Going to Cancun... Has anyone done the Xel-Ha all-inclusive tour? It's an all-day tour and am wondering if it is worth our time and any specifics you can tell me. Thanks!

Okay, everyone. Don't flame me too badly for this. I am just giving my opinion here!<BR>Laurie, If you like:<BR>overpriced, overcrowded, touristy, tacky theme parks, OR if you have kids aged 6-10, OR if you have not traveled much, you might like Xel Ha. <BR>We hated it and would not go back.<BR>Snorkeling was awful, the place was jam-packed full of people, the food at the restaurants was not good, and worst of all, they have a swim with the dolphins program. <BR>Better to rent a car and go to Playa del Carmen or Akumal for the day, relax on the beach, and have a tasty lunch at your own pace.

Thanks for your opinion Nancy. How far is Akumal from Cancun? I read where the best margartas are found there at lol-ha or something like that.

Ah yes, Lol Ha! (They know us well!)<BR>Akumal is about an hour (or a little more or less depending on how crazy your taxi driver - or you - is/are) south of Cancun on a modern 2 and 3 lane highway. <BR>There are 2 parts to Lol Ha - the beach bar/restaurant where they serve the margaritas and good lunch - and the inside restaurant which is great for dinner.<BR>Akumal is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Cancun. There is really good snorkeling at Yalku lagoon or off the beach at Half Moon or Akumal Bays.<BR>

I just wanted to add to Nancy's comments that Yalku lagoon is like a miniature version of Xel-Ha (without the restaurants and shops) and is much less crowded. There is rental gear on site and I believe it costs $5 admission. If you are touring the coastal area south of Cancun on your own, I highly recommend the Riviera Maya map published by Can-Do maps www.cancunmap.com - it's very detailed and lists every beach, hotel, restaurant, dive shop, tour & theme park along the coast.