Learn More About Beautiful Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha is a world famous eco-park located north of Tulum, about 15 minutes from our house in Akumal. It's located on the eastern coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, the location of the Mayans in ancient times.

Multiple leisure, ecological and natural attractions offer activities for the entire family. The delightful open-sea aquarium allows you to view sea life in its natural abode unchanged and not bothered.

Swimming with the dolphins is also a popular activity for visitors and it is not found easily in most places. Animal and nature people like to spend time in the water with these gentle mammals, and they will have a great story to bring back 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 beautiful fish coming back for more. Some snorkelers will have another person feed the fish so they can see the fish from below.

There is a river which starts in a natural spring, and inner tubes are available to float down the stream. This is a relaxing complement to an afternoon nap in a hammock on one of the sandy beaches.

More adventurous spirits can climb up and dive from the high cliffs in Xel-Ha, touring the Mayan cave, and viewing the adjent Xel-Ha ruins. These ruins are largely untouched and totally original, with a unique view into the history and architectural contributions of the Mayans.

Hammock Island, Xpa, Bay of Caprices and The Beach are favorite areas for those who want to rest and experience the leisurely activities at Xel-Ha. Chacah Garden, the Mayan Wall, the Apiary and Plant Nursery provide unique natural locations for fauna lovers. Many examples of nature are also seen at the Inlet, El Dorado Cavern, Ixchel’s Gulf, the Mayan Cave, Chaac Mangal, and many lakes.

When staying in Akumal, Xel-Ha is an easy day trip that will please the entire family and offer plenty of varying activities for all. Tickets are affordable. Xel-Ha is a one of a kind eco-park with things to do centering around relaxation, fun and exploring historical and natural wonders.

People who like water will enjoy the inner tube ride, cliff diving and snorkeling in the lagoon. Naturalists will enjoy swimming with the dolphins and exploring the many forms of plant and animal life there, and those curious about the historical roots of the Yucatan Peninsula have plenty of opportunity to visit the Mayan ruins and see the architectural influences of that era.

Our kids and grandchildren usually plan on spending the entire day at Xel-Ha every time they visit Akumal. There is so much to do they never get tired of going back. They enjoy riding a bicycle through a path in the jungle, jumping off the cliffs into the limpid blue sea, swimming with the dolphins, and walking through stingrays on the bottom of the sea.

This is th first year they signed up for the Sea Trek. They wore a futuristic underwater 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 easing any concerns about the aquatic walk of your life. Everyone says it was a walk they would remember forever!

We highly recommend you visit Xel-Ha on your next trip to Akumal.

M Gravlee is a travel writer based out of Akumal, Mexico.

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