Learn More About Beautiful Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha is a unique eco-park located south of Playa del Carmen, about 15 minutes from our villa in Akumal. It lies on the eastern coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, the archaeological site of the Mayans in ancient times.

Multiple leisure, ecological and natural wonders offer things to do for the whole family. The delightful open-sea aquarium allows visitors to see sea life in its natural habitat unaltered and not bothered.

Swimming with trained dolphins is also a traditional thing to do for visitors and it is usually not available in many places. Animal and nature people like to spend time in the ocean with these gentle creatures, and they will have a wonderful story to bring back to their family and friends!

Snorkeling is also ideal in the protected lagoon. The coral is dead there, but regular feeding keeps the many types of colorful fish returning for dinner. Some snorkelers will have another party feed the fish so they can photograph the fish from below.

There is a river which starts in a natural spring, and inner tubes are available to float down the stream. This is a relaxing complement to an afternoon nap in a hammock on one of the sandy beaches.

The more daring tourists enjoy climbing and diving from the high cliffs in Xel-Ha, touring the Mayan cave, and checking out the adjent Xel-Ha ruins. These ruins are largely untouched and totally natural, with a unique look into past centuries and architectural contributions of the Maya people.

Hammock Island, Xpa, Bay of Caprices and The Beach are favorite areas for visitors who want to lounge and relax at Xel-Ha. Chacah Garden, the Mayan Wall, the Apiary and Plant Nursery provide perfect natural attractions for plant life lovers. Natural wonders are also seen at the Inlet, El Dorado Cavern, Ixchel’s Gulf, the Mayan Cave, Chaac Mangal, and many lakes.

When staying in Akumal, Xel-Ha is a short drive that will please the entire family and offer plenty of varying activities for all. Day passes are affordable.  Xel-Ha is a one of a kind eco-park with things to do centering around relaxation, fun and exploring historical and natural wonders.

Water sport lovers will enjoy the inner tube ride, cliff diving and snorkeling in the lagoon.  Nature lovers will enjoy swimming with the dolphins and exploring the multiple forms of plant and animal life there, and those who want to know more about the historical roots of the Yucatan Peninsula have an opportunity to explore the Mayan ruins and see the architectural influences of that age.

Our kids and grandchildren usually plan on spending the entire day at Xel-Ha when they visit Akumal. There is so much to do they never get tired of going back. They enjoy riding a bicycle through a path in the jungle, jumping off the cliffs into the limpid blue sea, swimming with the dolphins, and walking through stingrays on the bottom of the ocean.

This year for the first time they signed up for the Sea Trek. You wear a technologically advanced helmet that looks like deep-sea diving equipment. Sea Trek does not require any previous training or diving knowledge. Instructors are nearby at all times during the walk, aiding them in every way and easing any concerns about the aquatic walk of your life. Everyone says it was a walk they would remember forever!

We highly recommend you visit Xel-Ha on your next visit to the Yucatan.

M Gravlee is a travel writer based out of Akumal, Mexico.

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