Xel-Ha Chacah Garden 5th Anniversary

Xel-Ha Park is well known to Riviera Maya travelers, it’s one of the top tour choices in the region for its beautiful lagoons teeming with tropical fish and the natural jungle setting. Families visit to enjoy a little snorkeling, some relaxation and to connect with nature.  What many people may not know is that Xel-Ha is not just another theme park, it is a place committed to sustainable tourism and the conservation of our natural environment.

The Chacah Garden is a representation of this dedication to the eco-system.  Created five years ago, it is a place of tranquility within the park, where visiting celebrities and personalities plant “Chacah” trees and leave a message for all about the importance of caring for our planet.  In a simple ceremony on July 9, 2011, guests Guillermo Ochoa Sr and Guillermo Ochoa Jr, Kristoff, Mauricio Clark y Fernando del Rincón were invited to plant a tree and share some words on the importance of conservation.  Local school children from Chemuyil shared their thoughts, asking everyone to plant a tree at special moments in their lives and to be conscious of our effects on the planet.

The Executive Director of Xel-Ha, Elizabeth Lugo Monjarras, stated that more than 9 000 students are invited each year to experience the Xel-Ha environmental education program. “Moreover, Xel-Ha has planted more than 402 000 plants of the region to protect and preserve our ecosystems,” said the executive.

Xel-Ha also provides support to the “Public School Reforestation Program” in Playa del Carmen, in charge of organizing Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico. Thanks to this program more than 60 schools in the Riviera Maya have participated in the planting of trees to keep their playgrounds green.

The Executive Director of Xel-Ha added that besides being an entertaining example of sustainable tourism, this is the first natural park in the world certified silver with Green Globe-Earth Check and has one of the most successful waste management programs in Mexico, with 90% recovery of solid waste recycling.

We thank Xel-Ha for their commitment to the planet and to being an ecologically and socially responsible company.  Their dedication demonstrates the great possibilities that exist in sustainable tourism, creating an entertaining environment that will be enjoyed by many future generations. Please visit the Chacah Garden on your next Xel-Ha trip and be sure to take the childrens’ message to heart.  Plant a tree, save the planet, feel the joy of giving back to our earth!

Mexico Family Vacation: Riviera Maya Escape

“Mommy mommy mommy, look what I can do, look what I can do!”  Splash!  It’s the fourteenth time this morning that my son has shown me his cannon ball skills in the resort pool, and his face still lights up as though it’s the first.  I sip my coffee, give him a “Good job buddy!” and spray a little more sunblock on my shoulders.  It’s early morning on day two of our Riviera Maya family vacation, a break from school and work and a chance for all of us to let loose a little.  (Yes, even living in Cancun we need a vacation sometimes!).  My munchkin suddenly jumps out of the pool and shrieks “Kid’s club!!!!!”  I look up to see the smiling face of the young woman who wrangles, ahem, entertains the younger guests as she approaches.  She greets my son by name and invites him to join the other children in building sand castles and tells me she’ll have him back to me by lunch time.  I turn to ask if he would like to go, but all I see is his dust as he tears off to the beach.  I take that as a yes, lay back in my lounge chair and settle in with the book I’ve been trying to read for months.

Lunch time rolls around and my five year old beach bum returns, covered in sand from head to foot and full of stories about the kids he has met and the fun he has had.  We rinse off in the outdoor shower and make our way to the pool-side buffet.  (All inclusive is a parent’s dream, always something that even the pickiest kids will eat!)  We fill our plates, chow down and energize ourselves for the afternoon adventures.  Sated and refreshed, we take a stroll through the gardens, greeting the iguanas, smelling the flowers and not missing cartoons or video games one little bit.  The afternoon is spent running between the beach and the pool, playing soccer and frisbee and discovering how to cannon ball for maximum splash.  The sounds of the waves and the laughter of kids, the smell of coconut sunblock, the taste of fresh mango juice and tangy guacamole, the warmth of the sun on the skin, these are the sensations of paradise.

