How to Visit Xcacel Beach Turtle Sanctuary Near Tulum

If you’ve been looking for a secluded beach near Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Akumal, let me tell you about Playa Xcacel (Xcacel Beach).

With buttery soft white sand and pristine turquoise water, Xcacel is a breathtaking beach and turtle sanctuary along Mexico’s Rivera Maya. It is one of the few beaches in the area where you can enjoy the crystal clear Caribbean ocean without the crowds.

While I was living in Tulum I had the privilege of visiting many of Quintana Roo’s best beaches, and Xcacel Beach was one of my favorites. In this Xcacel Beach travel guide I share everything you need to know before embarking on a day trip to this dreamy Caribbean destination.

Xcacel Beach Travel Guide

Situated inside the Xcacel Área Natural Protegida Estatal and Xcacel Turtle Sanctuary, Xcacel Beach is a bit of a Quintana Roo hidden gem. Thankfully, it is easy to get to from nearby Tulum, Akumal, and Playa del Carmen.

Where is Xcacel Beach?

Xcacel on the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is located just outside Chemuyil, a small Mexican town between Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. It’s only twenty minutes from Tulum, about forty minutes from Playa Del Carmen, and one hour and forty minutes from Cancun.

Things to do at Xcacel Beach

Relax on a quiet, peaceful beach

Xcacel is the perfect beach to visit if you want to have the place to yourself. I love to relax, soak in the sun, and read here. There are rarely more than a few groups of people scattered across the large beach, and loud music is not allowed, so visiting is always a serene experience. 

Bring your own beach towel and an umbrella because there are no places nearby to rent or buy a lounge chair, towel, or umbrella. 

Swim in the crystal clear waters

The Mayan Riviera is known worldwide for its pristine, turquoise waters. With so few visitors, Xcacel is a stunning spot to take a dip. Swimming is permitted at the northern part of the beach, where the water is calm and shallow. If you are unsure about the water conditions, check with the staff.

Snorkel along the coral reef

If you bring your own snorkel gear, you can swim with various tropical fish species, sea turtles, and sting rays at Playa Xcacel. Marine wildlife can be spotted near coral in the beach’s northern part. Snorkel safely, ensuring the water is calm and deep enough that you will not get pushed into coral or rocks. 

Walk along the shore

Xcacel’s long beach is the perfect setting for a slow walk along the shore. Share a conversation with a travel buddy, or walk alone and take in the surroundings. 

Also See: 8 Unmissable Outdoor Activities in Tulum, Mexico

How to Get to Xcacel Playa

Take a Colectivo to Xcacel

The cheapest way to get to Xcacel is by colectivo. Colectivos are a local form of public transportation in many parts of Mexico that are both cheap and efficient. Colectivo vans run both directions from Playa Del Carmen and Tulum along Highway 307 every few minutes. 

Flag down a colectivo in either town and make sure they’re going in the right direction (toward Playa Del Carmen from Tulum and toward Tulum from Playa Del Carmen). Tell the driver you’re headed to Xcacel (say voy a Xcacel). 

I recommend keeping an eye on where you’re at on your phone’s GPS to make sure you don’t miss the stop. When they stop, you’ll have to pay in cash. Expect to pay $30-60 pesos depending on where you’re coming from. You’ll be dropped on the side of the highway, right on the road to Xcacel Beach. The walk from the highway to the beach is about ten minutes down a dirt road. 

When it’s time to head home, you’ll have to walk back down the dirt road and wave down a colectivo from the highway. Many colectivos will be full, so be patient and expect to wait a few minutes.  

Drive to Xcacel

Taking your own car is the most convenient and comfortable way to get to Xcacel. Follow directions on Google Maps to Xcacel Área Natural Protegida Estatal. Pay close attention to the GPS directions because there is only one sign for the beach, and it can be challenging to see when driving. Once you’re off the highway, you’ll have to go down a bumpy dirt road for a few minutes before reaching the park. Parking is free, but you do need to pay the $97 peso entry fee for each person.

Take a Taxi to Xcacel

You can also reach Xcacel by taxi. Be warned, though, taxis around this area can be excessively expensive. Before you get in a taxi, ask how much it will cost. You could pay up to $50 USD (or more) depending on where you are coming from. When you can easily take a colectivo for a few dollars, taxis don’t feel worth it for me. 

