Xel-Ha vs Xplor: Which Adventure Park is Better in 2025?
Are you planning a trip to Riviera Maya and torn between visiting Xel-Ha or Xplor adventure park? You’re in the right place!
As a travel blogger with years of experience living in Playa del Carmen, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose between these two incredible destinations—not to mention trying to pronounce their names!
In this ultimate Xel-Ha vs. Xplor comparison guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know to make the best decision for your trip, including:
- An overview of each park
- Pros and cons
- Price and value comparison
- Activities comparison
- Food and beverage insights
- Visitor tips
- Money-saving advice
- And more!
By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the details you need to decide which park is the right fit for your Riviera Maya adventure.
Let’s get started with a quick comparison chart!
🏆 Best for WATER ACTIVITIES
Coupon Code: SUMMER25
Discount: 20% off at least 5 days in advance
Which One is Better Xel-Ha or Xplor?
When comparing Xel-Ha vs Xplor, it ultimately depends on what kind of experience you are looking for during your trip to Mexico. Both parks offer unique and exciting activities, but they cater to different preferences.
As one of the region’s largest water parks, Xel-Ha is better for those who prefer water activities and a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
You can spend your day snorkeling in crystal clear waters, floating on inner tubes down the lazy river, gliding down high-speed water slides, or simply lounging with a cold drink in hand.
On the other hand, Xplor is better for adventure seekers and thrill lovers. This park offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities, such as ziplining over the treetops, driving an amphibious vehicle through the jungle, swimming in stalactite rivers, and more.
So, the better park really depends on your personal preferences and what kind of experience you’re looking for!
Xel-Ha vs Xplor Video
Prefer video? Check out my Xel-Ha vs Xplor comparison video!
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 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 this Riviera Maya water park 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.
You can read my full Xel-Ha review for all the details!
🤑 Get 20% off Xel-Ha tickets using the coupon code SUMMER25 and booking at least 5 days in advance! Must book by August 31, 2025.
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 7 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.
You can read my full Xplor review for all the details!
🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets when booking at least 21 days in advance!
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 and located off the main highway, while Xel-Ha can be found closer to Tulum on an oceanfront inlet.
Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:
- Playa del Carmen to Xel-Ha: 40 minutes
- Tulum to Xel-Ha: 20 minutes
- Cancun to Xel-Ha: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Playa del Carmen to Xplor: 15 minutes
- Tulum to Xplor: 45 minutes
- Cancun to Xplor: 1 hour 15 minutes
Xel-Ha and Xplor Map
Xel-Ha vs Xplor: Pros and Cons
Next, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of Xel-Ha and Xplor:
Pros of Xel-Ha
- More than 20 activities
- More water activities
- Basic admission is cheaper
- Serves alcohol
- Lots of marine animals and wildlife
- More restaurants
Cons of Xel-Ha
- Activities are more low-key
- Upgraded activities cost more
- Further away from Playa del Carmen
- Can get crowded
Pros of Xplor
- Best park for ziplines
- More intense activities
- Everything is included
- Closer to Playa del Carmen
Cons of Xplor
- Only 7 activities
- Basic admission is more expensive
- No animals or wildlife
- Only 1 restaurant
- No alcohol
- Lots of stairs and physical activity
Xel-Ha vs Xplor: Quick Comparison Table
| Park | # of Activities | Ages | Park Hours | Food Included? | Admission Price |
| Xel-Ha | 20+ | All | Every day 8:30AM-6:00PM | Yes | → Check prices |
| Xplor | 7 | 5+ | Monday-Saturday 9:00AM-5:00PM | Yes | → Check prices |
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
Here are the main activities at Xel-Ha Mexico. You can find more detailed descriptions of all the activities on the Xel-Ha website here.
- Scenic Lighthouse: The Scenic Lighthouse is the famous Xel-Ha water slide and main attraction where you climb to the top and descend by one of its four waterslides or just stay at the viewpoint at the top for some spectacular seaside views.
- 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
These are the premium Xel-Ha activities that come at an additional cost:
- Sea Trek Discover
- Adrenalina Xel-Ha
- Snuba Cenote
- Power Xnorkel Xel-Há
- Zip-Bike Xel-Há
- Manatee Encounter
- Spa Xel-Há
- Stingray Encounter
- Sea Trek
- Snuba Caleta
- Fish Therapy
Xplor Activities
Xplor admission includes these 7 different adrenaline pumping activities as many times as you want:
- Ziplines: With two full zip line circuits and a total of 14 unique ziplines, Xplor offers the absolute best ziplining in Riviera Maya with jungle and ocean views. You’ll reach the top of the towers by climbing spiral staircases and hanging bridges. Take off from the zipline platforms solo or in-tandem for a thrilling high-speed jungle adventure.
- 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.
- Toboganxote: Toboganxote is Xplor’s newest activity, featuring a massive 5-in-1 water slide ending in a wave pool.
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.
⚠️ Due to the more intense nature of the activities, Xplor Playa del Carmen is probably NOT the best place for you if you:
- Are afraid of heights
- Have difficulty climbing stairs or walking long distances
- Have heart problems
- Are claustrophobic
- Are pregnant
Xel-Ha vs Xplor: Which is Cheaper?
Next, let’s take a look at how the parks compare when it comes to admission costs. If you compare just the basic admission prices, Xel-Ha is typically cheaper than Xplor.
However, Xel-Ha also has an upgraded ticket option, and the premium activities come at an extra cost.
So, depending on what types of activities you want to do, Xel-Ha could wind up being more expensive than Xplor.
Xel-Ha Tickets
Xel-Ha offers two different admission ticket: Xel-Ha All Inclusive and Xel-Ha Total:
Xel-Há All Inclusive Ticket
The Xel-Ha All Inclusive ticket is the basic admission which includes all of the basic Xel-Ha activities, unlimited snorkeling, food and beverage (including alcohol), plus the use of snorkeling gear and a free snorkel.
🤑 Get 20% off Xel-Ha tickets using the coupon code SUMMER25 and booking at least 5 days in advance! Must book by August 31, 2025.
Xel-Há Total
The Xel-Ha Total ticket is the upgraded admission and includes everything from the All Inclusive park ticket plus the choice of one premium activity: Adrenalina Speed Boat, Sea Trek, or Snuba Caleta.
🤑 Get 20% off Xel-Ha tickets using the coupon code SUMMER25 and booking at least 5 days in advance! Must book by August 31, 2025.
Xplor Tickets
When it comes to buying Xplor park tickets, the options are easier! Xplor just offers one admission package with pretty much everything included.
The Xplor admission ticket includes all the activities as many times as you want, a buffet lunch and unlimited snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as all equipment, restrooms, changing rooms, and lockers.
So once you enter the park, pretty much everything is included unless you want to buy a photo package or gift shop items.
🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets when booking at least 21 days in advance!
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 7 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
You can automatically save by booking online on the official park website in advance:
- 10% off – ticket purchase 7 to 20 days in advance
- 15% off – ticket purchase at least 21 days in advance
Create your Own Package
If you’re interested in visiting more than one of the Xcaret parks and tours, you can save by creating your own Xel-Ha and Xplor combo package:
- 20% off – ticket purchase for any combination package of two or more parks and tours
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.
Stay at one of the Xcaret hotels
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
- 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!
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 $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.
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 $20 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.
What to 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 to Bring to Xel-Ha and Xplor
When visiting Xel-Ha and Xplor, 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.
You’ll also need to bring a towel to Xplor, but not Xel-Ha as towels are provided. These microfiber beach towels are a great option because they are super lightweight and dry quickly.
In addition, bring a GoPro or waterproof camera to capture some epic footage!
Xel-Ha vs Xplor: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Xplor vs Xel-Ha:
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.
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.
Xplor is open from 9AM-5PM and most people tend to spend the entire day there since you can do the activities as many times as you want.
Yes, you will definitely get wet at Xplor so it’s essential to wear a swimsuit.
Xel-Ha Park is famous because it is home to the iconic Xel-Ha Slide, which is a 98 ft Scenic Lighthouse with 4 spiral water slides.
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!
Now that you know all about Xel-Ha and Xplor, which park are you going to choose?!
🤑 Get 20% off Xel-Ha tickets using the coupon code SUMMER25 and booking at least 5 days in advance! Must book by August 31, 2025.
🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets when booking at least 21 days in advance!
