2 Best Sights in Mexico

Part of the Xcaret nature-adventure park group, Xel-Há (pronounced shel-hah) is a natural aquarium made of coves, inlets, and lagoons cut from the limestone shoreline. The name means "where the water is born," and a natural spring here flows out to meet the salt water, creating a unique habitat for tropical marine life. There's enough to impress novice snorkelers, though there seem to be fewer fish each year, and the mixture of fresh and salt water can cloud visibility. Low wooden bridges over the lagoons allow for leisurely walks around the park, and there are spots to rest, swim, cliff-jump, zip line, or swing from ropes over the water.

Xel-Há gets overwhelmingly crowded, so come early. The grounds are well equipped with bathrooms and restaurants. At the entrance you'll receive specially prepared sunscreen that won't kill the fish; other sunscreens are prohibited. The entrance fee includes a meal, towel, locker, inner tubes, and snorkel equipment; other activities, like scuba diving, zip-lining, swimming with the dolphins, and spa treatments, are available at additional cost. Discounts are offered when you book online.

As its name suggests, this water park is the way to spend a fun day by the beach. Play beach volleyball, ride a bike through the quaint streets of Isla, explore the calm waters of the Caribbean in a kayak, or let the adrenaline pump through your veins as you slide down one of four slides that end directly in the sea. All the while, you can enjoy a good buffet and an even better open bar. The place is in constant renovation, so note that while some areas are top-notch, others are in need of a face-lift.