{"id":8517,"date":"2016-08-14T11:22:25","date_gmt":"2016-08-14T15:22:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/?p=8517"},"modified":"2018-06-07T17:57:04","modified_gmt":"2018-06-07T21:57:04","slug":"xcacel-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/xcacel-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"Xcacel Beach: Sea Turtle Sanctuary & Cenote"},"content":{"rendered":"

Xcacel beach is located about 40 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.<\/p>\n

This stunning turtle sanctuary is also home to an amazing cenote. See why we love it so much!<\/p>\n

You’ve seen the pictures. There’s no doubt about it.<\/p>\n

Playa del Carmen beaches<\/strong><\/a> are incredible.<\/p>\n

\"People<\/p>\n

Amazing, right?<\/p>\n

Well, yes. But there’s more where that came from.<\/p>\n

See, the entire western seashore of the Yucatan Peninsula<\/strong> is graced by the beauty of the Caribbean Sea<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It’s blue and breathtaking\u00a0to behold.<\/p>\n

But there’s one place in particular, a somewhat hidden gem, that we always love to visit.<\/p>\n

The name? Xcacel<\/strong> (pronounced ISH-kah-cell).<\/p>\n

Xcacel Beach<\/h2>\n

\"Xcacel<\/p>\n

But it’s not just the beauty of the beach that has us enamored with Xcacel. Yes, it’s the epitome of tropical eye candy. To be honest, however, so are most beaches around here.<\/p>\n

What makes Xcacel beach<\/strong> so special is the fact that it is both a sea turtle sanctuary and has a beautiful cenote just steps away from the beach. More on that later.<\/p>\n

First, the turtles.<\/p>\n

Xcacel Turtle Sanctuary<\/h2>\n
\"Xcacel

Photo credit: http:\/\/christmashappynewyears.download\/map\/of\/map-of-yucatan-cenotes<\/p><\/div>\n

Each year, from April to October, hundreds of green sea turtles<\/strong><\/a> (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead<\/strong>\u00a0turtles<\/strong><\/a> (Caretta caretta) make their seaward journey to nest along the Xcacel beach.<\/p>\n

The local association in charge of protecting the species, Flora, Fauna & Culture<\/strong><\/a>, cordon off the area to ensure that no one steps over the buried sea turtle nests<\/strong>. Biologists will patrol the beach, ensuring the safety of any sea turtle that beaches to deposit her eggs.<\/p>\n

Once their time comes to hatch, hundreds of baby sea turtles<\/strong> will crawl out of their nests under moonlit skies as they make their way to the Caribbean Sea.<\/p>\n

\"Xcacel

Photo credit: Flora, Fauna & Culture<\/p><\/div>\n

Luckily for us, it’s possible to be present during this beautiful act of nature.<\/p>\n

Is that something you’d like to do?<\/p>\n

Did you know you can be a volunteer for a day and experience first-hand this amazing cycle of life?<\/p>\n

See the section below on volunteering.<\/p>\n

Xcacelito Cenote: A Hidden Gem<\/h2>\n

\"People<\/p>\n

Steps away from this beautiful beach lies yet another treat: Cenote Xcacelito<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It’s not so common nowadays to find a jungle so close to the sea.<\/p>\n

At Xcacel you still can.<\/p>\n

\"Xcacel<\/p>\n

A winding path snakes through the jungle and up away from the shoreline, taking you to your final destination: a small but incredible freshwater sinkhole<\/strong>, a.k.a. cenote.<\/p>\n

Immersed in the tropical foliage, the Xcacelito<\/strong> cenote is a wonderfully refreshing escape from the Caribbean heat.<\/p>\n

We’re pretty sure that the combination of cool, crystalline water and verdant tropical settings will keep you here for a while.<\/p>\n

5 Xcacel Tips<\/h2>\n

\"Xcacel<\/p>\n

Here are a few things you should know about Xcacel to make your trip there more enjoyable and environmentally-friendly:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Only use biodegradable sunscreen and apply it at least one hour before getting in the water. After all, you don’t want pregnant sea turtles to be drinking up all the chemicals from your lotion.<\/li>\n
  • Bring a towel and a change of clothes, because this protected beach has both restrooms and showers.<\/li>\n
  • Take along at least 20 pesos per person for the entrance fee. The money goes directly to the association encharged with the protection of the sea turtles.<\/li>\n
  • Alongside a camera, make sure to also bring something to drink and some snacks.<\/li>\n
  • Don’t leave any trash behind you by taking out what you brought in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    How to Get to Xcacel<\/h2>\n