Wow that’s quite a long time ago. How was the snorkeling when you went? When I went two years ago I noticed that the coral reef was pretty bleached, but lots of fish. I’m curious how things have changed over the years.
Wow! I just found this and amazed--great job! I lived in Cancun for 6 months during the 1980's and stayed in a beach palapa at Xel Ha. We went scuba diving to 100 ft. just off the coast with locals--saw a giant grouper. They had a buffet but everything was rustic and native then. What incredible development. I want to return to see that place that I loved💜.
Thanks very much for this video. Our family will be going to the area soon and your video has been helpful by showing this place would be a great addition to our trip. Cheers!
The website doesn’t mention a minimum age but I personally wouldn’t recommend it. I’m not sure they have life jackets that small, and it’s a big and long river.
I was there 20 years ago, on my 11th birthday. Me and my mom swam with dolphins and I still have the pictures from it, on paper since it wasn’t really digital back then. There wasn’t slides and ziplines and stuff like that back then. Me and my sister snorkeled a lot and we still joke about a silly fish we saw. It was great! I’d like to go there with my fiancé some time. Long travel from Sweden though! But I remember my childhood vacation in Mexico being the best one I’ve had.
The water slide tower can be a bit disorienting at the end, but it’s shallow water in the landing so there’s little risk. I don’t think there’s anything that would be a hard pass for those who can’t swim. Instead it depends on their comfort level in the water. For example if they have a fear of deep water, they may want to skip the river swim.
They're both great, it depends on what you're looking for. Xel-Ha is all about water activities, Xcaret is more about seeing the shows and sights (still has some activities, but not as much). I prefer Xel-Ha because I love the natural beauty of the park, and I prefer to spend my day doing fun activities instead of walking around to watch shows & see exhibits. Xel-Ha is also smaller than Xcaret Park so it's easy to see and do everything without rushing, and the unlimited food and drinks at Xel-Ha is really nice.
Everything you see here is included in your admission. There are just a few optional activities that have an extra fee, but not required to have a good time. I mention those in the video.
Celtic CC Castle Clash Yea I appreciate their conservation efforts. Unfortunately not everyone follows the rules, and the reefs have been damaged as a result, but it looks like things are recovering.
@@TulumToCancun that's a shame that people do that, it's a bit of a fragil pocket ecosystem Xel Ha, so you gotta treat it well. Best day of my life that place was
There’s lots of great hotels along the coast, it just depends on what you’re looking for. Xel-Ha is further south though, so you’ll want to stay closer to Tulum if you want to be close to the park.
Thanks for the video. What do u think 3 hours can do best in Xel-Ha? I am thinkinh of cruise tour including Tulum ruins and Xel-ha. Not much time i know , I just try to make the best of it
Weather is great as usual, but October is the last month of the rainy season, so it'll probably rain a little more than usual. October is also part of the hurricane season. Cancun just got hit with a hurricane about 12 hours ago, but it looks like things are alright. No serious damage was reported.
I went last August, and had a blast!! I did the sea trek and Snuba activities!! I should have switched sea trek for swimming with dolphins!! SNUBA was incredible/amazing!! When the guides released fish food, and had lots of beautiful colorful fish come at us like piranhas! Lol. I went to the cenote area, did Zipline , and the cliff jump. then came sunset, as I made my way back to the bus to take us back to the hotel, I felt a knot in my throat! This place is paradise!!!! I was so sad as the bus started to take us back. I stayed in Cancun for a week Not long after I arrived , my family couldn't resist. They want to go!! Booked flights for Cancun 3 months later. So now , we are trying to decide on the tours. 4 full days Thinking about going to XCARET CHICHEN ITZA And XEL HA together. On the last day, my parents are wanting to go to TULUM and I want to go swim with whale sharks!!! If I'm ever in Cancun during whale shark season, I can't leave Cancun without going for a swim with them! Very nice, detailed, informative video.
You need to do actual scuba. As fun as these parks are, they’re nothing compared to real scuba diving. This park is fun, definitely but nowhere near as fun as scuba diving a cenote or a wreck 😅
@@Michelle-fo1ot Approx $30 IF........you know how to swim/ dive (Control your breathing.....when you have a regulator and can breathe underwater, the less air you have in your lungs , the easier it will be to stay underwater. As opposed to holding ALL your breath, you will remain above the water. ) Anyway, if you know how to swim, Try SNUBA! Highly recommended! As opposed to having the big helmet over your head and walking along the water, you can swim freely without any weight over you. You will definitely love it! Makes me want to get scuba certified. Again, only of you know how to swim underwater.
@@charlesg7926 I can only imagine! Hoping to go back summer 2023 Stay in cancun for 3 weeks. Scuba dive in Cozumel and Isla Mujeres! As well as check out a couple of cenotes Dive CENOTE DOS OJOS! Hope to get scuba certified in LA , so as to be prepared and not waste NOT ONE DAY in cancun!!
There are 3 lines. I enjoyed the river so I wouldn’t recommend skipping it, but I would recommend tubing down the river and then snorkeling in the bay/lagoon. Beers are included in your ticket!
Yes, they have an area with hammocks tied to palm trees, and several areas by the water with beach chairs and sand with a beautiful view. Plenty of places for you to relax and get some rest.
