Cancun Xelha Park - 2023 All You Need to Know Before You Go
Table of Contents
Planning a visit to Mexico’s Riviera Maya and interested in exploring Xel-Ha adventure park? You’re in for a treat! In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to decide whether Xel-Ha is worth a visit.
Xel-Ha is an aquatic theme park situated in a peaceful and secure cove just north of Tulum. Here, you’ll find an expansive natural pool teeming with marine life and boardwalks leading you through cenotes, hidden beaches, caves and hammock gardens.
To get to Xel-Ha Park, located in the State of Quintana Roo in Mexico, you can either arrange transportation with your package or find private transfers that will pick you up from your hotel lobby and drop you off at the park entrance.
You could also rent a car if you prefer to drive yourself. Road infrastructure in Cancun and Riviera Maya is excellent, making renting a car a viable option.
What Activities are at Xel Ha Park?
Xel-Ha Park offers a myriad of delightful activities for the entire family, including:
Scenic Lighthouse – Take in the breathtaking views from atop our 100-foot tower, then glide down one of the multiple thrilling water slides for an unforgettable experience
River Tour – Relax and enjoy the view as you leisurely meander down the river in an inner tube.
Salpichanga Zip-Lines – Glide across a single circuit featuring an exhilarating six zip-lines.
Trepachanga – Stride across the river by using two ropes as your guide.
Chuck Kay’s Flight – Swing through the grotto on a rope, venturing inward.
Mayan Cave – This cenote is held in high regard and is seen as a holy site.
Cliff of Courage – Reaching new heights with rock climbing, and diving into the unknown depths of cliff jumping.
Cenotes – Embark on an aquatic journey and dive into the depths of two mysterious freshwater underground caves.
Jungle trails – Wander through the verdant jungle pathways of this conservation area and marvel at its pristine beauty.
Bike rides – Guests will have the opportunity to explore on two wheels with complimentary bikes available for use.
Children’s World – For unbeatable outdoor fun, splash around in the wading pool or take a thrilling ride down the water slide! Climb up and over rope obstacles, swing on seesaws and hang games. Brave an adventure through our crocodile tunnel and explore water lilies along with climbing turtles!
Xel-Ha Park Cancun
If you’re looking for more adventure, there are additional fee-based activities such as Scuba diving in the cove or cenote, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with manatees, encountering stingrays up close and personal, Sea Trekking, Zip-Bike Riding, and thrilling speed boat ride on The Adrenalina.
Xel Ha Snorkeling
If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot to go snorkeling, Xel-Ha Park is an excellent choice. The park’s cove has calm waters that are perfect for snorkeling, and there are multiple entry points with stairs leading straight into the water. The park also provides life jackets in all sizes for your safety. Xel-Ha Park is home to a wide variety of marine species, including angelfish, surgeonfish, damselfish, snapper, parrotfish, grouper, sergeant major, rays, pufferfish, barracudas, and the queen conch.
Xel-Ha Park is also an excellent destination for families with young children. The Children’s World playground features a tree house, ropes course, water slide, crocodile tunnel, wading pool, rope climb, seesaw, and other interactive options. There are plenty of chairs and trees to provide shade, and the hammock village has numerous hammocks to help make your experience even more enjoyable. The tree house/ropes course is set up in a loop, so it’s easy to monitor your children.
Yes, Xel-Ha Park is an ideal destination for young ones to take up snorkeling with its warm and tranquil saltwater. Life jackets are provided in all sizes, along with inflated chairs and tubes for your kids’ convenience and safety. Since it’s a saltwater pool, the buoyancy will help them stay afloat better than swimming in freshwater would.
Are there age restrictions at Xel-Ha Park?
No, Xel-ha is a warm and inviting destination for visitors of all ages – the park is fully stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it easy to explore. However, there are certain restrictions in place due to safety reasons. If you have a pregnancy, epilepsy, heart problems, asthma, or hypertension, you should check these restrictions before visiting.
Xel Ha Park Snorkeling
Snuba at Xel-Ha Park
Snuba is a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving that allows you to explore the depths of cenotes or oceans while breathing easily with an oxygen tank that floats on the surface. If you’re at least 8 years old and can swim confidently, Snuba is perfect for exploring Xel-Ha.
Swimming with Manatees at Xel-Ha Park
Don’t miss the chance to swim with manatees at Xel-Ha Park. These gentle giants can surprise you with their swiftness when swimming. Not only will you be enthralled by these majestic mammals, but you’ll also gain insight into how manatees are facing threats due to habitat destruction and why it’s imperative that we protect them.
