Xcalak is one of the last unspoiled paradises in the Riviera Maya, a hidden gem far from the crowds of Tulum and Playa del Carmen. As an experienced traveler and lover of off-the-beaten-path destinations, I can confidently say that this secluded coastal village offers some of the best experiences for nature lovers, divers, and adventure seekers.
Located at the southern tip of Quintana Roo, Xcalak sits along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. That means world-class snorkeling and scuba diving are practically at your doorstep. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with colorful marine life, from sea turtles and eagle rays to vibrant coral gardens. Fishing enthusiasts will also find paradise here, as Xcalak is famous for its fly fishing and abundant bonefish, permit, and tarpon.
Beyond the water, Xcalak offers access to the breathtaking Banco Chinchorro Atoll, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve home to untouched reefs and mysterious shipwrecks. If you’re up for a day trip, nearby Mahahual offers charming beach clubs and fresh seafood. And let’s not forget the lush mangroves and exotic birdlife that make this area a dream for eco-tourism.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or just craving a tranquil escape, Xcalak delivers an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into the best things to do in Xcalak and uncover its hidden wonders
Xcalak, and interesting tourist destination
Xcalak is the last fishing village on the southern tip of the Mexican Caribbean coast. In fact, its name in Mayan means “the last corner.” We could say that its true charm lies in what it does NOT have: no nightclubs, no shopping malls, no gentlemen offering colorful hats. Here everything revolves around the sea , and for centuries its waters have been the livelihood for fishermen and the means for pirates to find refuge among its mangroves.
Although at the beginning of the 20th century it was important as a commercial port in the region, today Xcalak is a quiet corner , far from the bustle of the more popular Riviera Maya, and has nothing to do with other places like Cancun, Tulum or even Mahahual , a nearby town that is somewhat more lively. But before you venture out to discover it, you have to know a few facts:
- The best thing about Xcalak : Zen-like tranquility. If you want to feel like you're in another world, you'll find it here. You can dive in clear waters, see impressive reefs, and not share the space with dozens of tourists. What a luxury!
- The worst thing about Xcalak : it's not a place for everyone. If you're looking for nightlife, lively restaurants or varied activities to keep you entertained, there are places that better suit your travel style. The town, furthermore, didn't seem very interesting to us; here, the main thing is the natural environment.
What to see and do in Xcalak
Are you sure you're going to include Xcalak in your next trip to the Riviera Maya ? Then take note of the best things to see and do in this little corner of the Mexican Caribbean:
1. Diving and snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Reef
This is THE reason why more and more people are encouraged to come to Xcalak. Its shores are located just a few meters from the second largest barrier reef in the world , and here the diving is on another level . Colorful coral reefs, fish of all sizes, rays, turtles, dolphins and if you are lucky (and don't get scared), even nurse sharks and hammerhead sharks.
The best thing is that, since it is so close, you can get there in just a few minutes with any boat and there are different places to dive , from coral gardens to mangrove ecosystems. Keep in mind that since it is a somewhat isolated place, there are not so many operators and prices can be higher than in other areas of Mexico. We recommend you take a look and book your diving trip in Xcalak here .
What if you don't dive? The alternative is snorkeling , an experience that will also allow you to marvel at this underwater spectacle. There are more than 800 species of plants and animals in the waters of Xcalak: a biodiversity madness! Check out the information and prices for the Xcalak snorkeling tour here .
2. Xcalak Reefs National Park: mangroves, manatees and lots of life
To protect this environment, which has different ecosystems and is so rich in biodiversity, in 2000 the CONANP created the Xcalak Reefs National Park , which occupies both land and marine areas. It is an incredible natural space that very few people know about before planning their trip to Mexico, but which offers a unique and different experience.
You can rent a kayak and explore the nearby areas, or take a boat tour to get lost among the mangroves, cross the Zaragoza Canal (a 1.4 km artificial canal that connects the Caribbean Sea with Chetumal Bay), and dive among the corals with your snorkel mask. There is something almost mystical about traveling through these places in silence and listening only to the sounds of nature. It was one of the experiences that we personally enjoyed the most on the entire trip through Mexico, and it wasn't even complete.
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And in this whole space live many species of plants and animals that seem from another world: from exotic birds to enormous crocodiles or the famous manatees , those gigantic and peaceful “sea cows”. Did you know that they can measure up to 6 meters and weigh up to 600 kg? We were not lucky enough to come across any, but we saw many fish and even spotted a crocodile in the distance.
3. Enjoy a cabin facing the sea
One of the main reasons that brought us to Xcalak was to spend 2 nights at the Sol y Arena eco-resort , a small paradise on the beach with well-kept wooden cabins, decorated with a rustic touch and, at the same time, very cozy. They also have a restaurant (the pizza is delicious!), two small pools, a private beach and a pier from where we saw a few manta rays playing in the water.
