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Xel-Ha - Snorkeling
and Dolphin Encounters |
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Xel-Ha is one of the most popular natural
water parks in the Cancun region. It is extremely commercial
and touristy, but it is still a nice way to spend an
afternoon.
If you plan to visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum,
then most of the guided tours include Xel-Ha as the
afternoon part of the expedition.
The snorkeling is pretty lame compared to actual boat
trips that go out into the coral reef, but Xel-Ha is
a nice controlled environment for those who do not wish
to dive into the unpredictable open ocean.
Xel-Ha also has a long cenote
(probably a little over a quarter mile long) that you
can slowly float down on an inter tube. You can also
stop to do some cliff diving as you float through the
rocky crevices.
The highlight of Xel-Ha (and the most expensive part)
is the opportunity to have a dolphin encounter. It is
fairly expensive (about $100 per person), but it also
makes for a once in a lifetime experience. If you want
to do this, you need to make a reservation at the time
you book your trip. |
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If you decide to cough up the dinero, you will be treated
to about 45 minutes of floating around in a lagoon filled
with dolphins. The dolphin trainer allows you to pet
the dolphin, get splashed by them, feed them snacks,
and get showered with their kisses on your face. Then
comes the grand finale. Each participant lays on their
stomach in the water waiting, and waiting, then suddenly
two dolphin slam into the arches of your feet and lift
you out of the water. If you don't bend your knees,
you will actually water ski on their noses for about
30 to 50 feet. If you don't feel bad about the commercial
exploitation of these beautiful and intelligent creatures,
it can be quite an experience. (To the ordinary tourist,
the dolphin do appear in very good health, and the trainers
seem very kind - not any different than Sea World here
in the US).
After your dolphin encounter, you will be invited to
view the photos and video tape that the Xel-Ha employees
took of you. (No personal cameras allowed during your
dolphin encounter). Prepare to be exploited - The photos
and video will cost you close to another hundred dollars!
NOTE: Dolphin encounters are controversial for some
folks because of the captive dolphin issues.
For more information, visit the Xel-Ha website: www.xel-ha.com
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