If you choose to take a taxi, try to arrange your return trip with your taxi driver because it’s such a remote location. 

Also Read: How to Rent a Scooter in Tulum

Xcacel Beach Turtle Sanctuary Travel Tips

You need to know a few things before you head to Xcacel Beach.

Xcacel is a nature reserve: Xcacel Playa is a nature reserve. Because of this, there are strictly enforced rules that you must follow. 

There will probably be seaweed on the beach: Brown seaweed washes up daily on each beach in the Mayan Riviera. It is swept away by resort staff and Mexican tourism companies at most beaches for aesthetic reasons. But Xcacel is a nature reserve, not a resort, so you will see seaweed on the beach. 

Pack everything you need: One of the reasons why Xcacel is so serene is that the beach is undeveloped. The flip side of this is that there is nowhere to buy water or food and no beach chairs for rent. Pack everything you need—water, a beach towel, and a beach umbrella, if needed. 

Refrain from bringing food or alcohol: Other than fruit, you aren’t allowed to bring any food or alcohol to Xcacel. The staff may ask to check your bag, so make sure you leave your snacks at home. 

Speakers are not allowed: At Xcacel, you can enjoy the sounds of nature, but you’ll have to leave speakers at home and refrain from playing music. 

Leave pets at home: Sadly, pets aren’t allowed at Playa Xcacel. 

Xcacel Área Natural Protegida Estatal Hours

Xcacel is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am-4pm, and it is closed on Mondays. 

Xcacel Área Natural Protegida Estatal Entrance Fee 

Foreigners must pay a $97 peso entry fee per person. Quintana Roo residents pay $25 pesos and Mexican nationals pay $51 pesos. 

Also See: 17 Amazing Cheap Things to Do in Tulum on a Budget

Tropical trail to the beach at Xcacel Área Natural Protegida Estata

Xcacel Beach FAQs

When is turtle nesting season?

Turtle nesting season happens between April and October each year. Sea turtles venture onto the beach at night to lay their eggs, so it’s unlikely to see sea turtles while visiting the beach during the day. 

Is there a cenote at Xcacel Beach?

There is a cenote within Xcacel Área Natural Protegida Estatal (Cenote Xcacelito), but it is no longer open to the public. 

Is there a bathroom at Playa Xcacel?

There are bathrooms and changing rooms available for free at the entrance of Playa Xcacel. 

Is it safe to swim at Xcacel Beach?

In normal conditions, swimming in the designated areas at Xcacel Beach is safe. The waves are usually small, but a current can drag you south in the water. If you feel unsafe, avoid swimming. 

What else is there to do nearby Xcacel Tulum?

There is so much to do in Quintana Roo nearby Xcacel Beach! After spending several months on the Yucatan Peninsula, here are my top recommendations for places to visit, unmissable tours, and other fun activities in the area:

★ Muyil River Float: Don’t miss the chance to float down a natural lazy river near Tulum! This is one of my all-time favorite travel experiences and you can book a guided day trip here.

★ Cenotes: There are dozens of stunning cenotes within a few miles of Xcacel. Most notably, Cenote Xunaan Ha, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Cenote Nic Te Ha. If you’re staying in Tulum, be sure to check out Cenote Aldea Zama, Tulum’s secret free cenote!

★ Ciudad Chemuyil: Across the highway from Xcacel is a small Mexican community, Chemuyil. Wander through the small town, try local street food, and converse with the friendly locals. 

★ Day trip to Cozumel: This stunning tropical island off the coast of Playa del Carmen is one of my favorite places in Mexico. Whether you’re staying in Tulum, Playa, Cancun, or somewhere else nearby, be sure to add Cozumel to your Yucatan itinerary!

★ See Mayan ruins: There are so many Mayan archaeological sites nearby. Make sure you have time to explore at least one of them! The Tulum ruins are arguably the most beautiful as they overlook the Caribbean ocean, Chichen Itza is the most iconic site, and lesser known spots like Muyil and Coba are also worth checking out.

★ Go on a boat tour through the lagoon of seven colors: A few hours away from Xcacel you’ll find one of Quintana Roo’s best hidden gems, the Bacalar lagoon of seven colors. This beautiful lagoon is absolutely worth visiting if you can spend a few days in the area.