What’s the difference between Xel-Ha or Xcaret I hear you ask?
It’s a question we get a lot here at PlayaDelCarmen.Com.
If you’ve been debating which tourist attraction is best for you or your group during your next trip to Mexico, fear not, we’re here to help!
Safe to say both attractions have earned rave reviews over the years.
Yes, choosing between them can be a little difficult… especially if you’ve never been before.
In this article, we’ll clue you in on the differences between them and answer any questions you may have.
Xel-Ha or Xcaret?
First, how do you even pronounce them?
Xel-Ha = SHELL-HAA
Xcaret = ISH-KA-RET
By choosing to stay in Playa del Carmen or surrounding areas in the Riviera Maya, you’ve positioned yourself in a prime location.
You will be within close proximity to all of the regions top attractions.
This area of the world is famed for its beautiful waters and vibrant marine life!
Both Xel-Ha and Xcaret are celebrated for their lush surroundings and water-based activities.
But how do you know which one will you enjoy most?
Top 9 Things You Need to Know:
- What are Xel-Ha and Xcaret?
- Where are they?
- Different activities at each park?
- Are they suitable for kids?
- Different food options.
- Top tips for each park.
- Are they wheelchair accessible?
- Opening hours.
- Prices.
What is Xel-Ha?
Xel-Ha is every snorkeler and swimmers dream!
It’s regarded as one of the world’s greatest Natural Wonders and provides the opportunity to marvel at the wide variety of marine species that inhabit the cove and its cenotes.
Here you can enjoy water activities, ecological attractions, restaurants, and beautiful scenery.
It’s an all-inclusive aquatic theme park that is fun for guests of all ages.
What is Xcaret?
Xcaret Park is easily one of the top Playa del Carmen attractions for the entire family!
Particularly if you have younger children who just aren’t that keen on swimming yet.
Why?
Because this attraction is much more focused on entertainment, animals, and nature.
Xcaret is a natural sanctuary showcasing the colorful history of Mexico and combining it with fun traditions and Mayan culture.
The attractions are in perfect harmony with its lush surrounding characterized by beautiful underground waterways, lush fauna, and much more!
In this zoo-like jungle environment, you can swim, snorkel, visit a Mayan village where you can see a Shaman perform a ceremony, or visit a coral reef aquarium where you can even hold a sea cucumber!
You will see unforgettable shows, and fall in love with Mexican culture and its people.
Where is Xel-Ha?
It is situated within the Riviera Maya, approximately 240 kilometers to the north of Chetumal, and 122 kilometers south of Cancun
Don’t worry if it’s not super close to your accommodation roundtrip transportation is provided.
For the past few weeks, the Riviera Maya has suffered numerous outbreaks of seaweed on the beaches. Obviously, this is not what any traveler wants to hear.
The good news?
Xel-Ha forms part of an inlet which avoids the seaweed that sometimes gets dragged onto our shorelines by different currents.
Where is Xcaret?
Xcaret is located in Playa del Carmen, just south of Playacar and is the size of 40 football fields.
Yes, it’s huge!
It is located approximately 75 kilometers south of Cancun and6.5 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen along highway 307.
It was named after the close by archeological site Xcaret, a settlement constructed by the pre-Columbian Maya.
Some of these structures still lie within the boundaries of the park, so keep your eyes peeled!
Again, if you are looking to avoid any pesky seaweed that has found itself on the shores of the Riviera Maya visiting Xcaret is the perfect activity as it forms part of another inlet that tends to avoid the masses of sargassum that have been showing up here over the last few weeks.
Activities at Xel-Ha
What’s included with your entry ticket at Xel-Ha?
- Your swimming and snorkeling equipment
- Meals
- Free bikes
- Waterslides
- Zip-lines
- Alcoholic drinks
Unlike Xcaret, these fun activities are included in the entry price and don’t carry any additional charge.
Once you arrive at Xel-Ha prepare to marvel at an array of tropical fish, grab an inner tube and float down the lazy river through picturesque mangroves, feel the fresh water of a cenote meet the warmer sea, and more!
Thrill seekers can even participate in some zip lining, or jump from the cliff of courage.
If you are hoping for a more relaxed visit hang out in the hammock gardens which are certain to leave you feeling Zen-like after a refreshing nap.
It’s time to immerse yourself in the cenotes, lagoons, and caves that make this region of Mexico so unique.
You even have the opportunity to add these services to your Xel-Ha package for a more complete experience (please note they come at an extra charge).
