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Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a dream vacation spot. This 90-mile stretch of coastline offers endless opportunities for scuba diving, shopping, visiting ruins, lying on the beach, and eating all the tacos you can handle. Among the fun things to do around Cancun and Playa del Carmen is visiting a group of eco-parks and attractions–they all start with “X”–that introduce visitors to the nature and culture of Mexico. The most popular parks are Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Ideally, both will be on your list. But if your time is limited, how do you choose between Xel Ha vs Xcaret park? Here’s a look at the parks to help you decide.
Xel Ha vs Xcaret Park: A Comparison
There are big differences between Xcaret and Xel-Ha park, from the physical setting of the parks to the location to the range of activities available. What else makes the experiences at Xel Ha or Xcaret unique? This is a detailed look at what there is to do and see at these distinctive eco-parks.
Visiting Xcaret Eco Park
The sheer size of Xcaret (esh-ka-ret) is a little overwhelming. At 200 acres, this park rivals the size of the Disney properties – not something you expect to see in the middle of the Riviera Maya. And yet every inch of the grounds is full of fun or educational things to do for everyone in your family.
Purchase discounted tickets to Xcaret and Xel-Ha here.
What is Xcaret Park?
Xcaret (Parque Xcaret, in Spanish) bills itself an eco-theme park. I would describe it more as a giant playground…if playgrounds included underground rivers, top-notch entertainment, animals, history, and cultural displays. The park is designed to highlight the colors, sights, sounds, and tastes of the different regions of Mexico, educating visitors and entertaining them along the way.
What is there to do at Xcaret?
As an eco park, Xcaret features a large number of animal- and nature-related attractions. Its impressive aquarium has over 500 coral reef structures and 5000 marine organisms – visitors can even interact with a few of them.
Just outside the aquarium is the home of one of the Xcaret’s biggest attractions–the sea turtles. Here, turtles of all sizes are kept as part of the park’s educational and conservation efforts. Many will ultimately be released into the sea once they are large enough to have a good chance of surviving on their own. (For an even closer experience, you can snorkel with sea turtles in the ocean just a half-hour away in Akumal.)
Non-marine birds and animals also get a lot of attention. The humidity of the massive aviary hits you the moment you enter. This is intentional, though. Its multiple levels have different “environments” to be proper homes to the over 50 species of animals who live here.
Nearby is the butterfly pavilion (not quite as humid), the largest butterfly facility in Mexico, which is teeming with brightly-colored regional species. Throughout Xcaret, there are also exhibits including spider monkeys, jaguars, flamingos, bats, and other animals. Once you’re done with the animals, don’t miss the orchid museum, which is home to 140 different species of this beautiful flower.
Around the park, there are also sites to teach visitors more about Mexican culture. The large colonial house, Hacienda Henequenera, is fully furnished with 19th-century antiques. Its adjacent Chapel of Guadalupe is designed to look like a countryside chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Images of her decorate the chapel, including one carved into a 39-foot-tall tree trunk that hangs at the front.
You can visit the Mayan ruins on the property or stop by the replica Mayan village, which is complete with a colorful cemetery and even an artisan making fresh tortillas.
If you’ve gotten a bit warm walking around the park, there are plenty of ways to cool off at Xcaret. There are several swimming areas, including a lagoon and natural pools.
My favorite swimming locations were the underground rivers–Blue River, Maya River, and Manatee River. Grab a life vest and some snorkel equipment and float your way through the tunnels and rock formations. Though the lengths vary, all the rivers are around 600 meters long with various points to exist along the way, if you wish.
What is the entertainment at Xcaret?
There are shows and demonstrations all day long at Xcaret. At appointed times, you can see the Papantla Flyers hoist themselves several stories into the air and come spinning back to earth. You can also watch the evening equestrian show where riders show off their acrobatic skills on horseback (bonus if you’re watching with a drink and a snack from the patio at La Cocina).
Every afternoon brings pre-Hispanic dances in the Mayan Village telling stories from Mexican mythology. Simply walking around the park, you’re likely to encounter dancers, parades, and other Xcaret shows and performances that will stop you in your tracks.
By far the biggest show–and the one most guests look forward to all day–is the nightly Xcaret Mexico Espectacular (with night admission). The show begins with fire and legend as performers on a Mayan ball court play an ancient game to honor the Fire God. It’s hard not to be mesmerized by the awesome display that sucks you in right from the beginning.
