FUN FUN FUN

My family (husband & I & 2 sons, age 9 & 16) visited Xel-Ha Park on 6/15/13 while staying at the Adventura Cove Palace, Riviera Maya. It was a short (~20 min) drive from the hotel. We arrived at the park around 8:30am. Things were obviously just getting started and it seemed a bit disorganized at first but we quickly found a guide who took a small group of us to the area where we would get our lockers & snorkling equipment (deposit required but not charged if equipment returned). After we got our lockers the guide explained the general layout of the park and showed the group to the restaurant where they were serving breakfast. We had already eaten at our hotel prior to bus pick up so we wanted to get started with snorkeling right away. The equipment area near our locker had a sign noting opening at 9am (it was about 9:07 at that point) but a worker arrived shortly thereafter & set us up with the snorkeling gear we needed. The tour representative at our hotel recommended that we start with the truck ride (jeep pulling wagons) or bike ride to the top of the river. We decided on the truck ride & were among the first in the river that morning. There were two options at the start of the river - snorkeling or tubing (single or double innertubes are provided at the top of the river). We opted to snorkel. Though the tubing did look fun we were so glad we got to experience snorkeling in the fresh water part (though the water was a bit chilly). There were many points along the river to get out, relax, jump off of a cliff, small zip lines, walk aross water on rope, etc. The current of the river brought you into the "lagoon" area. The park marks areas with "Nemo" flags to designate areas where many colorful fish gather but you can see amazing fish and sea life throughout the entire park - like swimming in an aquarium but they are not in captivity! I brought an underwater camera & got great photos throughout the trip, including stingrays, a sea turtle , a barracuda & the most colorful fish I've ever seen. We took a break to eat at the buffet restaurant (all food & drinks are included). Food was good & we were soon off for more underwater adventures. There are ample showering stations to rinse off & towels are available throught the park. After we ate we found that there were many tubes laft at the entrances to the lagoon & hopped on to float around a bit while our food digested. After exploring more of the lagoon & stopping for the water slide & kids playground area, we got out again, showered, got a drink & walked to the other end of the park where the ocean enters the lagoon. There we found caves at the endge of the lagoon & conch shells & more beautiful fish. The movement of the current was relaxing and peaceful to snorkel in. We ate again & left the park around 6PM. It was a LONG day & we were completely water logged but everyone agreed it was one of the best vacation tours we had ever taken and well worth the money.

There were options for activities that cost extra but we didn't get to do any of them. We didn't even get to see the entire park and wished we could go back for another day. We will definitely return to Xel-Ha in a future vacation and I would HIGHLY recommend visiting this beautiful park!