The rest of our vacation is divided between frenzied activity and complete relaxation.  There is so much to do in the Riviera Maya, particularly with kids!  We spend a day at Xcaret, exploring the underground river, oohing and aahing in the aquarium and learning about the Mayan and Mexican cultures.  We spend a few mornings snorkeling, following fishies and getting very pruney fingers.  One day we enjoy an amazing experience swimming with dolphins in Puerto Aventuras (perhaps my son’s favourite part of our vacation).  Since five year olds are not into “chillaxing”, the kids’ club is a treat, he does arts and crafts and a million other activities while my better half and I recharge in our lounge chairs.  It’s really the ideal combination, time together to reconnect as a family and time apart to savor in our own way.  We enjoy meeting and hanging out with families from all over the world and all agree, the Riviera Maya is the ideal place for a family vacation of sun, sea and sand.

The Riviera Maya is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, set on the Caribbean Sea.  With year round tropical temperatures, it’s a hot destination for a family winter break escape.  There are many Riviera Maya resorts to choose from, something for every taste and budget.  Activities in the area include the famous Mayan ruins, some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world on the Meso-American reef, swimming with dolphins, adrenaline-fueled day trips with zip lines, rappeling and ATV’s, eco-parks, cenotes and much much more.  Visitors can fill each day with excitement or simply lounge around the resort enjoying the world-class service of the friendly Mexican people.  Enjoy your family vacation in Mexico and the memories you’ll have for years to come!  Dtraveller and Cancun Travel are locally based companies, experts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, we look forward to assisting with your Riviera Maya family vacation plans!

Top 5 Adventures in the Riviera Maya and Cancun in 2010

Looking back over 2010, I realize that I am incredibly fortunate.  “Work” for me includes visiting some phenomenal places, taking photos and writing about my adventures in the Riviera Maya and Cancun, it doesn’t get much better than that.  As I walk down memory lane, I thought I might bring you along for the ride, a look back at my top 5 adventures of 2010.

1.  Swimming with Whale Sharks

This was definitely number one in my books this year, my whale shark adventure was “off the hook” as the kids say (do they still say that?)  On a perfect day in July, a friend and I headed out to the area between Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy to meet the biggest animals in the sea.  Surrounded by about 200 of these incredible creatures, everywhere we turned we came face to face with gentle domino giants, it seemed too good to be true, a surreal moment in time.  There are very few places in the world where the whale sharks congregate with regularity and in such large numbers, the annual appearance near Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula make this a “must do” experience for anyone travelling to this region between May and September.

2.  Visits to the Mayan Ruins

2010 included a few historical adventures for me.  It’s difficult to pick just one Mayan ruins site as a highlight, so I will “cheat” and put them all under one heading.  Of course everyone knows Chichen Itza, one of the “new” seven wonders of the world, its importance in history and its incredible architecture make it a vital part of a visit to the Yucatan.  I was thrilled to be able to bring my  young son for the first time (he loved shocking the tour guide with a few phrases in Maya).  I visited the Tulum ruins a couple of times this year too, the beautiful site set on a cliff on the Caribbean Sea always brings me peace.  If I must pick a fave for 2010, I’ll have to go with Coba.  It was my first time there and it really knocked my socks off!  Climbing the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan and seeing the world spread out below was an unforgettable experience.

3.  Scuba Diving with Dolphins in Cozumel

My first home in Mexico was Cozumel, I always love returning to this island paradise.  This year I had the opportunity to visit the island, explore Chankanaab Park and don the tank and mask for a unique underwater experience.  I’ve swum with dolphins many times, I always enjoy the experience but this was extra special.  Playing with “Titan” the dolphin in his undersea home was an honour and a privilege, seeing him dance, gettting a kiss and hearing him sing put a smile on my face for days.

4.  Eco-parks in Cancun & the Riviera Maya

Ok, I am cheating again, going to put a few items under one heading (this whole top 5 thing is too hard!).  There are several “eco-adventure” parks in the Riviera Maya, places to enjoy nature, discover history and culture and get an adrenaline fix all in one day.  Xplor Park is one of the newest in the region and this year my co-workers and I had an absolute blast zooming down the zip lines, discovering the underground rivers and cruising through the jungles and caves in the amphibious vehicles. To fulfill my need for snorkeling (yes, it is a need), Xel Ha fit the bill, a luscious lagoon teeming with undersea life.  I made the trip to Xcaret a few times this year, always fantastic, the highlight being the “Festival de Vida y Muerte” (”Festival of Life and Death”) celebrating the Day of the Dead.