The show also brings key events in Mexican history to life, including the Spanish conquest and the peoples’ forced conversion to Christianity, in a clear and engaging way. As the performances continue, more than 300 actors in elaborate costumes take you on a tour of the music, dance, and other culture aspects of the regions of Mexico.
When you’re deciding whether to visit Xel-Ha or Xcaret, if you want this kind of entertainment and shows, choose Xcaret.
Day of the Dead at Xcaret
Day of the Dead at Xcaret Park (Dios de los Muertos) is full of music, costumes, celebrations, and amazing food. Everywhere you look, there is something new to see.
Each year, Xcaret focuses on a different Mexican state, highlighting their food, their culture, and their Day of the Day customs. There are special performances and a ton of special food at very cheap prices that is all authentic, made by residents of that state in the local food market.
Throughout Xcaret Eco Park, there are decorations and people—both employees and visitors—dressed in all variety of costumes, many with their faces beautifully painted for the festival. There are altars decorated with marigolds, candy skulls, and items that the deceased loved in life, all meant to entice them to the world of the living, even temporarily. Visiting Xcaret during the Day of the Dead celebration (Oct. 30-Nov. 2 every year) is to see the park completely transformed in the most magical way.
Is Xcaret all-inclusive?
The basic entry Xcaret tickets include use of life jackets, inner tubes, and access to 50 attractions and activities, but it’s not all-inclusive. Food, beverages, and snorkeling equipment can be added as a package in advance or paid for a la carte along the way. There are 10 restaurants around the park that serve various types of food and drinks. Additional activities such as Sea Trek, snuba, spa services, and several different animal encounters are available for additional fees.
Conservation at the park
Part of Xcaret’s efforts are dedicated to caring for vulnerable and endangered species of animals and plants. The park’s work in sea turtle breeding and protection has helped thousands of turtles enter the wild over the last 20+ years. In the aviary, Xcaret raises certain bird species and prepares them for release into their natural habitats. Conservation efforts even extend to organisms like coral–80% of the coral in Xcaret’s aquarium has been rescued after a storm and partially transplanted or propagated at the park’s laboratories.
Is Xcaret suitable for kids?
Yes, Xcaret is perfect for kids. Because most of the activities are not water-related, it even works well for toddlers, who may be entertained by the animals and the shows. As a bonus, kids ages 4 and under have free admission, and kids 5-11 are admitted at 50% off the cost of an adult ticket. Strollers are available on-site for young children.
When it comes to picking Xcaret vs Xel-Ha, we recommend Xcaret if you have young children or children who are not confident swimmers.
How to get to Xcaret
Xcaret is located on the coast about 15 minutes south of the center of Playa del Carmen on Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Federal Highway. Xcaret park is about one hour south of Cancun International Airport.
The easiest way to get to Xcaret is to add roundtrip transportation from your hotel to the park when you book your tickets online. If you choose to drive, free parking is available on-site. From Cancun, a taxi ride is about USD $80-$100 one way; a one-way taxi ride from Playa del Carmen is about $15.
How much are Xcaret tickets?
The regular price of Xcaret park tickets is $110 for adults (age 12 and older) and $55 for children (age 5 to 11). Multi-day passes can be purchased and may be a great value if you have time.
Book your Xcaret discount tickets here or see packages including transportation available from independent tour providers.
What should you bring when visiting Xcaret?
Xcaret is meant to be a full-day activity starting in the morning and ending in the nighttime hours. Be well-rested and drink plenty of water because you will probably be walking a lot. However, all activities are at your own pace, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and relax along the way.
Bring a bathing suit, dry clothes, good walking shoes, and cash for a deposit for the snorkel gear. A credit card or cash for snacks, souvenirs, and photos will also be useful.
Visiting Xel Ha Park
In Maya, Xel-Ha (shell-ha) means “the place where water is born,” and you can see why almost from the moment you step through the front gates. At Xel-Ha, there is water just about everywhere you look. And it is absolutely heavenly after you’ve spent any amount of time under the Mexican sun.
What is Xel-Ha Park?
Xel-Ha is a nature park formed where fresh water from underground rivers meets the warm salt water of the Caribbean Sea. This aquatic network of rivers, grottos, caves, and inlets is brimming with sea life, including over 70 species of fish. Xel-Ha is also home to 120 species of birds, numerous land animals, and over 300 species of plants, some of which are endangered.
