We’ve enjoyed many amazing adventures in the Riviera Maya, but I’ve got to say our recent visit to Xel-Ha Eco-Waterpark ranked up there as one of the best fab-ulicious family days ever!
Xel-Ha (pronounced “Shell-Haw”) means “place where water is born” and it could also mean “place where fun is born” too! It’s considered the largest natural aquarium in the world with over 22 acres of Caribbean-fed caves, coves, inlets, lagoons and cenotes filled with both salt and freshwater to explore.
Nature is at its best here; you can snorkel with tropical fish, take a “jungle train” to the top of the river & float down the lazy river on an inner tube, (safe for small children). Along the way you can stop & jump off the Cliff of Courage, zip line into the water, and walk a rope bridge that will test your endurance! Or you can take out a kayak & explore the many inlets.
For an extra cost, you can swim with dolphins, have encounters with stingrays & manatees, Snuba (combination of snorkeling and diving) or Sea Trek (walking under water). Or you can check out their soothing spa and enjoy ancient Mayan rituals that will have your cares drifting far away! (I did this and my husband thought I was a new woman! One word. RELAXED!)
If water is not your thing, there are many other sights to see. There is also a trail (Path of Conscience) that leads around the park taking you through the jungle. You can get around on foot or on bikes that are included in the entrance fee. There are lots of iguanas & toucans on this trail & there’s a turtle reserve inside the park which is dedicated to marine life & studies. There’s even a “hammock island” where you can grab a drink and swing yourself silly!
Included in the price are 5 restaurants which serve both breakfast & lunch along with alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks (margaritas, cerveza, pop etc.) Live music can be found on the premises too!
Restaurants Include:
*Caribbean with an international buffet
*The Terrace: hamburgers, hotdogs, milkshakes
*The Towns Kitchen: Mexican dishes with regional specialties
*The Grill: grilled steak, chicken, pork, fish, cheese bar, guacamole bar
*La Torta: Mexican tortas & sandwiches
And you will find an ice cream shop & beverage bars along the paths. (With all this at your fingertips, you really feel you’ve parachuted into paradise!)
So now you are wondering what all this costs? I can assure you much better than you were guessing. I highly recommend you buy online in advance as you save 10%. If you are rushed you can purchase your tickets at the entrance. They do accept credit cards. (Always carry I.D. when using a credit card in Mexico.)
Adult Regular Price: $89US. Online: $80
Children from 5-11 years old get 50% off of the normal adult rate. | Admission for children aged 0-4 is completely free at Xel-Há and Xcaret.
A presentation of a valid I.D. card at our counters is mandatory. Season prices subject to change without prior notice.
Enjoy 15% off purchasing with 21 days or more in advance; or if you prefer book with 7 to 20 days before and receive 10% off.
Also included in the price of admission:
*life jackets, inner tubes, kayaks & bikes
*lockers, change area, safety bag with key for keeping items dry
*snorkeling equipment (with deposit)
*hammock island & loungers
*beach, swimming, children’s playground
*lifeguards & first-aid stations
*stroller & handicap access
For an extra fee you can pay for transportation to Xel-Ha. We hire a private van as we are usually 6 people or more & enjoy the luxury of being picked up & dropped off at our door, with no stops in between. If you want a private van, then contact the following drivers we highly recommend!
Jaime Solares Andrade: 984-116-35-72 (Cell)
Email: solstours@gmail.com
http://www.explorarivieramaya.com/
OR
Jonathan Garcia: 984-155-2379 (Cell)
Email: jonatha1n@gmail.com
www.Xcursion307.com
Gotta go now and put my Xel-Ha photos in my scrapbook!
Sally Foran is a happily married mom of 3, residing in Canada and is a frequent traveler to the Riviera Maya MX. She is an aficionado on ‘everything Playa del Carmen’ and writes with joy and passion about the area. She is also a witty blog contributor to Work & Family Foundation Canada, and NAVUT (offering professionals new to Ottawa the inside scoop!) Sally has also been awarded Blogger of the Week and Blog Treasure Hunt of the Month on TravelBlog.Org which enjoys over 250,000 bloggers world-wide.
Playa Beach Getaways is a Denver CO. based company owned by Tonya Sarina. Playa Beach Getaways / Your Best Getaway have earned a rating of Excellent by Trip Advisor, FlipKey and VRBO and continues to earn raves from satisfied guests who return time after time.