Xel Ha water park, also known as Xel-Ha or Xelha, is one of the most well-known and popular water parks in Mexico. If you are planning a trip to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, and want to explore the underwater world or feel the thrill of the highest water slides in Riviera Maya, it’s worth considering adding a Xel Ha day trip to your itinerary.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about Xel-Ha, including my honest review, real tips for getting the best deal, and information on how to plan your day so it goes as smoothly and fun as possible.

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Xel Ha Water Park Overview

What is Xel Ha Park/Parque Xel-Ha?

Parque Xel-Ha or Xel Ha Park is a natural all-inclusive aquatic archeological and ecological theme park in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is called an all-inclusive park because it includes unlimited food, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and safety equipment for activities (snorkel gear and life vest).

Where is Xel Ha located?

Xel-Há is located about 30 miles (48 km) south of Playa del Carmen, 70 miles (110 km) south of Cancun, about 10 miles (16 km) away from Tulum Archaeological Site.

Why Is Xel Ha Water Park Famous in Mexico?

Xel-Ha Park has plenty of underground caves and mangrove-lined coves, where freshwater mixes with warm seawater (a phenomenon also known as thermocline and halocline), providing the perfect environment for a wide variety of marine vegetation and multicolored fish.

The exceptional features of Xel-Há that make it so famous in Mexico are incredible natural landscapes, coves, inlets, cenotes, and rivers where visitors can enjoy unlimited snorkeling and admire a great diversity of marine species. The park also offers many water activities for friends and families to enjoy like zip lines, hammock splash, SNUBA, and swimming with dolphins.

Is Xel Ha water park part of Xcaret eco theme park?

Xel Ha is owned by Grupo Xcaret, a Mexican corporate group that is very successful in sustainable touristic entertainment and operations. However, Xel-Ha Park is not part of Xcaret Park. The two parks require separate admission tickets,

How much does the Xel-Ha Park Admissions Ticket cost?

You can get a Xel-Ha Park all-inclusive admissions ticket online for $89 if you book 7 or more days in advance. The ticket includes a buffet, open bar, as well as 20 natural attractions and activities. Other optional activities will come with extra costs (see below for more details on all activities at Xel-Ha).

🤑Book Xel Ha Park Admissions Ticket here and save an additional $5 Off with code XH22AF!

There is no minimum age at Xel-Ha Park. Minors under 4 years of age can access Xel-Ha for free, while children from 5 to 11 years old get 50% off the adult rate.

💥Want Priority Access? Book this Xel-Há All-Inclusive Day Trip with Transportation to Avoid the Wait!

Is September a good time to go to Cancun? Yes for whale sharks

My Honest Review: Is Xel-Ha Park Worth It?

Xel-Ha Park has constantly been praised as a “hidden treasure” and an absolutely must-visit while in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, but Xel Ha is only worth it if you book the right package that fits your needs and interests.

For example, if you don’t want to do the additional (optional) activities and you don’t enjoy the water slides or snorkeling, you may find yourself running out of activities after 4 or 5 hours – which means that half a day ticket would have been worth it for you, but a full-day ticket might not be!

I booked the package deal for a day trip to both Xel Ha and Tulum and I thought that was perfect. It included round-trip transportation and a guided tour of the Tulum Mayan ruins in the morning, followed by the rest of the day at Xel-Ha Park. While I enjoyed my time at the park, I think a full day there might have been too long for me. The package deal allowed me to experience both attractions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The only reason why I think half a day in Xel-Ha was enough, is because I didn’t sign up for any additional optional activities at Xel-Ha. It wasn’t because I didn’t like those activities, but because I have already done some of them, including Seatrek and swimming with dolphins, in Cancun and Xcaret. If you look at the list of optional activities below and find things that you want to do, you will want to do a full-day trip to Xel-Ha instead of a half-day.

My favorite activities and attractions at Xel-Ha include the water slides, the spectacular panoramic views from the Scenic Lighthouse (which houses the water slides), zip-lines landing in the water, and the Cliff of Courage (jumping into the waters from 5 meters high).

There were a lot of tropical fish and stingrays, but because the visibility wasn’t very clear due to the sands (and to be fair, I had just done scuba diving in the crystal clear water of Cozumel the day before that), I wasn’t too impressed with Xel-Ha snorkeling.

To help you determine if Xel Ha is worth it for you, I have included all the information about Xel-Ha water park activities below.

If you plan to do the optional activities, then a day in Xel Ha would be perfect and you can book the Xel-Ha Total Admission to save up to $42 on the optional activity. If not, I’d suggest the Xelha and Tulum tour instead since half a day would have been enough to explore the main highlights at Xel Ha.

Xelha Water Park Activities: What is included?

Xel Ha Water Park Review, Coupons & Tips for a Perfect Day! [2023]

Xelha Park Map

Xelha Park Activities – Included in the Admissions Ticket

Optional Activities at Xel-Ha Park With Extra Cost

Xel-Ha Park Attractions & Activities Included in Regular Admissions Ticket

1. Scenic Lighthouse & Water Slides

The Scenic Lighthouse is the landmark of Xel-Ha water park with a stunning panoramic view of the Mayan jungle and the natural inlet that connects to the Caribbean Sea. From the top of the lighthouse, you can descend on one of two water slides (with slightly different heights).

If you choose to opt-in for the photo pass when you buy the admission ticket ($58 for the whole party), you will be able to capture unforgettable moments through four auto photo points along the thrilling ride down the spiral water slides.

2. Snorkeling inlet

You can enjoy unlimited snorkeling at the natural inlet which connects to the Caribbean Sea. There are many different marine species and multicolored fish such as angelfish, surgeonfish, damselfish, snapper, parrotfish, and stingrays.

Snorkel gear and equipment are provided. You can pick them up at one of the five stations by scanning your bracelet. Make sure you return them to the same station after you’re done.

If you add the photo pass to your admissions tickets, remember to check the underwater cameras and photo points!

3. River Float

It’s like a lazy river where you can enjoy a relaxing ride on a single or double float through the beautiful natural landscapes of Xel-Ha. There are numerous platforms where you can stop to take a break and just enjoy the scenery.

Make sure you’re facing the right direction with the natural current, otherwise, you will not find yourself going very far.

4. Mayan Cave – Cenote

The Mayan Cave is a covered cenote that is considered a sacred place, where water transmits energy through its lighting and natural acoustics. Skylights from the vaulted ceilings fill the cave with natural sunlight and create a sanctuary of serenity, peace, and relaxation.

5. Cliff of Corage – Cliff Jump

Cliff of Courage is one of the more extreme activities at the Xel-Ha Water Park. Standing at the edge of the 5-meter high cliff may give you goosebumps, but it’s an awesome activity where you will end up with a very refreshing (and noisy) splash!

6. Trepachanga – Two Hanging Ropes

You can test your balance with the Trepachanga and walk over the river between two ropes suspended over the river (one above your head, and one below your feet). It’s challenging and fun to compete with friends and see who can cross without falling into the river.

7.Salpichanga Zip-lines

These water zip-lines are my favorite part of Xel-Ha park. Slide down the zip-lines taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding natural landscapes and you will end up in the refreshing turquoise waters with a big splash – that’s why it is also called the hammock splash.

8. Land of Huh – Bike Ride

For nature lovers, you can enjoy a bike ride through the jungle paths of Xel-Ha and observe wildlife.

9. Chuc Kay’s Flight

You can swing on a rope and fall into the refreshing water of a cenote in Xel-Ha. Because the opening of the cenote was rather narrow, I didn’t find this activity as appealing as the zip-lines.

10. Children’s World

The Children’s World, located near the main service areas, offers children a variety of activities for hours of fun, including a wading pool, playground, slides, rope climbs, seesaws, crocodile tunnels, hanging games, water lilies, and turtles for pictures.

11. Caves, Grottos, and Underground rivers

In the jungle of Xel-Há, there are several freshwater lagoons flowing into a river where you can take a swim. In the caves, there are fossils of extinct mollusks on the walls and ceilings, confirming the theory that the area used to be covered by the ocean.

12. Floating Bridge

At the entrance to Xel-Ha’s cove towards the sea, there is a fun experience waiting – crossing the floating bridge that is constructed with interlocking floating sections. Instead of crossing back and forth, you can snorkel in the inlet to the other side, then take the floating bridge to return.

13. Fly Your Kite

Observe colorful kites sailing the skies or sail your own kite at Xel-Ha. This activity only takes place from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

14. Queen Conch Sanctuary Xelha

Xel-Ha provides an educational and training center to raise awareness about queen conch – an endangered species due to excessive commercial consumption by humans

Optional Activities at Xel-Ha Park (Extra Cost)

While optional activities are a great way to complement a day filled with fun at Xel-Há in Riviera May, they will cost you extra (around $35 to $80 each).

Xel-Ha Total Admission includes regular admission and one optional activity – saving you up to $42

✔️Book Xel-Ha Total Admission here to save $42 (including regular admissions and one optional activity)

1. Adrenalina Xel-Há

If you’d love to have an adrenaline rush, you can’t skip this full-speed adventure. Adrenalina Xel-Há promises a thrilling experience full of emotions as you sail across the turquoise water in a speedboat that can reach up to 56 mph (90km/h). The speedboat, said to be the best in Cancun and Riviera Maya, will make sudden 360-degree turns and plunge into the ocean, leaving you soaking wet and thrilled!

2. Sea Trek Discover®

Sea Trek® uses modern technology to allow you to walk on the seabed while breathing normally. Even if you can’t swim, you can participate in this unforgettable activity and explore the underwater scenery

3. Snuba® Cenote

Enjoy the fantastic experience of descending into a cenote and exploring the natural pool without the discomfort and weight of the scuba diving tank. Snuba Caleta® is basically a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, with an oxygen tank that floats on the surface.

4. Power Xnorkel Xel-Há

Power Xnorkel at Xel-Há is an extraordinary experience where you can snorkel while controlling a powerful motorjet that will take you much farther, faster, and more easily than swimming.

5. Zip-Bike Xel-Há

The Zip-Bike ride is named after a word game between bike and zip-line. You basically bike in the air, and Xel-Ha is one of the few places in Mexico that offers this activity. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and you can reach heights of 23 ft (7 m).

6. Manatee Encounter

Manatee is an endangered species known for its intelligence. The manatee experience is an educational activity that aims to share knowledge about this species and contribute to its preservation. You will have the opportunity to feed a manatee, interact with them, and watch their graceful swim for 40 minutes.

7. Stingray Encounter

Xel-Há’s Stingray Encounter is an activity where you can get up close and learn more about this majestic creature. It lasts for about 30 minutes (5 min welcome and 25 min explanation and interaction).

8. Swim with Dolphins

Just like the name suggests, you will get to swim with dolphins and learn about them. Depending on the package that you get, the experience will include dolphin hugs, dolphin kisses, or riding dolphins.

Xel Ha Park Coupons – How to Get the Best Deals

You should book Xel-Ha online at least 7 or more days in advance for the best price. Other than that, here are a few ways you can save on your Xel-Ha Park Admissions:

⭐Get the Xel-Ha Total Admission

Xel-Ha Total Admission includes everything in the normal admissions tickets and 1 optional activity (saving you $42 compared to buying the optional activity separately). The optional activities you can choose from are: walking underwater with Sea Trek, Snuba, or Adrenalina.

⭐Bundle Deal Xel-Ha with Another Park Operated by Groupo Xcaret

You can get 15% off for a combination of two parks, and 20% of for a combination of three or more parks or tours. Some popular options are:

Xel-Ha + Xplor: Add Xplor park for the highest zip lines in Riviera Maya, swimming in impressive underground rivers with stalactites and driving through the jungle on amphibious vehicles.
Xelha + Xcaret: Add Xcaret park for over 50 activities and attractions as well as an incredible night show.

