Xel-Ha

The Basics

Swim through underground rivers, dive into a cenote, traverse a floating bridge, and snorkel in lagoons filled with tropical fish, sea turtles, and manatees. On land, you can zipline above the canopy, rock climb, bike, or stroll through the jungle.

Day trips to Xel-Ha typically leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya, with some combining Xel-Ha and a stop in nearby Tulum. Xel-Ha is part of a network of related parks and experiences, including Xcaret, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenotes Oasis Maya, Xoximilco Cancun, Xichen, and Xenses. It’s possible to book packages that include admission to multiple parks.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and swim gear.

• The use of snorkeling equipment is offered with admission.

• Visitor facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, showers, restaurants, bars, and shops.

• Free Wi-Fi is available.

• Xel-Ha is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; wheelchairs can be rented for a fee.

How to Get There

Xel-Ha is located in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. By road, the park is 90 minutes from Cancun, 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen, and 30 minutes from the Riviera Maya. Most Xel-Ha tours include round-trip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off. Taxi service is available, and you can also get to Xel-Ha via the ADO bus, which leaves from Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

When to Get There

Xel-Ha is open year-round from 8:30am to 6pm. The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. During the rainy season (June through October), you will find fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodations.

Must-Do Experiences at Xel-Ha

For families with kids, the park’s Children’s World features a wading pool, playground, water slide, rope climb, and other activities. Older children and adults can walk on the ocean floor with Xel-Ha’s Sea Trek technology (a helmet that allows you to breathe comfortably underwater); jump from the Cliff of Courage; and trek across the Trepachanga rope course. You can also relax on a secret beach in the Bay of Caprices, climb the Scenic Lighthouse, and swim through a mangrove forest.

What does a Xel-Ha ticket include?

All-inclusive Xel-Ha tickets include unlimited snorkeling; river floating on inner tubes; zip lines, cenotes; special activities for kids at the Children's Playground; use of lifejackets, tubes, snorkeling equipment, and bicycles; continental breakfast; snacks; lunch buffets; domestic open bar; and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Optional activities such as speedboat rides incur an additional fee.

Does Xel-Ha have cenotes?

Yes. Xel-Ha has two cenotes (deep limestone water-filled sinkholes unique to the Yucatan). Named Paradise and Adventure, the cenotes are located in the heart of the jungle, and you can find them by following the trails that cross the bridge over the Xel-Ha River.

Can kids go to Xel-Ha?

Yes, kids can go to Xel-Ha, and traveling families will find plenty to keep younger visitors occupied. The Children’s World area has a wading pool, playground, water slide, rope climb, seesaw, and more. However, some activities, such as marine wildlife encounters, may have age restrictions.

Do they provide towels at Xel-Ha?

Yes, towels are provided at Xel-Ha. Visitors can simply request towels when they arrive at the locker room area while storing their belongings and deposit them in the designated containers when finished using them. There is no need for visitors to bring their own towels.

Is there Wi-Fi at Xel-Ha?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi at Xel-Ha. All visitors can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the park—perfect for keeping loved ones back home updated on all your adventures.

Is Xel-Ha wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most of Xel-Ha is wheelchair accessible, and there are accessible facilities in almost every part of the park. Visitors may also rent a wheelchair at an additional cost. The park is also stroller-friendly and has strollers available for rent.

Ways to explore

At Xel-Ha, you can swim through underground rivers, dive into a cenote, traverse a floating bridge, and snorkel in lagoons filled with tropical fish, sea turtles, and manatees. On land, you can zipline above the canopy, rock climb, bike, or stroll through the jungle. Admission includes some activities, or you can book all-inclusive packages with food and drinks.

Xel-Ha is part of a network of related parks and experiences: Xcaret, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenotes Oasis Maya, Xoximilco Cancun, Xichen, and Xenses. You can book admission packages to multiple parks with hotel pickup included.

Accessibility

The majority of the park is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available to rent for US$21.

Age limits

None; some activities have minimum age or height requirements, such as Power Xnorkel.

What to pack

Bug spray, reef-safe sunscreen

What to wear

Swimsuit, sun protection, water shoes, cover-up

Not allowed

Drones, outside food and drink (except baby food)

Amenities

Restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, free lockers

Address

Xel-Ha is located in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Day trips to Xel-Ha typically leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya. Some excursions combine Xel-Ha with a stop in nearby Tulum.

Driving

The park is 90 minutes from Cancun, 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen, and 30 minutes from the Riviera Maya. Most Xel-Ha tours include round-trip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Public transportation

You can also get to Xel-Ha via the ADO bus from Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Alternatively, book a taxi.

Best times to visit

Xel-Ha is open year-round from 8:30am to 6pm. It is most crowded by 12pm, so plan to arrive in the morning when it’s quieter.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays are busiest at Xel-Ha, so aim for Monday to Thursday if possible.

Best months to visit

The park’s peak season is from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. It is less busy during the rainy months of June through October.