Xel-Ha ecological water theme park: Riviera Maya, Mexico

Xel-Ha ecological water theme park between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico

(above) an aerial view of Xel-Ha ecological water theme park, a natural coastal lagoon with outlet to the Caribbean.

Xel-Ha, a Natural Wonder of the Riviera Maya -Content below courtesy of Xel-Ha.com and locogringo.com
Xel-Ha—Mayan for place where the water is born—is unique in all the world and is one of the Riviera Maya's crowning jewels. Located only a few minutes north of Tulum's Mayan ruins and 63 miles south of Cancun, Xel-Ha is an aquatic paradise where crystal clear freshwater, flowing from underground riviers, meets and mixes with the turquoise Caribbean.

At Xel-Ha you can snorkel with hundreds of multi-colored fish, tube down a tropical rivier, float around the emerald main lagoon, explore jungle nature trails to the park's adventure activities, discover Aventura cenote and its rope swing ~ the Flight of Mo, traverse the floating bridge by the sea entrance, jump from Courage Cliff and plunge five meters into the blue river, test your balance over the water on the Rope Crossing, and that's not all..

Xel-Ha has shaded lagoon view restaurants, semi-private sunbathing by the water's edge, an oceanfront lighthouse with viewing area, chairs and hammocks, logo, gift and souvenir shops, a childrens' playground, one of the best Swim with Dolphins experience programs in the area, and Snuba and Sea Trek underwater adventures where you dive with the fish.

¤ Fact- Xel Ha is surrounded by dense green jungle and was sacred to the ancient Maya who built temples here to worship their Gods. It is a place of surreal beauty and historical significance.

Xel-Ha ruins & cenotes

Xel-Ha ecological water theme park, south of Playa del Carmen - Floating on the main lagoon

The emerald-green jungle surrounding the Xel-Ha inlet and river creates an exotic landscape that is hard to find elsewhere. Other than swimming, you can explore this beautiful place by foot, bicycle or train, and admire a variety of trees, reptiles, insects and birds in their natural habitat. Xel-Ha is not just an aquatic park full of exciting activities. It is a place to relax and enjoy Nature. Float on inner tubes down the lazy river, relax in hammocks by the Caribbean, have a massage at the Spa.

Xel-Ha is concerned about the ecology and the preservation of native flora and fauna. The park has a turtle camp, Dolphins' World and an apiary. In all these areas the preservation of the species is emphasized with the intention of preserving the region's natural treasures and creating a better public understanding of them.

Xel-Ha ecology & history

Set the explorer in you free and take a dive into Xel-ha!

If you have dreamed of being in the water with dolphins, Xel-Ha can make your dream reality

	Poly want a cracker? It's not often in life that you get a photo op with Scarlet Macaws but at Xel-Ha it's a daily occurrence. Don't you think a photo like this hanging on your wall at home would put a smile on your face and bring back great memories of an awesome tropical day filled with discovery and adventure? Kids grow up fast and moments like these are priceless.
	Xel-Ha just might bring out the kid in you Floating down a lazy river with friends and family, soaking in the rays, having a few laughs and working up a good appitite for some tasty tacos and a chilly cerveza. It doen't get much better than this. You can be as adventurous or as lazy as you want. No problemo
Traversing the rope walk is tricky business and a lot of fun, for juniors and adults Water kids love tranquil Xel-Ha lagoon - the jump from the Cliff of Courage
Aerial view of the river that leads to the lagoon - inside the water cave, natural sunlight above surrounded by jungle, Aventura cenote is where the Flight of Mo rope swing is a little hammock siesta after your water adventure is a great way to pass the afternoon

Please visit Xel-Ha.com for more information on tickets and park attractions.

Our thanks to Xel-Ha ecological water theme park for their contribution to this article, and special thanks to Cecilia Garro Wong and Diana Ramírez Rodríguez for their assistance.

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