Honest Xcaret Park Review: Is This Adventure Park Worth It?

Thinking about visiting Xcaret Park in Riviera Maya and wondering if it’s worth it? You’ve come to the right guide!

I’ve visited all of the Grupo Xcaret parks and tours, and Xcaret Park is one of the largest and most diverse.

With underground rivers, wildlife exhibits, cultural performances, and the famous Xcaret México Espectacular show, there’s a lot to see and do.

In this detailed Xcaret Park review, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting, including the top attractions, food and drinks, pros and cons, visitor tips, and whether it’s worth the price.

My Review

Xcaret Park

🏆 Best Xcaret Park for Families

Pros:
✅ 50+ Activities
✅ Mexican History & Culture
✅ Nightly Show
✅ Nature & Wildlife

Cons:
❌ Most Expensive Park
❌ Food is Not Included
❌ Low-Key Activities
❌ Many Add-Ons & Extra Costs

Coupon Code: XCAFF10
Discount: 10% off

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Is Xcaret Park Worth It?

From my experience, Xcaret Park is definitely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy cultural experiences or are traveling with kids.

The park features more than 50 eco-friendly attractions including underground rivers, snorkeling areas, wildlife exhibits, cultural displays, beaches, and live performances.

There are also several areas designed specifically for kids, such as the Coral Reef Aquarium, Butterfly Pavilion, Aviary, Sea Turtle exhibit, and Children’s World.

It’s also one of the most beautiful parks in Riviera Maya, with lush jungle pathways and crystal clear water set along a natural Caribbean inlet.

That said, as an adult I found some parts of the park a little less exciting since many of the activities focus more on sightseeing than adventure.

If you’re looking for something more thrilling, I’d recommend upgrading to the Xcaret Total admission ticket, which includes one premium activity like Adrenalina or Sea Trek. I tried Sea Trek and it ended up being the highlight of my visit!

Overall, I think Xcaret Park is a really good choice for families with kids and anyone interested in nature, wildlife, and Mexican culture. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Riviera Maya for a reason.

🤑 Get 10% off Xcaret tickets using the coupon code XCAFF10!

Prefer video? Check out my Xcaret Park video review!

The original of Grupo Xcaret’s parks, Xcaret (pronounced “Ish-ka-ret”) is an adventure and nature park located in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

The park is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the culture and natural history of Mexico. 

ℹ️ One important clarification to make is that “Xcaret” is the name of the overall company, but it’s also the name of the adventure park. 

Xcaret Park features over 50 attractions within its massive property where visitors can immerse themselves in Mexican culture and history.

Visitors can watch traditional music and dance performances, view ancient ruins, swim in underground rivers, snorkel in coral reefs, and much more.

Drawing your attention towards Mexico’s culture and heritage, its range of park activities and wildlife encounters makes it the perfect choice for families with younger children–it can easily be equated to a tropical zoo! 

You can stroll through open-air aviaries, the Butterfly Pavilion, Coral Reef Aquarium, and interact with sea turtles and manatees. Plus, historians will love the Mayan ruins and Mexican Folk Art Museum.

But Xcaret Park’s main highlight is the nightly Xcaret Mexico Espectacular production, which is a 300-person crew show that is a history lesson but fun – featuring pre-Hispanic dances and more!

🤑 Get 10% off Xcaret tickets using the coupon code XCAFF10!

Xcaret is located on an oceanfront inlet just 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico. 

Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:

• Playa del Carmen to Xcaret: 15 minutes
• Tulum to Xcaret: 45 minutes
• Cancun to Xcaret: 1 hour 15 minutes

Fun Fact: Xcaret means “small inlet” due to the park’s oceanfront location and because a part of the Caribbean Sea enters the land. Xcaret was once used as a merchandise port by the Mayans.

Xcaret Map

Xcaret is pronounced “Ish-ka-ret”.  The key to pronouncing the Xcaret names correctly is to pronounce the X as either an “Ish” or a “Sh” sound. 