What are the things to do at Xel-Ha?
Aquatic activities are sure to dominate your time at Xel-Ha. There are plenty of snorkeling and swimming options in the river and caves. Snorkeling equipment is included in the admission price, so this is a great place to give it a try if you’ve never had the opportunity. There are plenty of fish to see, and the currents are easy to manage, especially since a life jacket is required.
Whether you swim down the river or grab a tube and float along, you can stop at platforms in the water to try out the fun rope bridges. There are cenotes at Xel-Ha, but visitors can’t swim in them. For that, you’ll need to do a tour of other cenotes.
The water here is so clear and calm that it has a way of pulling you back in once you think you’re finished. One of my favorite activities came after the river swim when I tried out the zip lines. The ziplines at Xel Ha aren’t the extremely long, high kinds you might find over a tree canopy or at another “X park” called Xplor. Instead, they’re relatively short and end with you right back in the cool water.
If that’s not quite your thing, you can also take a plunge from the five-meter-high Cliff of Courage into the river. It’s higher than you think. Other water-based activities like snuba and a manatee encounter are available for an extra fee.
When you’re ready to stick a little closer to land, there are more options. You can explore the trails and bike paths that run through Xel-Ha’s 200 acres of jungle. There, you’re sure to encounter iguanas, parrots, and some of the other animals that call the property home. When you’ve had enough adventure, grab a hammock and relax.
There is also a special area for children. It includes a wading pool, water slide, and playground, among other activities. However, if you have very young children or children who aren’t comfortable with water, we would recommend Xcaret compared to Xel-Ha.
Is Xel Ha all-inclusive?
All food and drinks are included in Xel Ha tickets. There are five restaurants and bars with different types of cuisine, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and fruity cocktails open throughout the day. All-inclusive doesn’t stop at meals, though. The price also includes towels, lockers, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and inner tubes–pretty much everything you need for the day.
Conservation at the park
Xel Ha water park is involved in conservation and environmental protection practices in a number of ways. From providing guests with biodegradable sunscreen to eliminating straws in the park, Xel-Ha has sought out little and big changes that will make a difference to the environment. One of the park’s biggest projects is a reforestation initiative done in conjunction with its parent company Experiencias Xcaret Group, which planted more than 400,000 plants in 18 months throughout Cancun and Riviera Maya.
Is Xel-Ha suitable for kids?
Yes, Xel-Ha is suitable for children of all ages. However, your family will probably have the most fun here (compared to Xcaret) if everyone is comfortable with and really enjoys water activities.
As at Xcaret, children ages 4 and under get in free, and children ages 5-11 are admitted for 50% off the adult ticket price.
How to get to Xel-Ha
Xel-Ha park is located about 15 minutes north of Tulum, Mexico. Xel-Ha is about 40 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and 80 minutes (60 miles) south of Cancun International Airport.
The most convenient way to get to Xel-Ha is to add roundtrip transportation when you purchase your tickets online. Parking is free at Xel-Ha, if you prefer to drive.
How much does a visit to Xel-Ha cost?
Regular Xel Ha prices are $100 for adults (age 12 and older) and $50 for children (age 5 to 11). Using the links in this article, you can get Xel Ha or Xcaret tickets at a discounted price.
Multi-day passes can be purchased and may be a great value if you have time.
Book your Xel Ha discount tickets here or consider packages including transportation from independent tour providers.
What should you bring to visit Xel-Ha?
The three most important things to bring to Xel-Ha park are a bathing suit, dry clothes, and cash to provide as a deposit for the snorkel gear (you’ll get it back when you return the equipment). You might also want to bring a credit card or cash for souvenirs and the photos that are taken throughout the park. An underwater camera would also be useful, if you have one.
Xel Ha vs Xcaret Overall
Xcaret and Xel-Ha are both great places to spend time on a trip to the Riviera Maya. Which park is best for you depends on your specific interests.
Xcaret offers lots of entertainment, cultural attractions, exhibits for nature lovers, and water activities. Its a great choice for families with a broad range of ages and interests and is particularly easy if you’re already near Playa del Carmen.
The experience at Xel-Ha is focused on swimming, snorkeling, and generally enjoying all things water-related. With food and drinks included in the admission price, a visit here is carefree. It’s even easier if you’re staying close to Tulum.
