If you haven’t yet had the chance to discover Xel-Há—a true natural wonder—we invite you to experience its unique blend of breathtaking scenery, fun-filled activities, and authentic encounters with nature that will make you fall in love with this paradise in the Mexican Caribbean.
So, if you already have your plane tickets and are counting down the days until your trip, here’s a basic guide to help you know what to expect as soon as you walk through the park’s gates. Join us!
Let’s start with the basics: transportation. Figuring out how to reach Xel-Há doesn’t require maps or apps; just choose one of these three methods:
🚙 Arrive by car. Rent a car and take Highway 307 towards Tulum. Follow the signs, and you’ll get there quickly (about 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen and an hour from Cancún).
🚌 Arrive by shared van or bus. Every day, vans depart from Cancún and Playa del Carmen and, for a fare of around 40 pesos each way, drop you off at the point closest to Xel-Há on the Tulum highway. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance, and the same applies on your return.
Long-distance buses (operated by ADO) will drop you off and pick you up directly at the Xel-Há parking lot, with tickets ranging from 100 to 150 Mexican pesos per trip.
🚐 Arrive on a tour. If you don’t want to drive or deal with transportation logistics, you’ll find tour operators and travel agencies that offer the complete package—from your hotel to the park—with the option to create a group trip with your friends and family.
A fourth, highly convenient option if you want to secure access to a truly special interaction with some of the ocean’s most charismatic marine mammals is to purchase a package including entry to the park, transportation, and swimming with dolphins at Xel-Há. Best of all: food and drinks are included!
Xel-Há opens daily at 8:30 a.m. We recommend arriving before 9:00 a.m. to avoid long lines at the ticket office and to start your itinerary early (you’ll receive a wristband for photos and activities with additional cost). The park closes at 6:00 p.m.
For the most up-to-date prices, we recommend visiting the official park website. You’ll also find it helpful to read our article outlining the various packages available for visiting Xel-Há, along with additional tips for making the most of your experience at other must-see destinations nearby, like Tulum and Chichén Itzá.
The park is divided into five zones, each offering lockers, restrooms, and guest assistance stations. For convenience, you can store any personal items you won’t need on your adventure—such as sneakers, non-waterproof cameras, or jewelry—in the red zone, which is closest to the restaurants and main facilities. That way, your belongings are always handy when it’s time to leave.
While there is no single way to explore Xel-Há, seasoned travelers recommend making the most of the included attractions in your regular admission—as well as considering one of the extra experiences. Here are some must-do activities among the 20 attractions included in your ticket and 10 additional options available for an extra fee:
To help you fully enjoy your time at Xel-Há, we’re sharing a list of practical tips and must-have items, based on advice from the Pies Viajeros travel blog:
🌞 1. Bring biodegradable sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens and tanning oils are prohibited. At the entrance, staff will hold your standard sunscreen (you’ll get it back at the exit) and provide you with free biodegradable samples.
✅ 2. Pack water shoes (AquaShoes). You’ll be able to walk and swim comfortably throughout the park without hurting your feet.
🎒 3. Opt for a backpack instead of a suitcase. Or bring a small bag that fits into the available lockers.
👙 4. Don’t forget your swimsuit! An extra change of clothes is also a good idea.
🍤 5. Eat as much as you like and stay hydrated. The food and drinks are simply delicious.
🏊♂️ 6. Request your snorkeling gear once you arrive at the cove. It’s best not to carry it around, as some attractions, like zip lines, do not allow you to bring it along.
🎽 7. Life jackets are mandatory for everyone. Even if you’re a great swimmer, wearing a life jacket is required to enter the river and cove.
🗺 8. Plan your itinerary before you go. Download the Xel-Há map to locate activities and select your favorites ahead of time.
⏰ 9. Schedule optional activities early. Whether you choose Snuba, Sea Trek, swimming with dolphins, or all three, book in the morning to avoid cancellations due to weather or changing tides.
🍹 10. Enjoy! Treat yourself to a drink as you leave, relax in a hammock, and post your photos online (there’s free Wi-Fi!). Most importantly, savor every moment of your stay.s redes (¡hay wifi gratis!). Y sobre todo, aprovecha cada segundo de tu estancia.
We hope these recommendations help you enjoy the very best of this Natural Wonder—not only on your first visit, but every time you return.
As one last tip, remember that if you book your swim with dolphins at Xel-Há online, you can receive a discount so you and your companions can share this memorable experience together. We can’t wait to welcome you!