I’ll be in Mexico in July I only have enough time for three parks. Which park is better xcaret or XEL-HA and can you tell me why the one you pic is better? Thank you
They're both amazing, it just depends on what you're looking for. Xel-Ha is all about water activities, Xcaret is more about seeing the shows and sights (still has some activities, but not as much). I prefer Xel-Ha because I love the natural beauty of the park, and I prefer to spend my day doing fun activities. It's not as big as Xcaret Park, so I didn't have to rush, and the unlimited food and drinks at Xel-Ha really helps; it's SO nice to be able to grab a drink after a long day under the sun without having to pay extra.
I have a question. How far is this resort and do they offer transportation to and from? The resort I'll be staying at is Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa-All Inclusive.
Xel-Ha is between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, and yes they offer transportation to and from your resort, but you need to book that ticket in advance. Just add the transportation option when buying your ticket online, and select your resort name. Grand Palladium is only a 15 minute drive from Xel-Ha.
@@customersalwaysright1314 There’s multiple resorts within that Grand Palladium complex, if you don’t see White Sands you can try one of the other resorts like Kantenah, Colonial, or Yucatán Suites. Hope that makes sense. You can also email the hotel and ask.
That`s an observatory boat, it`s located near the main buffet. It's down the stairs in that boat. It was cool, I spent a few minutes there by myself just watching the fish.
I too was introduced to XelHa when it was free quiet bear and basically only locals enjoyed this amazing place. Here and Talum are both now trampled tourists traps.
Great video! I'm taking my family to Tulum mid February. Planning on visiting Xel-Ha, but just curious is a 5yr old allowed in some of these attractions?
Yes, the recommended minimum age for most activities is 5 years, and a minimum height of 3.5ft. Most important is how confident your child is in the water, for activities like zip lines and the water slide, they recommend using them only if you know how to swim.
That’s a good question. I’d recommend Xel-Ha for your family. It’s more relaxing and easier to manage for large groups, but it’s mainly water activities so you’d need to keep an eye on the kids. Xplor’s activities require you to split up individually or in groups of 2/4 with an adult, which sounds like it might be difficult to manage. Have you also considered Xcaret? If you do plan on going, feel free to use my link to get your tickets. Kids under 4 are free, and ages 5-11 are 50% off so you’ll save quite a bit.
Yeah the life jackets are generally fine for the water activities. If you can’t swim though, I suggest you go down the river using the tube. As long as you feel comfortable in the water, the rest of the activities are manageable with a life jacket.
It depends. You can still have a great time if you can’t swim because life jackets are provided, they have lifeguards on duty, and the water is calm. As long as you’re not afraid of the water, you’ll probably be fine. I suggest you don’t go down the faster slide in the lighthouse, and don’t snorkel down the river, do the tube instead. You may also want to check out Xplor or Xcaret which have fewer water based attractions.
Sibertiger Productions Thanks! I loved both and they’re different experiences, but my personal preference would be Xel-Ha since it’s more my type (I want fun activities and natural beauty).
I can’t remember exactly, but it lasts pretty long since the stream is gentle, maybe around 10-20 minutes. And yea I think 6 year olds would have a blast, here as long as they can swim and are comfortable in the water.
@@23janneter No, they give you lifejackets, but there's a large body of water and is fairly deep at some points. You can still enjoy the park even if you don't know how to swim, but in the case of children, I personally wouldn't recommend Xel-Ha unless they can swim- for safety & peace of mind. If your kids can't swim, I'd recommend another park like Xplor or Xcaret.
@@TulumToCancun aww i was thinking of taking my 6 and 7 yr old but they don't know how to swim. I thought just by them having a life vests they would be fine.
@@23janneter The park takes all the necessary precautions (life vests, tubes, lifeguards). It's just that personally, that's not a recommendation I feel comfortable making, so ultimately it's your choice.
Nobody offered it to me, so I don't think so. Either way, you should bring your own sunscreen, because you spend a lot more time under the sun than you would at Xcaret.
I've never heard of a monthly pass for Xel-Ha, I doubt it exists, but maybe you could try reaching out to them and see if it's a special thing they can do for you.
Children can do many of the main activities like snorkel & tubing as long as you're with them. They also have the children's world which has a wading pool, playground, water slides, rope climbing, seesaw, etc.
That's a great idea, that's actually what I did in 2017, I visited Xplor & Xenotes. And you can save an extra 20% by doing a combo of 2 parks or tours, but that discount only applies to a specific combination like Xplor + Xel-Ha or Xcaret, or Xenotes + Xichen for example.
I have a waterproof backpack and my own snorkel gear (I'm a diver). How do you think this setup will work? 1. Do they let you use your own snorkeling gear? 2. Can you Zipline with a small backpack? 3. Other thoughts?
Yea you can bring your own snorkel gear. You can't bring anything with you on the ziplines though. There's a pole nearby where you can hang your bags or gear, but I recommend you put your stuff in your locker.
You'll only need snorkel gear for the river and inlet parts. After you're done with that, you can leave your stuff in your locker and go see the rest of the park and do the cliff jumping, zip lines, water slides, water slides.
