Xel-ha is a great place to go snorkeling or swimming. It is a fresh water bay that meets the ocean. Many sea creatures make their home in the bay and its tributaries and a snorkel around the bay will simply blow your mind if you are not an avid diver or snorkel. It is well worth the price of admission and a great place for kids. There are many well-trained lifeguards on duty.

     Today, Xel-ha is a remarkable recreational site where visitors can explore a multitude of natural wonders including a labrynth of waterways and paths through the tropical jungle, lagoons of transparent turquoise water, private inlets and coves, cenotes (fresh water sinkholes or natural wells), a cool river which flows through a mangrove forest, multicolored fish, and a verdant lush jungle have undoubtedly made this park one of the most popular tours in the region.

Hotel Balam nah Center, Playa del Carmen Q. Roo México

     Embracing the natural aspects of the area, with a healthy philosophy of sustainabililty, Xel-Ha's recent renaissance has turned it into one of the most versatile an ample ecological areas in the region. The visitors have a plethora of activities to choose thanks to new establishments and alternative attractions that facilitate the visitor's stay, making it more comfortable and definitely more extensive. While still preserving its natural and historical essence, Xel-Ha has invented new and innovative ways to captivate the visitor.

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     Unpaved paths lead the explorer from the beach to hidden inlets to relax under thatched roof palapas or bask in the sun, to an ancient wall built by the Mayas, or to the more novel areas of the park such as two cenotes which widen into a spectacular waterway with a view of rock buttresses, lush vegetation, and the vibrant blue Caribbean sky. 

One can journey down river by either swimming or floating on one of the large innertubes available. The river then opens up into an equally crystal clear and turquoise lagoon where snorkeling is a must (that's where Xel-Ha gets in other nickname, "Snorkel Heaven").

Hotel Ziranda, Playa del Carmen Q. Roo México

     To make the above mentioned sites more accesible, the park has installed wagon carts pulled by a fourwheeler. This makes the voyage to the river's entrance a lot faster. Usually referred to as the "train", these wagons parallel the pedestrian paths, starting near the entrance and ending where the river begins. 

The "train" also carries the belogings of those who swim or snorkel down the river safely back to another check point at the park's center. An example of truly a enviromentally sound project, Xel-Ha has demonstrated that progress, development, and touristic recreation do not necessarily have to carry negative or artificial connotations.
 

      Continuing with their innovativeness, the park has introduced an interactive swimming program with dolphins who live in the fabulous natural aquarium. (This activity is not including in the entrance fee.

Demand for this program is very high with limited capacity. Therefore, we suggest arriving early for making on-site reservations.) The Xel-Ha journey is probably one of the most spectacular ones the visitor can take during their stay in Cancun or the Riviera. The tour "Discover Tulum-Explore Xel-ha" makes for an ideal day in paradise, where nature, culture and history blend into a fabulous learning and pleasurable experience.

     The park is open daily during the whole year from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm

Hotel Eclipse, Playa del Carmen Q. Roo México

Xel-ha This absolutely beautiful Nature park is in a huge natural aquarium, a great place for snorkeling strolling through jungle pathways.. More information about the park and Reservations Online!