Xcaret or Underground River excursion in Cozumel

[hgon76]

Keep going back & forth on these 2. Anyone done both? Wondering which is better or if they're pretty much the same thing. They look very similar. Just noticed its "Secret River" excursion. Not underground. oops!

 

[Heard02]

I've done xcaret and I regret it. Too many rude locals to enjoy it. Sad but true.
I've done xel-ha twice and loved it each time.
Hopefully you will have a better experience.

 

[luckycharmaine]

I had done Xcaret and Xel Ha. I prefer Xcaret better than Xel ha because there are a lot more things to do there. Do the underground river at Xcaret. Me, hubby and DS went in it. My son was only 1 year old that time. He went on the underground river with us. Never did the secret river. Because of my son. He was too young for it. If the river is not for you they have a beach and a cove you can snorkle. Food in Xcaret is better than Xel ha. Am

 

[wdwwishes]

We did Xcareat in March and really enjoyed it. I had read mixed reviews but went anyway. Our guides were really nice, the place was pretty clean, the lunch and drinks were yummy and it was a relaxing day. When we got to the river we put our belongings into large canvas duffels which were then locked up, we were given the key and they were waiting for us as we exited the river. Life vests were provided and the water was a bit chilly but after the initial oh my, we were o.k. It was never really dark, dark which was good and there were a couple of spots where you stopped and they took your picture. After the river, we showered off, had lunch, wandered around a bit and relaxed on their beach. Waiters did come by for drink orders but they weren't real pushy. Our day concluded with a "tour" of the grounds and butterfly area. You exit, of course, in a large gift shop area. They had some nice things, touristy stuff and some quick snacks/beverages. You can also view and purchase your pictures they took as well. Maybe we got lucky but we'd go back.

 

[hgon76]

Ok, now make that 3 to choose from. Looked them all up on Tripadvisor & they all sound AMAZING! The Secret River excursion forbids cameras though. What are the rules for Xcaret & Xel ha? I take many photos on vacation.

 

[luckycharmaine]

Ok, now make that 3 to choose from. Looked them all up on Tripadvisor & they all sound AMAZING! The Secret River excursion forbids cameras though. What are the rules for Xcaret & Xel ha? I take many photos on vacation.

There are no rules. They actually encourage bringing an underwater camera but I got a waterproof case at amazon and just used my iphone. Or you can buy it from the gift shops there.

 

[hgon76]

There are no rules. They actually encourage bringing an underwater camera but I got a waterproof case at amazon and just used my iphone. Or you can buy it from the gift shops there.

What kind of case did you get? I'm always hesitant on the "waterproof cases". If you found one you liked & worked, I'd love to know the brand.

 

[jessa07]

Ok, now make that 3 to choose from. Looked them all up on Tripadvisor & they all sound AMAZING! The Secret River excursion forbids cameras though. What are the rules for Xcaret & Xel ha? I take many photos on vacation.

They take tons of pictures in the Secret river for you. Honestly I would not want to try taking pictures in there, the terrain is so uneven you want both hands free.

 

[nunzia]

I loved Xel-Ha..hated Xcaret and didn't do Underground River. Loved Tulum though!

 

[hgon76]

I loved Xel-Ha..hated Xcaret and didn't do Underground River. Loved Tulum though!

Do you have to like to snorkel to really enjoy Xel-Ha? I read a lot of reviews saying it was great snorkeling. I don't snorkel. Tried it once on St John & it wasn't for me. Is there still a lot there for someone who doesn't snorkel?

 

[jlwhitney]

Did both. Loved both, but Secret River was better. Best excursion ever, you really can't go wrong.

 

[collectoraholic]

I've done Xel-Ha once and the Secret River three times. Both are amazing excursions, so it really depends on what you'd like to do. You can relax a bit more if you choose Xel-Ha. The Secret River is a truly awe-inspiring experience though. Talk it over with your travel party and see what everyone is hoping to get out of their excursion experience.

Good luck deciding!

 

[antlawn]

Go with a Lifeproof case. I've had mine for 1 1/2 yrs and love it. The granddaughter has taken it in the pool many times. Even videoed while diving. Worth every penny!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Go with a Lifeproof case. I've had mine for 1 1/2 yrs and love it. The granddaughter has taken it in the pool many times. Even videoed while diving. Worth every penny!

I had to toss my Lifeproof less than a year after getting it. My phone wouldn't work right so I took it to tgd local Genius Bar. The problem was an ill-fitting, warped Lifeproof case. The tech said they see it with that case many times daily. I'd love to have sent it back to Lifeproof but they don't warrant them more than a few months. Total waste of $80 for me.

 

[hgon76]

I may just have to throw the 3 in a hat & see. They all sound so good. I keep reading things like "once in a lifetime experience" and a "must do" for the Secret River. But the others look fun too. And each have good reviews. I can start booking in 17 days so I definitely need to decide. This is a "girl trip" with my daughter (11) & I, and a friend & her daughter (9). Need to figure out what the kids would enjoy most as well.

 

[nunzia]

Do you have to like to snorkel to really enjoy Xel-Ha? I read a lot of reviews saying it was great snorkeling. I don't snorkel. Tried it once on St John & it wasn't for me. Is there still a lot there for someone who doesn't snorkel?

Everyone in my party but me snorkeled.. I had a great time! Wonderful walking path with little hidden things to find, lots of other water activities, I watched people with the dolphins, swung in a hammock, had ice cream and a whopper of a drink. Enjoyed it much much more than Xcaret where even the water people I were with preferred Xel Ha.