Finally doing trip to Xcalak

[lthomas132]

We've been planning on doing the trip from Cancun to Xcalak after 2 years. I would like to hear from someone that has done the drive, best place to stay along the way, & what to expect once there. Planning at this point at staying with Costa de Cocos Costa de Cocos Resort - Xcalak, Mexico - Beauty and Tranquility at the End of the Road Less Traveled & diving with XTC XTC DIVE CENTER | Scuba diving, Snorkelling, Fishing and Excursions in Xcalak, Costa Maya Mexico. Would like to get out to Banco Chinchorro if weather allows but will be satisfied either way. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Augustus]

You should be able to do the drive from Cancun in 4-5 hours stopping for lunch and gas along the way. Roads are fine. After Tulum its a two lane but not much traffic. There is a gas station outside of Mahajual. In Ixcalak there now is an ice plant. Costa de Cocos is great. Try David's home brewed beer Tarpon Tales. Not sure if the dive shop is running again at Costa de Cocos but there is another shop down the road.

 

[lthomas132]

You should be able to do the drive from Cancun in 4-5 hours stopping for lunch and gas along the way. Roads are fine. After Tulum its a two lane but not much traffic. There is a gas station outside of Mahajual. In Ixcalak there now is an ice plant. Costa de Cocos is great. Try David's home brewed beer Tarpon Tales. Not sure if the dive shop is running again at Costa de Cocos but there is another shop down the road.

Our flight doesn't get to Cancun till 2-3 PM, so we thought we'd overnight somewhere along the way & Tulum sounded about right. I was planning on diving with XTC dive shop down from CDC. I'll definitely try some of his home brew! Thanks

 

[mikeycanuk]

Good tip on overnighting. We landed around noon but with traffic due to a boulder that fell of a dump truck (damm topes!) we got to our rental in Mahahuhal just before it started to get dark! Chinchorro was awesome. We weren't diving then but did some snorkelling and visited the atoll. It's a wild place were the ground looks like it's moving due to all the crabs. Watch for the king lizard, he doesn't move, you go around HIM. He's about 6'-7' long including tail. Your guide might take a oar and splash a little to get the salties to come take a look. Our only regret was we didn't take our camera in the rush to get out.

Have fun!

And don't forget the DEET. The deer flies are horrendous.

 

[lthomas132]

Good tip on overnighting. We landed around noon but with traffic due to a boulder that fell of a dump truck (damm topes!) we got to our rental in Mahahuhal just before it started to get dark! Chinchorro was awesome. We weren't diving then but did some snorkelling and visited the atoll. It's a wild place were the ground looks like it's moving due to all the crabs. Watch for the king lizard, he doesn't move, you go around HIM. He's about 6'-7' long including tail. Your guide might take a oar and splash a little to get the salties to come take a look. Our only regret was we didn't take our camera in the rush to get out.

Have fun!

And don't forget the DEET. The deer flies are horrendous.

Thanks for the tips. Hope we get the chance to dive Chinchirro! Lots of DEET, got it. Thanks

 

[mikeycanuk]

If you are interested in the area, this is a good newsletter

Costa Maya Newsletter, Mahahual, Placer, Xcalak Uvero- 5-2014

 

[lthomas132]

Booked for 10 days the end of May. Overnighting in Tulum at a small hotel, Maison Tulum, that's just off the highway going through Tulum & close to a super for groceries the next morning. Rented a 2 bedroom upstairs condo 9 km down the beach from Xcalak for $758/8 nights, TTL. Totally off the grid, solar power, rain water, etc. It does have a caretaker living behind the house. Put my name on a list with XTC Dive to dive Banco Chinchorro whenever the weather allows, otherwise I'll be diving the local reef. Gonna be really cool!

 

[mikeycanuk]

Have fun, it's a wild and woolly area! And we never stayed as far south as you. At night there can be mass migrations of crabs depending on where you are. Crazy bats at night, take a flashlight out at night and point it at the sky. There are also reports of panthers but you probably wouldn't see one if it was right in front of you.

Bug spray

LOTS of bug spray. Everything bites, even the ants.

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

Look forward to hearing how your trip goes.

Safe travels.

PH

 

[lthomas132]

Look forward to hearing how your trip goes.

Safe travels.

PH

Will do. Thanks