Tulum and Xel-Ha from Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Venture to the mysterious ruins of Tulum on a full day trip from Riviera Maya and enjoy the view as you explore this abandoned walled city towering above the deep turquoise Caribbean sea. Afterwards, visit Xel-Ha, a beautiful natural aquarium, home to a large variety of colorful tropical fish. Here, you can learn to snorkel or simply sit in one of the beach chairs and soak up the sun. Transportation, entrance fees and all snacks are included.

Tulum, the Walled City, is mounted high on the edge of a cliff. The abandoned city towers above the deep turquoise of the Caribbean and a beautiful white sandy beach. The city within the walls was only inhabited by the nobles, high priests and esteemed citizens such as astronomers, whereas the lower classes lived in simple wood and thatch huts beyond. The buildings in the city were originally covered with brilliant paintings and carvings stark white, deep red or vibrant blue, but only faint remnants of these now remain.

A guided visit of the site takes about 45 minutes. You'll then have some time at leisure to take photos of the picturesque views.

Then continue to Xel-Ha (pronounced shell-ha). Here, visitors can learn to snorkel and enjoy observing the fish at an arms length or simply sit in one of the beach chairs and soak up the sun! Xel-Ha is 15 minutes north of Tulum, ideally located to combine the day with a visit to the ruins. There are several restaurants in the park giving the option of arranging a group lunch in one of them or guests can be at leisure.

USD $128.99

Review by: Mark Downer	November 2010
The beach at Tulum is WOW and learning about the ruins is very interesting and looks fabulous, however it does get very hot there with little shade. Xel-Ha is a must do for anybody who likes snorkeling and words can't explain what a wonderful time you will have here no matter what age. Could easily spend the whole day there

Review by: Roger N	September 2010
Tulum is well worth seeing, the beach there is so beautiful. Xel-ha was also fun. must say booking with Viator was so easy and did not have to wait around for coaches they was always on time.

Review by: Yvon C, Canada	March 2009
Too short at Tulum, but it was great!

Review by: Anonymous, United States of America	October 2008
Tulum was gorgeous, but many of us spent the first two hours of the tour waiting for hotel pick-ups and picking up other passengers so we didn't even reach our first destination until 11am! Sadly, our 90 minutes at Tulum was too short to squeeze in a swim. Xel-Ha was nice at a distance, but the 'lazy river' doesn't move at all no point trying to ride the inner tube and it's hard to snorkel with a life vest on which is mandatory. At least Xcaret features cultural shows. Would do Tulum again on my own. Not likely to return to Xel-Ha.