Tuesday 11-14-17

We’ve seen more rain than we’d like this trip. And it’s not not just the summer shower type of rain. There have been periods of driving rain interspersed with periods of sun. This pattern has made us a little hesitant to fully commit to some of the outdoor activities we would’ve done otherwise. But since today is our last day here, we decide to go for it despite the weather forecast of intermittent rain. We got up and dressed in swimsuits and even applied some sunscreen, all the while watching the rain fall outside. We waited until the heaviest of the rain passed us and gathered up towels and backpacks and headed out before 8 a.m. under a gray sky and fat rain drops hitting us in the face.

Likewise, our 40 minute drive demanded the use of our windshield wipers most of the time and we could see only a few blue patches of sky. When we arrived the light rain continued. We forged ahead anyway. Neither of us voiced our concerns about the decision we were making, but we both knew the day may not turn out well. We bought our tickets and pushed through the turnstile into Xel-ha (pronounced shell-ha) natural water and ecotourism park without even knowing fully what that meant. We were taking the word of another tourist we had met, and of the many inviting billboards we had seen to advertise the place.

Whatever I expected, it was nothing compared to what we got. If Disney did a natural water park with their usual level of excellence, its likely it wouldn’t be as good as this. Sparkling clean with spectacular planning and a wonderful staff. It took only a few minutes for me to see that this would be a good day; rain or shine.

The property of the park covers 84 acres fronting the Caribbean Sea. But it is not a beach. It’s a giant natural inlet from the ocean. The natural harbor extends many acres into the surrounding jungle with a mostly rocky shoreline. It also has small “fingers” or what seem like small rivers extending into the jungle. There was a natural cave along one section of the inlet and several cenotes and grottos in the surrounding jungle. The park has cleverly wound paths throughout the jungle to all these spots and even turned one of the “fingers” into a tubing river, all without seeming to have disturbed the environment at all. There are also many acres of good snorkeling in crystal clear water boasting a variety of marine life, a large ropes type course (called Adventureland) is suspended over the water, and miles of exploration call to me on paths through the jungle (complete with signposts and restrooms that somehow seem like they grew there alongside the trees). They have built a tower (the only completely man-made attraction) that gives 360 degree views of the park from 130 ft in the air. You then descend via a 100 foot long water slide that wraps around the outside of the tower. Also included in your admission are both breakfast and lunch at the park’s restaurants, drinks, all snorkel equipment, towels, lockers, guided tours in the jungle, bike rentals and tubes for the “lazy river”area. The park is immaculate and every one of the many staff were friendly and helpful.

All this alone makes a fun day, but it was the absolute stunning beauty of the park that really got me. Only a few minutes after coming through the gate a flock of wild red macaws flew overhead, as if on cue, and the sun broke through the clouds and it turned out to be the best way possible to spend our last day. We did every activity we could and walked what felt like 10 miles through jungle paths. The day was almost too perfect to describe. Aching feet were the one minor problem by the end of the day. But even that was only a minor annoyance in an otherwise glorious day.

I now have to wonder why I haven’t heard of this place before? What’s more is that this company – Xcarat- has several other parks in the area with different activities and themes. The commonality is that every one is said to be built seamlessly into the surroundings just as this one is and the level of service is similar throughout the company. I’m becoming excited about learning more about Xcarat and returning to see all the parks. (No, they don’t have me on commission). Of course the timing of our visit (the day before we go home) lends itself to the contemplation of future trips. I

I firmly believe there are always adventures ahead – just waiting for me to find them. A first trip to any location reveals what you could do differently next time and what you’d like to do that you didn’t get to. I always like to consider my next trip, even if I don’t ever actually return to the area. Returning to a place you are familiar with can be fun in its own way (since you already know your favorite parts), but I don’t think I’ll ever tire of wanting to also go new places. The thrill (and sometimes disappointment) of a new discovery is always exciting.

So now I start the planning and anticipation phase of our next adventure….