@@miam08314 In August, average rainfall is 162mm, or 5 days out of the month. It usually doesn't last long so it won't be a huge issue, but it depends on how much you hate rain.
@@TulumToCancun 😂 okay thanks so much! I don’t hate rain that much but I prefer sunny. Thanks so much! It one more question what is their to do when it rains? Any ideas?
@@miam08314 Most activities and destinations remain open during short periods of rain. Unless you're dealing with bad weather like hurricanes, there's still plenty to do. My recommendation would be to visit one of the Xcaret parks since they'll be less busy, or go visit some cenotes, which are beautiful in the rain.
Hello where’s the link to purchase tickets I’m staying at crown paradise club here in Cancun will a bus pick me up from my hotel and take me there and back ?
You can buy tickets here: bit.ly/32iMqNA When you're buying your tickets, make sure the Transportation option is added and select your hotel from the dropdown.
Yea I recommend buying admissions online before you go. Buying tickets 2 weeks in advance gets you 15% off. You can buy here tulumtocancun.com/offer/xel-ha/
Can u tell me if there is snubs with helmets and rails to walk along here as you didn’t mention and is it extra money or included in all inclusive ticket and how much is adult admission
Hello! I hope you see this comment as the video was posted 2 years ago. We’re going to Mexico in 2 weeks, this place is 20 minute from us. Do we have to book online or will it be cheaper with resort or travel agent? Also can I book online in Mexico because I want to see what the weather will be like first, go on a sunny day. Also as it’s 20 minutes away would it be cheaper to add the bus pick up or get a taxi like you said? Thanks!
It's definitely cheaper online if you buy in advance. There's a 15% discount if you book 3 weeks earlier, or 10% if you book at least a week earlier. Prices at resorts and agents vary, they'll usually be the same or more expensive than the regular price on the official website. The transportation option will be cheaper than taxi, but since you're close, a taxi will be more convenient and not too expensive. If you're not on a tight budget, take the taxi and get to the park when they open, you'll have a lot more time, and the park is a lot less busy.
Hi, great video, going Mexico in April and was thinking of going here but have a 6 year old and 2 year old! Do u think it will be ok for the 2 year old , his 3 in may! Thank you
Angela Collins I personally wouldn’t go to Xel-Ha with young kids under 4-5. The majority of activities are water based, so kids should be confident in the water and supervised very closely. If they’re too young, you may need to opt out of some activities altogether. My recommendation would be Xcaret Park instead.
I'm seeing conflicting things on their website and from people so maybe you could help. Do they provide towels? I followed the link in the description and was looking at what they include and what they recommend, both say that it includes a towel BUT they recommend you bring a towel? Haha
Stephanie No-Name When I went, I had no need for a towel so I never looked for one. I read TripAdvisor reviews & the site that mentioned them providing towels, and I know that the change room/ locker room stations are huge, so I think they do, I just never checked myself. Sorry I can’t give you a solid answer. Maybe try contacting their support and asking?
Jen Brocksmith Yes, they’re different parks but they’re owned by the same parent company. Xel-Ha is closer to Tulum, while Xcaret is just south of Playa Del Carmen, in the same area as other parks like Xenses and Xplor, all owned by the same company.
@@jenbrocksmith8100 Hotels usually have low rates in September, combined with the current situation, I bet you'll find some great deals. If you're looking to visit any of these parks, there's a promo until the end of August, so book online before your visit, I have all the details in the description of my videos. Stay safe, happy/healthy travels!
Pat Terrazas I’ve stayed at the Bahia Principe which is close to Xel-Ha. Grand Oasis Tulum is also close. Those are resorts, there are smaller hotels nearby but I don’t have any experience on those.
Actually I think I remembered the slides incorrectly, because they're not covered- only some sections. I was just looking at some pictures and they're not covered.
It depends on what you’re looking for, Xplor is more action packed, Xel-Ha is more relaxing and slow paced. Both parks are really fun, so it depends on which activities you find more interesting. I preferred Xplor, but you can’t go wrong with either one.
Haha thanks for checking. I just haven’t been able to travel lately, partly due to what’s happened over the past two years, partly because I just had a kid. Hoping to go back to Cancun very soon though!
Terry Bartlett It’s not bad, it’s cool at first but gets comfortable quickly. And if you’ve been spending time under the sun, it’s very refreshing. I personally wouldn't bother with a wetsuit.
Visited this week and thought it was great, especially the slides. However the snorkeling was mediocre compared to when I went for the first time 15 years ago. A lot less fish than before it seemed.
That’s the thing with snorkeling in general. The more popular the spot, the worse it is for the reefs and fish. It’s a sad reality of our impact on the environment, that’s why I reminded people to wear eco friendly sun screen, at least to try and minimize the impact.
They're both great parks, so it depends on what you want. Xcaret is all about exhibits and shows with some water activities. Xel-Ha is all about water activities. So if you want something a little more action packed, or want to spend your time doing the activities, Xel-Ha might be better for you. Otherwise, Xcaret offers lots to see and do for the day, it just has more exhibits that you observe instead actually participate in. Either way, you can't go wrong, just pick whichever sounds better to you. I hope that helps!
