Lets break it down. If you're looking for a relaxing place on the beach, this is not the place for you. There is the tiniest strip of so called "beach". Definitely not relaxing since everyone wants a beach experience. If you're looking for a place with awesome food, this place would be a disappointment. Don't get me wrong, the food was OK, but I've definitely had better. I personally got very sick and was sick for quit a while from eating something there. No one else in my group got sick (that I know of) so you might take that with a grain of salt. If you're looking for a clean place, I would think twice about the XCaret. Every day when I walked out of my room, the smell of sulfer was in the air. If you like that kind of smell then more power to you. Me, on the other hand, didn't really care for it. If you're looking for a place that has entertainment, this could be the place for you. It just depends on the kind of entertainment you're looking for. Me and my group of friends didn't find it entertaining at all. Families and older people might find it enjoyable. I will have to say that the drinks were good, but they don't carry Captain Morgan or Champagne. The swim-up bars were a good idea but the water was so cold when I was there that I couldn't really enjoy the experience. Everything is very spread out so be prepared to do a lot of walking. I got excited about the prospect of swimming with the dolphins at the Eco Archaeological Park...that is until I saw what it was all about. Definitely not worth the money. Since this was my first trip to Mexico, maybe my hopes were a little too high. Overall, I would say that it was not worth the money I spent.

About an hour-drive south of Cancun, the "sacred paradise" of Xcaret (pronounced eesh-carette) is one of the area's most unique attractions. It is said that this was the ancient port of Pole, and that the Mayans used to come here to bathe in its waters, to purify their minds and bodies, before sailing to the nearby island of Cozumel to worship the goddess of fertility, Ixchel.

Natural splendor and beauty form a very interesting park with a variety of attractions. There are some small Maya ruins, but these are almost insignificant when you look around at the botanical garden, aviary, aquarium, stables, and butterfly farm. There is an exhibition with scale models of all the major archaeological sites of the Yucatan. There is also an inlet with clear waters for snorkeling, a lagoon for swimming and a beach for relaxing either in the sun or in the shade of the palapas. But, the most unique feature of Xcaret is its underground river that passes through caverns and underground channels. Put on a life vest and let the current take you slowly along.

In the evenings, Xcaret puts on its finery and shows you another aspect of Mexico in a spectacular evening show. It commences with a re-enactment of the ancient Mayan ballgame, and then you walk through a torch-lit underground passageway with candles, incense, and ancient music. Then, there is a 90-minute show in an outdoor theatre, with dances and music from the different regions of the country.

A great place to see, lots of things to do there, but the cost is expensive for most of the best things to do there. But, this is a place that you must go and see, we'd go back again.

Walk on the bottom of the sea--$45 buys you half an hour on the bottom of the sea at Xcaret. You put on something akin to a diving helmet (with an air hose), climb down a ladder into the sea, follow the divers and underwater rail down some 10m, and walk around among the fish. This is great way for non-swimmers (or those with little confidence in open water) to get down there and see what all the fuss is about.
Book on arrival, as there are only eight or so places in each slot, and they go very quickly (our preferred time sold out as we bought the tickets!).

We had booked this trip direct before we left the UK and were very impressed with the organisation, down to dealing with our change of hotel (and therefore our pick-up point and time).
The park has something for everyone, from snorkelling to swimming the underground river and from walking on the sea bed to swimming with dolphins.
If you decide to visit, make sure you leave enough time to see the show at 7pm (some tours leave at 5:30pm), and pay the extra for dinner at the show when you book, as it is well worth it--you get the best seats.
For a better idea of the park, visit the website at www.xcaret.com, where you can also book online.