Waking up to the sound of the sea, opening the door and stepping onto the sand in seconds is a luxury that we should all experience sooner or later. They also have kayaks and snorkelling equipment , in case you want to reach the coral reefs or simply sail at your leisure through the Caribbean Sea.
Something to keep in mind is that the beaches in this part of the country are not the best , as in the first few meters the water is a bit cloudy, especially due to the plants and natural elements of the soil, but not dirty. But after this stretch, a crystal-clear Caribbean Sea opens up before you , with clear, turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Something we loved was that the resort is completely self-sufficient , the electricity for the entire complex is provided by a solar energy system and the water is collected from rain and wells and is filtered. If you like the idea of responsible and sustainable tourism , this place is perfect and we guarantee that you will be very comfortable.
→ Here you can book your stay at the Sol y Arena de Xcalak resort .
If you can't find any available accommodations or it doesn't suit you, there are other accommodations of this type along the entire coastline, accessible from the town of Xcalak via a bumpy dirt road.
4. Chinchorro Bank
This plan is for those adventurers who want to go one step further. Banco Chinchorro is a coral atoll with an interior lagoon, located about 35 km from the coast, which takes about 2 hours to reach by speedboat. But it offers a priceless reward. It is a marine reserve made up of different ecosystems with unreal blue waters, pristine corals, lots of animal species including birds, fish, turtles, crocodiles and even sharks, and (the best part) sunken shipwrecks!
According to what we were told, this is the best diving spot in the entire Mexican Caribbean and here you can dive among the remains of old ships, some of which have been at the bottom of the sea for centuries. Although what caught our attention the most was seeing that there is a colony of crocodiles living here! In fact, there are tours that offer snorkelling among them.
You'll find these reptiles sunbathing or floating calmly in the water, as if they were part of a "jungle" welcome to Banco Chinchorro. Apparently these American crocodiles have made the lagoons and mangroves of the atoll their home, and as long as you don't get too close, nothing will happen. Or so the tourist brochures say :-p
5. More things to do in Xcalak
Do you have time and energy left to continue exploring this area? Here are a few more things to do in Xcalak:
- It's not something we would do, but Xcalak is one of those world-renowned sport fishing destinations .
- Rent a kayak and sail through the Caribbean waters. At Sol y Arena they lent them to us for free 🙂
- You can also book quad tours or rent one to explore the trails that go into the jungle and other beaches in the area.
- Don't miss the opportunity to also visit Mahahual , which you will have to pass through to get to Xcalak.
- Try El Pez León's ceviche , the best in the area.
Tips for traveling to Xcalak
Finally, we leave you with some useful information so you can plan your trip to Xcalak in the best way possible:
✓ How to get to Xcalak
Xcalak is located at the end of the Costa Maya, 61 km from Mahahual , and is accessible by a road that runs through the dense jungle with a road in good condition. There are some stretches where the vegetation invades the road and there is hardly room for two cars, but there is nothing to worry about. It takes about 45 minutes.
Be careful along the entire route, though, as it is not unusual to come across wild animals such as monkeys, reptiles and even a small feline. We saw several coatis and a very handsome grey fox.
If you don't have your own transportation, there are a couple of bus companies that offer routes to Xcalak from Mahahual and Chetumal, where the nearest airport is located: Caribe and ADO . The price is around 200 pesos. If you prefer to take a taxi, expect around 1,800 MXN from Chetumal.
⭐ Here are some tips for driving safely in Mexico .
✓ Accommodation in Xcalak
As you know, we stayed two nights at the Sol y Arena Xclaka eco-resort and we can only recommend it. The owner, Carlos, treated us like a 10 and we loved the cabins.
✓ Restaurants in Xcalak
The Sol y Arena hotel itself has a small restaurant called Sunrise that offers simple dishes that will satisfy your hunger without any problem. They also have a selection of drinks, in case you feel like ending the night on a high note. If you prefer to go to the town, the restaurant that was recommended to us was El Pez León , which specializes in fish and ceviche.
✓ Other recommendations
- Bring mosquito repellent with you : at dawn and especially at dusk, mosquitoes come out thinking “let’s go to dinner, tourists.”
- Be a responsible tourist : remember that you are in one of the most pristine places in the Riviera Maya, do not touch the corals, take your trash with you and follow the guides' recommendations.
- And in relation to this, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Being in a fairly remote (but not isolated) place, you may encounter limitations that you wouldn't have in other urban centers, so live with them and be happy.
- At the resort we were able to pay by card , but it is worth bringing cash as there are no ATMs in the town today.
After exploring this lost corner of Mexico, we can tell you that Xcalak is not for everyone, but what a wonder for those who dare to come! This is the Caribbean in its purest state : without rushing, without noise and with a peace that is almost not found in the rest of the Riviera Maya.
So if you are looking for something different, where all you need are a pair of snorkeling goggles, a pair of flip-flops, a good book and a desire to experience the authentic Caribbean, Xcalak is a great choice. Do you know of more things to see and do in Xcalak ?
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