I don't know exactly. It's shallow enough that you can see the bottom of the river/inlet, but not shallow enough for you to be able to stand. I think it's ok if you can't swim, as long as you're confident and comfortable in the water, because you get life jackets & you can just do tubing instead. I hope that helps you decide.
I’ve been there so I know deep it is. For shallow part it is about 4 feet the most and deep part is about 8 feet.But regardless life vest are required everywhere in the park so you’ll be fine.
Get your Xel-Ha tickets here & save up to 15% for booking in advance:
bit.ly/32iMqNA
i been there 3 times and still want to come back
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been
Thank you for the video very helpful. I am headed here in 3 days with my kids and this video was very informative
Awesome, enjoy your visit! I can’t wait to take my family here when the kids are older.
All day there isn’t long enough…can’t wait to go back
Exciting. Going to Talun in Dec. Cant wait. Thanks for the tour video
I went there 13 years ago, before the water slide lighthouse and the ziplines. Still had an amazing time.
Wow that’s quite a long time ago. How was the snorkeling when you went? When I went two years ago I noticed that the coral reef was pretty bleached, but lots of fish. I’m curious how things have changed over the years.
Great information and tips! Can't wait to visit the park! Thank you!
One of the best places we visited whilst in Mexico. Tulum jungle was incredible too!!
Wow! I just found this and amazed--great job! I lived in Cancun for 6 months during the 1980's and stayed in a beach palapa at Xel Ha. We went scuba diving to 100 ft. just off the coast with locals--saw a giant grouper. They had a buffet but everything was rustic and native then. What incredible development. I want to return to see that place that I loved💜.
Thanks very much for this video. Our family will be going to the area soon and your video has been helpful by showing this place would be a great addition to our trip. Cheers!
Thanks! Xel-Ha is a great place for a family excursion.
Thank youuu,I had a wonderful time,so beautiful too.👏👏👏
Great!! Thank you for all your help! Best video I’ve seen on this !!! Your information is EXACTLY What I needed. ❤
Thank you!
Went here last year. SO FUN !
Thank you for the video, very informative.
I have a 1 year old baby. Can I take him on the tube ride?
The website doesn’t mention a minimum age but I personally wouldn’t recommend it. I’m not sure they have life jackets that small, and it’s a big and long river.
@@TulumToCancun thank you so much for your reply
I was there 20 years ago, on my 11th birthday. Me and my mom swam with dolphins and I still have the pictures from it, on paper since it wasn’t really digital back then. There wasn’t slides and ziplines and stuff like that back then. Me and my sister snorkeled a lot and we still joke about a silly fish we saw. It was great! I’d like to go there with my fiancé some time. Long travel from Sweden though! But I remember my childhood vacation in Mexico being the best one I’ve had.
Memories like that are the best part about these parks. Thanks for sharing, and I hope you get to re-live your memories soon.
That is so sweet, I love that you have that experience with your family. I know a family that travel for 3 weeks when they leave Australia.
Thanks for this detailed review!! Much appreciated. Thinking to do this in a few days!
Iv been there twice and absolutely love it!! If ur going to Mexico it’s a must!
Thanks for the details
Thank you for this video… what areas of the park would you absolutely not recommend for someone who cannot swim
The water slide tower can be a bit disorienting at the end, but it’s shallow water in the landing so there’s little risk. I don’t think there’s anything that would be a hard pass for those who can’t swim. Instead it depends on their comfort level in the water. For example if they have a fear of deep water, they may want to skip the river swim.
Great Vlog!! So informative!! Cant wait to go!!
I was there and did the activities you covered, it was great even jumping off the cliff! Your review is spot on!! Thank you🤙
Very insightful video. Looks FUN
Beautiful place
wish one is better Xel Ha and Xcaret, thank you for your video.
They're both great, it depends on what you're looking for. Xel-Ha is all about water activities, Xcaret is more about seeing the shows and sights (still has some activities, but not as much). I prefer Xel-Ha because I love the natural beauty of the park, and I prefer to spend my day doing fun activities instead of walking around to watch shows & see exhibits. Xel-Ha is also smaller than Xcaret Park so it's easy to see and do everything without rushing, and the unlimited food and drinks at Xel-Ha is really nice.
Is the activities one package or separate booking
Everything you see here is included in your admission. There are just a few optional activities that have an extra fee, but not required to have a good time. I mention those in the video.
Xel Ha was an awesome day. Liked the way you were made to use sea friendly suntan lotion
Celtic CC Castle Clash Yea I appreciate their conservation efforts. Unfortunately not everyone follows the rules, and the reefs have been damaged as a result, but it looks like things are recovering.
@@TulumToCancun that's a shame that people do that, it's a bit of a fragil pocket ecosystem Xel Ha, so you gotta treat it well. Best day of my life that place was
@@TulumToCancun I noticed that too. People wearing banana boat over the counter sunscreen. I wonder why Xel Ha doesn’t enforce this rule.
This is the best water park it’s so fun
Cant wait to go again in a few weeks 😁
Is this better than the cenotes tour?
Really excellent video dude, thanks so much, we’re going to check it out!
Thanks! It’s a beautiful park, enjoy your visit!
