Xel-Há (pronounced shel-ha) is the easiest day in the Riviera Maya. Everything is included in one price, the natural inlet teems with fish, and you spend the day moving between the water, a cliff jump platform, mangrove kayaks, and hammocks strung over the lagoon. It is the most relaxed park of the Experiencias Xcaret group - and the one most visitors say they wish they had spent two days at instead of one.
Book Xel-Há Tickets on Klook
Book Xel-Há All-Inclusive Admission on Klook →
Klook lists the Xel-Há all-inclusive ticket directly with mobile confirmation. If you prefer to bundle with transport from Playa del Carmen or Cancún, GetYourGuide has Xel-Há packages including transfers.
What the All-Inclusive Covers
One price, no surprises inside the park:
| Category | What’s included |
|---|---|
| Food | Unlimited buffet breakfast, lunch, and snacks at multiple restaurants. Grilled fish, regional Mexican dishes, salads, and desserts. |
| Drinks | Open bar including wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails. Soft drinks and juices also unlimited. |
| Equipment | Snorkel set + fins. Wetsuit if you want one (useful for the drift river). Bicycle for getting around the park. |
| Activities | Snorkel river, cliff jump (multiple heights), mangrove kayak, tubing, beach access, hammock zone. |
Nothing to pay inside once you are through the gate.
Admission from approximately $95 USD per adult as of 2026. Children under four are free. Ages 5–11 pay a reduced rate. Book in advance to secure your preferred date - Xel-Há sells out during Mexican school holidays, Christmas, and July–August.
The Main Inlet
The centrepiece of Xel-Há is a natural cove where fresh and saltwater mix in a large, shallow channel carved out of the jungle. The visibility here is exceptional: three to five metres on most days. The fish are abundant because the park has been a protected natural area for decades.
What you are likely to see: Parrotfish in several colour phases, angelfish, sergeant majors, French grunts, rays feeding on the sandy bottom, and nurse sharks resting under ledges (small, harmless, and surprisingly common). Sea turtles appear most often from May through October. Jellyfish are rare but can appear in warm months - park staff will advise if present.
The water is calm throughout the inlet. There are no waves, minimal current, and visibility is consistent. Young children and non-swimmers can enjoy the shallower entry areas near the platform walkways. The deeper central channel is excellent for snorkellers of any level.
Arrive at opening (08:30). The best fish activity is in the morning before the midday sun flattens the water colour. The park gets busiest from 10:30 onwards.
Other Activities
Cliff Jump
A tiered platform above the lagoon with jump heights ranging from approximately 3 to 7 metres. The water below is deep, clear, and designated jumping area only - staff supervise. Optional, but popular.
Drift River
A separate channel where you drift slowly downstream wearing a snorkel mask, seeing fish below throughout. Wetsuits are available for this section if the water feels cool.
Mangrove Kayak
A calm, shaded kayak route through the mangrove forest at the edge of the park. Usually a 20–30 minute paddle. Canoes and kayaks included in admission.
Beach Area
Xel-Há has a small Caribbean beach section at the ocean side of the inlet. Calmer than open beaches and excellent for watching pelicans. Hammocks here fill up early.
Hammock Zone
Multiple hammocks strung low over the water in the main lagoon area. Some shade, some sun, clear water below - exactly what the photos on social media look like.
Practical Information
Opening hours: 08:30–18:00 daily.
Location: Highway 307 km 240, approximately 12 km north of Tulum and 55 km south of Playa del Carmen. Note: this is a different highway marker from Xcaret and Xplor, which are at km 282 closer to Playa del Carmen.
Getting there:
- From Tulum: Colectivo heading north on Highway 307 (MXN $25–30), journey time approximately 15 minutes. Taxi from Tulum approximately MXN $150–200.
- From Playa del Carmen: Colectivo heading south (MXN $50), journey time approximately 45 minutes.
- From Cancún: ADO bus to Tulum direction (stop at km 240), journey time approximately 90 minutes. Or book a tour with pickup - browse Xel-Há tours on GetYourGuide.
What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen only (chemical sunscreens prohibited). Sandals or water shoes. An appetite - arrive without a heavy breakfast to make the most of the unlimited food.
Xel-Há vs. The Other Parks
Xel-Há suits visitors who want a completely managed, all-inclusive day without decisions or cost calculations. Quick guidance:
- Choose Xel-Há if you want to snorkel, relax, and drink without thinking about menus. Best for couples, honeymooners, and anyone staying near Tulum.
- Choose Xcaret if you want cultural depth, an evening show, and more varied activities. Xcaret tickets →
- Choose Xplor if you want adrenaline - ziplines, amphibious vehicles, cave rafting. Xplor tickets →
For the full three-park comparison and who each park suits best: Xcaret vs Xel-Há vs Xplor.