Xcaret is probably best suited for families with young children.

There are no age limits, and kids under 4 get in free, so it’s a great option for babies, toddlers, and small kids to enjoy the park’s animal exhibits, shallow pools, and kid-friendly activities.

The park is also a good choice for multi-generational families since the paths are easy to navigate with strollers and wheelchairs.

But, Xcaret isn’t just for kids. Adults who enjoy nature, wildlife, and cultural attractions will also find lots to explore, and the Xcaret México Espectacular show is a highlight for visitors of all ages.

If you’re an adult who gets easily annoyed by kids and strollers, Xcaret may not be the best fit.

With so many family friendly attractions, the park can feel busy and a bit chaotic at times.

It may also be challenging if you’re not able to walk or stand for long periods, since the park is very large and requires a lot of walking.

Also, if you’re looking for high adrenaline activities, Xcaret might feel a bit slow paced.

Parks like Xplor or Xel-Ha are usually a better choice if you prefer more adventurous experiences.

Here’s an Xcaret activities list of all activities that are included in the Xcaret basic admission.

• Cultural Activities: Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, Scenic Tower, Main Plaza, Mexican Folk Art Museum, Archaeological Sites, “Bridge to Paradise” Mexican Cemetery, Mayan Village, Horse Exhibition, “Vino de Mexico Xcaret” Wine Cellar, Pre-Hispanic Performances, Papantla Flyers, Hacienda Henequenera, Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, House of Whispers, Xcaret Posadas

• Kids Activities: Coral Reef Aquarium, Sea Turtles, Jaguars Island, Butterfly Pavilion, Aviary, Regional Fauna, Children’s World

• Nature Lovers: Natural Museum of Orchids and Bromeliads, Manatee Lagoon, Tropical Jungle Trail

These are the premium Xcaret activities that come at an extra cost:

• Optional Activities (Add-Ons): Adrenalina (Speed Boat), Adventure Kids (Stingrays), Sharks, a Hands On Adventure, Stingray Encounter, Stingray Sea Trek, Sea Trek, Temazcal, Snorkeling Tour, Xpa Xcaret, Paraxute, Fish Therapy, Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Dinner, Wine Pairing at Xcaret Wine Cellar

ℹ️ You can find detailed descriptions of each activity on the Xcaret website here.

Next, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of Xcaret:

Xcaret offers 4 different admission tickets:

• Xcaret Admission
• Xcaret Plus Admission
• Xcaret Total Admission
• Xcaret at Night Admission

Xcaret Admission is the most basic admission package and includes the basic activities with no food included.

Xcaret Plus Admission includes the basic admission, plus a buffet meal at one of the park’s numerous restaurants. 

You’ll also get access to the exclusive Plus area with complimentary lockers, dressing rooms, private restrooms, as well as the use of snorkel equipment for the Underground Rivers.

🤑 Get 10% off Xcaret tickets using the coupon code XCAFF10!

The Xcaret Total Admission is an upgraded package that includes everything in the Xcaret Plus Admission plus the choice of ONE activity:

• Adrenalina
• Sea Trek
• Stingray Sea Trek
• Sharks, a Hands On Adventure!

The Xcaret at Night Admission only includes access to the park after 4PM and entrance to the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular with no food included.

Deciding between the Xcaret and Xcaret Plus admission tickets comes down to how much you think you’ll spend on food.

The basic Xcaret admission ticket does not include any food, so you’ll still need to pay for lunch and drinks at the Xcaret restaurants at a-la-carte prices.

This might save you a few dollars, but honestly you’ll probably be there all day long, so having a meal included is a nice added benefit.

Xcaret restaurant prices are above average so you can expect to spend around $30+ USD per person (not including alcohol).

With the Xcaret Plus admission, you’ll also get lockers (normally $5.99 USD) and snorkel gear (normally $10.99 USD) included and won’t have to pay for those separately.

