Xel-Há Park in Mexico near Tulum (2025 Full Guide)

It’s been a while since my first visit to Xel-Há – I think it was sometime in the early 2000s. I’ve actually been back twice since then. Let’s just say, with three kids now, it hasn’t exactly gotten any cheaper!

Xel-Há is – like Xcaret Park – a natural water park. It is located near Tulum at Riviera Maya on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

If you're visiting with a family, the ticket prices  – as already mentioned – might leave a dent in your wallet, but the experience is well worth it. The massive, beautifully designed park is packed with attractions, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

Of course, you should bring enough time and come first thing in the morning, although during the week the park is open until midnight. You can swim with dolphins or snorkel with manatees.

In Xel-Há Park, animals like iguanas roam freely around the grounds, offering great photo opportunities. They tend to stay still and aren’t shy, making it easy to capture their beauty in your shots.

There are water slides, restaurants (all inclusive admission to Xel-Há includes unlimited food and beverages), a cave, large aquariums, a large flock of colorful flamingos and parrots.

There are also climbing opportunities and of course an almost endless area in which you can move. By the way: Xel-Há means ''where water is born'', since several underground rivers flow in the area.

Wildlife and Nature in Xel-Há Bay

In Xel-Há Bay, which is fed by several freshwater channels, you can admire 400 species of plants, animals and fish of different sizes and colors that live freely in this protected ecosystem.

The flora in this area includes a rich variety of mangroves, tropical trees, and colorful flowering plants, which create a lush backdrop that is both visually stunning and ecologically significant.

Xel-Há Lighthouse

The approximately 40m high Xel-Há lighthouse, around which two water slides (at a height of 30m) wind their way down, is a central vantage point (access between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm is included in the entrance fee).

Snorkeling at Xel-Há

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Riviera Maya is one of the most popular activities at Xel-Há Park. You rent snorkeling equipment at the park if you don't have any.

Optionally, you can rent a small jet that you hold on to and that pulls you through the water. This is called power snorkeling and is certainly a cool thing, although not necessarily appropriate for an ecological system.

Swimming with Dolphins

If you’re up for something fun, you can swim with dolphins at Xel-Há Park. The dolphins are friendly, and it’s pretty cool to get up close with them in a natural lagoon. Please make sure to use biodegradable sunscreen if you're going into the water with the animals.

If you're concerned about animal welfare, you might find it a bit questionable since the dolphins are still in captivity, even though they have plenty of space to move around.

A pro photographer will be taking pictures of the experience, which you can buy afterward. They’re super pricey, but you can usually haggle and get them for about half the original price.

Top 5 Tips for a Great Visit

Here are my top 5 tips for visiting Xel-Há Park:

1. Bring biodegradable sunscreen to protect the environment.

2. Wear comfortable shoes and swimwear, as you’ll be walking and swimming.

3. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera for all the beautiful moments.

4. Arrive early to enjoy the park’s activities before it gets crowded.

5. Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shaded areas to stay cool.

Xel-Há or Xcaret – What’s the Difference?

Both Xel-Há Park and Xcaret Park are located in the same region, the Riviera Maya, along the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

While Xel-Há offers a more relaxed and nature-focused experience with snorkeling and water activities, Xcaret Park is a larger eco-park with a broader range of attractions, including cultural shows and wildlife exhibits.

The Xcaret Park features for example the famous evening show, "Xcaret México Espectacular," which highlights Mexican history and traditions through music and dance.

In terms of pricing, Xel-Há tends to be slightly cheaper, especially if you’re mainly interested in water activities, while Xcaret Park is more expensive due to its larger variety of experiences, including the evening show and additional attractions.

I’ve visited both parks multiple times and highly recommend them both. If you’re only planning to visit one park and the cost is not an issue, I would personally choose Xcaret Park.