Xcaret vs Xel Ha: Which adventure park is better in 2023?

Which park is better Xel Ha or Xcaret?

About Xcaret and Xel Ha

Now, let’s dive in and take a more detailed look at both parks:

What is Xcaret like?

The original of Grupo Xcaret’s parks, Xcaret Park (pronounced “Ish-ka-ret”) features 50 attractions within its massive oceanfront property.

Visitors can spend a full day exploring cultural sites, swimming in underground rivers, exploring caves, and frolicking on beaches or natural pools.

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.

Drawing your attention towards Mexico’s colorful culture and heritage, Xcaret’s range of park activities makes it the perfect choice for families with younger children.

With a focus on wildlife, 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 perhaps the main draw of Xcaret Park 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.

You can read my full Xcaret park review for all the details!

🤑 Get 15% off Xcaret Plus tickets using the coupon code PATRIO23! Must book by September 30, 2023.

What is Xel Ha like?

Known for aquatic adventures, Xel-Ha Park (pronounced “Shell-Ha”) is located on an inlet of the Caribbean Sea, giving it a prime location for natural water activities.

Fun Fact: Xel-Há means “where water is born” because several underground rivers flow into the park’s Mexican Caribbean inlet.

Boardwalks and the Jungle Train connect the park’s cenotes, caves, mangrove tunnels, hidden beaches, and hammock gardens.

In the center lies an expansive natural pool known as “La Caleta”, where flags mark areas rich in marine life.

While swimming and snorkeling take the spotlight, the eco water park in Riviera Maya isn’t just the region’s largest natural aquarium.

Manmade slides, high jumps, and water zip lines add dimension to the park’s natural beauty and there’s even a mile-long lazy river.

For land activities, visitors can explore the manatee sanctuary, Mayan ruins, jungle trails, and biking paths.

Xcaret and Xel Ha Location

Xcaret vs Xel Ha: Pros and Cons

Xcaret Park vs Xel Ha: Quick Comparison Table

Xcaret vs Xel Ha Reviews: Which has better activities?

The main difference between Xcaret and Xel Ha comes down to the types of activities you’ll get to experience at each park. Here’s a look at how each park stacks up:

Xcaret Activities

Xcaret Park offers 50 different activities on its massive property. Once on-site, you’ll basically be free to explore its different routes with mini Mexican towns and cultural recreations like haciendas, plazas, Mayan villages, and a Mexican cemetery.

Kids and nature lovers will love the wildlife encounters like the Coral Reef Aquarium, Aviary, Butterfly Pavilion, Sea Turtles, and Manatee Lagoon.

Visitors can take a ride to the top of the 262 ft (80 m) tall Scenic Tower, the highest point in the Mayan Riviera featuring spectacular seaside views.

A couple of water activities are included in the basic admission like the Underground Rivers and Aquatic Paradise.

However, most of the premium water activities like Sea Trek, Snuba Reef, Snorkeling Tour, Stingray Encounter, and the Adrenalina Speed Boat come at an extra charge.

At night, you won’t want to miss the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, which is a 300-person crew production and grand show featuring lively and colorful cultural performances and pre-hispanic dances.

🕙 With so many things to do and see, Xcaret is an entire day and night time commitment!

Included Xcaret Activities

• 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

• Water Activities: Underground Rivers, Xcaret’s Aquatic Paradise, Paradise River

Optional Xcaret Activities

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

Xel Ha Activities

Xel Ha offers over 20 activities that are included in the basic admission.  Premium water activities can also be added for an additional fee.

Included Xel Ha Activities

• Snorkel Xel-Ha:  Snorkeling spots are available all over the nature park in hidden lagoons, cenotes, and beaches.  You’ll be able to pick up Xel Ha snorkel gear around these sites to explore the underwater world.

• Trepachanga: This activity puts your balance skills to the test by having to cross two parallel, suspended ropes over the river.

• Salpichanga: Salpichanga is an overwater zipline where you’ll have to hang on tight to metal handles and end with a splash in the fresh water of the Xel-Ha inlet.

• River Tour Xel-Ha: Xel-Ha’s River Tour is a mile long lazy river, where you can float with life jackets or on inner tubes, admiring the mangrove forest and other wildlife.

• Xel-Ha Cave: Known as the Mayan Cave, this natural cenote is considered a sacred place where you can snorkel or float among natural skylights. 

