For those of you who haven’t heard yet, Xcaret Park (and its many sister parks) is a big deal in these parts. Xcaret (pronounced eesh-car-et) is a must-see destination while visiting Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and the rest of Riviera Maya.
During my latest trip to Mexico, after having considered visiting Xcaret on three trips prior, we finally pulled the trigger and decided to visit Xcaret. The takeaway? This park is absolutely amazing!
We did so much during our time there and learned so much about Mexican/Mayan culture along the way. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience that we’d recommend to anyone visiting Cancun/Playa Del Carmen.
Great! So does that mean you can stop reading? Well, not so fast–I did want to mention a few concerns, tips, and tricks before you hop off. The one major question that most travelers have when considering a visit to Xcaret is the price. Yes, admission to Xcaret is not cheap.
So if you’re wondering if Xcaret Park is worth the hefty admission cost, keep reading! This post will break down the different components of the park for you so you can ultimately determine if what it offers is right for you. At the end of the post, don’t miss my top essential tips to make your Xcaret Park experience that much better!
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Table of Contents
XCARET PARK: OVERVIEW
Xcaret Park can easily be summed up as a massive, unforgettable eco-park located in the jungle of the popular Riviera Maya.
Xcaret can be considered all of the following: a water park, theme park, amusement park, cultural museum, and archaeological site–all in one place. So how can one place be so many things all at once? Well, this is due to its prime location. It’s located in the Mayan jungle among trees, underground rivers, and cenotes while sitting right on the Caribbean Sea.
This family-friendly park features more than 50 natural and cultural attractions that will surely wow you from the minute you start exploring.
Among the highlights are the underground river swim, the Aviary, the Coral Reef Aquarium, and the Butterfly Pavilion. Aside from the natural attractions, you’ll also get to learn so much about Mexican culture through the Mayan ruins, Mayan Village, various art exhibits, as well as the epic Xcaret México Espectacular show.
XCARET PARK ADMISSION / TICKETS
Buying your ticket to Xcaret can be a bit confusing so let’s break everything down.
First off, Xcaret is not an all-inclusive eco-park. Instead, Xcaret offers build-your-own package options, with discounts if you book combo packages.
These combo packages can include photos, add-on activities, or even admission to its sister parks (like Xel-Ha, Xplor, and more). You can also add on transportation to and from the park.
While Xcaret is not an all-inclusive park, you do have the chance to upgrade your admission ticket to make your visit almost all-inclusive. We personally opted for the Xcaret Plus Admission tickets and paid extra for the roundtrip transportation.
This meant that not only were we going to be picked up and dropped off at our hotel, but that we would also get to enjoy a lunch buffet (including 1 beer and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages) at the restaurant of our choice. Our Xcaret Plus Admission tickets also allowed us to rent snorkel gear free of charge and access the exclusive Xcaret Plus area with lockers, dressing rooms and private restrooms–at no additional charge.
We highly recommend going with this option over the Basic Admission!
If you’d like to compare, here are all the other admission options:
- Xcaret Basic Admission – Enjoy the 50 attractions surrounded by jungle, underground rivers, and the Caribbean Sea. You’ll also get to enjoy the Mexican dances, Mayan archaeological vestiges, and the Xcaret México Espectacular presentation.
- Xcaret Plus – Besides the more than 50 attractions included in your Xcaret admission, you can also enjoy a buffet meal at the restaurant of your choice. You will also have access to Plus Area exclusive facilities, with lockers, dressing rooms and private restrooms, and the use of snorkel gear for the underground rivers.
- Xcaret Total – This admission includes a buffet lunch, access to the Plus facilities and 1 optional activity added to your experience: Snuba® Family, Sea Trek® or Adrenalina.
- Xcaret at Night – Grants you access into the park from 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Includes only admission (no food).
You can read more about the different experiences here on their website.
HOW TO GET TO XCARET PARK
There are a few different ways to get to Xcaret Park. The best choice for you will depend on where you are staying and what your budget is.
Don’t have time to read through this whole section? We recommend adding hotel transportation to your ticket purchase when buying your Xcaret tickets online.
Hotel Pick Up
Getting to Xcaret is super easy. If you purchase a package from a tour company or on their website directly, roundtrip transportation from your hotel is an optional add-on. This is what most people go with.
The vehicle that picks you up at your hotel on the day of your park visit may have the logo of any of the Xcaret Parks: Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, or the company logo, Grupo Xcaret. The transfer may be by van or luxury bus, depending on the operation.
If your hotel is not on the hotel list, or you are staying at an Airbnb, hostel, or with friends/family in Mexico, you can choose between a few meeting points in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.
