Xcaret or Xelha?

Hey everyone, I could use some help in picking out an optional activity for my guests the day before the wedding. I have narrowed it down to Xcaret or Xelha because both are places I would like to go and both have a variety of things to do so everyone should be able to find something they like or just lounge around and do nothing.

 

Has anyone been to either or both? Could you tell me about it, what you liked, didn't like, would do again or not? Which would you pick if you HAD to choose between the two for your guests? Ron and I will be in Mexico for 2 weeks, so we will probably head to both at some point. Which do you think would be better for the guests if they can only get to one?

 

Thanks so much!

~Kelly

I have been to both. Personally, I LOVED Xcaret!! However, I think both areas have become more commercial since I have visited them. The reason that I loved Xcaret is that there really are so many different things to do there - from snorkling, to horseback riding among the ruins, to floating down the "underground" river (which isn't at Xelha), to simply lounging on the nice inlet area. They had really cool evening events, too. To of my most favorite things in the three times that I have been to Mexico have been at Xcaret - the horseback riding and the snorkling. Xelha was beautiful, too, but I just liked the wide range of activities at Xcaret. I think when I went, Xcaret was cheaper, too. Tulum was awesome, too, because of all the cool ruins, but there really isn't as much to do there as at the other places.

 

I hope I was able to help. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks for the info. I'm actually leaning more toward Xcaret myself, but I have a few guests who really want to do the dolphin swim and it looks like its better at Xelha as far as the interaction you get with them. Personally its not something I'm into, but if guests really want to do it I'm not opposed to that you know? That's the only thing making my decision between the two harder.

I went to Xcaret 5 years ago and loved it! I would definitely go back because I had such a great time. This place makes you feel like you are in another world or time. So many things to do there

I have seen the dolphin swim at numerous locations in Mexico, and while I have never done it myself, it all looked very similar in nature. One of the reasons that I didn't do it was that it was really, really expensive for a very short interaction. I don't know if cost is a factor (if you are paying for them or they are paying for this fee), but that was a primary reason that I didn't do it. The dolphins basically drag you around an enclosed area a few times (at least that is what I remember). To me, that experience was available several places, but no other place had an underground river like the one in Xcaret, because Xcaret has one of the few natural underground rivers of this type in the world.

Good to know. You are right, there are lots of places to swim with dolphins and really if these particular guests really want to do it, I'm sure they can find a place of their own choosing and go. I know I would definitely be more excited for Xcaret because I am a freak when it comes to animals and nature! I'll have to run it by FI and see what he thinks about these two. And look more into the dolphins at Xcaret.

I would definitely suggest Xcaret because there are so many things to do there. Unless all your guests are snorkelers and serious water enthusiast, Xel Ha would be money wasted because essentially all the activities they have revolve around the lagoon and fresh water river.

 

Xcaret on the other hand, has so many things to see and do. Although Xcaret is more expensive, there's definitely a full day's worth of activity there. Your guests will love it, and definitely opt for the all-inclusive deal because food, drinks (including alcohol) and snacks are covered the entire day! And don't forget to stay for the night show, it's a wonderful display of culture and history and it's absolutely amazing!!!