Xplor Park is an adventure and activity park situated amidst the lush, tropical landscape of the Riviera Maya in Mexico. With the cost of your ticket, you can swim through cenotes, drive massive land vehicles through the jungle, and zip line across the sky. What could possibly be better? Talk about ‘bang for your buck!”.

Xplor Park is roughly 47 miles (75km) from Cancun, and 5.6 miles (9km) from Playa del Carmen. Most hotels even offer roundtrip transportation to and from the park. If you are staying in the area, Xplor Park is absolutely worth a day trip.

The following guide provides you with everything you need to know before your visit to Xplor Park!

Available Activities at Xplor Park

Land Activities at Xplor

At Xplor Park, you have the opportunity to drive amphibious vehicles across a rugged terrain course. These large vehicles are able to cruise smoothly over uneven land and across shallow waters – both of which are heavily featured on the course. Over the course of 15 minutes, you’ll navigate your vehicle around twisting jungle paths, over massive wooden bridges, and even through water filled tunnels. The driving itself is so fun – and the views from the car?! Immaculate. 

Water Activities at Xplor

There are three water activities available at Xplor Park: Underground Rafts, Underground River Float, and The Underground Expedition. All three of these activities will take you deep into the subterranean cave network filled with cenotes below the park.

With the Underground Raft experience, you will paddle a log boat through the underground labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites. This one is an absolute hoot. You’ll hear the shouting echo around the walls as groups of friends accidentally bash their boats into one another. You will also paddle straight past people who have managed to wedge their boat into the wall at an impossible angle and cannot get out. As an added hilarity, the “hand paddles” they give you to propel the boat have HOLES in them. My friend and I were chuckling the entire time we were rafting. But the actual experience in the cave was breathtakingly gorgeous and so worth every second.

‘Underground River Float’ is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll basically hop into the frigid underground waters and float your way along the subterranean waters. It is basically a lazy river that is 5,000 times more epic. You’ll float under waterfalls and past some incredible natural rock formations caused by the meteor that hit the Yucatan 65 million years ago.

To round off the water activities, we have the ‘Underground Expedition’, a subterranean walk-turned-obstacle-course. Here, you will traverse shallower waters by foot as you navigate a series of ropes courses and climbing mechanisms – all culminating in a final, giant waterslide slide. My friend and I kept joking calling this the “lawsuit walk”. The rocks on the bottom of the river were so slippery and uneven that we fell approximately 500,000 times. We cackled with laughter throughout the walk – which amplified every time we watched a fearless kid ZOOM past us at a sprint. 

Air Activities at Xplor

The final category is ‘air’, which comprises two activities: zip lines and hammock splash swings. With the zip line activity, you will climb far into the sky, and whiz along the cables from one outpost to another. You’ll soar above the evergreen jungle and will catch glimpses of the Caribbean Sea in the distance. Xplor Park offers several degrees of difficulty for the zip lines. Those looking for an extra challenge can tackle the highest elevated courses, while those a bit more afraid of heights can opt to stay a smidge closer to the ground.

With the Hammock Splash Swings, guests carry their own hammock swing through a jungle path. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to hook your swing up to cables and glide your way into the waters below. This is by far one of my favorite activities at the park. Make sure you put your feet up before landing – or you’ll get a great jet of water up your nose like I did!

Xplor Park FAQ

You may have some questions before booking those tickets! Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Xplor Park:

How do you get to Xplor Park?

If you are staying in or near Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, many hotels will offer packages to Xplor Park, with roundtrip transportation included in the ticket. You can also arrange transportation with Xplor Park directly. They will send a representative to come and pick you up. Check out their transportation website for more information. 

How much does Xplor Park cost?

Xplor Park costs roughly $120 USD for a day pass. This cost may be a bit more if you are adding roundtrip transportation to and from your accommodation – depending on where you are staying in the area. 

Xplor also offers package deals where you can purchase tickets to multiple parks for a discounted rate. If you are planning to stay in the area for a long time, this might be a good option for you.

For the most up to date ticket prices and package deals, I recommend checking Xplor Park’s official website.

Does Xplor Park have food?

Yes! A ticket to Xplor Park includes a delicious lunch or dinner buffet that includes a huge spread of options from BBQ meats to seasoned rices to pizza. You will also have access to unlimited snacks and beverages to keep you hydrated and full as you run amok through the massive park.

