XEL-HA TOURS
Embark on an aquatic adventure. Explore creeks, mangroves, lagoons, natural wells and ancient caves fed by subterranean rivers flowing to Mexico’s beautiful Caribbean Sea. Learn, rest and participate in the world’s most beautiful natural aquarium, Xel-Ha.
Xel-Ha means ‘where the water is born’…
The story is that the Mayan gods gave Xel-Ha to mortals. Guarded by the symbols for Parrot Fish and Iguana representing wisdom, illusion and love are the historical elements representing the Park’s natural beauty and its role as a cultural and religious center.
In pre-Hispanic Mexico, Xel-Ha grew to become a port and commercial zone for the privileged and safe harbor for seagoing merchants.
XEL-HA TOUR OPTIONS
We offer many options to visit Xel-Ha from offering simple entrance tickets without transportation to combination options with Mayan Ruins. The Xel-Ha with Coba Ruins tour is available Tuesdays and Thursdays. Choose your preferred tour date and click book now to reserve.
INCLUDED ATTRACTIONS
Xel-Ha’s main allure is its awesome aquatic attractions. There is also a trail [Path of Conscience] that leads around the park taking you through the jungle. You see lots of iguanas on this trail.
- Snorkeling
- River Tour
- Cave Exploration
- Cliff Climb/Jump
- Trepachangal
- Floating Bridge
- Land of Huh – Bike Ride
- Fly your Kite
- Nursery
- Meliponary
- Queen Conch Sanctuary
- Salpichanga Zip-lines
- Chuc Kay’s Flight
- Xel-Ha Inlet
- Bay of Caprices
- Mangroves
- Children’s World
- Ixchel & El Dorado Grotto’s
- Mayan Wall
- Jungle Trails
- Chacah’s Garden
- Cenotes
*The Xel-Ha River Float is an adventure that you don’t want to miss.
The Beach
A natural refuge, the Beach offers 300 yards of incomparable ocean view. A barrier reef creates a calm, natural saltwater aquarium for swimming, right at the foot of a light house. Mexican palapas provide cooling shade.
Spa Esalem
Revitalize your body and spirit. There’s nothing like a massage to recharge you. Xel-Ha’s exclusive massages can relax and refocus you. A wonderful way to start or end your day at the Park.
OPTIONAL XEL-HA ADVENTURES
Snuba
Snuba is a combination of snorkeling and scuba – and it lets non-divers descend safely into the reef zone without breath-hold diving. A compressed air tank floats on the surface, the snuba diver breathes through a safe and easy to use regulator below the surface.
Sea Trek
Step into a world of fish — the biggest and most splendid in the Park. This new take on helmet diving is safe and enjoyable – and you won’t even get your hair wet.
Manatee Encounter
This is an educational activity where you will learn about the importance of an endangered species. Due to the deterioration of their habitat, Xel-Há maintains a permanent rescue and conservation program for manatees.
Dolphinarium
Experience the Xel-Ha Interactive Dolphin Swim. As part of the Xel-Ha educational program, the Dolphinarium and its six resident dolphins.
XEL-HA RESTAURANTS
Xel-Ha abounds with culinary delights. There is the Caribbean Restaurant with a spectacular view of the cove and incomparable live marimba music and serving an International Buffet.
México Lindo Restaurant and La Cocina del Pueblo serve delicious Mexican appetizers and specialties.
Included Restaurants:
- La Terraza (The Terrace)
hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos - La Parrilla (The Grill)
Fast Food with a variety of beef cuts: Arrachera (beef skirts) New York and Sirloin. - Natura Deli (Nature’s Deli)
Fast Food with a variety of sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and juices. - Nevería del Pueblo (The Village Ice Cream Shop)
Right beside the La Cocina del Pueblo (The Town Kitchen). Delightful hand made ices and ice creams. Refreshments. - Bar del Puente (The Bridge Bar)
Well stocked bar with national and international favorites. - Las Neverías (Ice Cream Parlors)
There are two Ice Cream Parlors, one at the park entrance, and the other right beside La Cocina del Pueblo.
XEL-HA SHOPPING
There are a number of stores at Xel-Ha selling everything from the famous Xel-Ha T-Shirts to Mayan crafts.
You can find film, batteries, pens, souvenirs, calendars, books, videos, aromatic candles, stones and crystals, and a full line of spiritual, beauty and health products.
GETTING TO XEL-HA
Xel-Ha is located 110 kilometers/70 miles south of Cancun off of highway 307 on the coast side.
From Tulum, The Park is a brief 13 kilometers / 8.1 miles.
Xel-Ha is open from 8:30am to 6:00 pm daily 365 days a year.
To get to Xel-Ha you have four options:
- Book a Tour [pick-up and return to your hotel/resort is an option]
- Rent a Car
- Take a Taxi
- Take a Colectivo
If you take a colectivo to Xel-Ha you get off on the highway at the Xel-Ha sign. The collectivo driver will know exactly where to let you off so just tell the driver “Xel-Ha” [shell-ha].