Eco-travel to Xel-Ha Lagoon

Amongst many other attractions, Mexico has a growing number of eco-travel destinations. While Mexico as a whole has a poor environmental conservation record, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural environment in protected areas. One such place is Xel Ha Lagoon.

Located approximately 75 miles south of Cancun and only 5 minutes from Tulum, Xel Ha Lagoon is a great place where travelers can get up close with wildlife, both land and marine. One of the main attractions of Xel Ha Lagoon is the swimming and snorkeling. Beginners, children and experienced snorkel-enthusiasts alike can enjoy some beautiful underwater scenery including coral and sea creatures in a lifeguard-protected swimming area. Rent inner tubes, check out a Mayan cave and enjoy the beautiful water or take a glass-bottom boat tour to explore these underwater areas without getting wet.

For a little more excitement, take advantage of the swim-with-the-dolphins program in the natural aquarium. This attraction is not part of the admission price and should be reserved in advance.

Next, check out the turtle sanctuary where you can get hands-on with baby sea turtles. Since Xel Ha Lagoon has one of the few beaches where turtles still lay eggs in the area, conservationists retrieve these eggs and care for them until they hatch and can be released. In the meantime, the sanctuary serves as a place to educate visitors on the importance of protecting sea turtles.

On land, take a stroll though a maze of paths runs through the mangrove forests and mostly-native vegetation. View various types of migratory birds in addition to parrots which are raised in the park. Below the land you can explore a variety of underground tunnels and rivers. To get around easier, a shuttle provides transportation around throughout the park.

With a focus on environmental sustainability, Xel-Ha Lagoon truly is one of the most natural and beautiful sites to explore in Mexico. Spending a day in this ecological paradise is easy with its fairly close proximity to other sites and major cities such as Cancun.