Xel-Ha is known as 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 pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
Multiple leisure, ecological and natural attractions offer activities for the entire family to enjoy themselves. The unique open-sea aquarium allows visitors to view ocean life in their natural habitats unaltered and not disturbed.
Swimming with trained dolphins is also a popular activity for tourists, which is not found easily in surrounding areas. Animal and nature lovers enjoy spending time in the water with these gentle creatures, and have a wonderful story to bring home to their family and friends!
Snorkeling is also ideal in the local lagoon. The coral is dead there, but regular feeding keeps the many types of colorful fish returning for more. Some snorkelers will have another party feed the fish while they view the swimming visitors from below.
There is a river which starts in a natural spring, and inner tubes are available to float to the end. This provides a relaxing complement to an afternoon nap in a hammock on one of the local beaches as well.
More adventurous spirits enjoy climbing and diving from the local cliffs in Xel-Ha, exploring the Mayan cave, and touring the local Xel-Ha ruins. These ruins are largely untouched and totally original, with a unique look into past centuries and architectural contributions.
Hammock Island, Xpa, Bay of Caprices and The Beach are popular hotspots for those who wish to lounge and experience the leisurely activities at Xel-Ha. Chacah Garden, the Mayan Wall, the Apiary and Plant Nursery provide unique ecological 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 Cenotes.
When visiting Akumal, Xen-Ha is an easy day trip that will please the entire family and offer plenty of varying activities. Reasonably priced and unique to the area, activities center 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 enjoy swimming with the dolphins and exploring the multiple forms of plant and animal life in the area, and those curious of the historical roots of the Peninsula have plenty of opportunity to explore Mayan ruins and advanced architectural influences for that era.
Our kids and grandchildren always plan spending the whole day at Xel-Ha every time they visit Akumal. There is so much to do they never get tired of returning year after year. They enjoy riding a bicycle through a path in the jungle, jumping off cliffs into the limpid blue sea, swimming with the dolphins, and walking through stingrays on the bottom of the sea.
This year for the first time they signed up for the Sea Trek. They wore a technologically advanced helmet that looks like deep-sea diving equipment. Sea trek required no previous training, diving or otherwise. Experts will be close at hand at all times during the walk, aiding them in every way and satisfying every curiosity concerning the aquatic walk of a lifetime. They all said it was a walk they would never forget!
We highly recommend you visit Xel-Ha on your next trip to the Yucatan.
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