Other Xcaret Parks
In addition to Xcaret and Xel-ha, there are other parks in the Experiencias Xcaret family. We’ve been fortunate to visit Xplor twice as well as Xenses and Xenotes. For (much) more detail, you can read our reviews of the other parks in these articles:
Where to Stay Near Xcaret and Xel-Ha
Occidental at Xcaret Destination — This resort adjoins Xcaret ecopark and even has a private park entrance just for guests. The Occidental at Xcaret Destination offers five pools, 11 restaurants, sports facilities, a private beach area, and more. It is also located within about five minutes of both Xplor and Xenses and 15 minutes of Xel-Ha. (See reviews | Check prices and book)
Hotel Xcaret Mexico — From the same company that runs Xcaret and Xel-Ha, Hotel Xcaret Mexico is designed with an eye toward sustainability and integrating the natural surroundings of the Riviera Maya. The hotel has 10 restaurants, a spa, and 3 gyms. Guests have access to an airport shuttle and transportation to all the parks and related tours. (See reviews | Check prices and book)
Iberostar Tucan — Closer to Playa del Carmen, the Iberostar Tucan is a 5-star, all-inclusive resort. With beachfront property, 4 pools, and spa facilities, there are plenty of places to relax. (See reviews | Check prices and book)
Experiencias Xcaret, the parks’ parent company, hosted our visit. All opinions of the interesting, exciting, and underwater are our own.
This was our big dilemma when we were in Cancun, which park to go to. We ended up going to Xcaret which was amazing, but the Xel Ha did look equally as fun. Now I know! Next time we’ll do Xel Ha, I do like more water activities
I think Xel-Ha is a more leisurely pace. You can still do the zip lines and jump off the cliffs, but you can also just float along and have a good time if you want.
Do you know if Xcaret has tubes to float down a lazy river?
I’m not aware of any floats. We wore life jackets in the river.
Would love too but what about hotels we can afford
Ellen – There are lots of affordable hotel options on the Riviera Maya close to both Xcaret or Xel-Ha. Check out some of the Riviera Maya hotel
options. We’ve also had really good luck finding cheap accommodations by renting an apartment in Playa del Carmen
and then cooking our own food (you can stock up on supplies at the Mega grocery store in Playa del Carmen). From our perspective, the Riviera Maya can actually be a really affordable destination.
Can you go to both parks the same visit?
If you have two full days available, yes.
What would u suggest for a family with a toddler?
I can’t speak from personal experience, but I have friends who have taken toddlers to Xcaret and really enjoyed it.
One difference it seems is that Xel-Ha’s price is all inclusive including food and drink…but it seems Xcaret has more to offer with the shows and animal exhibits a lil more price wise and not all inclusive…decisions…sigh.
Yes, it really depends on what your interests are and if you’re looking for more activities that aren’t water-related.
you mentioned needing to bring a cash deposit for xel-ha for scuba equiptment, do you remember the amount? is it per person? i can’t find any information about a deposit on their website?
I believe it was $20 per person, which was fully refundable. That may have changed because the website now mentions having your bracelet scanned — like a lot of theme parks, your bracelet is tied to your ticket and allows you to get your photos and other things. There are ATMs on the property, if needed.
Some people are saying that it may be cheaper to purchase tickets at hotel? I saw online they offer a discount if you purchase ahead… how true are these? I’d hate to buy online and realize I could have gotten a better deal there
As far as I’ve heard, the online deals are best, especially if you’re interested in more than one park. But I can’t speak to every promotion that’s run through a hotel. On our last trip there, the hotel where we were staying offered their “best deal,” which was several dollars more expensive than the online discount. For us, there’s also something to be said for certainty: locking in a good deal online in advance vs. the potential of maybe getting a better (or perhaps worse) deal from a hotel. Experience (and my gut instinct) says that the any benefits and savings will go to the hotel, not to you. Let us know what you decide to do and how the prices compare.
Thank you for a great write up Laura. Our family is trying to make that exact decision right now for our upcoming Spring Break trip in mid March. I have two questions and I’m not sure if you are able to help. 1. Do these two parks get very busy during Spring Break? (as in Spring Break in Disneyland busy? – long lines to wait for attractions or equipment..etc). 2. Do you know if we can get to the parks by Colectivo? We’re staying at the Grand Bahia Principe which is not too far away. Are there taxis and Colectivos waiting near the entrance of parks? I am a bit concerned about not being able to find a cab once we leave the park in the evening. Any suggestions? Thanks!
