Xel-Ha Park

Xel-Há means “where the water is born”. The park is named after the site of Xelha, an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, part of which is located within the lands leased to the park.

According to legend, Mayan gods joined together their wisdom, illusions, and love for beauty to create a place that would bring together the best of nature, and that place was called Xel-Há.

Once created, the gods were so pleased with this heavenly place that they decided to permit the entry of all mortals.

To take care of it and the elements that surround it, the gods appointed 3 guardians:

• Huh, the Iguana (guardian of the land)
• Chuc Kay, the Pelican (guardian of the air)
• Kay Op, the Parrotfish (guardian of the water)

Legend says that these guardians still protect and care for the park and everyone who comes to visit.

This Natural Wonder is an unparalleled place of beauty.

Swim and snorkel among tropical fish that have made the inlet of Xel-Há their home. Discover the jungle trails of this paradise by foot, bicycle, or mini train. Admire different species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Enjoy an unforgettable experience in an all-inclusive park. Indulge your taste buds with traditional Mexican dishes in any of the four restaurants or enjoy popular flavored drinks or a refreshing cocktail here at Xel-Há.

The park is centered around the natural inlet and lagoon, which is promoted as one of the main attractions of the park that forms with the flow of the river through rocks mixing salty waters with fresh underground water currents.

The inlet of Xel-Há is a natural aquarium where hundreds of species inhabit.

In the park, there are tropical fish and abundant flora, as well as a turtle reserve, where research is constantly carried out to learn more about marine life and contribute to the ecological maintenance of the area.

A shark fence extends across the lagoon’s entrance, and the public is permitted to swim and snorkel in the lagoon.

Underwater the limestone has been eroded into a myriad of small caves and grottos. The park’s unique geography, with underground rivers flowing into the Caribbean Sea, provides a fascinating underwater ecosystem to discover.

The history of Xel-Ha is closely intertwined with the Mayan civilization, which revered the region’s natural water sources as portals to the underworld. These cenotes were used for both religious ceremonies and as vital water sources.

Due to its privileged location, during pre-Hispanic times Xel-Há served as an inner port, trading center, place of pilgrimage, and shelter for sailors, as well as being a food reserve during bad weather.

The theme park was founded in 1984 and is under the management and marketing of the Mexican-owned Experiencias Xcaret Group. Over the years, Xel-Ha evolved into a modern-day eco-park that celebrates and preserves the area’s ecological richness.

From 2010 to 2015, Experiencias Xcaret was recognized as one of the best Mexican companies.

In early 2014, Xel-ha became the first tourist park in the world to obtain an EarthCheck Gold certification. The park invests in sustainability programs, buys local products, and trains its staff on environmental care and preservation.

Xel-Ha Park offers an array of activities and attractions that cater to nature and adventure seekers. A variety of aquatic-based activities are offered by the theme park, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming with dolphins.

Visitors can also take part in guided tours, and learn about the area’s natural history. Xel-Ha Park’s sandy coves and hammock-laden areas are perfect for relaxation. Xel-Ha Park also offers zip-lining, cliff jumping, and kayaking.

• Lazy River
• Excellent Snorkeling
• Courage Cliff
• Mayan Cave
• Mo’s Flight
• Children’s Playground
• Ixchel’s Rift
• Floating Bridge
• Bay of Caprices
• Natural Inlet
• Mangrove Chaac
• Cenotes
• Rope Swing
• Grotto El Dorado
• Ice Cream
• Mayan Wall
• Nature Trail
• Apiary
• Hammock Island
• Tree Nursery
• Train Ride
• The Beach
• Mayan Cave
• Rope Bridge
• Conscience Path

Available at extra cost:

• Swim With Dolphins
• Sea Trek
• Snuba
• Stingray Encounter
• Zip Bike
• Full Spa Services

Available equipment:

• Snorkeling Equipment
• Towels
• Bicycles
• Lounge Chairs
• Hammocks
• Kayaks
• Inner tubes
• Life Vests
• Lockers
• Bathrooms
• Showers
• Dressing Rooms
• 6 Restaurants & Bars
• ATM Machines
• Baby Strollers
• Wheelchairs
• Public Telephones
• Park Guides

• You can purchase the Xel-Há Tour which includes first-class transportation service.
• If you want to arrive in your own car or a rented one, parking is free.
• Or if you prefer you can arrive by taxi or bus from Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Return:

• For your return, you can rent a taxi service at special booths in the Park.
• You can buy a bus ticket directly on board when the bus arrives in the parking lot.

Bus schedule:

Playa del Carmen: 5:40 p.m. and 6:05 p.m.
Cancún: 5:45 p.m. and 6:10 p.m.

The times may vary according to the season.

Open from 08:30 to 18:00 all year long.

Entrance fee

• From $80 to $150 (depends on program)
• The park also has some pais additional attractions.

Children:

• Children under 4 years old have free admission (an ID is required).
• Children 5 – 11 years old get half of the adult ticket price.

Children over 1,50 m but under 12 years old must present identification to verify their age.

Cancelation:

• Reservations canceled more than 2 days in advance before the booking date are subject to a 10% administrative fee.
• Reservations are canceled from 2-0 days or in case of a show, reservations are non-refundable.

It is not possible to make the change of date the same day of your visit.