Thirty miles south of Playa del Carmen are the caves, lagoons, and mangrove forests of Xel-Ha, an ecological park where visitors swim with dolphins, float down a river bordered by lush jungle, and feed the friendliest fish in Cancun. An extension of the Riviera Maya, Xel-Ha is a natural aquarium of parrot fish, angelfish, stingrays, lobster, and barracuda. Hundreds of bird, plant, and marine species thrive thanks to the year-round warm weather.

There are hammocks strung up between shady palms for the sun-weary and restaurants, shops, trails, and showers on the grounds. Not far beyond the cenotes are small Maya ruins. Painted murals color the walls of these homes and shrines, some of which date back to 1200 A.D.

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