Costa Maya, Xcalak and Mahahual (Majahual) Visitors pages - Xcalak town
The
village of Xcalak is small and tranquil. There are about 400 inhabitants.
Life in Xcalak is relaxed, most people live from fishing. Infrastructure
development is slowly bringing Xcalak to the 21st century standard
of living. However due to environmental laws the area is protected
against large scale tourism.
Developments like the local clinic and library increase the standard
of living for the native population.
In
the last decade several small restaurants and hotels have
settled in town and along the coast. These places have a familiar atmosphere
and serve nice dishes. Visitors from all over the world come to Xcalak
to enjoy the remoteness, diving and
the small
hotels with their personal and warm approach. In Xcalak there is
one camp ground called Maya
Village. It has an outdoor bar and many of the visitors and inhabitants
share their Friday night in the warm evening breeze on the beach.
Xcalak is well know for it's pristine environment. Along the coast as
well as on Banco
Chinchorro there are excellent opportunities for diving. Kayaking,
biking and snorkeling are all activities that give great fun in this
area.
The river Boca Bacalar Chico run from the Caribbean sea to the Bay of
Chetumal. It has many side rivers and is mainly surrounded by mangrove.
The area on the inside of the Chetumal bay is particularly suitable for
fishing.
The
Bay of Chetumal is surrounded by a pristine natural area. It has a Manatee
Marine park. Bahia de Chetumal has been proposed as one of the most important
mating and calving areas of western Caribbean.
A new dock has been constructed on the Chetumal Bay side. In the future a ferry
will be running from Xcalak to Chetumal.
Xcalak
is and will be playing a more dominant role in sea sports. It is the
entry port for ships arriving from and going to Belize. A new yacht harbor
has been planned in the new channel called Canal de Zaragoza. The canal
will also allow the easy entry by boats to Chetumal and the Bay of Chetumal.
It is very easy to get a boat from Xcalak to San Pedro. The trip will
take about 1 1/2 hour. This is a popular option for backpackers who
have planned Belize and Mexico in their trip.
The visitors section features a message
board were you can enter your questions or experiences concerning
the Costa Maya and in particular Xcalak.