Beach 19 km northeast of Tulum
A protected sea turtle sanctuary with an undeveloped beach and a freshwater cenote in the mangroves behind it.
Xcacel is one of the last stretches of this coast without hotels. The beach and the smaller cove of Xcacelito, about 20 minutes north of Tulum, form a sea turtle sanctuary, a natural protected area run by the state of Quintana Roo, and a Ramsar wetland of international importance since 2004. The area was saved after a long campaign against plans for a large resort here.
The protection is for the turtles. Loggerhead and green turtles come ashore on Xcacel's sand to lay their eggs, and the beach is one of their most important nesting sites in the Mexican Caribbean. During the season, conservation staff guard the nests, and starting in September they release hatchlings in small groups to give them a safe start to the sea.
For visitors it is a simple place: a long white beach lined with palms and dunes, with no loungers, music or beach clubs. Behind it, a short path through the mangroves leads to a freshwater cenote, cool and clear, where you can swim after the sea. Because it is a reserve and not a public beach, there is an entry fee and rules to follow.
What to see and do
Walk the long, empty beach and the rocky cove of Xcacelito.
Swim in the freshwater cenote in the mangroves behind the beach.
Ask about hatchling releases if you visit from September.
Keep clear of marked turtle nests and leave nothing behind; there are no services on the beach.
Getting there
Xcacel is about 20 minutes north of Tulum on Highway 307, between Xel-Há and Chemuyil; the turnoff to the sea is signposted. Colectivos between Tulum and Playa del Carmen can drop you at the entrance. There is an entry fee and limited opening days and hours, so check before you go, and bring water, shade and biodegradable sunscreen.
19 km northeast of Tulum
Directions from Tulum on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Xcacel
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Weather warm
Xcacel shares the climate of Tulum, 19 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Make Tulum your base
Xcacel is an easy trip from Tulum, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.