XEL HA WATER SLIDE GUIDE: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ICONIC ATTRACTION (2023)
Are you looking for an adrenaline rush while on vacation in Riviera Maya Mexico? Then you need to check out the Xel-Ha water slide!
Standing at an impressive height of over 98 feet, this is the tallest water slide you’ll find in Riviera Maya.
As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve personally been able to try out the famous water slide and have to say that it is an incredibly fun and exhilarating experience!
In this blog post, I’m sharing all the information you need to know about the Xel-Ha water slide including what it is, the rules and restrictions, as well as some helpful tips for visitors.
Keep reading for all the information you need to know about the water slide at Xel-Ha!
About the Xel-Ha Water Slide
First, let’s start with some of the basics on the water slide at Xel-Ha:
What is the Xel-Ha water slide?
Known as the Scenic Lighthouse, the Xel-Ha water slide is one of the most popular attractions at Xel-Ha water park (pronounced “Shell-Ha) in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
It’s just one of many activities you can do at Xel-Ha, which is an eco-friendly theme park offering a variety of water activities.
Standing at over 131 feet high, the Scenic Lighthouse tourist attraction is both an observation tower and a high-speed water slide.
Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning oceanfront views or descend down by one of its four spiral waterslides.
With two blue slides and two white slides, visitors can choose to go fast or super fast before splashing into a shallow salt water wading pool.
Suitable for both kids and adults, the Scenic Lighthouse offers an incredibly fun and exhilarating experience. And its one-of-a-kind structure makes it one of the most iconic landmarks in Riviera Maya.
You can read my full Xel-Ha review to learn about everything Xel-Ha has to offer!
Get 15% off Xel-Ha tickets at least 7 days in advance using the coupon code LABORDAYXH! Must book by September 4, 2023.
Where is Xel-Ha?
The Xel-Ha water slide is located at Xel-Ha water park in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The park’s location on an inlet of the Caribbean Sea gives it a prime location for natural water activities.
Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:
- Cancun to Xel-Ha: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Playa del Carmen to Xel-Ha: 45 minutes
- Tulum to Xel-Ha: 15 minutes
If you’re staying in Riviera Maya, you can add roundtrip transportation for an additional cost when booking your Xel-Há tickets.
Fun Fact: Xel-Há means “where water is born” because several underground rivers flow into the park’s Mexican Caribbean inlet.
What else can you do at Xel Ha?
Aside from the Scenic Lighthouse, Xel-Ha is the region’s largest natural aquarium offering over 20 different activities, which are all included in the price of admission.
Boardwalks and the Jungle Train connect the park’s cenotes, caves, hidden beaches, and hammock gardens.
In the center lies an expansive natural pool known as the “caleta”, offering the perfect place for unlimited snorkeling and up close views of tropical fish.
Plus, manmade slides, cliff jumping, rope swings, and water zip lines add dimension to the park’s natural beauty and there’s even a mile-long lazy river where you can float on inner tubes.
For land activities, visitors can explore the manatee sanctuary, Mayan ruins and small archaeological sites, jungle trails, and biking paths.
What to Know Before Visiting the Xel Ha Water Slide
Before booking tickets to Xel-Ha, there are a few things you should know:
Who is the water slide at Xel-Ha suited for?
The water slide at Xel-Ha is suitable for both kids and adults, making it a great place for the whole family.
There is no age limit to ride the Xel Ha park water slide but riders must be at least 3.5 feet tall and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Adrenaline junkies will love the thrill of swirling down the 98-foot high slide, while nature lovers looking for a more leisurely experience can enjoy the scenic views from the top of the lighthouse.
But it does take a lot of steps so it’s best for those who are reasonably fit. And the slide is best suited for those that know what to swim as the exit of the slide leads directly into a shallow wading pool.
Who is the water slide at Xel-Ha NOT suited for?
If you don’t know how to swim or are afraid of heights, then the water slide is probably not for you.
Additionally, those with certain health conditions such as heart problems, asthma, hypertension, claustrophobia, or vertigo should refrain from using the slides. It is also not recommended for pregnant women.
And with several flights of stairs to the top and no elevator, the water slide is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Is the Xel-Ha water slide safe?