For example, because we stayed at Hotel La Semilla, a boutique hotel in Playa Del Carmen (it is not a major resort hotel), we chose to meet in front of a restaurant located just a 2-minute walk from our hotel. When we arrived at the meeting point, there were about 30 to 50 others who had the same meeting point as us.
From there, we checked in and hopped onboard the Xcaret bus that was waiting for us!
Private Transfer
If you are traveling with a larger group, it may make more financial sense to arrange your own private transfer from the hotel or resort you are staying at.
The private transfer will pick you up at your hotel and drive you directly to the park entrance. If you’ve arranged a private transfer for the trip back to your hotel, your private transfer will also bring you back to your hotel at the return time you select.
ADO Bus
The ADO bus serves the entire Yucatán Peninsula, even Xcaret Park. Direct transportation to the park is available from the following three cities: Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
From Cancun, you will have to catch the bus from the main bus terminal in downtown Cancun. If you are in Playa del Carmen, you must get to the ADO bus terminal located on Fifth Avenue. From Tulum, you must also get yourself to the ADO bus terminal in order to catch it to Xcaret Park.
Prices may vary depending on which city you’re coming from, but this will be your cheapest option for getting to Xcaret.
Taxi
Taxis are relatively expensive in this region of Mexico. However, if you are going to be based in Playa Del Carmen, the cost may not be so bad. Xcaret is located about 6 miles south of Playa del Carmen, so fares will cost approximately $15.
You can easily find taxis near the ADO bus terminal or at any of the cross-streets along Fifth Avenue.
If you are coming from Tulum or Cancun areas, we do not recommend taking a taxi because of how expensive they are. Opt for Xcaret’s hotel transportation add-on instead!
Stay at Hotel Xcaret
Another option is to stay at Hotel Xcaret, the all-inclusive resort that is conveniently connected to the park.
As a guest of the hotel, your stay includes unlimited access and transportation to all the parks of Grupo Xcaret. That includes Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco, Xenses, Xavage and Xenotes! What a steal!
XCARET PARK: WHAT TO EXPECT
As soon as you enter the park and lay your eyes on the park map, you’ll begin to realize how massive the park is. Despite its size, getting around the park is pretty easy.
All the attractions are marked with easy-to-read signs and are located in a colored area. When trying to figure out which direction you need to go to, simply follow the colored paths to get there.
For example, to get to the Xcaret Plus area, you’ll always follow the black line. To get to the lunch buffet at the seafood restaurant, you’ll follow the red line.
Now that you’re more familiar with how to get around the park, let’s dive into what’s actually featured at the park! Here are a few of the major attractions at Xcaret.
Underground River Swim
One activity you absolutely cannot miss is swimming through the park’s network of underground rivers and caves.
The underground river swim activity is broken down into 4-5 segments. If you get tired of swimming or need to exit for any other reason, you can do so at the end of each segment.
If you are not a strong swimmer, no worries! Life jackets are provided (and required in order to do the swim). These things will really help you float in the river effortlessly.
Lastly, make sure you get a pair of fins by the entrance of the river. While they are optional, you should definitely take a pair with you. They make swimming through the cave portions so much easier! Otherwise, you will have to grab onto a rope in the cave and pull yourself through. Not the worst experience in the world, but definitely takes a bit more effort. We learned that the hard way (we were pretty darn tired after doing the full river circuit without fins).
Want to experience the river without getting wet? You can opt to do the Paradise River ride, where you can sail aboard a comfortable raft along the transparent waters of the river.
Pro Tip: We regret not bringing a waterproof phone pouch with us. The underground river swim was so picturesque–it would have been really nice to snap a few photos during our swim!
Animal Exhibits
While at Xcaret Park, you may encounter deer, bats, pink flamingos, sea turtles, colorful macaws, monkeys, jaguars, birds, and more.
Formal animal exhibits include the Coral Reef Aquarium, Aviary (a natural sanctuary where birds interact freely), Jaguars Island, Manatee Lagoon, and Butterfly Pavilion.
These exhibits are not to be missed, especially if you’re traveling with kids! They will love the opportunity to get up close and personal with the fauna of the park.
Snorkeling
While there are no traditional coral reefs within the confines of the park, there is a little snorkeling inlet area where you can get your snorkel on.
I will say, even though seeing small schools of blue and yellow fish was cool, this is not a replacement for a real snorkel tour.
A few days prior to visiting Xcaret, we had actually done the Reef and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour in Cancun, which was absolutely amazing (we saw massive schools of fish, barracuda, and even sea turtles). The water was bright and clear and the whole experience was magical.
Snorkeling at Xcaret really paled in comparison. It was pretty crowded in the water, and we found the water to be pretty murky and filmy (likely from everyone’s sunscreen washing off their bodies. Overall, the snorkeling activity was just okay.
