Inclusive Cancun: New Beaches Suited for Everyone

Quintana Roo’s beauty lies in its crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. Unfortunately, for anyone who has any mobility restriction, enjoying the beach may seem more stressful than relaxing. For years, getting handicap access to beaches has been the state’s request, and while some beaches have started adapting, Cancun has finally come through. Although authorities began efforts in November of 2017, they are finally promoting the handicap access.

Handicap access finally installed in cancun beaches

Beach wheelchair

Eduardo Martinez Salgado, director of the Rehabilitation and Inclusion Center of Cancun, announced that four beaches in Cancun are now accessible to people with disabilities or mobility restriction. But, what exactly does handicap access in a beach mean?

The beaches are accessible by ramps now. They also feature attention centers for any inquiries or to offer help to anyone who may need it. Moreover, authorities adapted the lounge chairs, bathrooms and showers. They are now suitable for anyone who may not be able to move freely without a wheelchair. The best part, however, is that they offer amphibious wheelchairs for everyone to enjoy actually being in the water. The city elected these four particular beaches due to its low tide and calm waves. This allows for the amphibious wheelchairs to enter the water smoothly, granting handicap access into the ocean.

quintana roo leading changes in infrastructure

Akumal Bay

Given the increasing amount of tourism to the area, having beaches with handicap access is perhaps one of the smartest authorizations the Quintana Roo government has issued. Playa del Carmen was the first city in the region to have a beach to accommodate people with disabilities. In Akumal, locals made efforts to introduce handicap-friendly snorkeling water bikes. They aimed to help those with disabilities see the wonders of the underwater world, although they were later removed. Today, Cancun has four inclusive beaches, including Playa Delfines, Chaacmool, Las Perlas and Playa Langosta.

This is great news for Quintana Roo’s tourism, as it goes hand in hand with other great things they’re doing. Just recently, Senator Jose Luis Pech Varguez announced the approval of a Cancun – Palenque fast train that will connect the whole south eastern peninsula of Mexico. The Riviera Maya has also recently been chosen as the pet-friendly destination for 2018 with many hotels, restaurants, bars and even beaches adapting to receive tourists with their furry friends. Lastly, private investment is overlooking the installation of electric car stations along the highway that goes from Cancun to Tulum in an effort to promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives to transport.

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Xcalacoco Beach

Beach #5 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Xcalacoco Beach

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are the most popular destinations in Mexico, with more than 2 million tourists every year. There are so many things to do in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean, from adventure to relaxation, tasty Mexican food, colorful fiestas and gorgeous beaches.

Even with the growing popularity of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, there are many secluded beaches waiting for adventurous souls to find them. If you want to escape the crowds and the noise of the popular beaches, traveling a little bit further will reward you with a paradisiac beach.

Xcalacoco Beach: General Information

If you want to enjoy this beautiful paradise, the access is free! So, bring your towel, sunscreen and favorite beverage. If you’d rather have a comfortable chair and cold drinks being served to you, there are also some beach clubs in the area.

Related: Xcalacoco Beach – A Quiet Paradise Just North of Town

The beaches have powdery white sand and beautiful turquoise to azure colored water, there are also some rocks that make the coast so much more interesting. If you are into relaxation, please try one of the message stands on the beach, it is an incredible experience.

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Xcalacoco Beach: Getting There

Driving: From the Federal Highway look for the traffic light with the Coca Cola sign, and turn right (east) driving towards the beach or follow the signs for Petit Lafitte.

Keep in mind that there is not a parking lot, if you are going to the public beach in your car you might have to park on the road or pay one of the beach bars to park there. Some places will let you park for free if you eat there, always ask!

Xcalacoco Beach: Things To Do

  • Xcalacoco Beach has a rocky shore and is an ideal place to snorkel.
  • If you love water sports, you can go paddle boarding, kayaking or even sailboarding.
  • Having a massage on the beach is a heavenly experience
  • Just relax and enjoy the beautiful view.

