A natural wonder where more than 400 species of flora and fauna coexist, both aquatic and terrestrial; an amusement park with different attractions for the whole family and extraordinary tours through the heart of the jungle. Welcome to Xel-Há!
Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, this ecological and amusement park is the perfect place for you to enjoy a day full of activities and complete contact with nature. It’s not a coincidence that Xel-Há is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the entire Mexican Caribbean. This “all-inclusive” park combines fun activities, from snorkeling to zip lines, with programs to learn about its ecosystem and enjoy it sustainably. In addition, it has several buffet-style restaurants and different bars, all of which are included in your admission. In short: all kinds of options end up making this beautiful place a true paradise for the whole family.
Where water is born
In the language of the ancient Maya, Xel-Há means “where the water is born.” A peculiar name that refers to the incredible cove in which the park is located. Several underground rivers flow into this beautiful sea inlet, creating a wonderful natural setting of great ecological value. In addition, the ancient Maya used the cove as a maritime port, turning it into an essential point for commercial exchange and communications within the vast territory of this impressive pre-Columbian civilization.
In any case, Xel-Há has become a clear example of a sustainable tourist attraction. The park takes advantage of its natural wonders to offer different activities for the whole family while preserving the area’s invaluable natural and cultural heritage.
Main attractions: fun in nature
The natural wealth of Xel-Há is already attractive enough to visit this park. Still, you can also enjoy a lot of activities that will make you spend a truly unforgettable day:
- Scenic Lighthouse. With its 130 feet high, this tower offers you the best views of the cove, the Caribbean coast, and the jungle that surrounds the park. In addition, you can go down from the lighthouse by any of its 4 incredible waterslides that spiral down to a natural pool at the foot of the tower.
- Snorkel Xel-Há. More than 90 marine species, crystal clear waters, incredible rock formations… If you visit this fantastic water and ecological park you have to snorkel: in the cove, in the Bay of Caprices, in the river… It’s a must. And the equipment rental is included in your ticket!
- Children’s World. A special place for the most important members of the family. Wading pool, games, slides, fun activities… and everything you need for your little ones to enjoy an unforgettable day.
- River Tour Xel-Há. Follow the freshwater stream that emanates from the underground rivers towards the cove, swimming, snorkeling, or just floating on an inflatable tire, surrounded by colorful fish and plants; a unique trip.
- Mayan Cave. Discover this wonderful covered cenote, an ancient sacred place, and immerse yourself in its waters, illuminated by the rays of the sun that penetrate the cave through its natural skylights. You will live an experience of incomparable peace and relaxation.
- Cliff of Courage. Located between the river and the cove, the Cliff Climb challenges you to ascend through its ropes and cracks. If you can do it, the next challenge will be jumping into the water. Show your courage by challenging these rocky heights.
- Up in the air. One of the most sought-after attractions of Xel-Há is its exciting collection of zip lines and aerial circuits over the water. The parallel ropes suspended over the water of Trepachanga, the Salpichanga zip line circuit, and the rope-vine of Chuck Kay’s Flight will make you feel the adrenaline.
- Wonders among the jungle. Follow the trails of Xel-Há and discover the wonders hidden in the jungle. Enjoy the crystalline waters of the “Ixchel” Grotto and “El Dorado” Cave. Contemplate the incredible nature of the area. Discover the remains of an ancient Maya wall and visit fantastic cenotes. Visit a nursery in which a great variety of native plants are grown. All sorts of options, but all of them immersed in the magical charm of the jungle.
Optional activities in Xel-Há
Time will never be enough because, in Xel-Há, there is so much to do, see, and experience. In addition to the attractions already pointed out (all of them included in your park admission), there’re tons of optional activities that you can purchase additionally. Undoubtedly, hours will just fly by!
- Sea Trek Discover®. Walk on the seabed as if you were on the surface with this modern helmet that allows you to breathe underwater.
- Adrenalina Xel-Há. Feel the adrenaline rush of traveling at 55 mi/h and making 360º turns over the waters of the Caribbean aboard a speedboat; 100% excitement.
- Snuba® Cenote. Explore the interior of a 23 feet deep cenote in this innovative activity that combines diving and snorkeling. A unique Xel-Há attraction!
- Power Xnorkel. Motorized snorkeling! Explore the underwater world of the cove of Xel-Há propelled by a small state-of-the-art personal jet.
- Zip-Bike. Dare to ride a bike… over the jungle! Enjoy the incredible landscape of Xel-Há with this fun combination of zip line and bike.
Besides these (and other) optional activities, Xel-Há also allows you to interact with some of the most emblematic marine species in the Caribbean. Go swimming with manatees, dolphins, or rays and discover everything about these magnificent animals. Or visit the Sanctuary of the Pink Snail and get to know this incredible endangered species and the preservation program created for its protection.
How about a short break between so many thrills? You can rest peacefully in the hammock area or have a drink in any of the bars and restaurants. Better yet, pamper yourself with the natural treatments and ancient relaxation techniques offered by the Xel-Há Spa. Recharge your batteries and keep exploring this natural wonder.
The basics: enjoy an unforgettable day
Located about 30 miles south of Playa del Carmen, Xel-Há is easily accessible. You can drive there or purchase the Xel-Há Tour (provided by the park itself) with transportation included. But, of course, your best option is to get in touch with the folks at Vacaciones Barcelo and enjoy all the benefits they offer.
As in most amusement parks of the Riviera Maya, the admission cost depends on the package you choose. You have, for example, the Xel-Há All-Inclusive package or the Xel-Há + Xcaret combined ticket, among other options. And usually, children and toddlers pay way less than the regular adult rate. Once again, check all the details with Vacaciones Barcelo; they will be more than glad to help you out with everything you need.
This fun amusement park, and beautiful natural paradise, opens Tuesday through Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It may also open some Mondays, depending on the season and if it’s a local holiday or not. You can check on the park’s website.
Are you wondering how much time should you spend at Hel-Há? Well, all admissions are valid from 8:30 in the morning until 6 in the afternoon, so you decide how much juice you want to get out of it. Considering that meals are included, and there are tons of things to do (as well as rest areas), you can easily spend the whole day at this fantastic destination.
One more relevant thing: most of Xel-Há’s facilities are adapted for persons with disabilities. In addition, the park offers a wheelchair rental service (with an additional cost).
Xel-Há or Xcaret?
So, right off the bat: both. Xel-Há and Xcaret are two whole-family experiences that are absolutely worthwhile. And, if you can and want, you should enjoy them both on your next vacation in the Riviera Maya. In addition, both parks are owned by the same company (Grupo Xcaret, which also operates Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco, Xenses, and Xavage, among other attractions), so the quality of their products and services are very similar.
Now, if time, budget, or any other reason prevents you from visiting both parks, don’t worry; either option is good. To help you choose, consider, for example, that Xcaret is a little more expensive than Xel-Há. It’s also true that Xcaret is a bigger park with more activities, cultural proposals, and shows, such as the famous “Xcaret México Espectacular Show.” But if you’re looking for exciting water activities (although Xcaret also offers you some), the cove, the waterslides, and the zip line circuit at Xel-Há has no comparison.
One more detail: in Xel-Há, unlimited food and drinks are included, while, in Xcaret (if you buy the Xcaret Plus package), you only have a buffet meal with a beer (unlimited coffee and freshwater during your consumption). For anything else, you have to pay separately. In any case, whatever you choose, it will be an incredible day!
