ATTRACTIONS
	Introduction Cancun Attractions Isla Mujeres Attrac... Mayan Riviera Attr... Chetumal Attractions Merida Attractions Campeche Attr... Golf Fishing Aquatic Fun Eco Adventure Xcaret or Xel-Ha? Xcaret Xel-Ha Beaches Airport Transfers

If your hotel room doesn't have a safe, place small amounts of money in envelopes and stash the enveloppes in different hidding places in the room. (dont forget where you've stashed your enveloppe).

Experience the Tortuga Liberation! Every year hundreds of baby Green Sea Turtles emerge from the sandy beaches of the Mayan Riviera and head into the vast ocean.

Mexico peso (Mex$) = 100 centavos In 1998 there were 9.6 million telephones main lines in use. There are 31,048 km of railways in Mexico. Females are allowed to volunteer for military service. In 1997 Mexico had 31 million radios in use. Mexico's exports partners: US 89.3%, Canada 1.7%, Spain 0.6%, Japan 0.5%, Venezuela 0.3%, Chile 0.3%, Brazil 0.3%. Mexico produced 176.055 billion kWh of electricity in 1998. The main industries are: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism.

The Mexican name for the Atlantic coastal region of the Yucatan Peninsula is Riviera Maya. The English use is either Maya Riviera or Mayan Riviera. It is used all three ways in this web site.

Click here for
Mayan Riviera
Snorkeling Locations
Tips and Info

Buckle Up!

Mexico now has
a seat-belt law.

XEL-HA ECO PARK - MAYAN RIVIERA

Embark on an aquatic adventure. Explore creeks, mangroves, lagoons, natural wells and ancient caves fed by subterranean rivers flowing to Mexico's beautiful Caribbean Sea. Learn, rest and participate in the world's most beautiful natural aquarium, Xel-Ha.

Xel-Ha means 'where the water is born'...

The story is that the Mayan Gods gave Xel-Ha to mortals. Guarded by the symbols for Parrot Fish and Iguana representing wisdom, illusion and love are the historical elements representing the Park's natural beauty and its role as a cultural and religious center.

In pre-Hispanic Mexico, Xel-Ha grew to become a port and commercial zone for the privileged and safe harbor for seagoing merchants.

---

THE PARK

Xel-Ha's main allure is its awesome aquatic attractions. There is also a trail [Path of Conscience] that leads around the park taking you through the jungle. You see lots of iguanas on this trail.

Enjoyable park features include; Hammock Island, the Mayan Cave, Mangrove Chaac, Bay of Caprices, the Mayan Wall, Grotto Ixchel and Grotto El Dorado.

Other notable attractions are:

• Tree Nursery
• Apiary
• Turtle Camp
• Cenotes
• Xel-Ha River Float*

*The Xel-Ha River Float is an adventure that you don't want to miss.

The Beach
A natural refuge, the Beach offers 300 yards of incomparable ocean view. A barrier reef creates a calm, natural saltwater aquarium for swimming, right at the foot of a light house. Mexican palapas provide cooling shade.

Spa Esalem
Revitalize your body and spirit. There's nothing like a massage to recharge you. Xel-Ha's exclusive massages can relax and refocus you. A wonderful way to start or end your day at the Park.

---

AQUATIC ADVENTURES

	Snorkel Submerge in the amazingly blue, warm and crystalline waters of the Xel-Ha inlet with your snorkel equipment and you will have an unforgettable encounter with colorful fishes and exuberant flora.
	Snuba Snuba is a combination of snorkeling and scuba – and it lets non-divers descend safely into the reef zone without breath-hold diving. A compressed air tank floats on the surface, the snuba diver breathes through a safe and easy to use regulator below the surface.
	Sea Trek Step into a world of fish — the biggest and most splendid in the Park. This new take on helmet diving is safe and enjoyable – and you won’t even get your hair wet.
	Aquaventura Xel-Ha guides lead participants on an adventure to the best sites in the Park. For novices and experienced snorkelers alike, this multi-level experience in the marine ecosystem is an eye-opener.
	Dolphinarium Experience the Xel-Ha Interactive Dolphin Swim. As part of the Xel-Ha educational program, the Dolphinarium and its six resident dolphins.

---

RESTAURANTS

Xel-Ha abounds with culinary delights. There is the Caribbean Restaurant with a spectacular view of the cove and incomparable live marimba music and serving an International Buffet.

México Lindo Restaurant and La Cocina del Pueblo serve delicious Mexican appetizers and specialties.

You can get fast-food at:

La Terraza (The Terrace)
hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos

La Parrilla (The Grill)
Fast Food with a variety of beef cuts: Arrachera (beef skirts) New York and Sirloin.

Natura Deli (Nature's Deli)
Fast Food with a variety of sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and juices.

Nevería del Pueblo (The Village Ice Cream Shop)
Right beside the La Cocina del Pueblo (The Town Kitchen). Delightful hand made ices and ice creams. Refreshments.

Bar del Puente (The Bridge Bar)
Well stocked bar with national and international favorites.

Las Neverías (Ice Cream Parlors)
There are two Ice Cream Parlors, one at the park entrance, and the other right beside La Cocina del Pueblo.

---

SHOPPING

There are a number of stores at Xel-Ha selling everything from the famous Xel-Ha T-Shirts to Mayan crafts.

You can find film, batteries, pens, souvenirs, calendars, books, videos, aromatic candles, stones and crystals, and a full line of spiritual, beauty and health products.

---

GETTING THERE

Xel-Ha is located 122 kilometers/76 miles south of Cancun off of highway 307 on the coast side.

From Tulum, The Park is a brief 13 kilometers / 8.1 miles.

Xel-Ha is open from 9:00 to 17:30 hrs.

To get to Xel-Ha you have four options:

• Book a Tour [pick-up and return to your hotel/resort]
• Rent a Car
• Take a Taxi
• Take a Colectivo

If you take a collectivo to Xel-Ha you get off on the highway at the Xel-Ha sign. The collectivo driver will know exactly where to let you off so just tell the driver "Xel-Ha" [shell-ha].

NOTE: After 7:00 you cannot take a colectivo and must use a taxi or rental car.

For information see the Transportation section of this site.

---

click below for ATTRACTION AND TOUR LIST with on-line reservations Golf, Mayan ruin sites, fishing, snorkeling, ecotourism and soft adventure tours desinged for you to experience Mexico's natural and cultural wonders.

Our tours are perfect for singles, seniors, and children.

---

To further assist your planning needs:   | Xcaret | Xcaret or Xel-Ha |