For around $32 USD more, the Xcaret Plus Admission provides good value.

🎟️ I personally went with the Xcaret Plus admission ticket and appreciated the fact that I didn’t have to pay for much else throughout the day. 

Deciding between the Xcaret Plus and Xcaret Total admission comes down to added activities.

Basically if you want to do Adrenalina (Speed Boat), Sea Trek, Stingray Sea Trek, or Sharks, a Hands On Adventure! then purchase the Xcaret Total admission ticket.

The Xcaret Total Admission ticket is only around $43 USD more than the Xcaret Plus ticket, so it’s a great deal as those 4 premium activities are about $75 USD each if purchased separately.

If you want to do any of the other premium water activities other than those 4 options, you’ll need to add those on separately.

The best way and most secure way to purchase Xcaret tickets is by booking on the official park website, which has some automatic discounts and frequent promotions.  

Once your tickets are purchased, you’ll receive an email confirmation where you’ll have to print your tickets and present them at the ticket window on the day of your visit. 

🤑 Get 10% off Xcaret tickets using the coupon code XCAFF10!

There are a few different Xcaret discounts available–take advantage of these automatic discounts outlined below to get the best Xcaret deals and avoid paying full price for admission.

🦜 Explore my Xcaret resource hub for easy access to all of my Xcaret park reviews, comparison guides, as well as current Xcaret coupons and promotional offers.

You can automatically save by booking online on the official park website in advance:

• 10% off – ticket purchase at least 7 days in advance

If you’re interested in visiting more than one of the Xcaret parks and tours, you can save by creating your own combination package:

• 20% off – ticket purchase for any combination package of two or more parks and tours

Staying at an Xcaret all inclusive hotel gives you all “fun-inclusive” access to the parks, meaning you get unlimited access to all of the Xcaret parks during your stay. 

This is an especially great option for families if you plan on visiting more than one of the parks. Check out the hotel websites below for more info on these all inclusive resorts:

• Hotel Xcaret Mexico (family-friendly)
• Hotel Xcaret Arte (adults only)
• La Casa de la Playa (boutique adults only)

🎨 Wondering what it’s like to stay at an Xcaret hotel? Find out in my Hotel Xcaret Mexico review and Hotel Xcaret Arte review!

Xcaret also offers a special discount for Mexico and Quintana Roo residents which is valid only at the park’s ticket booths, online, or through the contact center.

Tickets for Quintana Roo residents can be purchased through the website here but it is only available in the Spanish language.

You’ll need to present an Official ID of Quintana Roo to get the best price and be eligible for the discount. For foreigners living in Quintana Roo, Temporary and Permanent Resident Cards are accepted.

Once you arrive at Xcaret park, you’ll have to stand in line at the ticket window to sign a liability waiver and exchange your ticket voucher for your wristband. 

Be sure to bring your ticket voucher, as well as a photo ID.

Once you enter the park, you’ll be directed to a line to sign up for the optional activities (at an extra cost).

This is where you can purchase add-ons and schedule the times for extra activities like Sea Trek, Stingray Encounter, Adrenalina Speed Boat, etc. 

Travelista Tip: If you’re interested in any of the optional activities, sign up for them online in advance. The line is extremely long at the park entrance to book the optional activities. 

After making your way past the main entrance, you can head to the locker rooms to store your belongings.

Lockers are not included in the Xcaret basic admission so you’ll need to pay $5.99 USD plus a $10 USD refundable deposit for the use of lockers.

However, if you purchase the Xcaret Plus admission ticket, you’ll have access to an exclusive “Xcaret Plus” area of the park with complimentary lockers, restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and snorkel equipment rental. 

You’ll be given a locker key to hold onto–be sure not to lose it as the replacement fee is pricey! 

Lockers are large enough to hold a medium-sized backpack and you can easily return to the locker rooms throughout the day to retrieve your belongings. 

