Quintana Roo, Mexico

Playa Xcalacoco

Playa Xcalacoco is a serene beach in Playa del Carmen, located in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico. This beach is known for its tranquility and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the sea throughout the day.

The beach is characterized by some rocky areas along its coast, but these can be easily navigated to access the swimming area. There is also a wave breaker barrier installed by the nearby luxury hotels, which allows visitors to swim peacefully in the clear waters.

A distinctive feature of Playa Xcalacoco is that it has been recognized as a Blue Flag beach, an international quality standard that signifies its adherence to high environmental and safety standards. Interestingly, the name "Xcalacoco" means "twin coconuts" in Mayan, reflecting the tropical ambiance of the area.

Playa Xcalacoco is divided into two sections. One side of the beach is frequented by locals, where several beach clubs provide food and parking options. The other side houses luxury hotels, which have installed piers for a privileged view of the Caribbean Sea.

The beach is publicly accessible and free of charge, providing a range of amenities for visitors. These include public restrooms, showers, changing facilities, and lifeguards on patrol for the safety of the visitors. However, it's worth noting that these facilities are sometimes reported to be non-functional.

Despite its secluded location, Playa Xcalacoco is not difficult to reach. It can be accessed via a narrow one-lane road. However, the parking situation can be a bit challenging, given the popularity of the beach.

Compared to other beaches in the region, Playa Xcalacoco is less crowded, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat. It also has a low presence of sargassum, a type of seaweed, according to the Citizen Sargassum Observatory, making it a more pleasant environment for swimming and sunbathing.

Discover accommodation options near Playa Xcalacoco and unwind by the tranquil, Blue Flag waters of this serene Mexican beach.

In addition to its natural allure, Playa Xcalacoco also offers luxurious accommodation options, complete with a range of amenities and an all-service spa, making it an attractive destination for both relaxation and recreation.

What to do at Playa Xcalacoco?

Amenities

Playa Xcalacoco amenities include toilet and shower.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Playa Xcalacoco include Coral Restaurant & Bar by Viceroy, Sea Olive Restaurant, Chill Out Restaurant BeachClub - Hotel Princess, Arezzo, La Marea Restaurant by Viceroy, Palapas Resturant, Luna Grill and Restaurant Bistro.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the relaxing and less crowded nature of the beach, with some appreciating the peaceful swimming areas and the presence of lifeguards. The beach's location, away from the hustle and bustle, and the availability of beach clubs are also mentioned positively. However, complaints are made about the rocky terrain, poor parking facilities, and the often non-functional showers and bathrooms.

Where to Stay near Playa Xcalacoco?

Visitors to Playa Xcalacoco often choose to stay in the luxury hotels that are directly adjacent to the beach, providing easy access to the serene and tranquil environment it offers. Many also explore the nearby town of Playa del Carmen for a broader range of dining and entertainment options, while still enjoying the peaceful retreat of Playa Xcalacoco.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Playa Xcalacoco?

Latitude: 20.6622996 / Longitude: -87.0322186

Playa Xcalacoco is located in Quintana Roo. The following map of Playa Xcalacoco shows the exact location.

Playa Xcalacoco: Weather Today

📅 Monday, September 7, 2026
Today is an unreliable day for the beach, so you should probably make alternative plans. While the air temperature will climb to 33.1 °C and the water is a very warm 30.4 °C, the overall outlook is poor due to active thunderstorm activity throughout the day. You should stay clear of the shore as storms are likely to develop, bringing rain and brisk, unpredictable winds that could make the beach uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. If you do find yourself outdoors, please be aware that the UV Index is 8.65, so strong sun protection is essential despite the cloud cover. Because of the incoming storm activity and the risk of lightning, it is best to avoid the sand and water entirely until the weather settles.
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Air

Low / High24.7°C/33.1°C
Feels Like (High)39.4°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature30.4 °C
Wave Height0.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance75%
Rainfall3.1 mm
Rain Duration7 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:33/18:58
Sunshine Hours11.0 hrs
UV Index8.65
Cloud Cover62%
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Wind

Speed19.1 km/h
Gusts44.3 km/h
DirectionE

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