5.  Cenotes, cenotes, cenotes

The limestone “sinkholes” (isn’t “cenote” a much nicer word?) of the Riviera Maya call to me almost every weekend.  When I ask my son what he would like to do, “Cenote!!!!” is generally his first answer (followed closely by “Beach!” or “Zip lines!”).  Set in the jungle, cenotes can be dry but are usually filled with crystal clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day.  Some are “open” cenotes while others are only found by entering a small hole in the earth, descending to the underground world and discovering stalactites and stalagmites that are millions of years old.  I’ve lost track of how many cenotes we visited this year, we loved Gran Cenote, Cenote Cristallino, and Cenote Azul among others, I absolutely recommend a cenote experience to visitors.

There you have it, my top 5 (ahem) adventures in Cancun and the Riviera Maya in 2010.  This was a difficult task for me, I have had so many awesome experiences this year that narrowing it down to five was a chore.  If I had listed them all, it would have filled a book rather than a blog post.  I am grateful for the opportunities and look forward to what 2011 will bring, can’t wait to share the adventures with you all!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, may 2011 be filled with new experiences, adventure and laughs!  All the best from all of us at Dtraveller.com.

Xplor Adventure Park Riviera Maya

Xplor adventure park is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, land of lush jungle, hidden underground rivers and ancient mysteries.  Since opening in 2009, Xplor has thrilled thousands of guests with its adrenaline-fueled activities and all inclusive freedom, and I just couldn’t wait to experience it for myself.

I hardly slept the night before our trip, I was like a kid before Christmas morning!  I sprang out of bed at 6 am, made my way to the Xcaret terminal in the hotel zone of Cancun and boarded the jungle bus to make the 45 minute journey to Xplor just south of Playa del Carmen.  The bus dropped us off and we saw the signs pointing towards the entrance, down a ramp and into a cave!  Hanging vines and plants caressed the walls and ceiling as excited travellers checked in, got set up with their helmets and prepared for a day of adventure.

We weaved our way through a maze of caverns and found ourselves in the heart of Xplor.  Quite literally! There was a giant red heart and the beat of  “bom bom…..bom bom….bom bom” echoing through the cave, the center of all the action in the park.   The heart makes navigating the park easy, it’s the beginning and end of each activity.  We stashed our gear in the lockers, got ourselves an energizing smoothie and made our way to our first activity, the zip lines!

I must admit, I am an adrenaline junkie and this was not my first zip line experience but it was certainly one of the best.  With two circuits, 14 zip lines (including the tallest and longest lines in the region!), hanging bridges, a super water slide and several water landings, Xplor does not disappoint.  The gear and equipment is world-class, internationally recognized for safety standards and the automatic brakes were a dream!  I paused for a moment at the top of each tower to take in the incredible views and breathe in the fresh clean air before flying over the jungle again.

The zip lines tired us out, there was a LOT of climbing, but we were ready for the next part of our adventure.  The Riviera Maya is known for its subterranean rivers and cenotes and Xplor is a great way to discover these natural wonders full of stalactites and stalagmites formed millions of years ago.  We got set up with our life jackets (mandatory!), settled on to our rafts and paddled our way through this underground wonderland.  I shared a two person raft with a friend and we laughed and giggled our way through one of the two routes, steering looked easier than it actually was!

By this time we were running low on energy reserves so we headed to the restaurant.  The food was fantastic, far better than your usual buffet fare.  I refueled with a huge salad, the “zarzamora” (blackberry) dressing was delicious, then went back for some delicious pasta primavera, fish and other healthy offerings.  (There was pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs for those who prefer something not quite so healthy, but trust me, you’ll need the energy of good food!)  We refreshed, chatted excitedly about our morning and were ready to get back to the thrills.

