Xcaret Theme Parks Near Akumal & the Riviera Maya
Planning a day of zip-lines, underground rivers, snorkeling coves, or mind-bending illusions? These Grupo Xcaret parks sit just off Highway 307, a short drive from the coast’s main towns.
Xcaret Park
nature, culture & underground rivers
A full-day classic with 50+ attractions, wildlife pavilions, underground rivers, and the nightly Xcaret México Espectacular. Open daily. (Xcaret)
Typical drive distance & time
Status: Operating (8:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.). (xensespark.com)
Xplor
zip-lines, amphibious vehicles & caves
Daytime adventure park with the region’s tallest zip-lines and subterranean rivers; Xplor Fuego runs after dark. (xplor.travel)
Typical drive distance & time
- Cancún (Airport): 56 km • ~55 m. (xplor.travel)
- Playa del Carmen: 6 km • ~12 m. (xplor.travel)
- Akumal: ~32 km • ~25–30 m. (Rome2Rio)
- Tulum: ~55 km • ~45 m. (xplor.travel)
Status: Operating (Mon–Sat, ~8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Xplor Fuego at night). (xplor.travel)
Xenses
half-day, optical illusions & sensory fun
Walk a tilt-shift “Town,” float a salt river, fly the “Bird Flight” zip, and question everything. Great half-day add-on. (Xcaret)
Typical drive distance & time
- Cancún: ~72 km / 45 mi • ~1 h+ (park lists 45 mi from Cancún). (xensespark.com)
- Playa del Carmen: ~6 km • ~10–15 m (3.7 mi listed). (xensespark.com)
- Akumal: ~32 km • ~25–30 m (adjacent to Xcaret/Xplor; same road approach). (Rome2Rio, xplor.travel)
- Tulum: ~55–57 km • ~45 m (same cluster as Xplor/Xcaret). (xplor.travel)
Xel-Há
all-inclusive natural lagoon & snorkeling
A giant inlet with lazy river, snorkeling, ziplines, and cenotes—food & drinks included. Open daily. (xelha.com, Xcaret)
Typical drive distance & time
Xoximilco
evening floating fiesta & Mexican party
Colorful trajineras, live music, Mexican cuisine, and open bar—an authentic floating fiesta near Cancún Airport. Open evenings. (xoximilco.com)
Typical drive distance & time
- Cancún (Airport): ~7 km • ~10–30 m. (xoximilco.com)
- Playa del Carmen: ~49 km • ~40–50 m. (xoximilco.com)
- Akumal: ~80–90 km • ~1 h 15–30 m. (Rome2Rio)
- Tulum: ~112 km • ~1 h 30–45 m. (Rome2Rio)
Notes on distances
- Distances are by road and rounded for planning; traffic and pickup points can change times.
- Xcaret, Xplor, and Xenses sit together near km 282 on Highway 307; that’s why their timings from each town are nearly identical. (Xcaret, xplor.travel, xensespark.com)
- Xel-Há is located further south, just past Akumal, while Xoximilco is north near Cancún Airport. Their distances vary more significantly depending on your starting point. (xelha.com, xoximilco.com)
Ready to plan it?
Contact us for park tickets and money-saving bundles with accommodations—plus car rentals, private drivers, and personal shuttles. We’ll match the best park to your crew (families, couples, or thrill-seekers) and handle the logistics so you can just show up and have fun.