Xcalak Mexico - Vacation rentals, tours, hotels and area information, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Way down South
Xcalak in southern Quintana Roo is part of what is known as "La Costa Maya", a rustic but beautiful part of the Mexican Caribbean. Xcalak is the most southern town in the state of Quintana Roo, just 7 miles by water from the Central American country of Belize. Xcalak has the look and feel of Mexico and Belize all rolled into one; so close to Belize that English is spoken fluently by many, but Spanish is still the predominant language. This is a great place for those who are seeking the remote, less refined areas of the Caribbean Coast, with all its natural beauty above and below the waterline.
Excellent Fishing
Xcalak is one of the top saltwater fly fishing~ flats fishing and bonefishing areas in the world, and a less traveled but much revered scuba diving destination as well. Scuba divers and snorkelers can enjoy diving on part of the world's second longest barrier reef, and when conditions are good, even take a boat ride to the Chinchorro Bank (a large coral atoll that lies offshore with a virtual graveyard of shipwrecks that have sunk over the centuries). The mangrove waterways of Bacalar Chico, just south of Xcalak between Mexico and Belize, are home to many varieties of birds and fish. Bird Island is a popular destination for bird watchers visiting this area, and anglers will seldom see any competion from others for coveted fish like permit, tarpon and bonefish.
Unplugged and chilled out
You will be hard pressed to find telephones, a newspaper from the US, gift shops or dancing in Xcalak. There is however an airport with a runway long enough for lear jets and small planes. Driving is the preferered method of transportation but fill up first before the long haul down here! Gas is available on a good day but there are no gas stations, and don't be suprised if the locals check you out as you pass. There just aren't that many tourists around. People here are laid back, friendly and happy to see new faces. Sitting around trading stories over a cold one is a popular pastime, and you can hear some interesting stories of the day-to-day lives of both gringos and Mexicans.
Cool spots & Getting out there
Having said that, there are some comfortable places along the coastline to hang your hat and stage your adventures from. Below are links to a couple places that are known to provide comfortable lodging and offer adventures to the area's points of interest. Xcalak is a marvelous natural area, and to really enjoy it you have to get out on the Caribbean and do something. If you're not a fisherman, snorkeler or scuba diver, you might want to try a little kayaking.