Having said that, Xcaret does offer an optional snorkeling tour to the nearby coral reef, just a short boat ride from the park. There is an additional cost for this activity, but it’s likely going to be a better and more authentic snorkeling experience.
Shows / Performances
There are four different shows to enjoy during your Xcaret visit. Throughout the day you can enjoy several performances of the following:
- Papantla Flyers – ritual ceremony of the flyers on a tall pole
- Pre-hispanic Performances – 25-minute Mayan pre-Hispanic dance performances with drumming
- Horse Exhibitions – performances by charros and adelitas (women jockeys) riding Aztec horses.
The main attraction at Xcaret, however, is the evening México Espectacular, an epic performance and showcase of Mexico’s history featuring over 300 performers.
This show is most definitely the #1 highlight of all of Xcaret. I won’t give you too many spoilers, but there are huge bursts of color, beautiful dance ensembles, fire, and even horses and parrots featured in the show!
Pro Tip: This show is truly very entertaining and is not to be missed. If you have concerns about you or your kids lasting throughout the day, consider entering the park a bit later in the day (or even mid-day) in order to have the energy to watch the show at night.
Cultural Exhibits
From the “Bridge to Paradise” Mexican Cemetery to the colorful Mayan Village and the Mexican Folk Art Museum to the Hacienda Henequenera (showcasing a typical 19th-century Mexican mansion), you’ll get to experience a lot of what Mexico is all about outside of the jungle and water activities.
One of the coolest things to see at the park is the various archaeological sites dotted throughout the park. These ancient buildings witnessed important events in the commercial, maritime, and religious life of the former inhabitants of Polé (now Xcaret).
You can learn a lot by stopping to read the educational signage posted by the sites.
Restaurants / Dining
There are so many dining options at Xcaret and each of them offers something a little different. If you’ve opted for the Xcaret Plus admission or better, you’ll have the option to choose one of the following restaurants for your lunch buffet.
- LA ORQUÍDEA COFFEE SHOP – Features a breakfast buffet in the morning, lunch buffet at noon, and a la carte menu after 2pm.
- LA COCINA RESTAURANT – Buffet lunch specializing in Mexican cuisine, included with your Xcaret Plus admission.
- DOS PLAYAS RESTAURANT – Buffet lunch specializing in seafood and Caribbean-style cuisine; included with your Xcaret Plus admission.
- LA PENÍNSULA RESTAURANT – Buffet lunch specializing in international cuisine and seafood; included with your Xcaret Plus admission.
- EL YUCATECO RESTAURANT – Buffet lunch specializing in Yucatecan cuisine and pre-Hispanic ingredients; included with your Xcaret Plus admission.
- LA ISLA RESTAURANT – Buffet lunch specializing in international cuisine, located in the middle of a cave by an underground river.
- LA CALETA RESTAURANT – Buffet lunch specializing in grilled foods (like juicy steaks) & international foods; included with your Xcaret Plus admission.
- LA LAGUNA RESTAURANT – Buffet lunch specializing in international cuisine (such as Mexican appetizers, pasta, pizzas, and dessert); included with your Xcaret Plus admission.
- EL MANGLAR RESTAURANT – A la carte restaurant, specializes in seafood and dishes from the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Depending on park conditions, some of the restaurants may not be open on the day of your visit. Be sure to check the website for the latest information.
We ate at La Peninsula Restaurant on our last visit. Not only was the food super delicious (aguachiles, ceviche, and seafood soup were my favorites), but we also enjoyed our food and drinks on the scenic palapa terrace overlooking the ocean. Truly not a bad place to enjoy a meal!
Xcaret Beach
If you’re staying at a beachfront hotel, you can probably skip the beach at Xcaret. Otherwise, it’s a lovely stretch of beach perfect for young children or those who cannot swim. The water is very calm for the little ones to splash around in.
If you’re looking to sunbathe or relax, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of loungers and chairs available here.
And if you need a little nap during the day, head to the relaxing hammock area for a quick shut-eye session!
Other Activities
Xcaret has a ton of other optional activities for an additional cost. Here is just a sample of what they offer:
- Adrenalina – A thrilling boat ride at speeds up to 90 km/h, with 360° turns and immersions through the turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea.
- Xcaret México Espectacular Dinner – Pair the best show ever with a seven-course dinner.
- Paraxute – Soar up to 600 ft (200 m) high by parasail
- Stingray Encounter – Feed and swim with huge, majestic stingrays as you learn about the care and conservation of their specie
- Sea Trek – Descend 16.4 ft and walk on the seabed admiring all the marine life while breathing like on the surface
- Xpá Xcaret – Indulge with a relaxing massage in the setting of a crystalline lagoon while listening to the relaxing sounds of a waterfall.
You can check out the complete list of optional activities here.
