Xel Ha Ecopark

akakd
akakd
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
16
Reviews
25
Photos

Xel Ha

  • June 5, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by lllesperance from Windsor, Ontario
We bought an all-inclusive package that gave us snorkeling gear and unlimited food at the five restaurants. We snorkeled for at least one hour down the beautiful fresh water river to the Gulf. It was very relaxing. There were lots of fish to see. The restaurant we chose truly impressed us. It was fine dining. They had dolphin swimming for $95/45 minutes. We didn't get to see the whole park, so I hope to go back there someday.

From journal My Family In Cancun

Xel-Ha

  • May 17, 2003
  • Rated 2 of 5 by jdbuilder from Ottawa, Illinois
You will need to bring biodegradable sunscreen here because that's all they allow, but just in case you don't have any they sell it at the front. There's really no good beaches here, even though they tell you there is. The kiddie lagoon and park is very nice. It's a little saltwater pond with a sandy area around it. There's playgrounds, hammocks, and lawnchairs all around. If you have a little one this is the only place you will be spending your time. There's really not much else for kids.

This place is extremely spread out. Plan on walking long distances. We didn't see much because we didn't want to walk the entire day. You can see caves, snorkel, hike trails, swim with dolphins, and tube in the lagoon (they say it's a lazy river, but that's not true - it's just on a different side of the snorkel lagoon).

If you really like snorkeling this isn't the place for you. It's a bare, sand bottom lagoon. There are some large fish here though. The lagoon is meshed off from large predators, so the fish inside tolerate snorkelers in exchange for their safety. Snorkelers are eveywhere! Snorkeling off of a shore or a boat is much better.

We weren't that impressed with Xel-Ha, we felt that XCaret was much better and much more worth the money. They do rent towels, lockers, and snorkel equipment. It was nice, but after visiting XCaret we probably would not return to Xel-Ha. Xel-Ha does have some beautiful scenery and there are fresh water showers everywhere to rinse off.

From journal Cancun Vacation

Xel-Ha & X-Caret

  • February 9, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by BAngell from Bloomington, Illinois
Xel-Ha & X-Caret

Both nature parks were great. One park was partly a zoo with exotic animals and a great butterfly garden, and even caves to explore. The other park seemed more like a resort. The restaurants were great and the dolphins did great acts. Hopefully the photos say more than I am able to say...sheer beauty.

From journal Rivera Maya

Editor Pick

Xel Ha

  • August 19, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by todnkathy from Ladysmith, British Columbia
Xel Ha

Xel Ha is what I imagine paradise to be like. We had a wonderul bus ride, relaxing, chatting with other tourists. No sunscreen or makeup is allowed in the lagoon, they provide the proper sunscreen there if you need it. The day was perfect, sunny and hot. There are many beautiful trails to wander along, we need to go back and walk them all! As you walk along the paths you will hear rustling in the jungle and when you turn to look it is an iguana, they are everywhere! Also hermit crabs on the side of the trails. There is a dolphin pool and you can swim with them. We watched them for quite a while. All along the trails, which for the most part are along the water, there are wooden boxes with fish food in them. Take a handful and through it in and watch the fish go crazy. The water is clear and beautiful. The changing rooms are spotless. They give you a towel, a locker, snorkeling gear, a life jacket if you want or a swim ring. The water is cooler on the surface due to the river emptying into the lagoon, when you dive down a bit it is the usual warm Caribbean temperature. The fish are abundant and beautiful. We followed a sting ray. We saw many types of angels and barracuda, rays, and many fish we can't name. We took a walk to the floating bridge where there are huge tuna and grouper. The grouper looked crabby and I didn't want to go into the water with them. There is snuba there if you like, as well. There are 5 restaurants. The all inclusive package includes all you can eat and drink in any of the restauraunts. The food was very good. There are private little lagoons to swim in. The coolest thing was the underground river, you could stand and look down holes in the trail at people snorkeling below! There is a pool with a rope swing, too. Do not miss this beautiful place! There is nothing like it.

From journal First Time in Cancun

Editor Pick

Xel Ha

  • April 4, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Dreamtime from Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Xel Ha

It costs $19 Adults and $11.40 ages 4-12. This is a great place to go snorkeling, especially if your a beginner! The lagoon is shelthered from the ocean waves and currents. They have inner tubes and life vests free to use. You can either rent your snorkel gear or bring your own. They are open from 8:30am-6pm.

The lagoon is calm even on windy days, but the coral is dead - no color. The different varieties of fish make up for the color! Xel Ha feeds the fish so there are many looking for a free hand out. For a peso you can also feed the fish, and watch the school grow very fast! For an extra fee you can swim with a trained dolphin. They charge $55 for 1/2 hour.

Xel Ha has a few fresh water cenotes and hidden beaches with hammocks. Near the bridge check out the Mauan Cave. The restaurants and snacks, sodas are reasonably priced so enjoy lunch at the park.

From journal Memories of Cancun

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