Xel-há 
How to get there
The Caleta (bay) of Xel-há is 1km/.7mi from the MEX 307. It can be reached from Cancún by travelling 116km/72mi southwards (10km/6mi south of Akumal), and from Chetumal by travelling 263km/163mi northwards (15km/9.3mi from Tulum).
The interesting national park of Xel-há contains within a relatively small area a freshwater lake, a sea bay and Maya ruins.
The Caleta (bay) of Xel-há is 1km/.7mi from the MEX 307. It can be reached from Cancún by travelling 116km/72mi southwards (10km/6mi south of Akumal), and from Chetumal by travelling 263km/163mi northwards (15km/9.3mi from Tulum).
The interesting national park of Xel-há contains within a relatively small area a freshwater lake, a sea bay and Maya ruins.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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This most attractive area offers walkers, swimmers and snorkellers the opportunity to observe the rich flora and fauna both above and below the water. At the lagoon it is also possible to rent diving equipment. It becomes very crowded at weekends, however, and is best avoided at that time.
National park
This area, which is now a popular destination with visitors, was not discovered and made accessible to the general public until 1959 during a coastal expedition organised by the Club de Exploraciones y Deportes Acuáticos de México (CEDAM). To a greater degree than other places in this region which lie along coastal bays, Xel-há (Maya: "where the waters were born") appears to have been an important Maya cult site even in the Classic period. This emerges from the archaeological finds which have been made along the edge of the water.
National park
This area, which is now a popular destination with visitors, was not discovered and made accessible to the general public until 1959 during a coastal expedition organised by the Club de Exploraciones y Deportes Acuáticos de México (CEDAM). To a greater degree than other places in this region which lie along coastal bays, Xel-há (Maya: "where the waters were born") appears to have been an important Maya cult site even in the Classic period. This emerges from the archaeological finds which have been made along the edge of the water.
Related Attractions
Maya Finds
These finds include parts of a fortified wall which was built in the post-Classic period as well as several altars lying under water, including a chapel-like cave which appears to have served as a shrine. The remains of two chimneys were found here, which supports the theory that this might have been a crematorium used by the Mayas. Unfortunately, during the last few years and apparently even before this, parts of the altars have been removed.
This cave, which lies on the south side of the lagoon not far from the exit to the open sea, can be easily reached by a good swimmer, although at times it is only possible by diving.
In more recent times the Maya ruins lying inland near the MEX 307 have also been excavated and partially restored. It is worth visiting the three groups of remains - mercado, palacio and jaguar with their pyramids, palace and temple buildings - as well as a romantically situated cenote (underground water source).
This cave, which lies on the south side of the lagoon not far from the exit to the open sea, can be easily reached by a good swimmer, although at times it is only possible by diving.
In more recent times the Maya ruins lying inland near the MEX 307 have also been excavated and partially restored. It is worth visiting the three groups of remains - mercado, palacio and jaguar with their pyramids, palace and temple buildings - as well as a romantically situated cenote (underground water source).
Xel-há Surroundings
Tancah
About 10km/6mi to the south of Xel-há, inside a hacienda, are the Maya ruins of Tancah with a cenote. The temples which have been found resemble those at Tulum, although in part they appear to be of a significantly earlier date. It is thought that Tancah was a kind of satellite town to nearby Tulum during the Late post-Classic period (from ad 1200).
More Mexico Resources
- Tulum & Xel Ha tours by Viator