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Xcalacoco Beach: Recommendations

  • There are areas on the beach that have rocks, so bringing a pair of water shoes is a good idea.
  • There are no public restrooms in the area, plan accordingly.
  • You won’t find trash cans at Xcalacoco beach; bring your own bags to put trash in.
  • Do not forget to bring your biodegradable suntan lotion and insect repellent, harsh chemicals harm the coral reef and the local fauna.

Xcalacoco is one of our favorite beaches in the Riviera Maya, enjoy this beautiful place and let us know about your experience at Xcalacoco Beach. If you are interested in purchasing a beachfront property on Xcalacoco Beach there are several breathtaking options like The Fives a gorgeous condo-hotel.

We hope you enjoy Xcalacoco Beach. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday and watch all of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya Videos! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out all the options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

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Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Grand Coral Beach

Beach #8 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Grand Coral Beach

Every year, millions of tourists choose the Riviera Maya for their holiday, making it the second most popular destination in Quintana Roo; just behind Cancun by a few thousand visitors. From January thru June of 2014, Quintana Roo received more than 5 million visitors and almost half of those were visiting the Riviera Maya.

If you live in Playa del Carmen or are visiting the Area, there are plenty of beautiful beaches for you to enjoy: from the traditional Mamita´s Beach, to Coco Beach or Shangri-La, there is a beach for everyone.  However, if you are feeling adventurous and want to go somewhere new, with all the luxury and comfort of a 5 Star Hotel; Gran Coral Beach might be an excellent option for you.

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Grand Coral Beach: General Information

Grand Coral Riviera is a complete neighborhood that offers its visitors a luxurious hotel, as well as modern condos for sale with beautiful beachfront and golf course views. The complex was designed in a way that every property has access to the 18 hole golf course designed by Nick Price, as well as to the Beach Club and the Club House.

Even if you are not a guest in the hotel or the owner of one of their magnificent residences, you can still access their beautiful private beach. Grand Coral allows guest to visit their beach club, there is easy access and parking right next to the beach club.

These are some of the amenities you will find in the Grand Coral Playa del Carmen Beach Club:

  • Pool
  • Bathrooms
  • Beach chairs
  • Cabanas
  • Towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Snack Bar

Grand Coral Beach: Getting There
Grand Coral
Carretera Federal 307 km 294, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

Getting to the Grand Coral beach is easy, from Playa del Carmen you can:

Driving a Car: If you are coming from Playa del Carmen you will need to get on the federal highway 307 northbound heading towards Cancun. There are plenty of signs and you will see it on your right as a massive entrance. Once you get to the security post, tell them you are going to the beach club, they will take your plates details and ask for an ID, then let you through.

Taking a Van/Taxi:  Any taxi can take you to Grand Coral, ask a few different drivers to find the best price.

Public Transportation: Colectivos/buses are a great way to get around. You will find them driving all along the Federal Road 307 just ask if they go to your destination and hop in.  Keep in mind that the beach is about half a mile into the Grand Coral Complex, so if you are not a fan of walking a cab might be a better choice.

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Grand Coral Beach: Things To Do

  • Sunbathing and relaxing is always a do!
  • Snorkeling is a good option; just remember to bring your own gear.
  • Enjoy a nice meal or a cold beverage at the Beach Club restaurant!
  • Take a dip in the swimming pool or ocean. 

Grand Coral Beach: Recommendations

  • Do not forget to bring your biodegradable suntan lotion and insect repellent, as harsh chemicals harm the coral reef and the local fauna.
  • Remember this is a beach club, if you wish to use the premises you will need to buy a drink or some food.

Grand Coral beach offers its visitors exclusive access to their 5 star beach club and amenities, if you want to enjoy a day of luxury and relaxation this might be a good choice for you.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Grand Coral Beach Club and the beautiful beach. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

If you loved Grand Coral and are interested in purchasing a vacation home or retirement home Grand Coral has several real estate options from beachfront luxury condos to beautiful homes, please feel free to contact any of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your dream home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We make it happen!