• Cliff of Courage: The Cliff of Courage is a 16-foot wall and climbing challenge where you can jump off the top into the refreshing cold waters below.

• Other Activities: Chuc Kay’s Flight, Xel-Há Inlet, Bay of Caprices, Home River – Mangroves, Children’s World, “Ixchel” Grotto and “El Dorado” Cave, Mayan Wall, Jungle Trails, Chacah’s Garden, Cenotes, Floating Bridge, Land of Huh – Bike Ride, Xel-Há Nursery, Meliponary, Queen Conch Sanctuary Xel-Há

Optional Xel Ha Activities

Who are Xcaret and Xel Ha suited for?

Here’s an overview of who each park is best suited for:

Who is Xcaret best suited for?

Xcaret is probably best suited for families with smaller children.

There are no age restrictions at Xcaret so it’s a great place to bring babies, toddlers, and young children to enjoy the park’s numerous children’s activities, natural pools, and wildlife encounters.

With its greater accessibility, Xcaret is also the best Xcaret park to visit for multi-generational families if traveling with both children and grandparents, as its paths are much easier to navigate with strollers and wheelchairs.

But at the same time, Xcaret is not just for kids. It’s also a great spot if you’re a nature lover and appreciate cultural activities.

Visitors can learn about Mexican history and Mayan culture in a fun, colorful, and interactive environment.

And the Xcaret México Espectacular production is a true highlight for all ages!

Who is Xel Ha best suited for?

Xel Ha Riviera Maya is best suited for those that are active and love water activities.

The beautiful natural park has a variety of adventurous attractions including water ziplines, obstacle courses, unlimited snorkeling, and high speed water slides.

Families with small children will also appreciate the kid-friendly attractions and activities available at Xel-Ha like Children’s World, water slides, and lazy rivers. 

Plus, nature and animal lovers will enjoy the wildlife areas where you can see a variety of marine species like colorful fish, manatees, and stingrays up close.

Xcaret vs Xel Ha: Which is cheaper?

Here’s a breakdown of the ticket types available at both Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Xel-Ha is cheaper than Xcaret, as it’s an all-inclusive ticket with everything included.

Xcaret Tickets

Xcaret offers 4 different admission tickets: Xcaret Admission, Xcaret Plus Admission, Xcaret Total Admission, and Xcaret at Night Admission:

Xcaret Admission

Xcaret Plus Admission

Xcaret Total Admission

Xcaret at Night Admission

Xel Ha Tickets

Xel Ha offers two different admission tickets: Xel Ha All Inclusive and Xel Ha Total:

Xel-Há All Inclusive

Xel-Há Total

Xcaret vs Xel Ha: Which provides more value?

In my opinion, both parks offer excellent value for the money with their unique and fun attractions, beautifully landscaped grounds, well-maintained facilities and services, and overall experience.

However, when performing a value analysis, I do think Xel Ha provides more value for the fact that food, beverage, and unlimited alcohol is included in the basic admission ticket.

It’s actually the only Xcaret park with an open bar, which adds a lot of value on top of all the fun activities. 

This also provides a more convenient booking option so you won’t have to worry about spending more money once you’re in the park unless you want to do any of the premium water activities. 

Xcaret does have many more activities with over 50 different things to do and see but you’ll still need to pay for food and beverage throughout the day whether you buy the upgraded Xcaret Plus ticket or just dine at the restaurants a la carte.

Plus, if you buy the basic ticket you’ll still need to pay small fees and refundable deposits for lockers and snorkel gear.  Not to mention, the premium water activities come at a much higher cost. 

But it also comes down to which types of activities you prefer and which type of experience would be more valuable and memorable for you.

I think you will be very impressed by the quality of the parks no matter which one you choose!

How to Save Money on Xcaret Tickets

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

🦜 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.

Book in Advance

Create Your Own Package

Stay at One of the Xcaret Hotels

Staying at an Xcaret all inclusive resort 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.

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

Resident Discounts

Xcaret also offers special discount tickets for 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 be eligible for the discount. For foreigners living in Quintana Roo, Temporary and Permanent Resident Cards are accepted.

Which is better for kids Xel Ha or Xcaret?

If you’re trying to decide between Xel Ha or Xcaret for kids, it really depends on the ages of your children. Both parks are very kid-friendly and are suited for children of all ages. 

Xcaret is probably best for babies and very young children, as it is more accessible for strollers and has lots of shallow natural pools and kid-friendly splash areas.