I haven’t been in March, but I know spring break is a peak time for the parks. From what I’ve heard, the longest lines would probably be for swimming/boating the underground rivers at Xcaret. Can’t say whether they would rise to Disneyland level, but I know they can run upwards of 30-minute waits at peak times. I believe the rivers are often less crowded later in the day. If lines/waits are a big concern, you might want to look into one of the other parks, Xplor. They have a color-coded board (which I totally love) that indicates the wait times for the different attractions. We’ve always had prearranged transportation, but getting a taxi shouldn’t be a problem, especially since it’s a busy time.
My wife and I have been to both places and we are going back to Cancun in just a couple of days. We went to Xel Ha first several years ago. I fell in love with the place. It is beautiful, safe, professional, well staffed and just plain excellent. We both love to snorkel and you can spend all day swimming. There are several places to go and eat. These are huge buffet style places offering a variety of types of food depending on which one you pick. Xel Ha is very low key. It is very leisurely and it centers around a large lagoon. If you prefer to swim for a while and then get out you can walk around wonderful paths, looking at all the flora and fauna. A few years later on our next trip to Cancun, we were introduced to Xcaret and I am glad we were. There are so many different activities to see. Every where you turn there is something going on. Xcaret is excellent for families. There was an underground swimming waterway. We saw the men who spun around a pole suspended by rope. There was a great horse show. Just grab a map of activities and start planning. I highly recommend staying for the Xcaret Espectacular show that night. You can even eat dinner at the show. It is a separate charge and sells out so be sure to sign up when you first get there. If I had to pick I would say we prefer Xcaret over Xel Ha. However, You cannot go wrong with either place. Xcaret was just as nice, just as safe and professional as Xel Ha.
Enjoy your trip, Brad. There are multiple other parks to check out, if you’re looking to try something new.
I will be out there in June for a week…I read that in xcaret my daughter who is 9 will not be able to swim with the dolphine…Can she swim with them in xel ha? I cant decide which one will be a better choice…I hear you get better prices there than purchasing them online?
We don’t have any additional information about this. We don’t endorse captive dolphin experiences and would encourage visitors to explore the other great things to enjoy at Xcaret and Xel-ha that don’t involve this activity.
If you are interested in learning more, we provide these educational links:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/should-you-or-shouldnt-you-swim-with-the-dolphins
https://www.thedodo.com/swim-dolphins-caribbean-1094674999.html
My boyfriend and I are having a tough time with this decision as well. We are definitely mostly interested in the water activities such as the zip line and lazy river float but the underground rivers at xcaret are something that has always been on our bucket list. We aren’t extremely interested in the shows and are wondering if the underground rivers are worthy of being the decision breaker.
I don’t think the underground rivers at Xcaret would be worth it in your case. Not to add to your dilemma, but have you considered Xplor? Here’s what we wrote about it — https://traveladdicts.net/soaring-and-swimming-mexico-xplor-adventure-park/
Hi Laura. Thank you so much for the information. We have two kids ages 11 and 9 and based on the information that you provided, we are leaning towards Xcaret. Do you know if we can bring our own snorkeling gear?
Hi Jily–Glad you found it helpful. Xcaret is probably the better choice for kids because the options are endless. I assume that you can bring your own equipment, but I don’t know for sure as I haven’t tried.
Than you for the information.
We are planning to Xcaret in April 2018, is the lockers on sight to personal items?
Is picture taking and video taking allowed inside the park?
Is it possible to take pictures while inside the river?
There are lockers, and photography and video are allowed throughout the park. You can take pictures in the river, but you’ll want some kind of water protection for your phone or camera.
Great post! I’ll go for a full-day activity which is Xcaret! So much to enjoy there plus the live performances and you can also go snorkeling!
We have teenagers 17,18,19,21 what donyounthinknwould be best to do for day excursion Xcaret or Xeha or xport??
For that age group, I would definitely recommend Xplor.
What about for non-swimmers? Can we still participate in the water activities not knowing how to swim? Is it worth it?
If you can doggy paddle, you’d probably be fine, but I don’t think I would recommend Xel-Ha for non-swimmers. There are many more options at Xcaret.