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

Are you visiting Rivera Maya soon and can’t decide between Xel-Ha and Xplor adventure parks? Look no further!

I’m a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, and have become an expert on the Xcaret adventure parks.

I know just how confusing and overwhelming it can be to navigate all the park information on the internet. Not to mention park names that are hard to pronounce!

In this ultimate Xel Ha vs Xplor comparison guide, I’m going to give you all the information you need to make a decision including:

• An overview of each park
• Pros and cons
• Price and value comparison
• Activities comparison
• Food and beverage comparison
• Visitor info
• Money saving tips
• And more!

Which one is better Xel Ha or Xplor?

Xel Ha and Xplor are two of the most popular adventure parks in Riviera Maya Mexico.

They are both well known for their exciting activities, unique attractions, and beautiful natural surroundings with a focus on eco-tourism and sustainability. But which one is better?

With a focus on aquatic adventures, Xel-Ha has a number of cenotes, or natural swimming holes, as well as caves and hidden beaches where you can snorkel and explore.

You can also zip line into the water, glide down spiral water slides, or float down a natural lazy river. If you’re looking for the best water activities, then Xel-Ha is the best option.

Xplor, on the other hand, is an adrenaline-pumping adventure park with the best zip lines in Riviera Maya, as well as ATVs and underground caves.

If you’re looking for an exciting outdoor ziplining adventure and aren’t afraid of heights, Xplor is the place for you.

So, which park is better? It depends on what you’re looking for!

About Xel Ha and Xplor

Let’s take a more detailed look at both parks:

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, hidden beaches, and hammock gardens. In the center lies an expansive natural pool, where red flags mark areas rich in marine species.

While swimming and snorkeling take the spotlight, the eco-waterpark isn’t just the region’s largest natural aquarium.

Manmade slides, high jumps, and water ziplines 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.

The park’s most famous structure is the Scenic Lighthouse, which you can climb for panoramic views over the park and descend down its spiral water slides.

What is Xplor like?

Known for its adrenaline pumping activities, Xplor (pronounced “Ish-plor”) is the first Xcaret park I ever visited and still remains one of my favorites.

Xplor offers 6 different activities ranging from ziplines to underground caves to ATV experiences.

Each activity is carved into natural landscapes, taking you deep into the Riviera Maya jungle, underground cenotes, and flooded caves.

Xplor park is best known for its sky-high zipline course with some of the highest zip-lines in Riviera Maya.

Some even end with a vigorous drop into a cenote so be prepared to get wet! After dark, Xplor transforms into its nighttime persona known as Xplor Fuego.

Xel Ha and Xplor Location

Xel Ha and Xplor are located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast in between the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. 

Xplor is closer to Playa del Carmen, while Xel-Ha can be found closer to Tulum.

Xel Ha is situated on an oceanfront inlet, while Xplor is nestled into the jungle closer to the main highway.

Xel Ha vs Xplor: Pros and Cons

Xel Ha vs Xplor: Quick Comparison Table

Park	# of Activities	Park Hours	Basic Admission Cost	Food Included?	Buy Now
Xel-Ha	20+	Every day 8:30AM-6:00 PM	$99.99 USD	Yes	BUY NOW
Xplor	6	Monday-Saturday 9:00AM-5:00PM	$129.99 USD	Yes	BUY NOW

Xel Ha vs Xplor: Which has better activities?

The main difference between Xplor and Xcaret comes down to the types of activities. Here’s a look at how each park stacks up:

Xel Ha Activities

Xel Ha offers over 20 activities that are included in the basic admission.  Premium water activities like Sea Trek, Snuba, Power Xnorkel, and Manatee Encounters can also be added for an additional fee.

Included Xel Ha Activities

• Snorkel Xel-Ha:  Snorkeling spots are available all over the 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 Xel-Ha zipline where you’ll have to hang on tight to a handle and end with a splash in the fresh waters 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

Xplor Activities

• Amphibious Vehicles: The ATVs of Xplor are known as amphibious vehicles and will take you on a jungle circuit measuring over 3 miles (5 kilometers). Hanging bridges, tiny roads, flooded caverns, and stunning views of the jungle await you along the journey.

• Rafts: An underground raft challenge that will take you river paddling as you navigate through underground caves. Each participant will be given two small wooden paddles that you’ll strap to your hands and use to paddle your way through an underground river course.

• Stalactite River Swim: A unique Xplor water activity that will take you swimming, floating, and trekking through stunning underground caves featuring clear turquoise water, impressive stalactites, and ancient rock formations.

• Hammock Splash: Sit back and relax in a hammock on this comfortable seated zip line circuit that ends with a thrilling drop into Xplor cenotes.  Try out the 2 different circuits for double the rush!

• Underground Expedition: Explore underground caves, climb over obstacles, and glide down two thrilling water slides. You’ll be able to stand and trek through the narrow caves and shallow water in this underground challenge.  

Who are Xel Ha and Xplor suited for?

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

Who is Xel Ha best suited for?

Xel-Ha is best suited for families with young children, nature lovers, and those that love water activities.

The beautiful natural park has a variety of attractions that appeal to these groups, including a lazy river, unlimited snorkel, and wildlife areas. 

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

Those that love water activities can enjoy the many natural pools and waterways throughout the park.

Nature and animal lovers will enjoy the wildlife area where they can see a variety of marine animals like tropical fish, manatees, and stingrays up close.

Who is Xplor best suited for?

On the other hand, Xplor is better suited for adventurous adults and families with older children.

If you’re looking for an exciting, outdoor adventure and are not afraid of heights, then Xplor will be a great place for you.

With the absolute best ziplines in Riviera Maya, it really can’t be beat if zip lining is what you want to do!

Perfect for thrill-seekers who enjoy the outdoors, Xplor is a great activity for those who like an adrenaline rush.

Xel Ha vs Xplor: Which is cheaper?

Next, let’s take a look at how the parks compare when it comes to admission costs:

Xel Ha Tickets

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

Xel-Há All Inclusive

Xel-Há Total

Xplor Tickets

Xel Ha or Xplor: Which provides more value?

If you’re looking for a theme park that provides excellent value, you can’t go wrong with Xel-Ha or Xplor.

Both parks offer a great selection of activities and attractions, noteworthy nods to Mexican culture, as well as a unique experience, well-maintained facilities and services, and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Xel-Ha has more activities overall, but keep in mind that some of them come at an additional cost. If you’re interested in doing any of the premium water activities, you’ll want to factor those into your total costs and value assessment.  

Xplor, on the other hand, is slightly more expensive upfront but everything is included in the price.

And while the park only has 6 activities, they are enough to keep you busy! Plus, you can do them as many times as you want. 

If I had to choose which park provides more value, the unlimited food and beverage (including alcohol) at Xel-Ha gives it a slight edge over Xplor. 

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

Resident Discounts

Xcaret also offers a special discount 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.

Xplor vs Xel Ha: Which has better food?

When it comes to food and drink, Xel Ha is the clear winner with 4 different restaurants and bars to choose from. Plus, it’s the only Xcaret park with an open bar!

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

Xel Ha Food and Drink

With four different restaurants and bars to choose from, Xel Ha offers more variety when it comes to food and drink. 

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, which you can order at the many restaurants or bars throughout the park.

Travelista Tip: The beach areas at Xel Ha are great spots 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. 

Xplor Food and Drink

Xplor features just one restaurant known as “Troglodita”, which is a large buffet-style restaurant with communal seating at large wooden tables.

The Xplor lunch buffet includes food options with a mix of American and Mexican cuisine including hamburgers, pizza, pasta, tacos, enchiladas, and much more.  

In addition, you’ll be treated to a healthy salad and fresh fruit bar, as well as soft-serve ice cream, and gourmet desserts. Non-alcoholic drinks include soft drinks, water, and fresh juices. Note alcohol is not served at Xplor.

Aside from the restaurant, Xplor adventure park also offers two snack and smoothie bars known as “Oasis” and “Manantial”, which are perfect for a pitstop between activities to refuel with juices, smoothies, and light snacks.

Xel Ha vs Xplor Visitor Info

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

Park Hours

• Xel Ha is open every day from 8:30AM-6:00 PM
• Xplor is open from Monday-Saturday from 9:00AM-5:00PM (closed Sundays)

Transportation

Transportation is not included in the price of admission. To get to Xplor and Xel Ha, you can go on your own or add the round-trip transportation service to your ticket for an additional $27 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.

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 so consider taking a taxi if you are looking to save money. From Playa del Carmen to Xplor, 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

At both parks, lockers are included in the price of admission where you can safely 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.

Equipment

At Xel Ha, snorkeling equipment is included in the price of admission and you’ll be able to pick up flippers, masks, snorkels, and life jackets 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.

Xplor also includes all equipment during your visit including helmets, harnesses, and the use of life jackets for water activities.

Photos

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

Tracking technology is inserted in your helmet or 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.

FAQs about Xel Ha vs Xplor

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Xplor vs Xel Ha:

What are the minimum age restrictions?

Xel Ha park is suitable for all ages and children under 4 years old are free. 

Xplor is suited for children ages 5 and older. There are minimum and maximum weight and height restrictions for the ziplines at Xplor which can be found here on the “Important Information” tab. 

Children can also ride tandem with an adult if they don’t meet the minimum weight requirement.

What’s the cancellation policy?

For both Xel Ha and Xplor, reservations canceled more than two days in advance of the date of visit are subject to a 10% administration fee.

Reservations canceled in 2 days or less before the visit date, or in case of a no-show, are not refundable. Optional activities at Xel-Ha are non-refundable.

More information on the Xcaret cancellation policy can be found here.

What should you wear to Xel Ha and Xplor?

You will definitely be getting wet so you’ll want to wear a swimsuit, comfortable clothing, and water shoes.  

I usually always wear a one-piece bathing suit, waterproof shorts, and a rash guard to be most comfortable on all the activities.

What should you bring to Xel Ha and Xplor?

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

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

Final Thoughts: Which is better Xplor or Xel Ha?

So, which is better Xplor or Xel Ha? No matter which park you choose, you’re going to have a great time!

But if you still can’t decide between the two theme parks, here’s my take:

Xplor is the best option if you’re a thrill seeker or adrenaline junkie and with the best ziplines in Riviera Maya, it’s the absolute best place if ziplining is something you want to do. 

If you have a family with younger children, are really into water activities, or love marine animals and nature, then choose Xel-Ha for a full day waterpark adventure. It will be unlike any waterpark you’ve ever been to!

And if both parks sound good to you, then consider visiting both and get a discount by creating your own Xel Ha and Xplor package!