Nicely done video! We are considering coming there next month! Thanks for sharing❤️
Ian going in 3 months can't wait
Love the video I am planning to go at the last week of June can you recommend a good hotel and how far is that park to any of the hotels
There’s lots of great hotels along the coast, it just depends on what you’re looking for. Xel-Ha is further south though, so you’ll want to stay closer to Tulum if you want to be close to the park.
Thanks for the video. What do u think 3 hours can do best in Xel-Ha? I am thinkinh of cruise tour including Tulum ruins and Xel-ha. Not much time i know , I just try to make the best of it
Is it 3 hours for the Xel-Ha visit? I’d imagine you can do some of the highlights within that time period, but it would definitely be a bit rushed.
Good. Job
Il 2 gennaio 2022 abbiamo trascorso una giornata indimenticabile Grazie un parco bellissimo❤
Man I miss this trip soo much 😭 I'll be back soon 🤟💯 voy a regresar cuando pueda. Memorias nunca se olvidaran 💯💯
How is the weather in October, is it nice to visit Cancun??
Weather is great as usual, but October is the last month of the rainy season, so it'll probably rain a little more than usual. October is also part of the hurricane season. Cancun just got hit with a hurricane about 12 hours ago, but it looks like things are alright. No serious damage was reported.
Tulum To Cancun Thank you!
So if you wanna records stuff there you should use lockers instead of secure bags?
Do we have to wear life vests the whole time
No, just when you’re in the water
I went last August, and had a blast!! I did the sea trek and Snuba activities!!
I should have switched sea trek for swimming with dolphins!!
SNUBA was incredible/amazing!! When the guides released fish food, and had lots of beautiful colorful fish come at us like piranhas! Lol. I went to the cenote area, did Zipline , and the cliff jump.
then came sunset, as I made my way back to the bus to take us back to the hotel, I felt a knot in my throat! This place is paradise!!!! I was so sad as the bus started to take us back.
I stayed in Cancun for a week
Not long after I arrived , my family couldn't resist. They want to go!!
Booked flights for Cancun 3 months later.
So now , we are trying to decide on the tours.
4 full days
Thinking about going to
XCARET
CHICHEN ITZA
And XEL HA together.
On the last day, my parents are wanting to go to TULUM and I want to go swim with whale sharks!!! If I'm ever in Cancun during whale shark season, I can't leave Cancun without going for a swim with them!
Very nice, detailed, informative video.
You need to do actual scuba. As fun as these parks are, they’re nothing compared to real scuba diving. This park is fun, definitely but nowhere near as fun as scuba diving a cenote or a wreck 😅
do you remember how much you payed for the sea trek activity?
@@Michelle-fo1ot
Approx $30
IF........you know how to swim/ dive
(Control your breathing.....when you have a regulator and can breathe underwater, the less air you have in your lungs , the easier it will be to stay underwater. As opposed to holding ALL your breath, you will remain above the water. )
Anyway, if you know how to swim,
Try SNUBA!
Highly recommended!
As opposed to having the big helmet over your head and walking along the water, you can swim freely without any weight over you.
You will definitely love it!
Makes me want to get scuba certified.
Again, only of you know how to swim underwater.
@@charlesg7926
I can only imagine!
Hoping to go back summer 2023
Stay in cancun for 3 weeks.
Scuba dive in Cozumel and Isla Mujeres!
As well as check out a couple of cenotes
Dive CENOTE DOS OJOS!
Hope to get scuba certified in LA , so as to be prepared and not waste NOT ONE DAY in cancun!!
Are life jackets required while snorkeling? As an avid snorkeler I find them to be restricting, thanks in advance!
Yea you’re required to keep your life jacket on during the water activities. The snorkeling here is more for the casual snorkeler.
5:28 DO NOT go by taxi. You'll get ripped off. It is honestly more convenient and cheaper to rent a car.
If it suits their needs better, sure. Otherwise for day trippers, a taxi might be much easier than dealing with pick up and drop off of a rental.
Very informative! Gracias!!
Is this a good option for a solo traveler?
Yes! I filmed this review on a solo visit. I really enjoyed the time I had to myself and being able to do everything on my own schedule.
@@TulumToCancun Awesome, thank you for responding! And thank you for this video!
How man zip lines not including the bike zip? How much are beers? Would you just skip the river to spend more time in the lagoon?
There are 3 lines. I enjoyed the river so I wouldn’t recommend skipping it, but I would recommend tubing down the river and then snorkeling in the bay/lagoon. Beers are included in your ticket!
Great review, thank you. Question: is there a beach area to lounge if I get tired and just want to relax?
Yes, they have an area with hammocks tied to palm trees, and several areas by the water with beach chairs and sand with a beautiful view. Plenty of places for you to relax and get some rest.
Jodi Bradbury yes
I’ll be in Mexico in July I only have enough time for three parks. Which park is better xcaret or XEL-HA and can you tell me why the one you pic is better? Thank you
They're both amazing, it just depends on what you're looking for. Xel-Ha is all about water activities, Xcaret is more about seeing the shows and sights (still has some activities, but not as much). I prefer Xel-Ha because I love the natural beauty of the park, and I prefer to spend my day doing fun activities. It's not as big as Xcaret Park, so I didn't have to rush, and the unlimited food and drinks at Xel-Ha really helps; it's SO nice to be able to grab a drink after a long day under the sun without having to pay extra.