- Snuba Experience
- Temescal
- Zip Bike
Activities at Xcaret
- Xcaret has way more animals to see, there is an aquarium, butterfly pavilion, jaguars, sea turtles, tapirs, monkeys, birds, and much more.
- There are 3 underground rivers you can swim and snorkel in.
- Beach for relaxing.
- Xcaret has mini shows throughout the day that focus on Mexican traditions and the country’s people.
- There is a grand show at the end of the day. This lasts around 2/12 hours long. With over 300 participants, it roughly tells the story of how the Mayan people and how the Spanish came to arrive at Mexico’s shores. For many visitors, the grand show is the highlight of their trip to Xcaret.
Please note snorkels do cost extra from the basic entry price, but you can still swim here with just a life jacket if you choose.
You can add these services to your Xcaret package for an even more complete experience (please note they come at an additional cost):
- Snuba Experience
- Adrenaline
- Speedboat
- Temescal
- Wine Tasting
- Snorkel Tour
- Tlachlo Dinner
At Xcaret, there is no need to follow a tour guide. You choose what interests you most, follow your own schedule and set your own pace.
Want to know more about which each activity entails?
Contact one of our expert travel planners today (free of charge for honest, and unbias information) at customercare@playadelcarmen.com
Is Xel-Ha Suitable for Kids?
Yes!
Kids 0-4 are FREE with ID. Child pricing applies to children between the ages of 5 -11.
If your child measures more than 55′ but is under 12 years, please bring ID to qualify for the child price.
To get the most from your family experience it definitely helps if your child is confident in the water and can already swim. Although lifejackets are, of course, provided.
Is Xcaret Suitable for Kids?
Absolutely!
Unlike Xel-Ha, Xcaret doesn’t rely heavily on water activities, swimming, and snorkeling, there’s a more diverse choice of things to see and do.
This is great if you have younger children who aren’t really so confident in being in the water all day and prefer to do other things.
Children ages 0-4 are free, with ID.
Child price applies between the ages of 5-11.
If your child measures more than 55′ but is under 12 years, please bring ID to qualify for the child price.
They do have strollers available for rent on site if you don’t want to bring your own as there is a lot of walking involved.
Food at Xel-Ha
At this park, all your food and drink is included for the day! It’s completely all-inclusive.
You can eat breakfast and lunch here, make the most of the snacks and open-bar.
Food at Xcaret
At this attraction, you will need to purchase most of the food you consume. Choose from the buffet or snack bar.
The buffet is $27/$29 USD pp.
It’s useful to factor in this expense to your day before you visit to avoid any unexpected surprises.
If you stay for the grand show (which you should) please note you won’t be arriving back at your hotel or rental until late for dinner.
The good news?
Xcaret offers a different package that includes lunch buffet among other useful perks. By choosing this option you will save more money than you would if you were to just choose to buy it on the day.
They also offer an option to dine at the grand show at the end of your day.
It may be a little more expensive than Xel-ha but Xcaret opens for 13 hours a day and boasts a wide range of diverse activities.
Our Top Hints and Tips for Xel-Ha
1. Biodegradable Sunscreen
Xel-Ha is extremely dedicated to encouraging sustainable tourism.
It is for this reason that they kindly ask you to wear biodegradable sunscreen and bug repellent.
As you can imagine millions of people visit this attraction each year. Lathering your body with chemicals isn’t good for your health or this incredible habitat.
Traditional sunscreen can be extremely damaging to the limestone formations and animals local to the attraction.
We all want our kid’s kids to be able to enjoy natural treasures like this in the future. Biodegradable sunscreen and bug repellent is the way to go.
2. Bring Money
A $25 USD refundable security deposit will be needed for your locker and equipment provided.
3. Check the Map!
On the way in, check the Xel-Ha map and plan out your day accordingly to maximize your time. There is a lot to see so make sure you don’t miss a beat.
Our Top Hints and Tips for Xcaret
1. Biodegradable Sunscreen
Xcaret is a natural sanctuary that has to be protected and sustained. It is for this reason that they kindly ask you to wear biodegradable sunscreen and bug repellent.
Millions of people visit this attraction each year and with it, they bring tons of damaging chemicals on their skin. These chemicals are not only damaging to the million-year-old rock formations here at Xcaret but to the animals as well.
If you want your kid’s kids to be able to enjoy natural treasures like this in the future then PLEASE wear biodegradable sunscreen and bug repellent.
