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Up until my most recent trip to Mexico, I had always gone to Xel-Ha’s sister Xcaret. Don’t get me wrong, it’s lots of fun, but Sam and I decided to mix it up a little this trip. We were immediately attracted to Xel-Ha because there were so many activities to do. We had spent the first couple days of our stay relaxing on the beach- it was nice but we were getting a little anxious for a little activity.
What is Xel-Ha?
Xel-Ha is an absolutely beautiful natural aquarium and ecological site. It’s located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo about 100 km South of Cancun. It is easily accessible from the majority of the resorts in the area making it the perfect day trip. You can even choose to add transportation from your resort when you buy your ticket making it even easier.
Xel-Ha has many attractions to offer including snorkeling, water slides, zip lines and tubing in natural rivers. They also have multiple restaurants and bars for you to enjoy. The best part about all of this is that Xel-Ha is all inclusive. Just buy your admission ticket and you’re done!
How do I get tickets?
I highly recommend purchasing your Xel-Ha tickets prior to your vacation. By clicking here (or any of the links in this post) you can get 15% off of your Xel-Ha tickets! How much are tickets you might ask? As of now with the 15% off:
- Adults: $89.99
- Children: $44.99
- Add transportation for $27.00 pp (you will be discounted for multiple ticket purchases)
- Add PhotoPass for the whole family for $74.99
Keep in mind these ticket prices are all inclusive. This means that all of your activities, food and drinks for the entire day (!!!) are included in the one time cost. Personally, I found it completely worth it for an entire day of fun.
Xel-Ha also offers different packages which include optional activities (speed boat, Sea Trek) and tours (Tulum, Xcaret, Xplor). If you plan on doing more than just Xel-Ha, it would definitely be worth checking these out.
What Services Are Provided?
Xel-Ha provides everything you need to have a great day at the park. The following are included in your park ticket:
- Wheelchair access throughout the park (wheelchair rental is an extra cost)
- Wifi
- Lockers
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Towels
- Snorkel Equipment
- Life Jackets
- ATMs
What Attractions Are Included?
River Tour Xel-Ha
My personal favorite attraction, hop into your inner tube and let the natural waterways carry you through what is essentially a giant, natural lazy river. Other attractions (see below) are located along your journey so you can definitely have some adventure mixed in with your relaxation.
Snorkeling
Since Xel-Ha is one giant waterway, you can essentially snorkel anywhere in the park you want. Rent your equipment at one of the stations and enjoy viewing the wide variety of marine life in the perfectly clear water.
Cliff of Courage
Located along the River, the Cliff of Courage allows guests to drop 5 meters into the water below. I'm terrified of heights so I didn't do this but everyone jumping looked like they were having a blast.
Trepachanga
Trepachanga is a rope course along the River consisting of two ropes that you need to balance on to safely cross the water.
Zip Lines
There are six zip lines located along the River. Each allows you to end your flight in the cool River water. These were tons of fun- Sam and I went on each one several times. When you're zipping you have the option of either dangling from the overhead bar or sitting in the hammock seat. Kids will absolutely love this activity and I saw tons of children of all ages having the time of their lives on these things.
Chuck Kay Flight
Chuck Kay Flight is a rope swing that lands you in the River.
Scenic Lighthouse with Waterslide
Climb to the top of the lighthouse for an amazing view of Xel-Ha and all the surrounding areas. Get back to the ground by jumping on one of the two waterslides that wrap around the lighthouse. The slides are almost 100 ft high and offer both a "slow" and "fast" option. I chose the slower slide and I still thought it was really fast. I was scared, not gunna lie. Sam did the faster slide- he claims the slide itself was reasonably fast until the end where it sped up so much that he was completely disoriented when he landed in the water. Full disclosure, I'm not a huge waterslide girl so you might jump on this thing and think I'm crazy. Either way, it was a lot of fun and I definitely suggest checking it out.
- Minimum height: 3.5 ft
- Maximum weight: 275 pounds
Xel-Ha Inlet
The Inlet at Xel-Ha is a natural cove, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Children's World
Just like it sounds- an area especially for the children complete with playground, wading pool, water slide and rope climb.
Cenotes
Located on the edge of the park are two cenotes (fresh water reservoirs). These are protected areas and swimming is not allowed. They're still pretty to look at, though!
Bike Ride
Instead of walking your way to the start of the River, hop on a bike instead. The Xel-Ha bike trail is pretty easy and should only take you about 10 minutes to get to the end.
Kite Flying
Every day from 3:30-4:30 you can enjoy kite flying at the Lighthouse.
Hammocks
Ok, so hammocks aren't really an activity I suppose. However, I loved them so much I had to make sure you knew they existed. The hammock area is everything you ever wanted. Think white sand, palm trees, the sound of waves. Trust me, don't miss taking your afternoon break here.
What is there to eat and drink?
There are 4 restaurants and 4 bars located throughout Xel-Ha park. As I've mentioned about a million times, your ticket is all inclusive. Eat and drink as much as you want. For those worried about eating and drinking off your resort property, in general it safe to eat and drink at Xel-Ha. Since this is a tourist attraction, they take care to make sure everyone has a great time and keeps coming back. I have personally never had a problem eating at any of the Xcaret parks.
The Xula Vista Restaurant is the only restaurant on the property where you can eat breakfast. This is served from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. All 4 of the restaurants serve lunch from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. Each of the restaurants is set up as a buffet so there should be something for everyone. Each restaurant has a specialty: Caribbean, Mexican, snacks/fast food and grilled meat. Four bars are also available- and yes!- alcohol is included with your ticket.
Optional Activities
While everything you need for Xel Ha is included, there are a few add ons that your can purchase to further enhance your trip. I have personally never purchased any of the extras but if there's anything you can't miss, go for it! All tours can be booked on the Xel Ha website, and it's definitely a lot cheaper if you book ahead of time!
Swim with Dolphins
Just as it sounds- swim and interact with dolphins in a 60 or 45 minute experience.
Sea Trek
While wearing a diving helmet, spend 25 minutes walking on the bottom of the ocean surrounded by tropical fish.
Snuba Caleta and Cenote
Swim under the water in the ocean or a cenote while using a scuba regulator so you don't need to come up for air!
Manatee Encounter
Snorkel with manatees in a 40 minute experience.
Stingray Encounter
Snorkel with stingrays in a 30 minute experience.
Spa at Xel Ha
Book a variety of spa treatments surrounded by the beauty of Xel Ha.
Zip-Bike Xel Ha
Experience a combination of bicycling and ziplining in a 30 minute experience.
Adrenalina Xel-Há
Experience twists and turns in a large speedboat adventure. This is a 30 minute experience.
What to Bring
- Money (if you're still deciding on an optional activity)
- Water shoes- we didn't bring water shoes and I regret it. The concrete paths are both hard on your feet and can get slippery. I personally like these.
- Biodegradable sunscreen- since Xel Ha is first and foremost an ecological park, you need sunblock that breaks down and doesn't harm the wildlife or coral. We didn't bring this and we spent a ton of money buying it in the park. You can find it here on Amazon and save some money.
- Underwater camera or waterproof phone case- I feel like I barely have any pictures of Xel Ha because I had no way to take pictures!
For us, Xel Ha was an awesome experience not to be missed. Am I missing anything? Let me know in the comments below!
