Xpu-Ha Beach

Xpu-Ha (pronounced "Shpu-Ha") is a wide, crescent-shaped beach located about 30 kilometers north of Tulum along the Riviera Maya. Tucked between the beach resort areas of Akumal and Puerto Morelos, Xpu-Ha has managed to retain a more authentic, less developed character than many beaches on this stretch of coast. The beach itself is exceptional — wide white sand backed by palm trees, with calm turquoise water protected by a natural reef offshore. The reef creates gentle, swimmable conditions even on days when other Riviera Maya beaches might have choppier water. Snorkeling near the reef is excellent, with good visibility and diverse marine life. Xpu-Ha is popular with both day-tripping visitors from Tulum and Playa del Carmen, and with beach campers who spend nights under the palms. Several palapa restaurants on the beach serve fresh seafood at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is relaxed, family-friendly, and refreshingly free of the aggressive beach vendor culture found at more heavily touristed spots. During whale shark season (May to September), Xpu-Ha is one of the departure points for whale shark snorkeling excursions to the nearby feeding aggregations off Isla Holbox and the Yucatán Channel. Getting to Xpu-Ha requires a short detour off Highway 307 — there's no major signage, which contributes to its under-the-radar appeal. The turnoff is about 30km north of Tulum, with a dirt road leading 1km to the beach.