2. Bring $25
A 25$ USD refundable deposit if getting lockers and/or equipment.
3. Comfortable Shoes & Eat Breakfast!
You’ll be doing A LOT of walking because there’s so much to see at Xcaret. It’s a wonderful day with plenty of adventures for the whole family.
You can also buy a 2-day pass if you don’t want to try and cram everything into one day, more time for more fun!
Is Xel-Ha Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes!
They do offer facilities for disable people and have wheelchairs available for rent if you don’t want to bring your own.
You will also find a hydraulic chair to help you access the river.
Please note that you will be asked to leave a refundable deposit of $25US to use the hydraulic chair.
Is Xcaret Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes!
The paths around the park are fairly wheelchair friendly. 🙂
However, guests with limited mobility may find it difficult/impossible to access the underground rivers.
The park proudly claims that 50% of the services at this park are available to guests using wheelchairs.
You will also find wheelchairs for rent if you do not wish to bring your own.
Xel-Ha Opening Hours:
8.30 am – 6.00 pm Mon-Sunday
Xcaret Opening Hours:
8.30 am – 10.30 pm Mon-Sunday
365 days a year!
Xel-Ha Pricing
This attraction offers 3 different price packages.
Option 1 – Xel-Ha with Transport
Includes round-trip transportation, access to the park with all food and drinks.
It also includes the snorkel and lazy river equipment, lockers, towels, and access to showers. Kids are FREE (ages 0-4) with ID.
Option 2 – Xel-Ha without Transport
Want just the entrance ticket? We can help you with that too.
Option 3 – Xel-Ha + Tulum Ruins
Want to experience Xel Ha but not the full day?
Opt for Tulum and Xel Ha, to explore the Mayan Ruins in the morning and then head to Xel Ha for the remainder of the day. Kids are FREE
FREE / Infant+Toddler (ages 0-4 with ID)
Prices for Xcaret
THE BASIC PACKAGE: includes the entrance + evening show (food + drink is extra).
THE PLUS PACKAGE: includes the entrance, lockers, towels, equipment for the underground rivers and one access to the buffet restaurant during the day + the evening show (recommended).
Xcaret Admission Only:
Xcaret From Playa del Carmen with Transport
Xcaret From Riviera Maya with Transport
$159.00 – 10% = $143 / ADULT
$79.50 – 10% = $72 / CHILD (AGED 5-8)
FREE / Infant+Toddler (ages 0-4 with ID)
Xcaret From Cancun with Transport
Save Money on Xel-Ha and Xcaret!
Here at PlayaDelCarmen.Com, we’ll make sure you get the best deal on either Xel-Ha or Xcaret, heck, maybe even both!
Contact one of our expert local travel planners today.
Email us online via customercare@playadelcarmen.com
Or call us on our toll-free number at 888-537-9797.
We’d be happy to assist you in getting the best deal. We help 1000s of travelers like you save money every year.
Don’t forget to SHARE this with friends and family on social media.
We hope you found this review to be helpful, if you have any questions be sure to comment below, we would be happy to answer them. ?
Have a great day!
Comments (23)
Elainesays:
May 3, 2021 at 1:53 pmHi there! My family is trying to decide whether or not to visit Xcaret during our trip to Cancun. Your review is the most informative I’ve come across, thank you! I was wondering, is dinner included at the Mexico Espectacular show with the purchase of a Xcaret Plus ticket? Or should we expect to pay extra for dinner? Thank you in advance.
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 4, 2021 at 4:51 amHey Elaine, it is extra but I should note it is currently not running right now anyway due to COVID this is likely to change in the coming weeks. When is your visit? So glad you found the blog useful.
Lilly Palmasays:
June 3, 2021 at 1:00 pmHello Sarah, you are too cute, thank you for the information. My family (16) of us will be there on July 15th and we are staying at the Allegro Playacar in Playa Del Carmen. What information can you share about the Covid situation there, is almost everything closed? what is your feeling and what can you tell me about the Allegro, do they have Covid testing and how much?