The amphibious vehicles were something I had never done before and I was really looking forward to it.  We drove through thick jungle, over hanging bridges, in and out of caves and through rivers, getting dusty and bounced around and squealing at all the twists and turns.  A total riot!

Hot and sweaty, we were ready for a swim in the underground rivers.  The water is “fresh” (COLD) and absolutely crystal clear and a welcome treat on a hot day.  We splashed our way through the stalactites and stalagmites, emerging through a waterfall before finding ourselves at the flying hammocks.  Flying hammocks you say?  Why yes, flying hammocks, zip lines in comfort, and Xplor is the only place with this special treat!  You’ll just have to try it for yourselves, I can’t give away all the secrets!

Exhausted at the end of the day, we packed up our things and said goodbye to Xplor.  It was a completely satisfying day, adrenaline, nature, the warmth of the sun and the refreshing coolness of the waters, delicious food and drinks among great company.  All the anticipation was worth it, I was not disappointed and I cannot wait to return.   After a little rest of course.

For more pictures of our day , check out our Xplor gallery on Flickr!

Swimming with Whale Sharks

In a small boat flying across the turquoise waters off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the sense of excitement builds as the captain reports with a smile that a large group of giant sea creatures has been spotted not too far away.  Just what we’ve been waiting to hear!  Our small group of adventurers are on a quest to find the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, and according to the captain we are just a few short minutes from fulfilling our dreams of swimming with these magnificent creatures.  The sea is calm and crystal clear, the sun is shining and fluffy white clouds fill the sky as we get closer and closer to the “sweet spot”.  We can see a small cluster of boats and as we get approach we get our first sighting of a fin peeking out of the water!  Then another and another and another, we quickly lose track of just how many there are, even the guides and captain are in awe at the numbers, estimating there to be about 150 to 200 whale sharks in the area, we’ve hit the jackpot!!

From mid-May to mid-September each year, the sea off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula becomes home to the migratory whale shark.  The warm waters and currents provide the ideal conditons for plankton to grow, a favourite for the filter-feeding whale shark.  Whale sharks are found in very few places in the world and nowhere are they found in such great numbers as they are around Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox, there have been reports of up to 450 whale sharks feeding in a group in this region.  Whale sharks are technically fish, the largest fish in the sea.  They can reach lengths of 12 meters or more, their mouths spanning up to 1.5 meters wide, and they can weigh up to 36 tonnes!  Their skin is covered with a beautiful “dot” pattern, leading to their nickname of “dominos”.  The spots and dots are distinctive in each animal, biologists use the patterns to identify individual sharks.  Their mouths are full of many rows of tiny teeth, but they do not use them to eat.  They simply open their mouths wide, allowing plankton-rich water to flow in, close their mouth and expel the water through their gills, trapping their lunch on the gill plates and pharynx where they can swallow it easily.  The whale shark is still somewhat of a mystery to biologists, little is known about their breeding habits or migratory patterns, though with scientists tagging and investigating, we’re sure to know more in the years to come.  It is known that they are “ovoviparous”, the eggs remain inside the body of the female and the pups are born live.  In 1996 a pregnant female was captured and found to have 300 pups inside!  Despite their size, whale sharks pose no danger to humans who choose to swim with them or dive with them, they are gentle giants, they mostly ignore the “insignificant” humans beside them, peacefully gliding by or diving into the depths.

Whale shark tours from Cancun and the islands are strictly controlled.  Tour operators must have permits and they are monitored by authorities to ensure they are respecting the whale sharks and the laws.  A maximum of ten people are allowed per boat, only two swimmers per boat may enter the water at one time, swimmers must keep a distance of 6-9 feet from the animals (though that is sometimes hard to control when they are coming right at you!), no touching is allowed, and life jackets are mandatory.  The captains and guides are experts in maneouvering through the territory, monitoring weather patterns and ensuring the safety of the whale sharks and the people in their care.  When booking your whale shark adventure, be sure that the operator is licensed, this is very important to prevent harm to the animals or to yourself.

Our day with the whale sharks was incredible, it’s actually difficult to express with words the excitement and emotion it stirred in me.  Our captain Cheche and guides Imar and Eduardo were experts, full of knowledge and respect for the sea and the whale sharks.  I lost track of the number of turns I took in the water, all of us on the boat had a seemingly unlimited amount of time with the whale sharks.  I would be gazing in awe at one right in front of me then get the “tap tap” on my shoulder from the guide, showing me another coming up to the right and one more coming up from behind, I was literally surrounded by 10 meter long beauties!  I tried to keep my distance, but on occasion with a wave or a current pushing myself or the whale shark, I was brushed by a tail or by a fin, the oh so soft skin giving me a shivery thrill.  Snorkeling through the water with nothing in sight, then suddenly a giant, wide-open mouth coming right for me, I squealed through my tube thinking I was about to enter the gaping maw only to have him dive under me at the last second, oh oh excitement like I have never felt before.  When the guide said it was time to return to shore, I said a wistful goodbye to my new whale shark friends, leaving fully sated and walking on air.  This is definitely one for your “bucket list’, a must do activity, it’s a unique adventure that you will remember for a lifetime, I still feel like I am walking on air.

For more photos, please see our Whale Shark set on Flickr.  Have you lived this thrilling experience?  Leave a comment, would love to hear from you!  If yo are looking to book this amazing tour, Dtraveller is happy to provide you with the ultimate whale shark adventure.

Beating the Heat in Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Cancun and the Riviera Maya in the summer time are HOT, the perfect excuse to spend your days in the crystal clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean!  Of course you can hang out all day at the swim up bar of your resort, but we’ve got some more exciting ideas to keep cool on your summer vacation.

1.  Snorkeling-  The Mesoamerican Reef sits just off the coast of the Riviera Maya, the second largest reef in the world!  The snorkeling is divine, from Isla Mujeres to Cozumel to Akumal, you’ll find yourself surrounded by colourful fish and coral formations as you flipper your way through cool waters.  One of the most popular spots for snorkeling is the Yal Ku lagoon in Akumal, this calm ocean inlet is the perfect place for beginners and veteran snorkelers alike.  The Akumal area is famous for the sea turtles that visit, be sure to bring an underwater camera to capture the magic!  “Cenotes” (natural limestone sinkholes), underground rivers and caves common in the Riviera Maya bring you the opportunity to enjoy a unique snorkeling experience.  The ancient stalactite and stalagmite formations create a beautiful underwater landscape amidst the rich green flora of the jungle.  If you’re lucky you’ll spot the “pez ciego” or “blind fish” that live in the caves or a school of fresh water catfish  The water in the cenotes is always fresh and cool, a welcome diversion on a hot summer day!

2.  Boat trips and cruises-  The wind in your  hair, soft breeze on your face and the occasional splash as you hit a wave.  Cruising the waters around Cancun is a great way to beat the heat!  For a whole day of family fun, the Caribbean Funday tour departs from Cancun for the nearby island of Isla Mujeres.  After cruising across the sea you’ll find yourself at a private beach club where you can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, bike tours and a delicious lunch buffet (and open bar of course!)  The Pirate Assault tour is great fun on the high seas, a night adventure cruise that will have you dancing and singing all night long as you sail to Isla Mujeres and enjoy the energetic pirate show.  For those looking for romance, the Lobster Dinner Cruise Cancun is ideal for lovers.   Find yourself on a slow cruise of the Nichupte Lagoon as the sun sets over the water. Live jazz music plays, cool wine flows and fresh lobster cooks on the open grill, slow dance with the one you love and leave the cares of the world behind.

3.  Swimming with dolphins-  This is not only a great way to refresh, it’s truly the experience of a lifetime!  Dolphin Discovery has three locations in the Mexican Caribbean- Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras and Isla Mujeres.  Enjoy a dolphin kiss, feel the adrenaline rush of the famous “foot push” and learn all about these incredible creatures.  In Cozumel you can even scuba dive with dolphins and enjoy a day in Chankanaab Park as part of your package!  In Puerto Aventuras you can swim with manatees and sea lions as well as dolphins and spend some time in this quaint little village.  If you are visiting the Isla Mujeres location, be sure to take a trip to Garrafon Park for some of the most amazing views and snorkeling in the region!

