Has anyone ever been to Xcaret?

[jennifersmith23]

Just curious if anyone on the board has been to Xcaret in Cozumel. I booked the shore excursion (at a whopping 90 some dollars per adult) and was told it was awesome.

What are the thoughts of those of you that have been there?

I just want to make sure it is worth it before it is too late to cancel.

Thanks,
Jennifer

 

[mmouse37]

Is Xcaret on Cozumel or do you have to take the ferry to Cancun?

MJ

 

[Lavne]

I've been there, and while I thought it was interesting, IMO it wasn't $90pp interesting! There was a post just after the Western Excursions were announced that discussed it and gave some details, pros/cons, etc. If you can find it, that may help.

I was lucky enough to go for free, but with limited time. We did float in the underground river (very cool, peaceful, but wear water shoes as the bottom is sharp), go through the butterfly garden, and walk around a bit. Perhaps there were things we missed that make it worth that price!?!

Check out their website for more information: http://www.xcaretcancun.com/

Regarding where it's located, this is from the website:
Approximately 1 hour from Cancun and 5 min. from Playa del Carmen off the Cancun - Tulum highway. For those staying at Cozumel, you must cross to Playa del Carmen in the ferryboat.

Whatever you end up doing - Enjoy!

 

[Tricias]

I've been to Xcaret but not through Disney. I found it to be quite ugly. The water was dirty and not what the brochures described at all. If I ever went back to that area I would not go it again.

 

[ssclbc]

Xcaret is on the mainland so you will have to take a ferry from Cozumel to get there.
I went last year when we were staying at a resort in Playa del Carmen. It was very beautiful and interesting but VERY overpriced. Also the price of admission does NOT include any food or beverages, towels, lockers etc and these expenses can really add up. The best part or the expereince was the evening Mayan ball game followed by traditional native dances in the jungle then a ballet folklorico show, but I'm not sure cruise passengers get to stay for these events since they start at 5 pm and last until around 9pm.
If you do go, bring towels, bottled water and bug spray. If the ship offers a trip to Xel-ha, you might consider that instead. The all-inclusive option there is priced about the same as admission to Xcaret.

 

[4crusinransiers]

Well our family has been twice. We all loved it, from my teeagers to my little ones. It is expensive.We however on both trips spend all day there and did all the activites. The river float is awesome!
It is an eco-friendly park and you have to leave your suntan lotian
at the gate. The butterfly area is great. I say its a must do on the Maya coast but I think Disney is only offering you to stay for 3 hours? Not enough Time.

 

[jennifersmith23]

Actually the Disney excursion is 6.5 - 7 hours long... and it does include lunch.

 

[Bennet]

We did it a few years ago. Bussed down. The underground river was cool but do it early as the silt gets kisked up.

I wasn't too impressed with anything else. No way I would pay 90pp.

 

[G's mommy]

We were there in '97 while on a trip to Cancun. The underground river is fun, although very cold! If you have young children, they probably won't like it. Our son was just 14 months at the time and my husband stayed with him while I did it. Overall, I didn't think it was that great, the dolphin encounter looked cool, but of course it was an arm and a leg over what you already paid to get in. The beach area is decent, but water not very clear. Once you pay to get inside, still have to buy food, rent lockers, rafts, etc. In my opinion, it is not worth $90 a person. If you do decide to go and you have small children, rent the stroller, you're gonna need it.