NOTE: While there are dolphin excursions, we do NOT recommend supporting this area of the park. Dolphins deserve to be free, not confined in a pool for the entertainment of humans. Captive dolphins are bred for a lifetime of captivity. A life in captivity is no life at all. Please don’t support these efforts!
THE BOTTOM LINE: IS XCARET WORTH THE MONEY
Xcaret is a great mix of adventure, culture, education, and relaxation. If you’re looking for a combo day filled with all of those things, then this park is right for you.
While admission to Xcaret Park is not cheap, we wholeheartedly believe that the whole experience is completely worth the money.
For the show alone, with its incredible production value, we would pay $100+ outright! Seriously, if this was a show offered in Las Vegas, I would not hesitate to pay full price for it. Layer in all the additional activities included with your admission and it’s a real steal!
Because of how large the park is, you’re going to be busy exploring the many exhibits, engaging in the activities, and watching the shows throughout the day. You will definitely not be bored here.
And if you need a rest, there are some really serene rest spots speckled throughout the park. There’s even a beach for you to enjoy if you’re looking for some real R&R! The best of both worlds!
If we had to recommend one package, we’d suggest the Xcaret Plus option. Not only do you get a buffet lunch during your park visit, but you’ll also be saving on locker rental and snorkel rental costs.
Having said all of that, Xcaret may still not be for you. If you’re looking primarily for a day of full-on adventure and adrenaline, Xplor may be the better option for you. Alternatively, if you’re looking for more water activities, Xel-Ha would be the better park for you.
All in all, I still stand by my stance that yes–Xcaret is worth the money!
XCARET PARK: ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST
You won’t need too much for your visit to Xcaret. These items below are considered essentials:
- Swimsuit
- Towel – grab from your hotel or bring a lightweight, quick-drying towel of your own
- Waterproof phone pouch– for epic river / underwater pics
- Change of clothes – for after your water activities
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Cash or credit card
- Admission confirmation voucher
- Non-toxic / natural bug spray
- Biodegradable sunscreen (see note below)
IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUNSCREENS:
To protect the natural balance of the water ecosystem within the park, Xcaret has a policy of just using biodegradable sunscreen (containing titanium oxide and zinc oxide). Please adhere to this rule and use only sunscreen containing titanium oxide and zinc oxide at the park. This will really help minimize the negative environmental impact of products with chemicals.
And honestly, after my last trip to Mexico, I realized it’s not enough to just buy any ol’ bottle that has a “reef-friendly” label on it. It turns out many sunscreens claiming to be “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” actually aren’t.
Products containing the following ingredients are NOT reef safe: oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, or nanoparticles.
Always review the active ingredients on the bottle to be sure you’re really getting something reef-safe.
If you’re wondering what is safe, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to! Here are a few travel-sized biodegradable sunscreens you can easily buy on Amazon:
- Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen – SPF 40 Kids Clear Sport
- Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen- SPF 35 Clear Zinc Sport Unscented
- Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
- Babo Botanicals Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- All Good Sport Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR YOUR XCARET PARK VISIT
- Xcaret Park is really big, clocking in at over 200 acres (81 hectares). Bring comfortable sandals or walking shoes.
- Because the park is so big, do plan out your day ahead of time. Prioritize the activities, exhibits, and areas you want to see at the beginning of the day because you might not be able to do it all!
- Do not miss the Mexico Espectacular show at the end of the day. If you leave Xcaret without catching the show, did you really experience Xcaret? Probably not.
- Xcaret is NOT all-inclusive. There are extra charges for day lockers, strollers, snorkel equipment, towels, food, and beverages. This leads us to the next tip….
- Go for the Xcaret Plus option. Yes, it costs more money, but the perks of this admission type are so convenient. With Xcaret plus, you get free snorkel gear, a free buffet lunch, and free usage of lockers.
- Opt for the additional transportation option. Admission with transportation is only $30 USD more, but saves you so much time and effort.
- If you’re traveling with kids 4 years old or under, admission to the park is free. Children between the ages of 5 to 12 years old will get a discounted rate on admission.
- Consider the Go City Cancun attraction pass if you want the Xcaret At Night admission. With an all-inclusive pass of 3 days or more, admission to Xcaret (or Xel-Ha) is included!
- Don’t forget to bring your snacks, sunhat, towel, swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. They have convenient lockers at the park, so don’t be afraid to bring stuff.
- Beat the lunch rush by heading to the restaurants before 12:30pm. Arrive any time after that and you may need to wait in long lines to get seated.
- Check out the different lunch menus before committing to a restaurant. Each of the restaurants serves something different, so explore the menus before settling with one.
- For the river swim, get the fins. You’ll be able to swim so much faster, especially in the areas where the current really slows you down.
- Bring snacks and water with you. While the park does not allow “outside food” you can still bring small snacks with you to munch on throughout the day, especially if you’re traveling with little ones who get hungry at random times.
