How to Get to Xel-Ha Park from Tulum and Playa Del Carmen

Xel-Ha Park, a natural aquatic snorkel paradise located along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is a popular attraction for those seeking a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. The park offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring lush jungle trails, and swimming in cenotes. If you’re planning a visit from Tulum or Playa del Carmen, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get there in 5 different options. 

How to get to Xel-Ha Park from Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen, a bustling beach city with beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, is approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) north of Xel-Ha. Here are the 5 best ways to travel from Playa del Carmen to Xel-Ha:

1. By Car

If you have rented a car, this option is very easy to do. 

• Route: Driving from Playa del Carmen to Xel-Ha takes about 40-45 minutes.
• Directions: Head south on Highway 307 towards Tulum. Xel-Ha is well-signposted along the way, and you’ll see clear signs indicating the exit. You will see the bridge with fish kites, just before this bridge you take an exit to the right and cross the bridge toward the ocean. There is about a 1km drive to the parking lot. 
• Parking: Ample parking is available at Xel-Ha and is free. 

 2. By Taxi

Taxis are a good option if you have three or more people because the costs per person is less than taking the transportation from Xel-Ha.

• Convenience: Taxis are plentiful in Playa del Carmen. The ride to Xel-Ha takes around 45 minutes.
• Cost: The fare typically ranges from $40 to $50 USD, but it’s important to agree on the price before departing.
• Tip: Taxis from taxi stands along 5th Avenue are more expensive than hailing a taxi on the street. 
• Tip: Confirm with the driver what type of payment they accept. It might be pesos only or they might take USD, but they will set the exchange rate. 

3. By Bus (ADO)

• Service: ADO buses run frequently between Playa del Carmen and Xel-Ha. there are five buses a day that go from Playa Del Carmen to Xel-Ha.
• Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at both ADO bus terminals in Playa Del Carmen or online. Buses are comfortable and air-conditioned.Prices are around $6-$8 USD per person each way. 
• Schedule: Buses run multiple times a day, making this a convenient option. You can check the current schedule here at the ADO website. The first bus (leaving Playa At 8:21am) is the most popular because it gets there early to enjoy the day. 

4. By Colectivo

Colectivos are small minivans that go between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. You can get these vans on the south end of Playa on Calle 1 Sur. See our guide here about colectivos. This option is good if you are only a few people. Larger groups (5 or more) are hard to accommodate in one colectivo sometimes. This is very true when returning to Playa Del Carmen because the colectivos leave Tulum and are fuller by the time they get to Xel-Ha. This is the cheapest way to get to Xel-Ha. 

• Budget-Friendly: Colectivos are a cost-effective and popular way to travel along the Riviera Maya.
• Route: Board a colectivo heading south towards Tulum and ask the driver to drop you off at Xel-Ha. They will drop you by the overpass with the fish kites. You will walk up the stairs next to the bridge and walk over the bridge and down the sidewalk all the way to the entrance. It will take about 10 minutes to walk. It is mostly shaded. 
• Cost: The fare is usually around $3 USD per person. Pesos are what people normally pay with on the colectivos. They might take USD, but it is good to be prepared with pesos. 
• Tip: Colectivos can be crowded during peak times, so plan accordingly. There are no spaces for large bags on the colectivos. 

5. Transportation from Xel-Ha

• You can purchase transportation from Xel-Ha when you buy your tickets online. This option is good if you don’t want to deal with going to the bus station for the bus, finding the colectivos, or negotiating with a taxi. Since the price is about $27 USD per person, it is only cost effective if you are staying in Playa or north of Playa. This option is also good because it will pick you up from your hotel or if you are in the center of Playa Del Carmen, a meeting point close to your hotel. You can buy your tickets below from the official website and also book transportation here with the reserve now button. 

 Getting to Xel-Ha Park from Tulum

Tulum, known for its stunning beaches and ancient Mayan ruins, is approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Xel-Ha Park. Here are your main options for traveling from Tulum to Xel-Ha:

1. By Car

• Route: The most straightforward way to reach Xel-Ha from Tulum is by car. The drive takes about 20-25 minutes.
• Directions: Head north on Highway 307 (Carretera Federal 307) towards Playa del Carmen. Xel-Ha is well-signposted, and you’ll see signs indicating the exit. You will exit right just before the bridge with the fish kites. 
• Parking: The park offers ample parking space for visitors and is free. 

 2. By Taxi

•  Convenience: Taxis are readily available in Tulum, and a ride to Xel-Ha takes around 20 minutes.
• Cost: The fare typically ranges from $20 to $30 USD, depending on your negotiation skills and the time of day. Taxis have no meters in Tulum. Prices vary from which part of Tulum you are departing. 
• Tip: Agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings.

3. By Bus (ADO)

ADO bus is not available from Tulum to Xel-Ha because there are not enough people looking to make this short journey. The other transportation options are available to you. 

4. Transportation from Xel-Ha

• You can purchase transportation from Xel-Ha when you buy your tickets online. This is only available from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. It includes some hotels near Tulum, but not most of the Tulum area. So, this is not a very good option unless you are at an all-inclusive hotel just north of Tulum and do not want to take a taxi or figure out the colectivos. 

 5. By Colectivo

Colectivos are small minivans that go between Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. They are a little more cramped than the ADO bus. See our guide to colectivos here. 

• Budget-Friendly: Colectivos are shared vans that run frequently along Highway 307. They leave about every 10 minutes or so. They are an economical option.
• Route: Catch a colectivo heading north towards Playa del Carmen and ask the driver to drop you off at Xel-Ha. Colectivos leave from the main road in the center of Tulum by the ADO bus station in downtown. Colectivos make stops for people in Tulum and when full, leave. It is best to get on in the center of town to get a seat. 
• Cost: The fare is usually around $2 to $3 USD per person. Prices are in pesos, and it is up to the driver if they will accept USD. 
• Tip: Colectivos are less formal and may not have specific stops, so ensure the driver knows your destination. Drivers only make stops when someone hails them, or they asked to be dropped somewhere. 

Tips for Visiting Xel-Ha Park

1. Arrive Early: To make the most of your day, arrive at Xel-Ha as early as possible. The park opens at 8:30 AM. Trust us, there is a lot to see at this park!
2. Pack Essentials: Bring swimwear, flipflops or aqua socks, biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Lockers, snorkels and towels are available at the park which are included in price. 
3. Book in Advance: Purchasing tickets online in advance can save time and sometimes money. You can save 10-15% off your admission tickets by purchasing them online in advance. This is a best way to get a discount. You can purchase them directly from the official website here for your trip.
4. Explore All Areas: Xel-Ha offers a wide range of activities, from snorkeling to zip-lining. Plan your day to experience as much as possible.

Conclusion

Whether you’re coming from Tulum or Playa del Carmen, reaching Xel-Ha Park is straightforward and offers various transportation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Xel-Ha is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Mexico’s Riviera Maya. We love visiting this park and have been often. Enjoy your adventure at this incredible aquatic paradise!

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