Thank you so clear and helpful! 💕✨
Do you need to bring snorkeling gear of they provide you ?
They provide the snorkel gear
that slide gave me a major wedgieeee goin mach 5, jesus it was so quick
Lol yea it’s surprisingly fast near the end. You gotta keep the thighs pressed together to avoid wedgies #protip
great review thanks
I have a question. How far is this resort and do they offer transportation to and from? The resort I'll be staying at is Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa-All Inclusive.
Xel-Ha is between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, and yes they offer transportation to and from your resort, but you need to book that ticket in advance. Just add the transportation option when buying your ticket online, and select your resort name. Grand Palladium is only a 15 minute drive from Xel-Ha.
I couldn't find my resort on the list. The one I mentioned. Maybe I'm over looking it but I went over it over and over. Thanks for replying.
@@customersalwaysright1314 There’s multiple resorts within that Grand Palladium complex, if you don’t see White Sands you can try one of the other resorts like Kantenah, Colonial, or Yucatán Suites. Hope that makes sense. You can also email the hotel and ask.
What was that underwater hallway with seat that you showed right when you were talking about transportation options?
That`s an observatory boat, it`s located near the main buffet. It's down the stairs in that boat. It was cool, I spent a few minutes there by myself just watching the fish.
I too was introduced to XelHa when it was free quiet bear and basically only locals enjoyed this amazing place. Here and Talum are both now trampled tourists traps.
Great video! I'm taking my family to Tulum mid February. Planning on visiting Xel-Ha, but just curious is a 5yr old allowed in some of these attractions?
Yes, the recommended minimum age for most activities is 5 years, and a minimum height of 3.5ft. Most important is how confident your child is in the water, for activities like zip lines and the water slide, they recommend using them only if you know how to swim.
Is the water salt or fresh water?
The river is freshwater. The inlet has mixed water, saltwater from the ocean and freshwater from the river both feed into the inlet.
For a family with 7 kids, oldest 15 (she has down Syndrome) and youngest is 1, would you recommend xelha or xplor?
That’s a good question. I’d recommend Xel-Ha for your family. It’s more relaxing and easier to manage for large groups, but it’s mainly water activities so you’d need to keep an eye on the kids. Xplor’s activities require you to split up individually or in groups of 2/4 with an adult, which sounds like it might be difficult to manage. Have you also considered Xcaret?
If you do plan on going, feel free to use my link to get your tickets. Kids under 4 are free, and ages 5-11 are 50% off so you’ll save quite a bit.
i want to go here but don’t know
how to swim. are the life jackets given here sufficient for all the water rides?
Yeah the life jackets are generally fine for the water activities. If you can’t swim though, I suggest you go down the river using the tube. As long as you feel comfortable in the water, the rest of the activities are manageable with a life jacket.
Is it worth it to go if we can't swim?
It depends. You can still have a great time if you can’t swim because life jackets are provided, they have lifeguards on duty, and the water is calm. As long as you’re not afraid of the water, you’ll probably be fine. I suggest you don’t go down the faster slide in the lighthouse, and don’t snorkel down the river, do the tube instead. You may also want to check out Xplor or Xcaret which have fewer water based attractions.
I really miss Cancun I went 3 years ago and I’m crying 😭
Hey great tour video and advice...which you choose if you can only do one park...Xel-Ha or Xcaret?
Sibertiger Productions Thanks! I loved both and they’re different experiences, but my personal preference would be Xel-Ha since it’s more my type (I want fun activities and natural beauty).
@@TulumToCancun ok cool thanks for the reply...that's what I was leaning tower too!
So I can't take pictures unless I pay to be able to take them?
You’re free to take your own pictures. If you want to use the park’s camera system, that’s what the photo pass is for.
How long is the lazy river tube ride? Is this place worth going with 6yr olds?
I can’t remember exactly, but it lasts pretty long since the stream is gentle, maybe around 10-20 minutes. And yea I think 6 year olds would have a blast, here as long as they can swim and are comfortable in the water.
By swimming ..do you mean on their own without vests?
@@23janneter No, they give you lifejackets, but there's a large body of water and is fairly deep at some points. You can still enjoy the park even if you don't know how to swim, but in the case of children, I personally wouldn't recommend Xel-Ha unless they can swim- for safety & peace of mind. If your kids can't swim, I'd recommend another park like Xplor or Xcaret.
@@TulumToCancun aww i was thinking of taking my 6 and 7 yr old but they don't know how to swim. I thought just by them having a life vests they would be fine.
@@23janneter The park takes all the necessary precautions (life vests, tubes, lifeguards). It's just that personally, that's not a recommendation I feel comfortable making, so ultimately it's your choice.
Great video! Do they give you a little pack of eco friendly sunscreen if you don't have any like they do at Xcaret?
Nobody offered it to me, so I don't think so. Either way, you should bring your own sunscreen, because you spend a lot more time under the sun than you would at Xcaret.
i cant find a season pass of even a monthly pass. a lot of us live nearby and would like to ride bike on weekends.