- Please don’t swim with the dolphins. It’s not fair for the poor dolphins and probably not the safest thing for you or your kids.
- If there is any chance of rain in the forecast, bring ponchos! That way you’ll be able to continue exploring the park instead of having to huddle under a palapa for who knows how long (this happened to us). Xcaret gift shop also sells ponchos (we were suckers and had to buy their ponchos).
WHERE TO STAY FOR XCARET PARK
Hotel Xcaret
The most convenient option is to stay at the all-inclusive Hotel Xcaret Mexico, which is connected to the park. The benefit of choosing this hotel is that admission to the various Xcaret parks is included in the hotel price. This is a wonderful option for families or travelers looking to visit multiple Xcaret parks on their trip. Airport shuttle included!
Hotel La Semilla
Hotel La Semilla is the wonderful design/boutique hotel that we stayed at in Playa Del Carmen. Aside from the unforgettable free breakfast and hospitality, the benefit of staying here is that you’ll be close to the hustle and bustle of all things Playa Del Carmen.
There are so many things to do in Playa, so we totally recommend staying in this town! While it is a bit further away from the park (17 minutes away), you can simply opt for roundtrip transportation along with your admission so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
XCARET PARK: FAQ’S
Does Xcaret offer any discounts or promo codes?
Standard Xcaret tickets cost $109.99 USD when purchased directly at the park. Having said that, most people can easily save money by buying their tickets ahead of time online. You can easily save 10-15% by purchasing your tickets online here.
The Xcaret Group sometimes also offers additional discounts for 2+ combo park visits. These are typically offered on their direct website. We also try to keep this post updated with their latest promotions as well!
Xcaret or Xel-Ha: Which is better?
While both of these parks are wonderful world-renowned eco-parks, the answer to this question will be dependent on what you want to do with your time.
If you love water adventures and want nothing more than to engage in water activities all day, then Xel-Ha may be better for you.
Xcaret is a jack of all trades type of park, featuring many land, water, and cultural activities. Xcaret provides a good mix of adventure, culture, education, and relaxation. If you’re looking for a combo day filled with all of those things, then Xcaret is the better park for you.
Don’t just take it from me–the industry experts also agree! In fact, for the fifth year running, Xcaret Park picked up the Travvy Award as the world’s best theme and water park!
What are the park’s hours of operation?
Xcaret Park is open 365 days a year from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
If you’re looking to visit during days with fewer crowds, aim to visit on Saturdays and Sundays as many travelers arrive and depart on those days.
How many hours do you need at Xcaret Park?
As many hours as you can last! Just kidding, but not really.
If you want to catch the evening show, which we highly recommend, but don’t think you or the children you may be traveling with can last 12+ hours at the park, we recommend planning to get to the park a bit later in the day. Enjoy the morning at your resort, then plan to arrive around noon so that you have the energy for the evening show.
Alternatively, if you want time to explore all the park has to offer early in the morning but find yourself getting tired midday, you can stop by one of the many tranquil seating areas around the park for a quick rest or even a nap!
The park also sells coffee and tea if you need a little afternoon pick-me-up!
Do I need to bring towels to Xcaret?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you bring a towel to Xcaret if you plan on doing any water activity at all.
There are lots of water-based attractions at Xcaret Park, including the underground river, natural pools, snorkeling, a high-speed boat ride, stingray and shark encounters, snuba, and even a beach to enjoy.
If you don’t want to bring your own towel to Xcaret Park, you can rent one at the park for an additional fee.
Does Xcaret have lockers to store your stuff?
Yes, there are lockers in Xcaret Park. They are super convenient, especially if you plan on doing the underground river swim.
If you bought the Xcaret Plus admission, lockers are included in your package (in the Plus Area). If you bought a Basic admission, you can rent a locker in the Main Plaza for an additional fee, plus a cash deposit that will be returned to you when you return the locker key.
The size of the lockers is approximately 14 inches wide X 15 inches high, ideal for a medium backpack.
Deposit: $100.00 Mexican pesos or $10 USD
Rental: $114.00 Mexican pesos or $5.99 USD
Can you bring food or snacks into Xcaret?
Outside food is technically not allowed in Xcaret Park.
With the Xcaret Plus admission, a lunch buffet is included. There are also other food options, such as a coffee shop and various snack bars throughout the park.
If you tend to get hungry throughout the day, you can try to sneak in a few snack bars just to get you through the day! Just don’t bring any full-on meals.
Need to bring food for a baby? These are allowed–you can access the park with food for a baby like milk formulas, baby food, etc.
Can you rent strollers at Xcaret?
Yes, Xcaret Park does have stroller rentals. They have both single and double strollers.
