Xpu Ha
The verdict on Xpu Ha
- Who it suitsSwimmers, families and snorkelers who want a long, calm, shallow bay and soft sand, with a couple of small beach clubs but none of the town crowds.
- Best spotThe wide central sweep of the bay, where the water is shallow and clear for a long way out and the sand is at its softest.
- One thing to knowAccess is partly through small beach clubs with an entry fee that is usually credited toward food and drinks, so bring a little cash.
Published 17 March 2026. Last reviewed 13 April 2026
Xpu Ha is the calm, low key bay that regulars guard a little jealously. South of Playa del Carmen off Highway 307, it spreads along a long, gentle curve of soft white sand beside water that stays shallow and clear far from shore. For easy swimming, paddling and a slow day in the sun, it is one of the most rewarding beaches on the coast.
The bay owes its calm to a sheltered setting, and that makes it a fine place to float, paddleboard or snorkel without fighting waves. The sand is soft and the water shades through every blue, and because it sits away from the towns, it rarely feels as busy as the beaches up in Playa del Carmen or Cancun, even in high season.
Access takes a little planning. Part of the bay is reached through a couple of small beach clubs, such as La Playa Xpu Ha, which charge an entry fee that is usually credited toward what you spend on food and drinks. There are public access points too, but they can be informal, so it is worth arriving with a plan and some cash for parking and entry.
Come to Xpu Ha for calm, clear water and a quiet day away from the crowds, and bring cash for the small clubs. For a more upmarket calm beach nearby try Maroma, for snorkelling with turtles head to Akumal, and for verified beach clubs and minimum spend bands along the coast use our Riviera Maya beach clubs directory.
Clubs on and near Xpu Ha
Xpu Ha has a couple of small beach clubs rather than a big commercial strip, and we report them factually and never invent prices or status. Entry fees and credit policies change, so we confirm them with the venue and mark anything uncertain as to be confirmed. For more, use the Riviera Maya beach clubs directory.
Photo: Alonso Lanzagorta via GoogleLa Playa Xpu Ha Beach Club
A small beach club on the bay serving food, drinks and loungers, with an entry fee usually credited toward what you spend. We confirm the current policy with the venue.
Public access points
There are public ways onto the sand as well as the clubs, though they can be informal, so arrive with a plan and some cash for parking. We confirm any venue before listing it.
Xpu Ha, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Xpu Ha sits off Highway 307 roughly twenty minutes south of Playa del Carmen and about an hour from Cancun airport, signposted near kilometre 265. Most visitors drive or take a taxi or colectivo along the highway, then turn down one of the access roads toward the bay.
Bring cash for parking and any beach club entry, plus sun cover and water. The bay is usually calm and shallow, but check conditions locally, watch children in the water, and remember that gentle conditions are typical rather than guaranteed.
Reserve a daybed near Xpu Ha
Send your details and we will help arrange a beach club or daybed booking near Xpu Ha and along the Riviera Maya coast. We confirm current minimum spend and availability with the venue before you commit. Nothing is charged here.
Xpu Ha FAQ
Where is Xpu Ha beach?
It lies south of Playa del Carmen off Highway 307, near kilometre 265, roughly twenty minutes from town and about an hour from Cancun airport. You reach the bay by turning down one of the access roads toward the sea.
Is Xpu Ha free to visit?
Partly. There are public access points to the sand, but some of the bay is reached through small beach clubs that charge an entry fee, usually credited toward food and drinks. Bring a little cash for parking and entry.
Is the water at Xpu Ha calm?
Yes, usually very. The bay is sheltered and shallow, with clear water that stays gentle far from shore, which makes it one of the easier beaches for swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling. Conditions can still vary, so check locally.
Are there beach clubs at Xpu Ha?
Yes, a couple of small ones, such as La Playa Xpu Ha, serving food, drinks and loungers. They are low key rather than a big commercial strip. Entry fees and credit policies change, so we confirm them with each venue.
Is Xpu Ha good for families?
Very. The calm, shallow water and soft sand suit children well, and the quiet, uncrowded feel is a relief after the town beaches. Bring shade, water and cash, and keep an eye on children in the water as lifeguard cover varies.