I've never heard of a monthly pass for Xel-Ha, I doubt it exists, but maybe you could try reaching out to them and see if it's a special thing they can do for you.
Awesome!
I have a toddler, are there activities for him
Children can do many of the main activities like snorkel & tubing as long as you're with them. They also have the children's world which has a wading pool, playground, water slides, rope climbing, seesaw, etc.
What do you think about mixing packages? Like doing the xplor and the xenotes?
That's a great idea, that's actually what I did in 2017, I visited Xplor & Xenotes. And you can save an extra 20% by doing a combo of 2 parks or tours, but that discount only applies to a specific combination like Xplor + Xel-Ha or Xcaret, or Xenotes + Xichen for example.
I have a waterproof backpack and my own snorkel gear (I'm a diver). How do you think this setup will work?
1. Do they let you use your own snorkeling gear?
2. Can you Zipline with a small backpack?
3. Other thoughts?
Yea you can bring your own snorkel gear. You can't bring anything with you on the ziplines though. There's a pole nearby where you can hang your bags or gear, but I recommend you put your stuff in your locker.
You'll only need snorkel gear for the river and inlet parts. After you're done with that, you can leave your stuff in your locker and go see the rest of the park and do the cliff jumping, zip lines, water slides, water slides.
Are life jackets mandatory? My husband dislikes using them.
@@Jsjdjc yea they are
Is part of the Xcaret all inclusive resort?
Yes. Xel Ha is one of the parks included with Hotel Xcaret.
I went August 2019 it was amazing I want to go back I’m sooo sad
Miranda cooper I think I’m going next year but I hope I get to go this year
m y a h d i l l o n it’s amazing
Charity shop sue I know it is we watched a lot of vids
It’s probably gonna better than the cruise 🚢 that I went to last summer it was fun but t I think it’s gonna be way better
is it actually going to be fun i think am going this year
Nice video. Is alcahol also available if you pay the all inclusive ticket ? Thx
Yes, Xel-Ha is an all inclusive park, so regardless of which ticket you buy, you have access to all activities, food, and drinks, including alcohol.
How is the weather in August?
Hot and humid, and more rain than average. Also August falls within the hurricane season which mostly brings some winds and rain in August.
@@TulumToCancun oh okay thanks you! How long does the rain last?
@@miam08314 In August, average rainfall is 162mm, or 5 days out of the month. It usually doesn't last long so it won't be a huge issue, but it depends on how much you hate rain.
@@TulumToCancun 😂 okay thanks so much! I don’t hate rain that much but I prefer sunny. Thanks so much! It one more question what is their to do when it rains? Any ideas?
@@miam08314 Most activities and destinations remain open during short periods of rain. Unless you're dealing with bad weather like hurricanes, there's still plenty to do. My recommendation would be to visit one of the Xcaret parks since they'll be less busy, or go visit some cenotes, which are beautiful in the rain.
How do you get up the waterslides? stairs only?
Yea you climb the stairs, there are spots to stop if you need it break.
Hello where’s the link to purchase tickets I’m staying at crown paradise club here in Cancun will a bus pick me up from my hotel and take me there and back ?
You can buy tickets here: bit.ly/32iMqNA
When you're buying your tickets, make sure the Transportation option is added and select your hotel from the dropdown.
I’m going in 2 weeks, so I should buy the admissions online !?
Yea I recommend buying admissions online before you go. Buying tickets 2 weeks in advance gets you 15% off. You can buy here tulumtocancun.com/offer/xel-ha/
Can u tell me if there is snubs with helmets and rails to walk along here as you didn’t mention and is it extra money or included in all inclusive ticket and how much is adult admission
Yes. They have all that. I don’t know the pricing
thank you 💗
Hello! I hope you see this comment as the video was posted 2 years ago. We’re going to Mexico in 2 weeks, this place is 20 minute from us. Do we have to book online or will it be cheaper with resort or travel agent? Also can I book online in Mexico because I want to see what the weather will be like first, go on a sunny day. Also as it’s 20 minutes away would it be cheaper to add the bus pick up or get a taxi like you said? Thanks!
It's definitely cheaper online if you buy in advance. There's a 15% discount if you book 3 weeks earlier, or 10% if you book at least a week earlier. Prices at resorts and agents vary, they'll usually be the same or more expensive than the regular price on the official website.
The transportation option will be cheaper than taxi, but since you're close, a taxi will be more convenient and not too expensive. If you're not on a tight budget, take the taxi and get to the park when they open, you'll have a lot more time, and the park is a lot less busy.
Can I take my GoPro to record in the Cenotes or to do snorkel?
Yes you can use your GoPro anywhere except on the waterslide tower. Side note, they don't allow swimming in some of the cenotes.
Is this park related to Xcaret? Are they separate parks?
Xel-Ha is owned by Grupo Xcaret, which is the parent company that owns Xcaret Park and several other parks in the Riviera Maya.
Hi, great video, going Mexico in April and was thinking of going here but have a 6 year old and 2 year old! Do u think it will be ok for the 2 year old , his 3 in may! Thank you
Angela Collins I personally wouldn’t go to Xel-Ha with young kids under 4-5. The majority of activities are water based, so kids should be confident in the water and supervised very closely. If they’re too young, you may need to opt out of some activities altogether. My recommendation would be Xcaret Park instead.