To rent a stroller, you’ll need to pay the rental fee as well as put down a cash deposit. You’ll get back the deposit upon returning the stroller at the end of the day. A Single Rental costs $299 pesos or $16.99 USD. A Double Rental costs $400 pesos or $21.99 USD.
The rental kiosk is located on the right by the park entrance and is open from 9:00 am until the park closes.
Can you rent snorkel equipment?
Yes, Xcaret Park does have snorkel equipment rentals. You’ll be able to rent all of the following: a mask, fins, and snorkel tube.
If you’ve opted for the Xcaret Plus admission, snorkeling rentals are included! For basic admission, you’ll need to pay an additional fee of $209 pesos or $10.99 USD.
To rent the snorkel equipment, you’ll need to pay the rental fee as well as put down an ID or a deposit (if you don’t have an ID). You’ll get back the deposit upon returning the equipment.
Does Xcaret have a beach?
Yes, Xcaret has a small, white sand beach facing the Caribbean Sea. It’s a great little beach for the young ones and people who don’t quite know how to swim.
There is a beach bar here as well.
Does Xcaret have cenotes?
While there are no true cenotes in the park, Xcaret offers visitors the chance to swim in one of three underground rivers.
If you are interested in swimming in cenotes in Mexico, consider their Xenotes tour, which visits four different kinds of cenotes in one day.
And that concludes this Xcaret Park review post! We hope that thispost has inspired you to try something new! If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below.
Looking for more Mexico travel tips? You might like:
26 Best Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen For An Unforgettable Vacation
The Ultimate Cancun Vacation: A Complete Travel Guide To Cancun, Mexico
15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun for Families
15 Essential Cancun Travel Tips: Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Mexico Trip
FAQs
Are Xcaret parks worth it? ›
If you're looking primarily for a day of full-on adventure and adrenaline, Xplor may be the better option for you. Alternatively, if you're looking for more water activities, Xel-Ha would be the better park for you. All in all, I still stand by my stance that yes–Xcaret is worth the money!
Do you need your own towels at Xcaret? ›As for towels at Xcaret, if you bought a standard ticket you will need to bring your own towel or rent one for a small fee. Towels are included in the Xcaret Plus package.
Should I wear water shoes to Xcaret? ›You'll be doing a lot of walking at Xcaret Park, so you'll need comfortable water shoes. Aleader is one of the best-selling water shoes for women. You'll need water shoes that are thick enough to withstand rocks because thin water shoes will begin to hurt your feet after a while. This tip is from personal experience.
Which one is better Xplor or Xcaret? ›But which one is better? If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure park experience, Xplor is the place for you. With zip lines, ATVs, and an underground river rafting adventure, Xplor will get your heart racing. If you're looking for a more relaxed adventure park experience, Xcaret is the place for you.
How long do you need at Xcaret Park? ›If you have the time and money we highly recommend 2 days at Xcaret Park. This way you can spend the first day getting an overview of the park, then return the next day to spend more time on the things you liked the most. Another reason to go for more than 1 day is that the evening show is a must-see.
What shoes should I wear to Xcaret Mexico? ›You can wear tennis shoes or water shoes, comfortable shorts and lightweight shirts. Wear your swimsuit underneath, this way you will be able to get changed faster and have more time to enjoy the cenotes.
How should I dress for Xcaret? ›Coming to Xcaret is the best opportunity to create incredible photos in paradise, so we recommend you bring comfortable clothes that help you with the tropical warmth. We recommend hats or caps, some water shoes, and a change of clothes in case you want to bring your favorite outfit and rock it for the photos.
Can you bring snacks into Xcaret? ›It is not allowed to enter with food and beverages to Xcaret Park. However, you will find many restaurants and shops to grab a bite. Also, you can upgrade your admission to Xcaret Plus that includes a buffet lunch in selected restaurants, plus one beer, and unlimited flavored waters, and coffee with your meal.
Can you bring bottled water to Xcaret? ›You can bring a liter bottle of water per person. Biodegradable sunscreen of your own. We have a program where we exchange your none biodegradable sunblock for samples. We keep your sunscreen during your visit and return it to you when you leave the park.
What is the best month to visit Xcaret Mexico? ›The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are August, September and October (29°C). The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January, February and March (26°C).
Do you tip Xcaret Hotel? ›
The site says all gratuities are included so you don't owe anyone anything. Europeans generally dont tip - or if they do it is pocket change.
Which park is better Xel-Ha or Xcaret? ›Unlike Xel-Ha, Xcaret doesn't rely heavily on water activities, swimming, and snorkeling, there's a more diverse choice of things to see and do. This is great if you have younger children who aren't really so confident in being in the water all day and prefer to do other things. Children ages 0-4 are free, with ID.
Which park is better Xcaret or Xel-Ha or Xplor? ›It depends on what you're looking for! If you like being in water and enjoy exploring nature, Xel-Ha is a great option. But if you're looking for non-stop action and adventure, Xplor is the better choice.
How deep is the water at Xplor? ›A total of 2.4 miles (3.8 km) of zip-lines. The highest zip-line stands at 49 yards (45 m) high. The depth of the water landing is nine yards (8 m) below ground level.
What is the best day of the week to go to Xcaret? ›According to the park website, the best days to visit are Saturday and Sunday because most hotel packages arrive and depart on those days. If you're traveling with young kids, and you want to watch the evening shows (it ends at 9:30 PM), we suggest you arrive a little later in the day.
Can you do Xcaret park in one day? ›Xcaret is a huge park and would take 2 full days to cover it at a leisure. However, we had only one day to cover it and everyone was rushing in to do the rivers first.
How much is food at Xcaret? ›Xcaret Park also has adventurous options like swimming in an underground river and a kid-oriented section with waterfalls, bridges and more. How much is food at Xcaret? During our visit in December 2021, the buffet lunch was $35 US per person with no discount for kids.
Which Xcaret River is best? ›- Manatee or Maya River
Both the Manatee River and the Maya River are mostly open so you can enjoy the colorful scenery along the entire route. The recommendation if you want to swim two (or more) rivers, is to take it easy: relax and let the current take you slowly floating. How did you like the tour?
Enjoy the natural attractions of Mexico's Majestic Paradise and thrill with Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, a show with over 300 artists on stage, performing a musical journey through the history of Mexico. Available Monday to Saturday beginning at 4:00 p.m.
How long is the underground river at Xcaret? ›Discover the unique beauty of each one! The rivers of Xcaret flow about 16.4 ft below the ground. They have an extension of 656 yards approximately and an average depth of 5 ft. You will find intermediate exits, in case you want to finish your tour before the end.
Do you have to wear a mask at Xcaret? ›
The integrity and health of all our visitors and guests is our top priority. We will strongly recommend the use of face masks at our facilities and experiences. However, we will have face masks available that can be purchased at our shops.
Do I need water shoes for cenotes? ›Running or casual tennis shoes are ideal for this kind of tour. Water shoes are also welcome. Sandals/flip-flops: Wearing sandals is recommended after a refreshing swim and maintain your tennis shoes dry. They are easy to carry and keep your feet comfortable.
Are the ruins at Xcaret real? ›Xcaret (Mayan pronunciation: [ʃkaˈɾet]) is a Maya civilization archaeological site located on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. The site was occupied by the pre-Columbian Maya and functioned as a port for navigation and an important Maya trading center.
What should I bring to Xcaret Resort? ›We know that you are here for the perfect tan, but don't forget to protect your skin from the sun. Pack a hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen, your body will thank you. Other essentials to visit Cancun are a pair of flip-flops, a beach mat, your favorite book and of course a big bag to put all things in it.
Can you bring your own snorkel gear to Xcaret? ›Yes you can bring your own snorkel gear.
How big are the lockers at Xcaret? ›The size of the lockers is approximately 14in wide by 15in high, ideal for a medium backpack. Those who have admission plus have this service included in the Plus Area.
Does Xcaret take credit cards? ›There are several payment options depending on the currency chosen on our websites. In the case of Mexican Peso (MXN), you can pay with Debit or Credit Cards issued by VIsa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or Diners.
Do I need to bring my passport to Xcaret? ›You need to bring picture ID with you (even if you buy your ticket online!!!). Whoever brought the tickets, must bring picture ID with you the day of your visit or they won't give you the wristbands to enter.
Is Sun Bum allowed at Xcaret? ›Please respect these regulations, and pick up some Coral Reef Friendly Sunblock before coming to Playa del Carmen. Only biodegradable suntan lotions and sunscreens can be used inside Xcaret or Xel Ha as well, and they'll usually confiscate any regular chemical or oil-bases sunscreens upon sight.
What sunscreen is allowed in Xcaret? ›Biodegradable sunscreen is the only type of sunscreen that is allowed on any snorkeling tour, scuba diving trip, or other water activity inside Cozumel's protected marine park, or at the major parks like Chankanaab, Xcaret, Xel Ha, and Garrafon. This is not our rule, it is federal regulation, and it is enforced.
What's the difference between Xcaret and Xcaret Plus? ›
Xcaret Plus includes everything that the regular Xcaret Tour includes, plus adds lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and lockers. It also gives you a 10% discount on any water activities once inside the park (except dolphins).
How cold is the water in Xcaret? ›The water is approximately 25° Celsius degrees, sometimes it seems to be cold because the environment is warmer (30°).
What is the best month to go to Playa del Carmen? ›The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.