Yes, the Xel Ha waterslide is safe. There are a few important safety rules that riders must follow but as long as you adhere to them, you should have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Due to the spiral nature of the slide, some people may experience slight dizziness or disorientation.
But the wading pool at the foot of the slide is only a few feet deep and there are lifeguards on duty at all times to assist as needed.
Scenic Lighthouse Attractions
The Scenic Lighthouse consists of two attractions–the observation tower at the very top and the water slides just below.
Observation Tower
For some beautiful ocean views, make sure to climb to the top of the Scenic Lighthouse!
The scenic lookout point sits at 131 feet (40 meters) above sea level, offering stunning 360-degree views of the Riviera Maya coastline and Mayan jungle.
You’ll also have a great aerial view of the entire Xel-Ha adventure park including the caleta and floating bridge.
And there are also a few Xel-Ha selfie photo opportunities at the top of the lighthouse where you can scan your wristband for the best photos.
Xel-Ha Water Slides
The Scenic Lighthouse is made up of four different water slides-two blue slides and two white slides.
Once you’re at the top, you can choose between the blue slide which goes fast or the white slide which goes super fast!
- Blue = Fast
- White = Super Fast
I honestly was surprised at how fast the white slide was! The speed of the Xel-Ha water slide will definitely get a rush so if you are nervous about the slides, make sure to go on the blue one first.
The lifeguard at the top will let you know when it’s safe to go–feet first and lying on your back with your arms crossed.
Be sure to scan your wristband before taking off to get the best pictures!
When you get to the bottom of the slide, you’ll splash into the wading pool where you’ll stand and exit the pool area.
How to Book Xel-Ha Tickets
The best way and most secure way to purchase Xel Ha tickets is by booking on the official park website, which has some automatic discounts and frequent promotions.
The Xel-Ha All Inclusive admission ticket includes all the activities (as many times as you want), as well as unlimited food (breakfast and lunch) at the Xel-Ha buffet restaurants, drinks, and alcoholic beverages (open bar).
You can also upgrade to the Xel-Ha Total admission ticket if you want to add on one of the optional activities including Adrenalina Speed Boat, Sea Trek, or Snuba Caleta.
Get 15% off Xel-Ha tickets at least 7 days in advance using the coupon code LABORDAYXH! Must book by September 4, 2023.
How to Save Money on Xel-Ha Tickets
There are a few different Xcaret discounts available–take advantage of these automatic discounts outlined below to get the best deal on Xel Ha tickets and avoid paying full price for admission.
Book in advance
You can automatically save by booking online on the official park website in advance:
- 10% off – ticket purchase 7 to 20 days in advance
- 15% off – ticket purchase at least 21 days in advance
Create your own package
If you’re interested in visiting more than one of the Xcaret parks and tours, you can save by creating your own combination package:
- 15% off – ticket purchase for any combination package of two or more parks and tours
- 20% off – ticket purchase for any combination package of three or more parks and tours
Stay at one of the Xcaret Hotels
Staying at an Xcaret all inclusive resort gives you all “fun-inclusive” access to the parks, meaning you get unlimited access to all of the Xcaret parks during your stay.
This is an especially great option for families if you plan on visiting more than one of the parks.
Check out the hotel websites below for more info on these all inclusive resorts:
- Hotel Xcaret Mexico
- Hotel Xcaret Arte (adults only)
- La Casa de la Playa (adults only)
Wondering what it’s like to stay at an Xcaret hotel? Find out in my Hotel Xcaret Arte review!
Resident Discounts
Xcaret also offers a special discount for Quintana Roo residents which is valid only at the park’s ticket booths, online, or through the contact center.
Tickets for Quintana Roo residents can be purchased through the website here but it is only available in the Spanish language.
You’ll need to present an Official ID of Quintana Roo to get the best price and be eligible for the discount. For foreigners living in Quintana Roo, Temporary and Permanent Resident Cards are accepted.
Xel-Ha Water Slide Restrictions
There are a few important restrictions to be aware of:
Age Restrictions
Xel Ha park is suitable for all ages. There are no age restrictions for the water slide but children must meet the minimum height requirement.
Height and Weight Restrictions
The Xel Ha water slide height requirement is 3.5 feet (1.05 m). In addition, the maximum weight allowed on the slides is 275 lbs (125 kg).
