XCARET or XELHA

coryl · 11-28-2004

We have a few things in mind to do when we're there but Ican't decide on whether to go to Xcaret or Xelha. I went to Xelha two years ago and it was our favorite part of the trip so we really want to go back. But after reading Phil's trip report about how good Xcaret was were kind of thinking of going there.
We would do both but were already doing the ATV/speedboat tour, going fishing, and I think going to Coba.
Any help would be great!

**james** · 11-28-2004

this exact same thread title has been posted a jillion times.

short answer: two very different places that both happen to start with the letter X.

try the search function, above, for the two names and you'll find lots and lots of opinions that are already on the forum.

once you have gone, you can also help us out by coming back and adding your review to the review section, where we'd like to accumulate as much feedback on certain specific places as possible. Currently there are only two reviews on Xcaret and XelHa, one for each. "Now that's just sad" (said in a Dana Carvey does Ross Perot voice)

**denisea** · 11-28-2004

Another place to check out is the review section (see tab at top of page). I've posted reviews on both Xel-Ha and Xcaret. I've also provided my opinion on both these parks on several occasions... and some quite recently. A search on either park name will yield lots of additonal info.

ama · 11-29-2004

We just got back from PDC and we visited both Xcaret and Xel Ha. We throughly enjoyed both, I think it depends on what types of activities that you're interested in doing...

Xcaret: There's more of a variety of activities to do here: water (underground river etc.), animals (don't miss the sea turtles and butterfly pavilion), and the amazing cultural night show. It's a really packed and long day.

Xel Ha: Water activity based. We loved the snorkeling here, and the day went by way too fast! The day was much shorter than Xcaret, as the park closed at 6pm.

For both parks, I'd advise waking up early and getting there right when the parks open. We did this, and basically got to do everything, which was nice.

While we loved both places, my bf and I did enjoy Xel Ha a bit more. We had a wonderful time snorkeling and seeing all the fish. The best thing would be to try and squeeze a visit to both as they are so different!

philzone · 11-29-2004

I too enjoyed both, but Xcaret had the edge for me, as I loved the butterfly jungle and the animals, and the underground swim was wonderful, as my report said. However, this was not to take away from Xel Ha, where the snorkelling was great.

I still would say that at some stage you need to do both. You'll enjoy either, but GET THERE EARLY. You will need a full day at both of them.

**james** · 11-29-2004

Hey Ama and Philzone....

How about adding your thoughts about the two places to the review section?

ama · 11-29-2004

Hi James,

Sure...I put in a request through the User CP. I'd be happy to write up reviews on our hotel (Rivieria Caribe Maya), Xel Ha, Xcaret and Alltournative...

PolarBare1 · 12-31-2004

We went to Xel-ha over Christmas weekend and had a Fantastic time! Have also been to Xcaret a few years ago... we are working on a slide-show of Xel-ha...look for it later this week. Will also be posting reviews of the two parks...BOTH are great.

Lois Munday · 12-31-2004

Hi Coryl
We went to Xcaret in Sept/04 and thought it was great. As a 64 year old non-swimming coward, Xcaret seemed a better choice for me than Xel-Ha. Well, let me tell you - I actually swam the underground river (wearing a lifejacket), albeit holding on to my husband for part of the way till I realized that I really could do this. A 45 minute swim took us 2 hours but we enjoyed all 120 minutes of it.
I can't say enough about Xcaret. We did the river, climbed up to the wonderful chapel with the gorgeous view, had a delicious breakfast, visited the replica Mayan village and saw the fabulous Mayan show at the Grand Theatre. Just these few things took all day and we didn't see half of it. Will be going back next year to finish the tour. This time will take a taxi and do it on our own rather than take the tourbus from the hotel. My water experience gave me confidence enough to also want to try Xel Ha as well.
The only flagrantly commercial aspect to Xcaret was the shopping area. However, this is at the entrance and the merchandise was quality as well as relatively inexpensive.
There are also thatched roof restaurants throughout the grounds that look really inviting, as well as cerveza and soft drink stands to quench the thirst.
Plan two trips to see it adequately. Don't miss the Mayan theatre show.

PolarBare1 · 01-01-2005

This was the beautiful sunset we witnessed Christmas weekend at Xel-Ha

11-28-2004	#1 (permalink)
coryl lost on fifth Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 17	XCARET or XELHA We have a few things in mind to do when we're there but Ican't decide on whether to go to Xcaret or Xelha. I went to Xelha two years ago and it was our favorite part of the trip so we really want to go back. But after reading Phil's trip report about how good Xcaret was were kind of thinking of going there. We would do both but were already doing the ATV/speedboat tour, going fishing, and I think going to Coba. Any help would be great!