Summertime is the perfect time to visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya, bring the whole family and take advantage of the great deals for the season.  Be sure to get out and enjoy the local attractions, don’t get stuck in a pool bar rut, find an adventure and refresh your soul in the paradise of the Mexican Caribbean!

Tours in the Riviera Maya: Adventures in Adrenaline, History and Ecology

Action, adventure, adrenaline!

White sand beaches, sparkling blue seas and luxurious hotels are probably what you think of when you hear “Riviera Maya”, but the region has much much more to offer.  Mayan ruins, incredible reefs, cenotes and jungle adventures abound in the region around Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.  While some travellers are content to enjoy their lounge chairs and piña coladas, those seeking thrills don’t have to look very far to find an adventure.

For a taste of history, culture, ecology and adrenaline, the Tulum Xtreme tour is definitely for you.  You’ll visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum, marvelling at the views of the turquoise sea from the ancient buildings set atop a cliff and learning about the history and culture of the Mayan people.  Experience the thrill of flying over the jungle canopy on a zip line circuit, including the longest and fastest zip line in the Riviera Maya!  Guides will set you up with safety gear for your rappel down a rocky cliff down to an underground river.  Submerse yourself in a freshwater cenote (”seh-noh-tay”, a natural limestone sinkhole) and underground river, snorkel in the clear waters and refresh the body and soul in these sacred works of nature.  That’s right, ruins, zip lines, rappeling, snorkeling cenotes and underground rivers all in one day of adventure and nature!  The Tulum Xtreme tour includes transportation from Riviera Maya hotels, lunch and beverages, knowledgeable, bilingual tour guides, safety gear and snorkeling equipment, everything you need for what is sure to be a day to remember.  For Riviera Maya travellers who have already visited the Tulum ruins, we invite you to take the Mayan Xtreme tour, zip lines, rappeling, and snorkeling the underground river and cenote, all the thrills of the Tulum Xtreme tour without a visit to the ruins.

Water lovers will revel in the Mayan Adventure Snorkeling tour, with a taste of three distinct eco-systems in the Riviera Maya.  A visit to the Yal Ku lagoon is the ideal way to experience ocean snorkeling in a protected, calm environment teeming with sea life.  In Yal Ku you’ll find a wide variety of marine animals, multi-coloured fish, plant and coral formations and if you’re lucky, you’ll spy a sea turtle having a leisurely swim with you.  Head into the jungle and make your way into the fresh waters of an underground river, you’ll see fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations and beautiful caverns.  The third part of the adventure takes place in an open cenote, an element unique to the Yucatan Peninsula.  Discover the mystical wonders of these ancient watering holes while enjoying the beauty of the jungle flora and fauna.  Like the Tulum Xtreme and Mayan Xtreme tours, your transportation, lunch and beverages, equipment and bilingual guide are included.

These Mayan Adventure tours are devoted to sustainable tourism and to protecting the environment and the local culture.  All waste is recycled, leftover food is donated to local charities and compost toilets are used on all the tours.  Guides work to ensure the socio-cultural aspects of the Maya are respected, they are happy to share their knowledge and encourage guests to discover all they can about the local culture.  Local outreach programs in the community help spread the word about protecting the environment and the Mayan culture.

Be sure to bring your cameras (waterproof), biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, comfortable clothes and footwear, towels, and water shoes.  Bring cash (not credit cards!) in case you get the urge to purchase souvenirs and to tip your guides.

Contact Dtraveller now to book your Riviera Maya tour, our bilingual customer service reps will be happy to assist you with all your Riviera Maya vacaton plans.

Important recommendations for Tulum Xtreme and Mayan Xtreme tours:
Basic swimming skills required. This tour is not suitable for people with severe physical or motor handicap, serious heart problems, pregnant women or people who are not able to handle moderate physical activity. Weight limits 120 kg or 270 pounds . Children over the age of 6 may participate under the responsibility and direct supervision of a responsible parent or family member. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate in this tour.