Plus, there’s lots of animals and wildlife that toddlers and small children would love. 

On the other hand, Xel Ha is better suited for older kids that like adventure as they can take off and snorkel, zipline, and glide down the water slides on their own.

With its Children’s World, Xel Ha is still suitable for young children but they should be very comfortable swimming and being around water. 

But whichever theme park you choose, your kids are sure to have a blast!

Xcaret vs Xel Ha: Which has better food?

Here’s how each park compares when it comes to food and drink:

Xcaret Food and Drink

Xcaret offers over 15 food and drink outlets across its expansive grounds from buffet restaurants to snack bars to coffee shops.

Menu options include a range of Mexican food, international cuisine, and seafood. Even with a focus on elevated gastronomy, you’ll still be able to find burgers and pizza!

If you purchase the upgraded Xcaret 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.

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

Xel Ha Food and Drink

Xel Ha offers four different buffet restaurants and bars to choose from.  The menus feature international buffets, grilled specialties, Mexican gastronomy, and Yucatan cuisine. But you’ll still be able to find plenty of American dishes too!

Restaurants are open for both breakfast and lunch, and with unlimited dining included, you’ll be able to enjoy them as much as you want. 

But perhaps the biggest perk of Xel Ha is that it’s the only Xcaret park with an open bar included in your ticket.

You’ll get to enjoy unlimited beverages from the domestic open bar (like beer, margaritas, and frozen cocktails), which you can order at the many restaurants or bars throughout the park.

Travelista Tip: The rest areas at Xel Ha are a great spot for adults to relax and enjoy some drinks or tropical cocktails! You’ll even have lounge chairs and hammocks where you can chill out after a full day of activities. 

Xel-Ha vs Xcaret Visitor Info

Here’s the basic visitor info for visiting Xel Ha and Xcaret:

Park Opening Hours

• Xcaret is open every day from 8:30AM-10:30PM
• Xel Ha is open every day from 8:30AM-6:00 PM

Transportation

Transportation is not included in the price of admission. To get to Xcaret and Xel Ha, you can go on your own or add the round-trip transportation service to your ticket for an additional $30 USD per person.

If you do choose the 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 pickup from most major hotels in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Cancun.  If you’re staying at an AirBnB or vacation rental, they’ll give you a designated meeting point for pickup. 

Travelista Tip: The Xcaret transportation service can add up for larger groups. Consider taking a taxi if you are looking to save money. From Playa del Carmen to Xcaret, a taxi only costs around $15 USD each way for up to 4 people. 

Facilities and Services

In terms of facilities, both parks have very clean and well-maintained rest areas with hammocks, dressing rooms, restrooms, and showers.  Additional services include WiFi, ATMs, and free parking.

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

Lockers

Lockers are available at both parks to securely store your belongings throughout the day.

Lockers are large enough for a medium sized backpack and you’ll be able to easily visit them throughout the day if you need to access your personal belongings.

Complimentary lockers are included in the price of admission at Xel-Ha and you’ll receive a locker key you’ll need to hold onto throughout the day–be sure not to lose it! 

At Xcaret, 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.

The upgraded Xcaret Plus and Total admission tickets include complimentary lockers in the exclusive Plus Area.

Equipment

At Xel Ha, snorkeling equipment is included in the price of admission and you’ll be able to pick up flippers, masks, and snorkels at the various snorkeling spots throughout the park.

A free snorkel is included so you’ll receive your own fresh snorkel and won’t have to worry about cleanliness.

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.

Photos

What’s cool about Xel Ha and Xcaret is that there are cameras and “Xelfies” photo opportunities seamlessly embedded all over the parks. 

Tracking technology is inserted in your wristband so they can track your photos and you’ll be able to scan your wristband and 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 photo packages can be expensive but are a great way to capture your memories if you don’t have a GoPro or waterproof camera.

What to Bring to Xel Ha and Xcaret

When visiting Xel Ha and Xcaret, you’ll want to bring biodegradable sunscreen (regular sunscreen is not permitted) and a change of clothes to dry off at the end of the day.

Towels are included at Xel Ha but not at Xcaret.  If you choose to visit Xcaret, be sure to bring a towel to dry off after the water activities–otherwise you’ll have to pay for towel service.

These microfiber beach towels are a great option as they are lightweight and dry quickly.  

Xcaret vs Xel Ha: FAQs

Final Thoughts: Which is better Xcaret or Xel Ha?