Xel-há the biggest natural aquarium in the world
I love swimming. It is one of the few sports I do not have to force myself to. So when I got the chance to visit the biggest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-há, I did not hesitate a second.
Xel-há (or Xel-ha, Xelha) is situated in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, between Cancún and Tulum. You can get there and get the all inclusive one day entrance right there or buy it with a travel agency. All the food is included, the whole day you can eat as much as you can (which I did :D) and I have to say the food was delicious!
But Xel-há is not just about the food, but like I said, it is the biggest natural aquarium in the world. It is made where the river enters the Caribbean sea and such makes the space for 70 different species.
The word Xel-há is derived from from two Maya words, Xel means a place where something is born/entrance/spring, and Há means water, so Xel-há is where the water was born.
You have to wear a life jacket in Xel-há but each time I just wanted to refresh myself, I did not use it, sorry for being a bad example!
The frequent activity in Xel-há is snorkel. There is all the equipment for rent (you get the money back once you return the equipment.)
I was half meter away of this dangerous Barracuda. I could have actually touched it if I just had stretched the arm but I saw its teeth instead an stopped moving. The Barracuda was still, too, just rolling its eyes and looking at me in a very weird way and I did not know what to do while my friend was swimming there to take this picture. The thumb up he was successful so I swam away like crazy.
But no worries, there are nicer and not dangerous fish to see in Xel-há, too.
You can take a little train or hire a bike inside Xel-há (or walk it there but take your flip-flops as the floor is hot) to get to the entrance of the river, and start to snorkel there. Or if you do not want to snorkel, there are inner tubes to sit in and float the river to the lagoon.
The water is a bit blurry, not dirty, because the river water can’t mix properly with the sea water so it flows on top of it and looks oily.
Once you get bored of snorkel, try the zip-lines or the ropes – holding one on the top and walking on the bottom one.
Or swim with the dolphins (not included in the entrance) or with the manatees, or try snuba diving.
Eat again and then pass the floating bridge to get to the caves and sinkholes, watch iguanas walking in front of you, waterfowl and crabs or just lie on a chair and sunbathe. Or get more information about what else you can do in Xel-ha.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler via Facebook
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the same here! Never been to Xcaret yet even though I think I will visit it one day when I return there ;)
Imperator Travel Blog (in English) via Facebook
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I prefered Xel-Ha over Xcaret and I was happy i did it. It is such a lovely place.
Kris Koeller
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We loved Xel-Ha. Its a bit corny/touristy, but we had a great time.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Me too! But when I was there, most of the people were just eating all the time, so the rest was fine and not overcrowded :)
thepinaysolobackpacker
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the beach is amazing! clear blue green waters!
Philip Johnson
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Great pics! I tried to go to Xel-Ha but only got half way… stayed on the beach at Akumal instead and swam with turtles and barracudas. Kind of wish I’d gone all the way now though…
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Philip, during your next visit, take time to see Xel-ha, it is not the cheapest place ever but definitely worth the visit!
tom
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i dont mind barracudas ive snorkelled with them before! just make sure you dont wear anything shiny =D
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Ok, so I’ll close my shining eyes then :D
tom
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this looks like an amazing place to snorkel! I love crystal clear green seas :)
crazy sexy fun traveler
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For sure, if a Barracuda is not snorkeling with you :D