The natural site of Xel Há, or Xelhá written in Spanish, is a Maya
term which means spring (xel) and water (ha’)
referring to the place where the water rises. It is located on
the Caribbean
coast, in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo, within
the Riviera
Maya, about 122 kilometres to the south of Cancún, 240 kilometres to the north of Chetumal, and about 13 kilometres
to the north of the Archaeological Site of Tulum, passing through the Cancún-Tulum
road.
The turquoise lagoon of smooth running currents and exuberant jungle is the wonderful
place close to the sea. This aquatic paradise unique in the world houses more than 300 different species of Flora and Fauna, which are able to see either by walking,
little trains, or bicycles.
The cove is a natural aquarium where inhabit hundreds of marine species, several
tropical fishes, and plentiful flora. Among their typical fauna founded in Xel Há,
it is very recognizable 100 species of birds and 350 species of plants.
There is a place, located in the north of the park, where is able to swim with
dolphins. As same as, The Turtles Reserve, that from April to November annually comes to nest around 20,000 baby turtles which are set
free; it is also under Research in order to learn more about marine life finding
out the ways to contribute with the ecological maintenance of this gorgeous area.
Here is also able to see those 3 manatees that found refuge in
this natural sanctuary.
Across the entrance of the lagoon there is a shark barrier allowing the public to
swim and snorkel in the lagoon. The limestone underwater has been eroded into multitudinous
small caves and innumerous grottos. Some of the principal activities offered by
the park are snorkelling, scuba diving, dolphins swimming, etc. but, there are also
overland activities to enjoy with the family, like the excursion of the Sendero
de la Conciencia which talks about how to take care the environment;
to cross over the Laminate Bridge with 80m of height to enjoy of
a marvellous view of the nature; the Reforestation Area into the jungle called
Chacahs’ Garden where many celebrities have collaborated planting a
tree; and many more.
The Park opens at 8:30am and closes at 6pm.
History
According to the scientific studies, Xelhá was already a mercantile Maya harbour.
At those times, it was used as a principal and important place of commercial interchange
between the coastal mariners and the Maya villages of the Region.
View of Xel Há Park
One of the typical legends tells that this place was created by the Maya gods, who
when
were pleased by it magic construction, one of the most perfect, they called
Xel Há.
The attraction park was founded in 1980, and since 1995 it has been managed and
marketed by the International Private Company Promotora Xel Ha S.A.; and nowadays,
the Xel Há Park is one of the principal attractions of Cancún, and precisely its
cove formed by the flowing rivers through
the rocks mixing the water sea with the
fresh subterranean currents of sweet water.