Below is a map of Xcaret theme park.  The park is divided into 6 different colored routes which lead you to the main activities:  

• Pueblo Maya Route (White)
• Del Rio Route (Black)
• Playa Route (Green)
• Delfines Route (Red)
• Acuario Route (Blue)
• Mexico Espectacular Route (Brown)

Most of the park’s water activities take place at the “Caleta” which is the oceanfront lagoon, where you’ll find beaches, snorkeling, and natural pools.

If you get lost, you can simply follow the colored lines on the ground which will guide you to the activities. 

Travelista Tip: Download the Xcaret app to your phone here for an interactive park map and detailed activity information.

Rating: 9/10

The Aviary at Xcaret is a beautiful natural bird sanctuary where tropical birds interact freely. 

You’ll get to see colorful parrots, toucans, macaws, eagles, king vultures, and many different bird species.  You might even get to see some live hatchings! 

I thought the Aviary was one of the most beautiful parts of Xcaret Park Mexico.  With free flowing waterfalls and many different levels connected by stone paths and hanging bridges, it feels like a lush tropical jungle.

There aren’t a ton of hands-on activities but lots of photo and bird watching opportunities.  All of the kids were absolutely thrilled!

Rating: 6/10

Xcaret also offers a few archaeological sites around the park, giving you the chance to see some small Mayan ruins near Playa del Carmen.

These are interesting spots to learn about the Mayan culture but they are not that large or interactive and quite honestly look a little fake. 

You’ll get to see small pyramids and structures but nothing as large or as grand as the pyramids of Tulum or what you’ll see on a Chichen Itza Ruins tour. 

Rating: 9/10

The “Bridge to Paradise” Mexican Cemetery is Xcaret’s hillside recreation of a traditional Mexican cemetery.  With multiple levels of colorful tombs and mausoleums, it’s quite impressive. 

I was fascinated by the colorful tombs and headstones and spent quite a bit of time just walking around and admiring the creativity and all the minute details.  

You’ll get to learn about the Mexican traditions of celebrating loved ones that have passed rather than mourning their deaths. 

  🪦 Is the Xcaret cemetery real? The Xcaret cemetery is not real and no one is actually buried there–it’s rather a recreation of a traditional Mexican cemetery. 

Rating: 7/10

After the Aviary, you’ll continue on to the Butterfly Pavilion, which is a lush jungle area where you can see many different types of butterflies flutter around you.

You’ll also get to see and learn about caterpillars in various stages of development.

You’ll want to climb to the top of the stairs to see the most butterflies! And you’ll even have the opportunity to attract them with small plates of fruit that are scattered around the enclosement. 

I thought the Xcaret Butterfly Pavilion was beautiful but I’m not a huge fan of butterflies and it was very hot and humid!  It is probably best suited for children and nature lovers. 

The Children’s World of Xcaret is a fun area for kids under 12 years of age to have fun on slides, suspension bridges, tunnels, and cenotes.

I didn’t visit Xcaret with kids so I can’t properly rate Children’s World but it looked like a fun and unique place that kids would love.

Rating: 7/10

The Coral Reef Aquarium is a marine life museum where you can learn about the reef ecosystems and marine species. 

It’s an interesting place to learn about the underwater world that is unique to the Mexican Caribbean without descending to the bottom of the sea.

I thought the Xcaret Aquarium was interesting but it could have been a little more interactive.

Kids will love seeing the large and colorful fish and there are small ponds with crabs, starfish, and other marine life that you can see up close. 

Rating: 6/10

The Hacienda Henequenera is a typical 19th-century Mexican mansion and a tribute to the golden age of haciendas in the Yucatan peninsula. 

You’ll get to explore this cultural recreation with an expansive courtyard, shops, and exhibits that are adjacent to the Chapel of our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Hacienda Henequenera is a colorful and interesting cultural site but there aren’t many interactive activities so it’s just a short stroll. 