Pro Tip: the avocado smoothie is an absolute must.  

What should I pack for Xplor Park?

Over half of the activities at Xplore Park have some form of water component to them. Therefore, it is crucial to pack accordingly. Below is a rough packing list for visiting Xplor Park:

• Bathing Suit
• Shirt and shorts (for getting wet)
• Shirt and shorts (for changing into after the park)
• Water shoes for wearing around the park (close-toed preferred, or Chacos/Tevas. Just make sure they stay on your feed!)
• Sandals or gym shoes (for changing into after the park)
• A TOWEL
• Phone
• Waterproof phone case (You can purchase these at the park, but I recommend buying a cheaper one ahead of time)
• Go-Pro (optional)
• Sunscreen
• Wallet
• Shampoo and conditioner (optional)

Xplor Park provides complimentary guest lockers, dressing rooms, and showers. I recommend storing the bulk of your items here throughout the day. You will receive a locker key on a wristband, so you will be able to explore the park without having to worry about your items.

The only thing you should really bring with you into the park are the clothes you want to wear throughout the day, and your phone or go-pro in a waterproof case for taking pictures. You can purchase pictures at the park, but they are pretty pricey. Best to DIY this one!

How much time do I need at Xplor Park?

I recommend spending anywhere from 4-6 hours in Xplor Park. This should give you enough time to go through each of the six activities at least one time – and sneak in an extra turn on your favorites. If you arranged transportation back to your accommodation, you will likely have a designated pickup time. Make sure you allocate enough time to return to your locker, shower and change, and exist the park back to the bus pickup zone. It would not be fun if your return vehicle left without you!

The park is open every day from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, except Sundays when it is closed. Make sure you plan your arrival and departure times accordingly, and check the website to avoid any unexpected closures. 

Are the cenotes at Xplor Park?

Yes! You can absolutely find cenotes in Xplor Park. In fact, Xplor Park is basically built within the cenote network caused by the meteor collision in the Yucatan 65 million years ago. As you embark on activities within the park, you will have a chance to traverse through the natural underground river networks and rock formations.

What is the difference between Xplor and Xcaret?

Xplor and Xcaret are both popular parks Riviera Maya owned by the same company. However, they offer slightly different experiences. 

Xplor Park

Xplor Park has far more of an ‘amusement park’ feel to it. Think Six Flag Great America without the creepy characters wandering around. This park is all about adrenaline and adventure. As an added bonus, most of the amusement attractions here are still relatively natural – like swimming in the underground cave network or driving vehicles through the jungle. The park also offers the best ziplining experience in the area.

• Who should visit Xplor:
  • Adrenaline junkies looking for an adventure packed day soaring through the sky and traversing in cenotes
• Who should not visit Xplor
  • Families with small children – as there are height restrictions on a majority of the rides. Pregnant women, people with back injuries, or anyone with a heart condition should also exercise caution or seek medical clearance before heading to the park.

Xcaret Park

Xcaret is far more laid back than Xplore Park. There are over 50 activities in the park, and exploring the grounds easily fills an entire day. At Xcaret, you can float through the underground rivers, pass by the open air aviary, and stroll along jungle trails. Xcaret ends the day with a MASSIVE 300 person show that is a must-see for any parkgoers. As an added bonus, this park is much more focused on Mexican culture and heritage than Xplore Park. You can visit one of the park’s Art or Cultural museums, and can venture out to see the Mayan ruins.

• Who should visit Xcaret:
  • Families with young children, or anyone looking for a laid back, day-long experience leisurely exploring the park
• Who should not visit Xcaret
  • If you want ziplines… head to Xplor.

That’s all, folks!

Xplor Park is undoubtedly with visiting for anyone looking to add a little adventure to their trip. The cenote networks were stunning, and the activities that were offered in the park absolutely blew any other amusement park right out of the water. The adrenaline generated by the zip lines and overland vehicles pairs so nicely with the calm and relaxing boat ride through the subterranean rivers. Not to mention, the food was great!

For the cost – you absolutely get a great ‘bang for your buck’ here. 

Have you been to Xplor park? Drop a comment below with your favorite activities!