Although much excitement can be found within Cancun’s bustling Hotel Zone, ecotourists and adventurous families have long enjoyed the city for its unique day trip opportunities and proximity to various natural sights. Located 60 miles from Cancun, the ecological park known as Xel Ha has quickly become one of the top destinations in the area. Known primarily for its incredible array of water sports, the eco-park is also a great relaxation destination, boasting secluded beaches, dense tropical jungles, and a sprawling maze of placid rivers and lagoons. Plus, like many of the best day trip opportunities in Cancun, Xel Ha caters for all ages and is very easy to get to from the Hotel Zone.
As it’s located along a picturesque stretch of the Caribbean coast, water sports stand out as the park’s biggest draw. One of the most popular activities, swimming with dolphins, takes place inside a picturesque lagoon near the coast. The park employs several experienced dolphin trainers who have helped these gentle animals learn a number of impressive games and tricks. They offer two different programs in the lagoon: one that allows visitors of all ages to interact and play with the trained dolphins, and a fully interactive experience that allows swimmers to be pushed across the surface of the water. Visitors wishing to see dolphins in their natural habitat can also sign up for the Delphinus Trek, a guided underwater walk complete with deep-sea-style armored suits and oxygen systems. The park also offers a similar Sea Trek program that explores a vibrant area of coral reefs and tropical fish.
Crystal clear lagoons similar to the home of dolphins can be found, as the park rests on an important part of the famous underwater river system of the Yucatan Peninsula. Travelers can explore the many lagoons and cenotes, shallow openings that provide access to a maze of rivers and caverns, during snorkeling or diving tours. The park also offers snorkeling and diving tours along the Caribbean coast, allowing visitors to witness some of the most impressive marine destinations in the Riviera Maya. Regardless of where visitors choose to explore the park’s underwater vistas, a wide variety of species of tropical fish and other underwater creatures will always be on display. A snorkel school is also available for those new to the sport, where young explorers and first-time snorkelers can learn basic techniques and receive hands-on instruction. Rivers and lagoons can also be explored by kayak, while special destinations like Stingray City allow visitors to interact with some of the Caribbean’s most fascinating creatures.
Despite the seemingly endless water sports opportunities available, there are also plenty of activities for visitors hoping to stay dry. One of the most popular destinations is the secluded white-sand beach located along the Caribbean coast. Like the beaches in Cancun, Xel-Ha beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery that made the Riviera Maya famous. Those seeking outdoor relaxation should also check out Hammock Island, a scenic area overlooking dolphin pools that features a full-service bar, while the park’s vast jungle is home to activities and opportunities like the Jungle Train bus tour. , numerous mountain bike trails, and conservation projects like the park’s plant nursery and apiary. After experiencing the natural sights, visitors can find locally produced souvenirs at the park’s various boutiques or indulge in massages and other treatments at the park’s quaint eco-friendly spa known as Xpa.
The park also boasts a remarkable history, as the area served as a vital port for the Mayan city of Coba. Just inside the park’s main entrance, visitors will find a small collection of Mayan ruins, including some structures that have yet to be fully excavated. Near the coast, visitors can visit the Mayan Wall, a remnant of a protective fortress dating from the height of the Mayan Kingdom. Xel Ha also played an important role in colonial history, as the Spanish conquistadors used the fertile area as a base for expeditions to the Yucatan Peninsula.
Although Xel Ha is located 60 miles from Cancun on a remote stretch of the Riviera Maya, the park has become a convenient destination for day trips. The park operates a private shuttle service that picks up visitors each morning along Boulevard Kukulkan, the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. After enjoying a day at the park, the shuttle service returns hikers to their Cancun resorts around 7 p.m. Travelers with rental cars or other means of transportation can visit Xel Ha every 8 days of the year :30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Families wanting to experience the natural beauty of the Cancun area need look no further than the conveniently located Xel Ha. With some of the best preserved and most diverse ecological sights in Mexico, Xel Ha has quickly become one of the top vacation destinations. ecotourism and outdoor recreation in the country. As the park also has affordable admission and tour fees throughout the year, Xel Ha stands as one of the best tourist values in the Riviera Maya.