Rating: 8/10

The Horse Exhibition is a full equestrian show that takes place once a day (normally in the evening).  At about 20 minutes long, it’s a popular activity to see before the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular. 

You’ll get to see traditional performances by charros and adelitas (women jockeys) riding magnificent Aztec horses.

I really enjoyed the Horse Exhibition and was impressed by the talent and precision of the riders and horses.  With traditional Mexican music and a live emcee, it’s a fun and colorful production. 

Rating: 6/10

Near the Aviary, you’ll get to walk across a bridge over Jaguars Island, which is where you can see roaming jaguars. 

When I visited, it was very hot and the jaguars were resting in the shade and were difficult to see.

It’s kind of like a large cat exhibit at a zoo and there are also observatory-type binoculars you can use for a closer look. 

After entering the park, you’ll wind up in the Main Plaza, which is a building at the main entrance where you’ll find a large Xcaret gift shop, plus food and handicrafts, the Silver Mine, and the Mexican Wine Cave.

This is not really an attraction, but rather a shop and meeting point, and also where you can sign up for the optional activities. 

Rating: 7/10

At the Manatee Lagoon, you’ll get to see rescued manatees and watch them swim, eat, or rest in a quiet natural lagoon.  It’s a popular attraction for kids and families. 

Rating: 7/10

At the Mayan Village, you’ll get a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Mayans and get to see recreations of their homes and customs.

Within the houses, you’ll also get to browse traditional Mexican handicrafts and souvenirs such as hats, jewelry, and baskets. 

I thought the Mayan Village was cool to see and was tempted to buy some of the unique souvenirs!

The Papantla Flyers is a traditional ceremony where native performers descend down a tall pole hanging by their ankles. 

I didn’t get a chance to see the performance at the pole near the Xcaret Plus area as it only happens a few times a day.  

However, they also perform at the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular production, which was very impressive.  I’ll never understand how they make it look so easy!

Rating: 8/10

The Paradise River is a leisurely boat ride, which is ideal if you want to experience Xcaret’s rivers without getting wet. 

You’ll get to sail aboard a comfortable raft along a short river and admire different natural sites along the way.

I enjoyed the Paradise River activity and thought it was a relaxing activity.  The boat does not go very fast so be prepared for a leisurely ride! 

Rating: 7/10

While walking along the different routes of the park, you’ll get to see different animal species like pink flamingos, deers, monkeys, and even bats.

I thought the pink flamingos were probably the most impressive and make for a colorful photo op!

Rating: 7/10

Along the aquatic route, there are a few different places where you can see sea turtles of all shapes and sizes. There is even an underground viewing point to see the sea turtles underwater.

I thought it was interesting to see the sea turtles and learn about the different species. The largest turtles were huge and easy to spot!

But at the same time, it was kind of sad to see so many turtles confined to small pools. 

Rating: 9/10

At the Scenic Tower, you’ll get to take a ride to the top of an 80 m (262 ft) tall spinning tower, which is the highest point in Riviera Maya featuring spectacular seaside views of the jungle and Caribbean Sea.

The Scenic Tower was one of the first activities I did at Xcaret and it was probably one of my favorites. 

It was a clear day and getting to see the entire region from that high up was very impressive. Plus the inside of the cabin is air-conditioned and very comfortable!

Rating: 6/10

The St. Francis of Assisi Chapel is a beautiful white chapel at Xcaret’s highest point in the Mayan Village.

I thought the chapel was beautiful but there is not much to see and do once you climb up to the entrance.

Rating: 9/10

The Underground Rivers are probably the most exciting activity at Xcaret, where you can wear a life jacket and float down the bright turquoise waters through underground caves. 

There are many photo ops along the way and towards the end of the river you can get out to take a photo in front of the large Xcaret sign before exiting near the beach area. 

The Underground Rivers were probably my favorite activity at Xcaret because they are really the only adventurous activity at the park that’s included in the basic admission. 

The rivers are pretty long and it can be strenuous at times with lots of swimming but you can lay back and float if you need to take a break. 

Rating: 9/10

At Xcaret’s oceanfront inlet, you can take a dip in natural rock pools or relax in a lounge chair on the beach.

There are beautiful areas of shallow beachfront where you can swim and relax, as well as opportunities for snorkeling in the lagoon. 

I thought Xcaret’s Aquatic Paradise was very beautiful and picturesque with bright blue and green hues.  The natural pools are located right on the ocean, offering stunning views and unique swimming areas.  

However, this is also one of the most crowded places in the whole park so the Xcaret snorkeling areas are pretty busy and congested. 

Rating: 8/10

The Xcaret Mexico Espectacular is a 300-person crew production and evening show featuring lively and colorful cultural performances and pre-hispanic dances.

The production will take you on a journey through the country’s history and its different cultural regions.

I enjoyed the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular and thought it was unique and interesting. 

You’ll get to see recreations of historical landmarks in Mexican history such as ancient Mayan ball games, the arrival of the Spanish, and the Industrial Revolution.  

You’ll then get to see dances and performances unique to the different regions and states of Mexico. I thought it was really impressive but you will probably be very tired after a long day at Xcaret!

A few other activities at Xcaret park that I didn’t get a chance to see include: 

• “Vino de Mexico Xcaret” Wine Cellar, Pre-Hispanic Performances, House of Whispers, Natural Museum of Orchids and Bromeliads, Mexican Folk Art Museum

Xcaret park Riviera Maya also offers these premium activities that come at an additional cost:

• Adrenalina Xcaret: A high speed jet boat experience that takes you out into the ocean with speeds up to 90km/hr and thrilling 360° twists and turns.

• Adventure Kids: A unique and safe adventure for kids, where they can interact and feed small stingrays, and then snorkel with them in a natural lagoon.

• Sharks, A Hands On Adventure!: A shark encounter where you can get in the water with nurse sharks and watch them swim near you.

• Stingray Encounter: A stingray encounter and snorkeling experience where you can touch, feed, and swim with stingrays in a shallow pool. 

• Stingray Sea Trek: An underwater walk and stingray exploration experience wearing a Sea Trek helmet which allows you to breathe normally under the water.

• Sea Trek: An underwater walk and exploration experience at a depth of 16.4 feet wearing a Sea Trek helmet which allows you to breathe normally under the water.  I personally did this experience and would highly recommend it! I got to see loads of fish and stingrays. 

• Temazcal: An ancestral ritual in a sweat lodge heated by hot stones and led by a shaman who conducts a traditional ceremony for healing, relaxation, and releasing toxins.

• Snorkeling Tour: A reef snorkeling experience at the INAH coral reef, very close to the coast of Xcaret where you can see a variety of coral, tropical fish, and marine species.

• Xpa Xcaret: A jungle spa experience where you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage and feel the peace of nature. 

• Paraxute: A parasailing experience at a height of up to 300 ft (100 m) with views of the Caribbean Sea and the Mayan jungle from up above.

• Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Dinner: A seven-course dinner and front row seating at El Gran Tlachco theater during the Xcaret México Espectacular.

• Wine Pairing at Xcaret Wine Cellar: A 5-course wine tasting event with select wines from the Xcaret Wine Cellar. 

Most of the restaurants at Xcaret are buffet-style offering unlimited dining and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Menu options include a range of Mexican food, international cuisine, and seafood.

But even with a focus on elevated gastronomy, you’ll still be able to find burgers and hot dogs!

If you purchase the Xcaret Plus admission with food included, you’ll be able to choose a buffet meal in one of the park’s restaurants.

Any additional purchases throughout the day can be made a-la-carte (Xcaret food prices at the buffets are around $30 USD per person). 

These are the restaurants at Xcaret:

• La Orquidea Coffee Shop
• La Cocina Restaurant
• El Manglar Restaurant
• El Yucateco Restaurant
• La Caleta Restaurant
• La Laguna Restaurant
• Dos Playas Restaurant
• La Peninsula Restaurant
• La Isla Restaurant
• Mexico Espectacular Dinner
• Pairing at Xcaret Cellar

In addition, premium food and beverage experiences can be purchased like the 7-course Mexico Espectacular Dinner and the Wine Pairing at Xcaret Cellar.

Most of the Xcaret buffet restaurants seemed to have similar menus, so choosing a restaurant really comes down to location and convenience. 

I personally ate at La Peninsula restaurant, which I chose for the oceanfront views.  I thought the Xcaret food was pretty mediocre, but it hits the spot when you need to refuel after the activities. 

There are also a couple of bars located around the park where you can purchase alcoholic beverages.  You can also order alcoholic drinks at the restaurants for an additional charge. 

These are the bars at Xcaret:

• La Cucaracha Bar
• Las Rocas Restaurant-Bar

I ordered a margarita from the La Cucaracha Bar while waiting for the Horse Exhibition to begin and it was actually very tasty and not overpriced!

If you get hungry throughout the day, you can also pick up some snacks at a snack bar or coffee shop throughout the park.  

At these stands, you can purchase food items like chips, slushies, bottled water, juices, and other refreshments.

These are the snack bars at Xcaret:

• La Playa Bar and Snacks
• Snack Venados and Snack Jaguares
• Xcafe

The basic admission does not include lockers so you’ll need to pay $5.99 USD plus a $10 USD refundable deposit for the use of lockers.

If you purchase the Xcaret Plus admission ticket, you’ll get complimentary lockers in the exclusive Plus area.  Lockers are large enough to hold a medium-sized backpack.

Xcaret includes the use of life jackets for water activities. With the basic admission, snorkeling gear rental costs $10.99 USD and requires a refundable deposit of $25 USD.

The Xcaret Plus ticket includes complimentary snorkel gear with a refundable deposit.

Gift shops are also located around the park where you can purchase park photos, souvenirs, swimwear, and gear (like water shoes).

What’s cool about Xcaret is that there are cameras and “Xelfies” photo opportunities seamlessly embedded all over the park to get the best shots. 

Tracking technology is inserted in your wristband so you’ll have to scan your wristband at the photo spots and then you’ll be able to review them all at the end of the day.

A Photo Pass can be added to your admission package upon purchase, or you can purchase them at the park gift shops on the day of the visit. 

The Xcaret photo package can be expensive but is a great way to capture your memories if you don’t have a GoPro or waterproof camera. 

📸 I personally purchased the Xcaret photopass and thought it was worth it! You can see a lot of my Xcaret photos throughout this post.

One important thing to know is that transportation is not included in the Xcaret park price of admission.

To get to Xcaret, you can go on your own, take a taxi, take the ADO bus, or add the roundtrip transportation service to your ticket for an additional $31.50 USD per person.  A free parking lot is available on site.

If you do choose the Xcaret park transportation service, it’s important to know that transportation can only be added at the time of purchase, so be sure to add this when you’re buying your tickets. 

Xcaret buses pick you up at your hotel, resort, or designated meeting point. 

Below is what I would recommend wearing to Xcaret:

• Comfortable clothes: Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there will be a lot of walking and it will be HOT!  I personally wore workout shorts, a tank top, and tennis shoes, and then changed into my swimsuit once I was ready for the water activities.

• Swimsuit: Wear a swimsuit if you plan on doing any of the water activities or you just want to take a dip at the Xcaret beach.  I usually always wear a one-piece bathing suit to be most comfortable when wearing life vests and equipment.

• Water Shoes: Bring water shoes to protect your feet while in the water and while walking to the different activities.  Water shoes are especially great to have in the Xcaret Park Underground River or if you choose to do any of the premium water activities.

