What can you tell me about Xel Ha?

[rusafee1183]

It sounds kind of awesome with the caves and being able to cliff jump and do the zip line. (I think there's a zipline...)


Has anyone done it and liked it? Or hated it? What all is there to do there?


Any other Western Caribbean suggestions for excursions?

Thanks!!!

 

[giftcard]

My parents and some of my friends have gone there. They all had a really great time. They loved swimming through the caves.

My parents also loved the fiesta at night but I suspect there won't be time for you to see that.

 

[miry]

we haent done Xel Ha but we did do Xcaret. Which has an underground river that is amazing to swm in. Even for a non swmmer like me. The river goes through a cave system and as I understand that part is similar to Xel Ha. The rest of the ecological park is also a lot of fun. It leads right up to to the ocean so you an snorkel or lie on the beach. The have a beautiful quiet boat ride, jaguars, gardens and some really nice walking trails, horse shows and a whole bunch more. We certainly didn't have enough time to see everyhing but we did have a great day.

 

[catgirl]

Last visit was in 2004 and it looks like they have added some things. I've never been to the park as an excurions, but have visited 3 times while vacationing in the area. The park is beautiful, the snorkeling is awesome (you will see alot of fish(some bigger than you) & rays), and the food was good. Book it & enjoy!

If you have the opprotunity to book a dolphin excurions, I thought it was worth the $ IMHO.

 

[Jocelyne1stCruise]

I did Xel-Ha in 2008 when I went to the Yucatan - it was amazing!! It was seriously heaven on earth. We were a big group that went (wedding party) and so there were people of all ages and we all had a blast. You can swim with the dolphins, go tubing down the river, do tons of snorkeling... and if you feel really lazy, hit Hammock Island! It was a little pricey, but I thought it was worth it.

 

[pearljammer]

I would say do it. The place was awesome and we really enjoyed it. We've got some great pictures which we just happened to come across over the weekend while cleaning out. It is now framed over our bed. Tulum is another must. Beautiful place.

 

[rusafee1183]

Thanks for all of the responses everyone!!

Seems like no one has anything bad to say about the place! One question though, did everyone book through Disney or did you do it on your own?

If you book thru Disney, can you add on Tulum when you get there? It doesn't seem to mention it being an option with Disney's description of the excursion


Thanks so much for all the help everyone!!

 

[matrixband]

I was there several years ago and it was very nice, very relaxing. I was staying in Playa del Carmen up the road so, not booked through Disney or a cruise. The snorkeling was great-very safe. There was lots of interesting creatures (lizards) about. Amazing fish to see. I walked the trail all around the place--got blisters. If I had it to do over, I'd hang out by the hammocks or chase recliners and have a few margaritas. There was a dolphin encounter experience there if you want as well. I'd go again.

By the way, if you didn't know already, it's pronounced "Shell-Ha"

 

[MadtownMama]

We went to Xel-Ha while we were in PDC for our honeymoon. We had no plans on going but hotel staff really reccommended it and was truly one of our favorite memories! Just beautiful! I wish we would have spent more time there. We cannot wait to go back and take our daughter there!

 

[pearljammer]

Thanks for all of the responses everyone!!

Seems like no one has anything bad to say about the place! One question though, did everyone book through Disney or did you do it on your own?

If you book thru Disney, can you add on Tulum when you get there? It doesn't seem to mention it being an option with Disney's description of the excursion


Thanks so much for all the help everyone!!

We were staying in Playa Del Carmen as well so we didn't go through any cruise line. Our excursion was Tulum and then Xel Ha. I agree that the snorkeling was great and the lazy river was a lot of fun. The whole area was just a natural habitat of true nature at it's finest. I believe there's a Discovery Cove or something in Orlando? I brought that place up with my DH but we agreed, why pay that kind of money for a man made place when there's so much natural beauty out there to see. Truly, I don't think you would regret it the least. I will say this about Tulum. At the far side of the place is an area where you can walk down to the small beach area. We had no regrets at all about that day and we have great memories of that day. That's something no one can take from us. Now that we have a DS, we won't him to experience things we never did as a child.

 

[HansLanda]

Last time I was there was back in 2008, but still remember it as it was yesterday. The place is absolutely amazing! I don't remember how much the admission was, but this place is all-inclusive, except for activities like dolphin swimming of course, but everything else is free of charge, from food to equipment like snorkels and bikes, even alcohol is included. There are several restaurants throughout the place with different type of food served in each one. I can't tell you enough how beautiful this place is, they have a really big area for snorkeling, there's also a long river that you can swim and enjoy the incredible scenery. There are also tour guides, free of charge as well, that take you around and explain the history of that place and you really learn a lot from the Mayan culture. By the way, Xel-Ha means "place where the water is born" Xcaret is a pretty similar place, its great too, but Xel-Ha was by far my favorite.

 

[rusafee1183]

Last question!

I keep watching videos and looking at pictures and the water in some areas looks more like a river or creek that you would see here in PA. Kinda greenish and not quite "dirty", but not the crystal clear turquoise that you think of when you think "Caribbean"

Was anyone ever nervous to get in any of the water or am I crazy?

There are some places around here in PA that I can tell you I would NEVER touch with my foot let alone swim around in.

 

[SharonLowe]

Last question!

I keep watching videos and looking at pictures and the water in some areas looks more like a river or creek that you would see here in PA. Kinda greenish and not quite "dirty", but not the crystal clear turquoise that you think of when you think "Caribbean"

Was anyone ever nervous to get in any of the water or am I crazy?

There are some places around here in PA that I can tell you I would NEVER touch with my foot let alone swim around in.

Xel-Ha is located where a river meets the sea so, no, you don't get fabulous clear water. It is also all sand, very little coral or rock so the water gets a bit churned up. It is a great place though and the snorkeling is very good. Go out by the floating bridge and you will see huge fish; go near the bar on the water and you will see huge schools of fish waiting to be fed; and go under the bridge for the bike/tram path and you will see scores of really great fish. If you like water activities, this is a great place.

You can do a tour with Tulum and Xel-ha but it is a long day and you won't get much time at Xel-ha. The tours do Tulum in the morning and get to Xel-ha in the afternoon. It really is best to get to Xel-ha in the morning before the crowds arrive plus you'll get to take advantage of all the things it has to offer.

Also, since you have to get to Playa del Carmen from Cozumel, you have to take the ferry across and back. That eats up a lot of time, which is probably why Disney doesn't offer the Tulum/Xel-ha tour.

 

[matrixband]

even alcohol is included.

Um, I remember they gave one good tasting but watered down margarita free, then you had to pay for anything after that. The policy might have changed though since then.

I loved Xel-Ha! The floating bridge moves some which is kinda cool, but made me a little off balance. I'd go again in a heartbeat.