Mexico · Quintana Roo
Xel-Ha & Riviera Maya Parks
The Riviera Maya's eco parks — lagoons, cenote snorkelling and cliff jumps that are worth the ticket if you arrive early.
Best season
Year-round; shoulder months of May and November are quietest.
What it costs
All-inclusive park day passes run USD 90-130 including food, drinks and gear.
Getting there
Rental car or park shuttle from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum along Highway 307.
Getting around
Park shuttles from Cancun and Playa del Carmen, or drive the 307 and park on site.
Highlights
- Drifting the Xel-Ha natural lagoon river
- Cliff jumping and zip-lines
- Snorkelling straight off the mangrove trails
- Unlimited food and drink included
Local tips
- Arrive at opening — the river is glassy and empty for the first hour
- Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen; on-site is pricey
- Do the river float first, eat after
What to eat
- The all-inclusive park buffet is fine — save your appetite for Playa del Carmen
- Fresh fruit and agua fresca stands at the park entrances
Where to stay
- Playa del Carmen as a central base for the parks
- Puerto Aventuras for a quieter, family-friendly stay
Sample itinerary
One full day, 9am to 6pm: river float, snorkel cove, lunch, cliff jumps, lighthouse slides.