• Waterproof Shorts: I would also recommend wearing athletic or waterproof shorts to throw on over your swimsuit while you’re eating at the restaurants or in between activities.

• Rashguard: Another item that’s nice to have is a rashguard, which is a swim shirt to protect you from the sun and keep you warm in the water. The Underground Rivers are pretty cold and rash guards are recommended.

Here are the essential items to bring to Xcaret:

• Biodegradable Sunscreen: Regular sunscreen is prohibited at Xcaret so you’ll need to bring biodegradable sunscreen to protect the reefs and wildlife. You can pick up my favorite brand on Amazon here.

• Sun Hat: Bring a sun hat or visor to protect your face and shoulders from the sun when walking around Xcaret.  It can be very hot and there are areas with little shade.

• GoPro or waterproof phone case: Bring a GoPro or waterproof phone pouch to take pictures throughout the day.  There are a lot of photo opportunities around the park.

• Towel: Bring your own beach towel to save money and dry off after the water activities. Towels are not included at Xcaret so you’ll need to pay $3.99 USD plus a $10 USD refundable deposit for use of a towel.  These microfiber beach towels are a great option because they are lightweight and dry quickly. 

• Water Bottle: Xcaret involves a LOT of walking and temperatures can be hot all year round. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day – they are water stations around the park where you can fill up your bottle. 

• Change of Clothes: Bring a change of clothes to change into at the end of the day after the water activities. You’ll definitely want to have a dry change of clothes for the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular production. 

• Money: Xcaret is not all inclusive and depending on which type of ticket you purchase, there will likely be added costs throughout the day.  Bring cash or a credit card to pay for extras like equipment rental, snacks, drinks, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, or optional activities.

Follow these Xcaret tips to make the most of your Xcaret experience:

• Get there early: Xcaret opens at 8:30AM so I would recommend getting there right when it opens.  With all the activities that are included, the day goes by fast!  Maximize your time there to get the most bang for your buck. 

• Upgrade to the Xcaret Plus admission ticket: I personally went with the Xcaret Plus admission ticket, which includes a buffet lunch.  You will likely be there all day long (8:30AM-10:30PM) so you’re going to need to eat at least once-if not twice! Plus, you’ll have access to the exclusive Plus area with complimentary lockers and snorkel equipment. 

• Be prepared for a long day: A visit to Xcaret will be a very long day starting early in the morning to late at night.  Be prepared for the heat and lots of walking – get a good night’s rest and don’t drink a lot the night before!

• Sign up for the optional activities ahead of time: If you’re interested in doing any of the premium activities, I would recommend signing up for them ahead of time online.  The line to sign up for activities at the park was extremely long.

• Bring a water bottle: Xcaret is very hot so bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day and save money from having to purchase bottled water.  There are water bottle stations to fill up around the park. 

• Buy the photo pass ahead of time: You’ll get a discount on the photo pass if you add it to your package when buying tickets online.  Consider this if you think you’ll want Xcaret park pictures.  Just remember to scan your wristband and utilize as many of the photo opportunities as possible on the day of your visit. I personally bought the Xcaret photo package and thought it was worth it!

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about visiting Xcaret:

So, is Xcaret worth it? I hope these Xcaret reviews and travel tips have been helpful in making your decision!

Personally, I think Xcaret is worth it if you have kids.  As an adult, I was a little bored with the activities because it involves a lot of sightseeing and few adventurous activities.

But if I was visiting Xcaret amusement park with my nieces and nephew for instance, I know they would absolutely love all the wildlife encounters.  

If you do visit as an adult, then I would recommend adding on one of the premium activities to make it more exciting.  I personally did Sea Trek and it was the highlight of my visit!

But overall the park is so beautiful, unique, and interesting that I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 

So what do you think, are you ready to visit Xcaret?!

🤑 Get 10% off Xcaret tickets using the coupon code XCAFF10!