@@TulumToCancun thank you
I'm seeing conflicting things on their website and from people so maybe you could help. Do they provide towels? I followed the link in the description and was looking at what they include and what they recommend, both say that it includes a towel BUT they recommend you bring a towel? Haha
Stephanie No-Name When I went, I had no need for a towel so I never looked for one. I read TripAdvisor reviews & the site that mentioned them providing towels, and I know that the change room/ locker room stations are huge, so I think they do, I just never checked myself. Sorry I can’t give you a solid answer. Maybe try contacting their support and asking?
@@TulumToCancun no, you're fine! I think it's helpful still, sounds like we might be good to not need towels haha.
Stephanie No-Name Yea you can always do what I did and dry under the sun haha
We love Xel Ha!! We also never used a towel. :)
Stephanie No-Name he literally said in the video they give you a towel :/
How much is a pass and is the zip line included?
Jen Brocksmith zip lines and all other activities are included. To check the price, click the link that I put in the video description.
Is Xcaret and Xel ha two different parks?
Jen Brocksmith Yes, they’re different parks but they’re owned by the same parent company. Xel-Ha is closer to Tulum, while Xcaret is just south of Playa Del Carmen, in the same area as other parks like Xenses and Xplor, all owned by the same company.
We are going in September and its our 1st time being in Cancun. Thank you for all your info. Im looking online for tickets right now.
@@jenbrocksmith8100 Hotels usually have low rates in September, combined with the current situation, I bet you'll find some great deals. If you're looking to visit any of these parks, there's a promo until the end of August, so book online before your visit, I have all the details in the description of my videos. Stay safe, happy/healthy travels!
where is the closest motel/hotel SAFE PLACE to stay at near here.
Pat Terrazas I’ve stayed at the Bahia Principe which is close to Xel-Ha. Grand Oasis Tulum is also close. Those are resorts, there are smaller hotels nearby but I don’t have any experience on those.
Weird question, are all of the slides enclosed?
Updated: No the waterslides are not enclosed/covered, except for certain sections.
Actually I think I remembered the slides incorrectly, because they're not covered- only some sections. I was just looking at some pictures and they're not covered.
Do they have aqua shoes for rent ?
They sell aqua shoes, but not for rent.
Do they have dolphins?
Yes, but it's not included with your ticket so you'll have to pay extra.
This is a beautiful video. Thanks. Is there a hotel nearby?
Thanks! The closest resorts are the Bahia Principe resorts and Grand Oasis Tulum.
What's better xel-ha or xplor?
It depends on what you’re looking for, Xplor is more action packed, Xel-Ha is more relaxing and slow paced. Both parks are really fun, so it depends on which activities you find more interesting. I preferred Xplor, but you can’t go wrong with either one.
Does a child that is 9 have full access to the park? Thanks & great video!
Yep, the minimum age is 4 or 5, I can't remember exactly.
how much are the pictures
As of now, it's $59 before discounts. Check the link in the description for the latest prices.
hey man you haven't uploaded a video for a while ..did u get stuck somewhere lol anyway thank you so much for your videos
Haha thanks for checking. I just haven’t been able to travel lately, partly due to what’s happened over the past two years, partly because I just had a kid. Hoping to go back to Cancun very soon though!
Thank you for your video, good tips but I have a question can I take my snorkel gear with me?
Yes you can. They do give out clean snorkel equipment to use, but yea you’re welcome to bring your own.
How is the water temp. Do u recommend some kind of wet suit?
Terry Bartlett It’s not bad, it’s cool at first but gets comfortable quickly. And if you’ve been spending time under the sun, it’s very refreshing. I personally wouldn't bother with a wetsuit.
Wow
Visited this week and thought it was great, especially the slides. However the snorkeling was mediocre compared to when I went for the first time 15 years ago. A lot less fish than before it seemed.
That’s the thing with snorkeling in general. The more popular the spot, the worse it is for the reefs and fish. It’s a sad reality of our impact on the environment, that’s why I reminded people to wear eco friendly sun screen, at least to try and minimize the impact.
Hi would you reccomend Xel-ha or Xcaret?
They're both great parks, so it depends on what you want. Xcaret is all about exhibits and shows with some water activities. Xel-Ha is all about water activities. So if you want something a little more action packed, or want to spend your time doing the activities, Xel-Ha might be better for you. Otherwise, Xcaret offers lots to see and do for the day, it just has more exhibits that you observe instead actually participate in. Either way, you can't go wrong, just pick whichever sounds better to you. I hope that helps!
Thanks a lot! Very helpful! Hello from Russia, Crimea =)
How is crimea, these days? All is well?
`i cant swim how deep is the water ?
I don't know exactly. It's shallow enough that you can see the bottom of the river/inlet, but not shallow enough for you to be able to stand. I think it's ok if you can't swim, as long as you're confident and comfortable in the water, because you get life jackets & you can just do tubing instead. I hope that helps you decide.
I’ve been there so I know deep it is. For shallow part it is about 4 feet the most and deep part is about 8 feet.But regardless life vest are required everywhere in the park so you’ll be fine.
You don't need to know how to swim if you have a life jacket on.