For the Maya, the location of Xel-Ha contributed to the development of port activities. The area seems to have had two periods of prehistoric occupation: in the Late Preclassic and Early Classic. In this last stage, Xel-Ha was the coastal settlement with the largest population in the area. In the building of the Birds, which dates from this time, a clear stylistic links to central Mexico, particularly Teotihuacan and not only that but also it warns that bond seen in a line of 0 ° directly to Xel-Xa and It is said to be what keeps this is the second world's largest coral reef . Following the first Spanish incursions, in 1527, Xel-Ha was partly depopulated as a result of its inhabitants sought refuge in unsettled regions of the southern peninsula. During the first half of the sixteenth century, the site had been abandoned completely. The November 16, 1994, the land now occupied by the park were concessioned by the government of Quintana Roo a group of partners who undertook programs of sustainable tourism revert environmental degradation suffered by the creek.

Xel-Ha is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, 122 km south of Cancun, and 13 km north of the archaeological site of Tulum, on the road Tulum. Xel-Ha Cancun consists of two Mayan words which together mean "water intrusion", a clear reference to its geographical structure, or "place where water is born." A legend about the origin of Xel-Ha that the Mayan gods, having conjugate in one place the best of themselves, created three guardians: Huh, the iguana, guardian of the earth; Mo, the macaw is the guardian of heaven, and Kay-Op, the parrot fish, keeper of the waters. Then, the gods decided to deliver this natural paradise to mankind. Xel-Ha is an ecological park located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is characterized by a large cove where the river water meets the Caribbean Sea, forming the ideal for coexistence of 70 marine species and freshwater space. It is for this reason that Xel-Ha is known as the world's largest natural aquarium. Also, as the space of many specimens of flora and fauna of the region, recently was awarded the title Xel-Ha Natural Wonder of Mexico nationwide.

Today the main attraction of Xel-Ha is its large cove, which is characterized as simultaneously a water inlet of sea to the mainland and the mouth of several freshwater canals. Therefore, it is home to 70 species of aquatic fauna such as blonde, the parrotfish, surgeon, mackerel, sergeant, Chacchi, snapper, bonefish, stingrays, sunfish, and the occasional barracuda. Xel-Ha is one of the few places in the world where we see two phenomena simultaneously: the thermocline and the halocline. The dense and warm sea water, which cannot be immediately mixed with the sweet and lower density of freshwater canals water, produces a mirage-like visual effect. You can distinguish a layer of liquid on the surface like oil on water, but it is actually fresh water floating on the salt, which is denser.

In the cove you can practice water sports such as snorkeling, diving and snuba. It also has conditioned a special space for activities such as coexistence with dolphins and manatees, and Sea Trek or underwater walk. Around the cove there are countless formations of great beauty, like a cave whose walls are covered with fossils of extinct mollusks and other prehistoric specimens. They are also near the Paradise and Adventure cenotes, which are home to numerous species of fish and birds in extinction.

Bay of Caprices also offers spots that show the charm of the Mexican Caribbean. There is also a mangrove area where you can swim. Almost from its inception as an ecological park 15 years ago, Xel-Ha has worked to maintain a balance with the environment. Since systems for waste recycling programs to preserve endangered species such as the manatee, the queen conch and sea turtles. Environmental programs Xel-Ha revolve around: comprehensive management of water, electricity, natural resource conservation, solid waste management, hazardous waste management, environmental impact, non-biodegradable blockers, macaws management, Use of gas, contingencies (hurricanes).

Xel-Ha has responded to the concern for national and regional water resources and has made a strategic alliance with the Water Network of the Mexican Academy of Sciences through the financing of a water monitoring project to determine the hydrogeology State of Quintana Roo. The first phase of the project was presented at the 2006 World Water Forum held in Mexico City, as an example of what can be achieved working together with academic institutions and private companies. Also, the park has served as a starting point for various social programs that integrate all the nearby communities, particularly Ciudad Chemuyil and Tulum. The philosophy of the park is to encourage the development of those communities from which they come as many of its employees.

Xel-Ha is one of the busiest theme parks of the Riviera Maya and one of the most recognized in the world attractions of Mexico. For its crystalline waters and the natural exuberance that surrounds it, this space has earned numerous titles. The park has all the services for visitors, such as world-class restaurants, showers, service lockers, toilets, shops, parking. You can reach from Playa del Carmen and Cancun by public transport. The access price is cheap and the times are from 8:30 to 18:00, 365 days a year. Long story short Xel Ha is one of the most stunning natural sites of the Riviera Maya; an ecological park where nature can be admired in all its splendor including history of culture. Xel Ha is one of the 13 Natural Wonders of Mexico.