Important recommendations for Mayan Snorkeling Adventure:
Basic swimming skills required. These tours are not suitable for people with severe physical or motor handicap, serious heart problems, or people who are not able to handle moderate physical activity. Children under the age of 6 may participate under the responsibility and direct supervision of a responsible parent or family member. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate in this tour.

Xplor!

Eco-parks are definitely a highlight of any trip to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, Xel-Ha and Xcaret are tops of most “must do” travel lists.  Now the people that brought you Xel-Ha and Xcaret invite you to take a step up the adventure ladder with the newest, most adrenaline filled eco-adventure park in the Riviera Maya, Xplor!

Immerse yourself in nature in this park located just south of Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  Set on 145 acres of jungle land filled with cenotes and underground rivers, Xplor offers “extreme” sports in a setting focused on safety and high-octane fun.  Find yourself on top of the world as you fly over the jungle on the zip line circuit, almost 2 miles of lines, with the tallest tower at 131 ft!  The zip line circuit has three water landings, two suspension bridges, one slide and a shot of adrenaline.  Safety comes first at Xplor, helmets are provided, the harnesses are top quality and the guides are attentive and well-trained.  The park utilizes “double lines” for extra safety, distributing your weight more evenly on the line. This is a rush like no other!

Going from high in the sky to the depths below, you’ll find the Stalactite river, created 65 million years ago!  Swim 437 yards in this subterranean river and discover the beauty of the caves with their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.  The water has an average temperature of 77 F, refreshing indeed, hot chocolate awaits you at the end of the journey.  You can further explore the subterranean world on the underground river rafts, a path of 1000 yards through grottoes and between rock formations, paddle your rafts with your hands and soak up the ancient history, this is a world like you’ve never seen!  Feel the need for some speed?  Climb aboard the amphibious vehicles and take a spin on the 3 mile track through lush jungle, rocky caverns, water crossings and over the suspension bridge.

Take a break from the adrenaline and enjoy the natural food and drinks offered at the light buffet.  The refreshments are geared towards health, recharge yourself with a fresh, natural fruit juice or enjoy a light lunch before embarking on the next stage of your adventure.  No soda or alcohol is available and the meals are 70% vegetarian, Xplor is all about energy!

Safety and suggestions

Please note that there is a maximum weight of 300 lbs/136 kgs and children must be over 6 years old, some activities are not recommended for pregnant women, persons with heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension and claustrophobia.  The zip lines have a minimum weight of 88 lbs/40 kgs and minimum height of 55 inches/1.4 m.  The park provides helmets, they are mandatory as are lifejackets for the water activities.  Bring your bathing suit, comfortable shorts and tees, water shoes are recommended and the use of biodegradable sunscreens is mandatory.  Waterproof cameras are a must, capture every moment!  Guests wishing to drive the amphibious vehicles must 18 years old with valid identification.  Lockers are available for your belongings, the dressing rooms and bathrooms are modern and clean.  Guests are asked to NOT TOUCH the stalactities and stalagmites, the fat in human skin can cause serious damage, we want people to be able to enjoy the park for years to come.  Guides are available at all times for assistance, they are trained in first aid and doctors and nurses are on site in case of emergency.  Your health and safety is the number one priority, come, relax and enjoy!

Dtraveller is thrilled to bring you this fantastic day trip.  Guests can book Xplor tour from Cancun including transportation, Xplor from Riviera Maya hotels including tranportation or Xplor entrance only if you’ll be renting a car. However you get there, you’ll be sure to enjoy a day full of fun, sun, refreshing dips, speed, history, nature and healthy food and drink.  This is a “must do” in the Riviera Maya, book now!

Xel-Ha Eco-Park: History, Nature and Ecology

First time travellers to Cancun and the Riviera Maya often ask “What are the must-do’s on our vacation?”.  Seasoned travellers will respond with their list of favourite Riviera Maya activities and on most of those lists you’ll find “Xel-Ha” (pronounced “shell-hah”).  So, what is Xel-Ha and why should you visit?