Underwater Caves at Xel-Ha Park
Are you looking for a thrilling adventure that involves swimming through underwater caves? Well, Xel-Ha Park has got you covered! Here you can explore the Mayan Cave, a sacred space that offers a peaceful and relaxing experience.
You’ll be amazed by the natural acoustics and lighting, and may even hear the sound of small waves echoing within the cave. However, it’s important to note that swimming or snorkeling in the two cenotes at Xel-Há is not allowed due to their protected status.
Xel-Ha Park FAQs
How are the Restaurants at Xel-Ha Park?
When it comes to dining, Xel-Ha Park has got you covered as well! The park offers a one-price wonderland, which means that admission to the park includes all food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, at any of the four restaurants available.
You’ll be impressed by the variety of local and international dishes, salad bars, and delicious dessert choices. For families with young children, high chairs are available upon request. Plus, if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, don’t worry, you can bring your own snacks to the park without any issues.
Can I wear Sunscreen Inside Xel-Ha Park?
Xel-Ha Park only allows biodegradable sunscreen on the premises, as regular sunscreens contain oils that can pollute the water and harm marine life and coral reefs. If you don’t have any biodegradable sunscreen, don’t fret! You can purchase some at the park
How do the Passport Stamps and Photos work?
As soon as you enter the park, you’ll receive a wristband that provides you with many advantages. Firstly, it grants you access to towels and snorkeling gear included in your all-inclusive package.
Secondly, the wristband serves as a deposit for any equipment that you use but fail to return. Lastly, you can take pictures at designated photo stations throughout the park by scanning your wristband, and purchase them at the end of your visit.
What is the Price of Admission to Xel-Ha Park?
The Xel-Ha Total package offers admission, a buffet meal, and an optional activity for a low price of $105 CAD (Adult), $52 CAD (Child ages 5-11), and free for kids 4 years old and younger. You can also combine your visit with another incredible destination in Riviera Maya, Xcaret, at an amazing discounted rate.
Are towels and snorkeling equipment included in the admission price?
Yes, both towels and snorkeling equipment are included in the ticket price. The snorkel gear includes a mask, fins, and snorkel. All you have to do is scan your wristband at the towel/equipment booth to secure them. You’ll also need to add your credit card details onto the account associated with it for security deposits.
Are there lockers to store your belongings?
Yes, there are lockers available to store your belongings. Xel-Ha has seven bathroom facilities located throughout the park, and five of them have lockers for visitors to use. And don’t worry, the lockers are included in the ticket price.
Are there showers and changing rooms inside Xel-Ha Park?
Yes, there are six venues with showers and changing areas available. So if you want to freshen up before or after your aquatic adventures, you can do so with ease.
Is Xel Ha water park part of Xcaret eco theme park?
No, it’s not. Xel Ha is owned by Grupo Xcaret, a renowned Mexican corporate group specializing in sustainable touristic entertainment and operations. While Xel Ha’s sister park, Xcaret Park, requires separate admission tickets for entry, this doesn’t apply to Xel-Ha Park.
What is NOT included in the price of admission?
The admission price includes towels, snorkeling gear, lockers, food, drinks (including alcohol), and even parking if you’re driving. However, there are a couple of activities that aren’t included in the price: Snuba and Manatee Encounter. And don’t forget to bring your biodegradable sunscreen!
What are the Xel-Ha Park Hours of Operation?
Xel-Ha Park is open 365 days a year from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Xel-Ha Park Review
What we like:
Xel-Ha Park offers visitors a chance to experience a range of aquatic activities, as well as unlimited food and drinks (including alcohol). You can expect more than 20 activities ranging from swimming with marine animals and wildlife, as well as admiring beautiful scenery in natural pools. Plus they offer unlimited food and drinks—including alcohol!
What we don’t like:
The cost of admission can be quite high, and some of the activities require additional fees. The park can also get quite crowded, and it’s a bit of a distance away from Playa del Carmen.
Bottom Line: Is it worth it to visit Xel-Ha Park?
Absolutely! While the tickets may not be cheap, Xel-Ha Park offers more than 20 activities ranging from swimming with marine animals and wildlife to admiring beautiful scenery in natural pools. And the best part is that everything you need for a perfect day out is included in the ticket price, so you don’t have to worry about any extra costs.
Have you been to Xel-Ha Park in Mexico? We would love to hear about your experiences and any tips you have for your fellow travelers.
Traveling to 🇲🇽 Mexico soon?
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 CancunAirport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
3rd Party Cookies
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.
Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!