11-28-2004	#2 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Kullavik, Sweden Posts: 9,721	this exact same thread title has been posted a jillion times. short answer: two very different places that both happen to start with the letter X. try the search function, above, for the two names and you'll find lots and lots of opinions that are already on the forum. once you have gone, you can also help us out by coming back and adding your review to the review section, where we'd like to accumulate as much feedback on certain specific places as possible. Currently there are only two reviews on Xcaret and XelHa, one for each. "Now that's just sad" (said in a Dana Carvey does Ross Perot voice) __________________ My lovely house is for sale Get your own signature countdown image!

11-29-2004	#6 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Kullavik, Sweden Posts: 9,721	Hey Ama and Philzone.... How about adding your thoughts about the two places to the review section? __________________ My lovely house is for sale Get your own signature countdown image!

12-31-2004	#8 (permalink)
PolarBare1 way into it Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Castle Rock (Denver area), Colorado Posts: 157	Xel-ha or Xcaret? We went to Xel-ha over Christmas weekend and had a Fantastic time! Have also been to Xcaret a few years ago... we are working on a slide-show of Xel-ha...look for it later this week. Will also be posting reviews of the two parks...BOTH are great.

12-31-2004	#9 (permalink)
Lois Munday toe in water Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 40	Reply to Xcaret or Xel Ha Hi Coryl We went to Xcaret in Sept/04 and thought it was great. As a 64 year old non-swimming coward, Xcaret seemed a better choice for me than Xel-Ha. Well, let me tell you - I actually swam the underground river (wearing a lifejacket), albeit holding on to my husband for part of the way till I realized that I really could do this. A 45 minute swim took us 2 hours but we enjoyed all 120 minutes of it. I can't say enough about Xcaret. We did the river, climbed up to the wonderful chapel with the gorgeous view, had a delicious breakfast, visited the replica Mayan village and saw the fabulous Mayan show at the Grand Theatre. Just these few things took all day and we didn't see half of it. Will be going back next year to finish the tour. This time will take a taxi and do it on our own rather than take the tourbus from the hotel. My water experience gave me confidence enough to also want to try Xel Ha as well. The only flagrantly commercial aspect to Xcaret was the shopping area. However, this is at the entrance and the merchandise was quality as well as relatively inexpensive. There are also thatched roof restaurants throughout the grounds that look really inviting, as well as cerveza and soft drink stands to quench the thirst. Plan two trips to see it adequately. Don't miss the Mayan theatre show.

11-28-2004	#3 (permalink)
denisea Forum Goddess Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: On the road to ruins... Posts: 7,025	Another place to check out is the review section (see tab at top of page). I've posted reviews on both Xel-Ha and Xcaret. I've also provided my opinion on both these parks on several occasions... and some quite recently. A search on either park name will yield lots of additonal info.

11-29-2004	#4 (permalink)
ama ruined Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: California Posts: 90	We just got back from PDC and we visited both Xcaret and Xel Ha. We throughly enjoyed both, I think it depends on what types of activities that you're interested in doing... Xcaret: There's more of a variety of activities to do here: water (underground river etc.), animals (don't miss the sea turtles and butterfly pavilion), and the amazing cultural night show. It's a really packed and long day. Xel Ha: Water activity based. We loved the snorkeling here, and the day went by way too fast! The day was much shorter than Xcaret, as the park closed at 6pm. For both parks, I'd advise waking up early and getting there right when the parks open. We did this, and basically got to do everything, which was nice. While we loved both places, my bf and I did enjoy Xel Ha a bit more. We had a wonderful time snorkeling and seeing all the fish. The best thing would be to try and squeeze a visit to both as they are so different!

11-29-2004	#5 (permalink)
philzone way into it Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Suffolk, UK Posts: 147	I too enjoyed both, but Xcaret had the edge for me, as I loved the butterfly jungle and the animals, and the underground swim was wonderful, as my report said. However, this was not to take away from Xel Ha, where the snorkelling was great. I still would say that at some stage you need to do both. You'll enjoy either, but GET THERE EARLY. You will need a full day at both of them.

11-29-2004	#7 (permalink)
ama ruined Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: California Posts: 90	Hi James, Sure...I put in a request through the User CP. I'd be happy to write up reviews on our hotel (Rivieria Caribe Maya), Xel Ha, Xcaret and Alltournative...

01-01-2005	#10 (permalink)
PolarBare1 way into it Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Castle Rock (Denver area), Colorado Posts: 157	Xel-Ha Christmas Sunset This was the beautiful sunset we witnessed Christmas weekend at Xel-Ha

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