, which is always appreciated. It also has showers and an information module.
Access to Xcalacoco Beach
Access is not so easy. If you don’t have a car and don’t mind walking, you can take the van going towards Cancún and ask the van driver to drop you off at “la coca” (the Coca-Cola warehouse). You will have to walk just over two kilometers to reach the beach.
If you are driving your own vehicle, finding a place to park can be challenging, as there are no public parking facilities in the area.
Taking a taxi might be the best option. However, it is important to remember to ask for their phone number or arrange with the driver a pickup time, as it is not a heavily trafficked place and you may have to wait a while to get back home.
How to Get to Playa Xcalacoco
To get there, take the federal highway towards Cancún until you reach the traffic light at the Coca-Cola warehouse, as the detour is right on the corner.
At the traffic light, turn right and continue for about 10 minutes until you find the signs for the public entrance of Playa Xcalacoco directly ahead.
Lear about all public beaches in Playa del Carmen here!