What is rainy season in Cancun? ›When is rainy season in Cancun? The rainy season in Mexico runs from late August to November. It's rare to get a full day of rain however, as most showers only last for a few hours.
Is $5 a good tip in Mexico? ›It's up to you how much you tip, but the recommended amount in Mexico is between 10% – 20% (15% is a good standard in tourist areas) of the bill or ticket price.
Is 20 pesos a good tip? ›Restaurants: For good service, a 10% tip is standard. For really good service, anything between 15% and 20% is acceptable. Street food: Again, tipping is not required or expected, but it is appreciated (saying “keep the change” is sufficient). Taxis: If the driver helps with bags, 10–20 pesos is a good tip.
How much cash should I take to Mexico? ›So, how much spending money should I bring to Mexico? On a mid-range budget, you should expect to spend $110 USD ($2200 MXN) per person daily. This accounts for 3 meals a day, transportation fare, and one activity per day(tours, attractions,etc.). Add $10 USD ($200 MXN) if planning to drink alcohol.
What is better Xel-Ha or Xcaret? ›Unlike Xel-Ha, Xcaret doesn't rely heavily on water activities, swimming, and snorkeling, there's a more diverse choice of things to see and do. This is great if you have younger children who aren't really so confident in being in the water all day and prefer to do other things. Children ages 0-4 are free, with ID.
What's the difference between Xcaret and Xcaret Plus? ›Xcaret Plus includes everything that the regular Xcaret Tour includes, plus adds lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and lockers. It also gives you a 10% discount on any water activities once inside the park (except dolphins).
Does Xcaret Park have cenotes? ›XENOTES TOUR + XCARET. At Xenotes Tour, you will discover the four types of cenotes that exist, plus having different activities at each one. At Xcaret, get into the best of the culture and nature of Mexico.
Are there ruins at Xcaret? ›
Every year, dozens of canoers departed from here, bound for Cozumel to worship the goddess Ixchel. The Mayan ruins at Xcaret México are distributed at the back of the cove, on the Tropical Jungle Trail, behind the stage of the Papantla Flyers, and between the Open Forum and the Aquarium.
Are there sharks at Xel-Há? ›Unlike it's brethren park Xcaret, Xel-Ha is completely natural (don't worry, an underwater fence keeps sharks and other predators out in the adjacent Caribbean). The first glimpse of Xel-Ha's water is literally breathtaking.
Can I bring my own snorkel gear to Xcaret? ›Yes you can bring your own snorkel gear.
Are the rivers in Xcaret natural? ›And just before we take a good swim in its clear and fresh water, you may know that the underground rivers at Xcaret are part of a natural network of channels. They circulate all around the Yucatan Peninsula.
How should I dress for Xcaret? ›Coming to Xcaret is the best opportunity to create incredible photos in paradise, so we recommend you bring comfortable clothes that help you with the tropical warmth. We recommend hats or caps, some water shoes, and a change of clothes in case you want to bring your favorite outfit and rock it for the photos.
Can you bring water into Xcaret? ›You can bring a liter bottle of water per person. Biodegradable sunscreen of your own. We have a program where we exchange your none biodegradable sunblock for samples. We keep your sunscreen during your visit and return it to you when you leave the park.
How much is the buffet at Xcaret? ›How much is food at Xcaret? During our visit in December 2021, the buffet lunch was $35 US per person with no discount for kids. We ate at Snack de la Playa instead, which served excellent chicken fajitas for just $10 US. Check out the menu (prices in pesos as of December 2021):
How long is Xcaret cenotes tour? ›Xenotes Tour is available from Monday to Saturday and has a duration of about 9 hours, including transfers.
How many parks are in Xcaret? ›Choose at least two of Xcaret Group's 8 parks, plus our Xel-Ha & Tulum and Xel-Ha & Cobá tours and save. The more tours you book, the bigger the discount and the bigger the fun.
How far are the parks from hotel Xcaret? ›Hotel Xcaret México is 5 minutes from Xcaret, Xplor, Xplor Fuego and Xenses parks. Xel-Há is approximately 40 minutes away and Xoximilco and Xavage are 50 minutes away.
Are the caves in Xcaret real? ›
1 answer. Regarding your comment about the river, let us explain to you that they are completely natural, the walls, the water, rock formations and marine fossils were not placed there.
Is the cemetery in Xcaret real? ›The park has its own cemetery, and although no one is actually entombed there, this burial place occupies a large hill that has been transformed into a work of art. The cemetery is a permanent part of the park, but it takes on special significance during the Xcaret Day of the Dead festival.
Can you swim with dolphins in Xcaret? ›Spend an incredible time with dolphins at Xcaret with an activity where you will learn important facts about dolphins: their diet, how they have fun, and the reach of their intelligence. In addition, you will have free swimming time with them and will receive a cute kiss from these sea mammals.