Xel-Ha

halmester's picture

Location

Quintana Roo
Mexico
20° 19' 1.9272" N, 87° 21' 28.1268" W
MX
General info: 

Xel-Ha is a beautiful natural aquarium in Cancun Mexico. The water in the cenotes, caves and lakes is mixed with spring waters resulting in the extreme clarity of the water.

You can dive and snorkel among the tropical fish and swim along the river discovering some of the 90 marine species that inhabit the creek. Even swimming with dolphins is possible here.

Historically, Xelha was one of several key ports of the Maya city of Coba; and a point of intercultural exchange between the Maya and other sea-navigating peoples between the 7th and 12th centuries. Later on the lagoon was used as a base by Spanish conquistadors during the ultimately unsuccessful first expedition in 1527–28.

Getting there: 

Xel-Ha Park is open 365 days a year from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, 110 km south of Cancun, 44 km south of Playa del Carmen.

Most common way to arrive here is an organized tour directly from hotel. There are also public buses from Cancun (Av Uxmal) and Playa del Carmen (5 th Avenue) to reach Xel-Ha.

Also easy to find if you have your own car.

Costs: 

An all inclusive package with all regular water activities + free drinks + breakfast is 80USD.
Same package with the dolphin swimming is around 240USD.

You might be interested in

Out of crazy walkways, this has got to be one of the craziest. Near the top of the Tianmen Mountain, on a sheer rock face goes this 60m long walkway.

The aptly named Half Dome is possibly Yosemite's most familiar rock formation. The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor and the drop from the top is nearly vertical.

The White Cliffs of Dover are one of England’s most recognizable landmarks. The sheer cliffs of white chalk mark the closest part of England and reach up to 350 feet (110 m).

Devils Tower is the most improbable rock formation rising dramatically 1,267 feet (386 m) above the surrounding terrain with summit 5,114 feet (1,559 m) above sea level.

Europe's largest high alpine meadow, Alpe di Siusi, separates two of the most famous Dolomite ski-resort valleys (Val di Fassa and Val Gardena).

The water pouring down from a flat-topped plateau Auyán-Tepuí creates a sight that is best described as completely epic. The huge waterfall in middle of rainforest looks like a scenery from a sci-fi movie.