XEL-HA (Xcaret.com)

What Is Xel-Há?

If you're dreaming of a day that feels like a tropical adventure movie with a buffet, then Xel-Há might just be your jam. Nestled along the Quintana Roo coastline, this all-inclusive eco-resort is basically nature’s version of a theme park—with no waves, no wind, and no stress. The bay is calm, the vibe is chilled, and the list of things to do? Endless.

What’s Included?

We’re talking snorkeling (with tropical fish, stingrays, and apparently barracudas), zip-lining into the water, lazy river tubing, biking through the jungle, cliff jumping, floating down cenotes—you name it, it’s probably there.

Oh, and here’s the best part: everything is included in the price—food, drinks, snacks, lockers, towels, snorkel gear, even bikes!

How Much Does It Cost?

Xel-Há isn’t the cheapest day out, but you’re paying for a full-on experience. Prices as of now are:

  • $103.99 USD per adult

  • $77.99 USD for children aged 5–11

It’s not exactly a budget trip, but if you’re looking for a full day of unforgettable family fun, it’s well worth the splurge.

Why We Went?

We actually booked our Xel-Há trip as a treat for Tilly, who had been desperate to snorkel. Unfortunately, the water near our place in Mexico had been too murky. Plus, we were celebrating a mini milestone—hitting 1,000 YouTube subscribers! So we figured, why not go all out?

Our Top Tip: Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear

If you’ve got your own snorkeling equipment, definitely bring it. The provided full-face masks were a bit hit or miss—some fogged up or didn’t fit quite right. It’s not a dealbreaker, but having your own gear will give you a more comfortable underwater experience.

The Barracuda Incident (Yes, Really)

The snorkeling here was insane. Crystal-clear waters, colorful fish, stingrays—and, in Tilly’s case, a close encounter with a massive barracuda. One second she was floating peacefully, the next she let out a scream that stopped time. Turns out, she’d spotted a giant silver beast cruising by. She still tells the story with full dramatic flair!

What Else You Can Do

We were honestly surprised by how much else there was to do beyond snorkeling. Here’s just a taste of what filled our day:

  • Floating down the lazy river on inflatables

  • Zip-lining into the water

  • Swimming into cenotes

  • Biking around the jungle trails

  • Cliff jumping

  • Enjoying unlimited food and drinks (yes, there were desserts!)

We capped off the day by climbing the lighthouse, where we had a panoramic view over the entire bay. Tilly loved seeing the stingrays from the top.

Final Thoughts: Is Xel-Há Worth It?

Absolutely. If you’re in the Riviera Maya and want a full day of outdoor adventure, delicious food, and fun for all ages, Xel-Há delivers. Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s also one of those experiences your family will be talking about for years.

So pack your snorkel, grab your swimsuit, and get ready to make some tropical memories. Just watch out for the barracudas.

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