⭐Stay at an all-inclusive resort owned by Grupo Xcaret

🛎️ Hotel Xcaret Arte Promo: Book Hotel Xcaret Arte Special Rates by December 31st, 2023

🛎️ Hotel Xcaret Mexico Promo: Book Hotel Xcaret Mexico Special Rates by December 31st, 2023

Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, and La Casa de la Playa are all-inclusive resorts owned by Grupo Xcaret. You can enjoy unlimited access to all of Grupo’s Xcaret parks and tours while staying there, so it will save you a lot of money!

You can see my past itinerary below. Not only did my husband and I get Tulum and Xel-Ha tour for free by staying at Hotel Xcaret, but we were also able to save $759 considering other benefits. In my Hotel Xcaret Reviews, you will see other suggested itineraries that can save you over $1,000!

We got Tulu Xel-Ha tour for free by staying at Hotel Xcaret and saved $759

Xel-Ha Planning Tips for a Perfect Day Trip

How to get to Xel-Ha Water Park from Cancun & Playa del Carmen?

The best and easiest way to get to Xel-Ha is to add transportation (~$25) to your admission ticket when you buy it online. If you get the Tulum and Xelha tour, transportation is already included.

You can also get to Xel-Ha on your own with a rental car since the park offers complimentary parking. Taxi is another option from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, but unless you have more than 3 people in your group, it’s cheaper to add the transportation option with the admission ticket.

Lastly, the ADO bus company offers transportation from Xel-Há to return to Cancun or Playa del Carmen. However, that would mean you have to leave the park before the closing time, so I wouldn’t recommend this option.

How long is the check-in at Xel Ha?

Xel Ha is a very popular tourist attraction so it’s no surprise that there is a long line for check-in at the park (could take 20 to 40 minutes). To avoid waiting in line and wasting your precious vacation time, consider booking the ticket with transportation. The staff will check you in on the bus and give you a bracelet. Once you arrive at the park, simply scan the bracelet to enter Xel Ha and start a fun day!

❗Book the Priority Access Xel-Há All-Inclusive Day Trip with Transportation to Avoid the Wait!

How long is the Xel Ha – Tulum Tour?

Xel-Ha and Tulum Tour is a full-day tour with pick up between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM depending on the location of your hotel. You will have approximately 1.5 hours at Tulum ruins, including a guided tour and time on your own. Admission at Xel Ha Park starts at 12 PM where you can enjoy a buffet lunch and the park activities till approximately 5:00 PM.

What Should You Do First At Xel-Ha?

If you have booked optional activities, make sure you schedule them as soon as you get to the park. Next, get to the Scenic Lighthouse and do the water slides. They are the signature attractions and activities of Xel-Ha Park, so the lines accumulate quickly. As a result, it should be one of the first activities on your list of things to do at Xel-Ha.

You can then snorkel in the inlet and take the floating bridge back to return the gear. From there, you should get to the zip-lines and have fun before going to the buffet. Try to avoid the buffet at directly noon time so you won’t waste precious time waiting in line.

What Should You Bring to Xel-Ha?

Since towels, snorkel gear, lockers, food, and drinks, are all included, I wouldn’t worry about bringing anything other than natural reef-safe sunscreen. I also recommend wearing water shoes instead of flip-flops.

The Wrap-Up: Xelha Water Park Review, Coupons & Tips for a Perfect Day!

Xel-Ha is a unique natural aquatic theme park with a combination of archeological and ecological features. I truly hope that my Xel-Ha review, coupons, and tips have been helpful to you.

Below, you will find the summary of the best options to book a trip to Xel-Ha:

Stay at Hotel Xcaret for unlimited free admission to Xel-Ha and other parks or tours

✔️Check Prices for Hotel Xcaret Mexico ✔️Check Prices for Hotel Xcaret Arte