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.
Had issues with the Voucher... may want to get that fixed with Viator and the local agent but other than that the tour and Xel-Ha were great.
Review by: msbennett515, June 2016
Great all day excursion! Could use more time at Tulum. Paper map at Xel-ha would have been helpful navigating park locations.
Review by: Jim V, June 2016
Tulum was interesting but guides were of little value. Very little explanation and time was cut short. After a brief description the guides headed back to the air conditioned bus. Other guides from other companies were giving their groups detailed explanations of the site. Xel-Ha was fun but we were ready to return home before closing but you have to wait on everyone that is going to your area. Best alternative would be to hire drive or rent car and try it yourself.
Review by: Sandra B, April 2016
It was a hassle to get to person of contact . _br/_ Was told not to bring good walking shoes by Catlynn,_br/_ as there would not be a lot of walking !!! Told to buy extra skin protection that would not hurt the environment , at an extra cost of about 15 Canadian. Also no deal it was more expensive with viator,,,,,,
Review by: Anthony S, December 2015
we were too hot in Tulum and dehydrated very quickly. my boyfriend was fine but I became sick. when we got to xel-ha it was amazing and I cooled off in the beautiful water and rehydrated in the restaurants. next time we are just going to xel-ha. Tulum was very nice and I loved learning about the mayans but it was just way too hot and humid.
Review by: Holly R, November 2015
Had a wonderful day. Very tired when we got back to our resort!
Review by: Kathryn G, September 2014
A good day out but the whole process of arranging the tour once in Mexico was very tiresome. It's a shame viator didn't provide the correct information and I also had to pay for local phone calls to arrange a voucher exchange. A good tour but honestly wouldn't recommend booking through Viator (sadly) as the process is much easier if booked locally. Nearly lost out in the excursion due to this problem. Needs to be sorted Viator. Very disappointing.
Review by: johannes.ott, May 2014
The time spent in Tulum was short and only little information was provided. on the tour bus we only received information about Xel-Ha but, unfortunatley, not about Tulum. in addition, we did not get to know about a few helpful details in Xel-Ha, for example deposits and prices of extra-tours etc._br/_
Of course, Tulum is worth visiting, Xel-Ha is also a very nice and attractive place. But you will definitely not need a tour to experience these sites.
Review by: Michael B, March 2014
Organized, efficient; tour guide was extremely personable and informative. Would recommended Viator.
Review by: Christopher S, June 2013
Good trip. However, the bus driver took a U-turn on the highway which halted high-speed traffic and made their tires screech. Would have liked a private van instead so that stops would not have to be made at 4-5 different hotels. The guide at Tulum was very informative and it was good to learn about the history of Tulum. Xel-Ha was fun and well worth the value. Very clean and organized.
Review by: Kathy M, June 2013
My cousin andnI enjoyed the experience very much. I would recommend the trip but tell everyone to get a locker as soon as you get to the Xel-Ha park it helps with organization.
Review by: vero3110, September 2012
Beatiful
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.
Review by: Tiana K, 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.
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