Playa Xcalacoco
A Blue Flag-certified beach north of Playa del Carmen, known for snorkeling and a developing luxury scene.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking
Playa Xcalacoco
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Blue Flag-certified beach north of Playa del Carmen, known for snorkeling and a developing luxury scene.
"Beautiful local beach, but a little tough to find the public access point."
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Look for the turn near the Coca-Cola factory to access the public beach.
🪨 Water Shoes Recommended
The public beach is rocky; water shoes will make your visit much more comfortable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blue Flag Beach
North of Playa del Carmen
Recognized for its environmental quality and safety, offering a pristine experience.
Snorkeling Opportunities
Near the pier
Discover diverse fish species in waist-deep waters, especially around the pier's rocky areas.
Tranquil Atmosphere
Northern end of Playa del Carmen
Escape the crowds at this serene spot, perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding Public Access
Beach Conditions & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Look for the turn near the Coca-Cola factory to access the public beach.
🪨 Water Shoes Recommended
The public beach is rocky; water shoes will make your visit much more comfortable.
☀️ Bring Your Own Chairs
While free palapas exist, bringing chairs ensures comfort for your beach day.
🌊 Check Sargassum Reports
Sargassum can appear; check local reports or be prepared for cleanup efforts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Look for the turn near the Coca-Cola factory to access the public beach.
🪨 Water Shoes Recommended
The public beach is rocky; water shoes will make your visit much more comfortable.
☀️ Bring Your Own Chairs
While free palapas exist, bringing chairs ensures comfort for your beach day.
🌊 Check Sargassum Reports
Sargassum can appear; check local reports or be prepared for cleanup efforts.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is scarce, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Xcalacoco is appreciated for its Blue Flag status and potential for snorkeling, offering a more local feel than some resort-heavy beaches. However, visitors often struggle to find public access, and the beach's rocky nature and occasional sargassum can be drawbacks. Parking is also a significant challenge.
"Beautiful local beach, but a little tough to find the public access point. Make a right at the Coca cola factory. The access point is next to the Fives hotel. You can park along the entrance. There are free table Palapas but bring chairs. We got there around 10:30am on a Saturday. Some sargasso but volunteers were trying to clean it up. We went on a super windy day so waves were a bit choppy. There’s a little area by the short pier that’s covered by rocks that help break the waves. You can also walk to some of the beach clubs to hang out in. Punta Xcalacocco seemed nice and we’d try it if the weather was better!"
Barbara
"It was our 1st time visiting this beach from PDC. The entrance for free entry to this beach was almost hard to find if you're driving + parking is limited. The beach is rocky so bring water shoes.
The beach was small but the dunes in the water helped block off the strong ocean waves. There are palapas to keep all your belongings and set up some beach chairs. They also have showers/bathrooms for public use. The rest of the beach is taken over by resorts or beach clubs. Also, lots of sargassum appeared during this time."
Jennifer Lee
"Great public beach with easy snorkeling and quite a few variety of fish. Water was around waist high in most places, so many fish under the pier.
Plenty of space to put out a towel. A 5 minute or less walk from the resort, Sandos Caracol."
Filina Mann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Playa Xcalacoco, head north from Playa del Carmen. Turn off the federal highway near the Coca-Cola factory. The public access is often described as being next to The Fives hotel.
While direct public transport to the exact public access point can be limited, colectivos (shared vans) run along the highway and you may need to walk a short distance from the drop-off point.
Yes, driving is a common way to access Playa Xcalacoco. However, parking is very limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early is advised. +1
Many visitors suggest looking for the turn-off near the Coca-Cola factory. The access is often described as being adjacent to resorts like The Fives.
Punta Xcalacoco refers to the northern tip of Xcalacoco beach, often associated with resorts and beach clubs. The public beach is part of the larger Xcalacoco area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The public beach area of Playa Xcalacoco is free to access. However, some reviews mention that public restrooms and showers may have a fee.
As a public beach, Playa Xcalacoco generally does not have strict opening or closing hours, but it's best to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is required for the public beach. However, if you plan to visit a beach club, booking might be necessary.
The public beach itself is free. Any fees would typically be for amenities like restrooms or showers, if available.
Playa Xcalacoco has been recognized with Blue Flag status, indicating high environmental and safety standards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The public area offers free palapas for shade. Some reviews mention public restrooms and showers, though these may incur a fee. +1
The public beach can be rocky and sometimes has sea urchins, making it less ideal for swimming for some. The area near The Fives hotel or rocky coves might offer calmer waters. +1
The public beach area is described as rocky. For softer sand, visitors often head to the areas adjacent to resorts or beach clubs.
Yes, there are several beach clubs and resorts along Playa Xcalacoco, offering amenities and services for a fee.
The beach is known for good snorkeling with a variety of fish, especially around the pier and rocky areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the public beach area has limited food options, nearby resorts and beach clubs offer dining. Some visitors also recommend nearby eateries in Playa del Carmen.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the public beach.
Visitors have enjoyed places like Funky Monkey Pizza and Grill for pizza and Los Compas Taqueria for esquites and dinner.
Several beach clubs along Xcalacoco offer bar services and refreshments.
Beach clubs can be pricier than local eateries. It's advisable to check menus or ask about minimum spends if applicable.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the Blue Flag signage, the pier with its marine life, and the scenic coastline. The rocky formations and sunset views also make for great shots.
Yes, the west-facing aspect of the Riviera Maya coastline makes Xcalacoco a beautiful spot for sunset photography.
Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and be mindful of resorts and private property.
The short pier and the unique rocky outcrops that create calm pools are distinctive features for photos. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1💰 Budget Travelers
+1🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers
The northern end of the beach is known for its serene vibe, perfect for reading a book or simply soaking up the sun. While sargassum can sometimes be an issue, many visitors find the natural beauty and relative quiet make it a worthwhile retreat. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Playa Xcalacoco's Public Access
While the public beach offers free palapas for shade, it's important to note that the sand can be quite rocky, and sea urchins have been spotted. For this reason, wearing water shoes is a practical suggestion for a more comfortable experience.
Marine Life and Snorkeling at Xcalacoco
While the public beach might be rocky, these same rocks create habitats for fish. The area around The Fives hotel is often mentioned as having good snorkeling.
The Future of Xcalacoco: Luxury Development
With high-end resorts and residential projects on the horizon, Xcalacoco is attracting attention for those seeking upscale coastal living. This transformation means that while the public beach remains accessible, the surrounding areas are evolving. Visitors might notice new construction or find that more of the coastline is being developed into private enclaves.
This trend suggests that while Xcalacoco offers a serene escape now, its character is shifting towards a more sophisticated and exclusive atmosphere. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit