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by hagarfan
Cedar Hill, Missouri
November 7, 2006
From journal Family Vacation
by quirine
Brooklyn, New York
January 14, 2005
When you arrive, simply purchase your tickets at the entryway. If you take the all-inclusive package ($50), you'll get a free snorkel, lunch, towel, locker rental, and flipper rental. The basic entrance fee is around $20 (make sure you have snorkelling equipment).
Walk through the main gates and purchase the biodegradable suntan lotion. It's better for the ecosystem. Wear a T-shirt while snorkeling to protect your back if you opt against the life vest they offer. Keep walking, and you'll pass a pool with dolphins on your left. You can reserve a spot to swim with them. I don't do it, since I hear it's not really all that good for the dolphins...
On your right will be Hammock Island—a place to rest in the shade if you get a bit tired. Pass the restaurants, and you'll see the enormous lagoon and the ocean. There's a bar and three restaurants, offering everything from an elaborate Mexican meal to a hamburger and fries. Walk towards the ocean, and you'll see a little jungle, a plant nursery, and maybe an iguana. Once there, you'll notice the rocky beach and the natural pool. Make sure to wear boat shoes out here, or you'll cut up your feet.
Walk along the lagoon, and you'll notice little pockets of seclusion on the water. Every so often, there's a path to the lagoon, two beach chairs, and a little dock to get in and out of the water. You can stay there and hang out for some privacy, but I recommend walking all the way up to the bus that takes you up the river. It's a 2-minute ride, and you can take a rusty bike if you don't have the patience to wait. Once there, you'll see a stand where you can borrow a tube or a life vest for going down the calm river. You can also put your things in a bag, which they later bring to end of the line (right by the restaurants). Put important things in a locker by the base of the river first (a few bucks, plus a deposit).
At the edge of the river are a few stone steps surrounded by mangroves. Dip into the cool water and feel yourself slowly moving down the river. Don't touch the mangroves; just observe the fish. Halfway down, they'll take your picture (you can buy it at the exit later). Get out here and jump off a cliff or simply rest. There are docks every so often, so don't worry about getting too tired. As you get closer to the ocean, you'll notice that the fish get REALLY big. Don't be afraid; they're well-fed by onlookers above.
Xel-Ha is filled with secret places like caves, cenotes, and the plant nursery. Just hang out and explore. It's a wonderful place to enjoy nature and relax.
From journal Mayan Riviera: Things to do!