Xel-Ha (a combination of the Maya words “Xel” for “spring” and “Ha” for water) is an eco-park located south of Playa del Carmen, close to the village of Tulum.  Originally Xel-Ha was a port town for the Maya city of Coba, thought to have been an active point of marine exchange between the 7th and 12th centuries.  The Mayan ruins of Xel-Ha are located across the highway from the main park, you’ll find platforms and stairways used for residences and shrines, with most of the architecture thought to be from the Classic and Post Classic eras.  The ruins are seldom busy and they are a great way to get a taste of history in a beautiful jungle setting.  In 1527 and 1528, Xel-Ha was used as a base for the Spanish forces led by Francisco Montejo in his ultimately unsuccessful attempt to conquer the Yucatan Peninsula.  Montejo’s ill fated conquest led to the loss of almost all of his men and the Xel-Ha camp was abandoned after 18 months.

Today Xel-Ha is a natural reserve, with its jungle setting, large lagoons teeming with sea life, cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes) and wildlife, it’s the perfect way to experience the best of the Riviera Maya.  Xel-Ha prides itself on being dedicated to sustainable tourism, carefully protecting the land and water and the wide variety of plant and animal life.  The area is home to more than 100 species of birds, 350 species of plants and 99 species of marine life making it a rich, natural zoo, botanical garden and aquarium.  Xel-Ha is very proud to have achieved the prestigious “Green Globe Certified Silver” status, which recognizes the park’s commitment to operating at the world’s highest environmental standards.

Snorkeling is certainly the highlight of Xel-Ha.  High-quality snorkel gear is included in the entrance fee, several platforms are located throughout the park for easy access in and out of the water, and lifeguards are on duty to protect swimmers.  The water is calm, perfect for snorkelers of all levels.  First-timers will have no problem navigating the lagoon and guests with more snorkeling experience will be delighted by the variety of locations and marine life.  There are beautiful spots around the park with lounge chairs ideal for taking a little breather and catching some sun before hitting the water again.  The hammock garden is a peaceful retreat, perfect for a little afternoon siesta in the shade.

With the all-inclusive package offered by Xel-Ha, guests are invited to enjoy the Xel-Ha restaurants and bars with unlimited food and beverages.  The buffets offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, with international and Mexican dishes, salads, and desserts.  Charge up for your day and go back again to refuel for your next foray into the lagoon.  The service is excellent and you just cannot beat the open air setting.

For those looking for something a little different, Xel-Ha offers snuba (lagoon or cenote), a manatee encounter and a swim with dolphins experience (extra charges apply).  Be sure to visit the apiary, Xel-Ha’s bee farm with the honey-producing, stingless bees called “Meliponini”.  The bees are revered by the Mayans and often treated as family pets.  Xel-Ha celebrates a honey harvest twice a year, cleaning the hives and collecting the honey under the full moon in June and December.  The beautiful ritual is conducted by a Mayan priest with music, altars and a huge feast.  The plant nursery in Xel-Ha is a beautiful botanical garden full of incredible flowers and plants.  Once the plants reach maturity, they are replanted in the wilds of the jungle to replenish and maintain nature’s beauty.  The dedication to ecology is evident in every corner of this beautiful reserve.

Xel-Ha is definitely a “must-do” when visiting Cancun or the Riviera Maya.  The park is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, 365 days a year.  Transportation can be included in your tour, with pick-ups in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.  Bring your bathing suit, comfortable walking shoes, hats and biodegradable sunscreen.  With the park’s dedication to the environment, they will check your sunscreen at the entrance, if it does not meet the eco-standards, they will ask you to leave it at the desk in exchange for a sample package of biodegradable sun block.  (Appropriate sunblock is available for purchase at the park as well).  Towels, lockers and snorkel gear are included in the price, though you will have to leave a cash deposit or a credit card imprint.  Wet suits, baby strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent at an extra charge.  Travellers often book the Tulum/Xel-Ha day tour, adding a trip to the nearby ruins, the perfect combination of nature, history and ecology.  Bring the whole family for an unforgettable day in paradise, book with Dtraveller now and ask about our promotions and discounts.

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