Health Restrictions
The Xel Ha slide is not recommended for pregnant women or those that:
- Are afraid of heights
- Have had recent surgery
- Are under the influence of toxic substances or alcohol
- Have health conditions such as epilepsy, heart problems, asthma, hypertension, claustrophobia, or vertigo
Xel-Ha Water Slide Rules
There are a few important rules to abide by before going down the slides:
- GoPros are not allowed: Xel-Ha has a strict no GoPro (or any type of camera) policy on the slides so you’ll have to leave your GoPro in the lockers at the base of the slide. GoPros are allowed everywhere else in the park.
- Water shoes are not allowed: Xel-Ha requires that you go barefoot on the slides so make sure to leave your water shoes in the lockers as well.
- Only one person is allowed on each waterslide at a time: Xel-Ha only allows one person to go down each waterslide at a time. The lifeguards at the top of the slides will signal when it’s safe to go.
- Riders must go down the slide feet first and lying on their back: Xel-Ha requires that riders go down the slide feet first and lying on their back.
- Riders must cross their arms and legs: For your safety, Xel-Ha requires that riders cross their arms and legs while going down the slides.
- No life vests or floatation devices: Xel-Ha does not allow life vests or floatation devices on the slides. Life jackets must be removed at the life jacket stand at the base of the slide.
Xel Ha Lighthouse Water Slide: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Xel-Ha park water slide:
The Xel-Ha water slide height is 98 feet (30 meters) tall while the scenic lookout point just above the water slides is 131 feet (40 m) tall.
The white slide is the fastest water slide on Xel-Ha’s Scenic Lighthouse attraction.
No, Xel-Ha has a strict no GoPro policy on the slides. GoPros are allowed everywhere else in the park but must be left in the lockers at the base of the slide before ascending.
You do not have to pay extra for the water slide as it is included in the price of your Xel-Ha all-inclusive admission ticket.
Once inside the park, you can go down the slides as many times as you want.
The Xel-Ha water slide is open from 8:30AM-5:30PM.
Yes, Xel-Ha is definitely worth it! The Xel-Ha Scenic Lighthouse and water slide is just one of the many Xel Ha attractions.
Other popular activities include unlimited snorkeling, Adventure World with water ziplines and ropes challenges, and the River Tour, which is a mile long lazy river.
The water at the Xel-Ha water slide is only a few feet deep.
Tips for Visiting the Xel-Ha Water Slide
Follow these tips to make the most of your water slide experience:
- Go before 11AM: The lines at the water slides can be long so I would recommend going before 11AM to avoid the crowds. If not, you can expect to wait maybe 15-20 minutes in line depending on the season.
- Don’t forget to scan your wristband: There is a wristband scanner right at the top of the slide so be sure to scan your wristband as soon as you are seated to get the best photos. Since GoPros are not allowed, it’s the only way to capture a photo of your experience!
- Don’t miss the scenic lookout point: Don’t forget to check out the scenic lookout point at the very top of the lighthouse. It offers some amazing views of Mexico’s Riviera Maya!
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen: Regular sunscreen is prohibited at Xel-Ha eco park so you’ll want to bring biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen to wear when visiting the park.
Conclusion: Xel-Ha Water Slide Guide
I hope this article has helped you learn everything you need to know about the famous Xcaret water slide at Xel-Ha. For more detailed information on visiting Xel-Ha, check out my full Xel-Ha review!
Xel-Ha is an amazing all-inclusive water park in Playa del Carmen and the Xel-Ha water slide is just one of the many reasons to visit this natural wonder.
In fact, Xel-Ha is my favorite Xcaret park and one of the top Riviera Maya activities that I would recommend to just about anyone!
And as the park’s main highlight, the Scenic Lighthouse at Xel-Ha is a thrilling and incredible experience you won’t want to miss!
Just be sure to follow the rules and restrictions outlined in this guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Get 15% off Xel-Ha tickets at least 7 days in advance using the coupon code LABORDAYXH! Must book by September 4, 2023.
The post Xel Ha Water Slide Guide: What to Know About this Iconic Attraction (2023) appeared first on Viva La Travelista.
2023-04-28T14:06:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd