Those who have been to Cancun area, please advise.

[Anonymous]

Two adults and two children (9 and 4) traveling to Mexico in December. I'm trying to plan a few fun excursions for us while we are there. 4 nights in Cancun, 3 in Playa del Carmen. I'm considering either Xel-ha or Xcaret (would not do both due to cost). Xcaret has a buy one day get one day free deal right now, but Xel-ha seems like it might be more fun with all the water activities. Our family enjoys nature and having natural experiences. For example, this summer we kayaked with dolphins swimming all around us (didn't plan for the dolphins) and also saw a giant sea turtle lay eggs at night on the shore. Our children have done some snorkeling in very shallow water, but never anything major. I'm trying to decide if our family would enjoy Xcaret or Xel-ha, or if we would be better off doing something else. One alternative might be a snorkeling trip, although I have no idea if my children are old enough or where to book it. 4 year old can swim about 5 feet before she starts to sink-however, she is not afraid of anything and loves water.

[Anonymous]

There was a similar thread about this recently. I posted a good bit of info about Xel-ha in that thread but it's harder to do on my phone. Maybe google it - I'm sure there were other responses as well.

Anyway, briefly, I can't comment on Xcaret but will say we absolutely loved Xel-ha, way more than expected. Snorkeling is probably the main activity at Xel-ha so if you're thinking that anyway, it's a good place to do it. No proble for small kids since they have life jackets and even floats that little ones can climb in.

There are also zip lines into the water, an obstacle course, a kids area with a playground, and water slides that end into the lake, then you climb across lily pads to get back out. My kids ran that loop for hours.

Also, all the restaurants (mostly buffets, I think) and bars (margaritas and beers) are included in the price.

We'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

If you like hanging out with French Canadians or middle America tourists you'll love it.

Never going back. Horrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you like hanging out with French Canadians or middle America tourists you'll love it.

Never going back. Horrible.

NP here, as long as I'm not traveling with snobs who use their term "middle America" I'm fine.

OP it's beautiful and fun there and you can't go wrong.

[Anonymous]

You can't go wrong with either choice. We did XCaret over spring break with our two daughters (10 and 8) and had an absolutely wonderful day. There wasn't enough time to do everything in one day.

They swam with the dolphins, enjoyed walking around looking at the animals, the underground river (a big hit). We didn't have time to swim at the beach (nice looking beach with other activities around it), the lunch we had was excellent. I hear the evening show is incredible but we didn't stay for it.

My vote is to get the XCaret deal since there is enough to do for 2 days. Would you want to devote 2 of your vacation days to XCaret?

But like I said earlier, you can't go wrong with either place. When we go back to Cancun next (whenever that may be), I would like to try Xel-ha.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:. Our family enjoys nature and having natural experiences.

Yeah right, so go camping. Fake "naturalist". Cancun, PDC? Natural experiences?? Hahahaahaaa

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There was a similar thread about this recently. I posted a good bit of info about Xel-ha in that thread but it's harder to do on my phone. Maybe google it - I'm sure there were other responses as well.

Anyway, briefly, I can't comment on Xcaret but will say we absolutely loved Xel-ha, way more than expected. Snorkeling is probably the main activity at Xel-ha so if you're thinking that anyway, it's a good place to do it. No proble for small kids since they have life jackets and even floats that little ones can climb in.

There are also zip lines into the water, an obstacle course, a kids area with a playground, and water slides that end into the lake, then you climb across lily pads to get back out. My kids ran that loop for hours.

Also, all the restaurants (mostly buffets, I think) and bars (margaritas and beers) are included in the price.

We'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Agreed. We liked Xel-ha so much better (children 9 & 8).

[Anonymous]

Also a big fan of xel ha for all age kids - have done it three years in a row and the kids still love it