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 7, 2021 at 5:03 amHey Lily, aww thank you! 🙂 Great to hear from you I feel like we are moving on with the situation in Mexico. We are all conscious of it and this comment may piss some people off but the show must go on. There are likely restrictions in some places, not everywhere. Just be smart and do what feels comfortable for you. 🙂 Everything is open to my knowledge which is great news lot’s of fun to be had. Yes, there is onsite testing at Allego just book in on your arrival with the concierge. 🙂
Genesays:
July 30, 2021 at 10:57 amWe were just down at xcaret was beautiful and the restraints were huge. Everything is open in Mexico. Masks are lightly enforced. The main thing is you MUST have a vivid test 3 days before you leave. Most hotels do it free of charge the only problem is the testing is at 9 or ten in the morning and if you do a excursion they pick you up at 7:30 . we had a service come out and do the test was a out of pocket expense 40 dollars. Enjoy xcaret
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 3, 2021 at 4:00 amHi Gene, thank you for your feedback we are so happy you had a great time and your trip was stress free.
jenifersays:
August 4, 2021 at 12:41 amhi we were thinking of staying next to the xcaret at the occidental and i was wondering how much it costs for the unlimited xcaret experience
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 4, 2021 at 4:45 amHi Jenifer please reach out to us with your preferred dates and the city you are flying from plus the above information at customercare@playadelcarmen.com and we will get back to you with the best deal we can offer. 🙂
Joyce ortegasays:
August 8, 2021 at 8:43 pmDo you have glass bottom boats as excursions
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 11, 2021 at 7:48 amHi Joyce, yes check this beauty out! https://playadelcarmen.com/activities/atlantis-submarine-cozumel Let me know if you need any assistance booking.
Victoria P.says:
August 13, 2021 at 10:10 pmThanks for your great summary of the two parks! We own our own snorkeling gear, do you know if we would be allowed to bring our into the park, or if we have to pay to rent theirs?
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 16, 2021 at 5:55 amHi Victoria, you can bring your own! In fact, I think it would be much more beneficial to bring your own. 🙂
Sandysays:
November 8, 2021 at 9:41 amHi! We have four kids ages 10, 8, 6 and 4. We are deciding between Xcaret and Rio Secreto. Which would you choose? Thanks!
Sarah Barlowsays:
November 12, 2021 at 5:52 amPersonally, Xcaret has more to offer but Rio Secreto is awesome and feels less commercialised. I hope that helps. 🙂
Claudiasays:
November 23, 2021 at 12:42 amWow. Thank you so much for all your information. You gave me more information that their websites!
I’ve been there before but because their info I was so confused. You explained it so great.
Thank you so much.
Thor Schippmannsays:
December 27, 2021 at 3:49 pmHi Sarah, great article! We are headed to Villa Derosa for spring break March 2022. We plan to scuba dive-We have a 14 yr old daughter,my husband and I. We’d like to do some other excursions as well. We’ve been to Xel-Ha before but would love to hear of other ones to try. Is it hard to get Covid tests done on the return flight home? Thank you so much for your info.
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 6, 2022 at 10:27 amHi Thor, thank you for reaching out you’ve come to the right place! First off, no – getting a test is soooo easy these days. Depending on what test you need… be sure to book in advance if it’s PCR. For assurance read all about it here. https://playadelcarmen.com/blog/covid-test-cancun-riviera-maya/ Xel-Ha is super mainstream (still good) but my faves include Jungle Buggy, Coba or Tulum, turtles, and cenotes. You can read my reviews for each on this website https://playadelcarmen.com/blog/jungle-buggy/ https://playadelcarmen.com/blog/review-tulum-cenotes-turtle-explorer/. I hope they help.
Marcussays:
February 13, 2022 at 5:20 pmHi Sarah!!! Great article for me and my wife to help us make a decision on our family’s future trip to Cancun!! I look forward to more articles like this from you.
Jackisays:
March 30, 2022 at 10:23 pmHi!
Are the Xcaret prices listed in the article for the entry level or premium package?
Sarah Barlowsays:
April 6, 2022 at 5:36 amHi Jacki, I believe they are entry package but please call us to confirm as prices are subject to change. Thanks,
Juliesays:
August 25, 2022 at 4:33 pmHow is the seaweed at XCaret Park this year? We will be heading there the last week in September 2022.
Sarah Barlowsays:
September 2, 2022 at 7:23 amSo far so good!
CRsays:
January 30, 2023 at 8:49 amHi thanks for all the valuable info! We are there for just a day in May as docking from Norwegian cruise ship. We are 6 adult women (not all can swim) and wondered which park is best option for the day. We need to be back on ship at 5pm (sailing at 6pm) so altho disappointed I don’t think we will have the time to see the show 🙁
Any thoughts or recommendations?