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7 Best Water Parks in Playa del Carmen
If you’re looking for all the best water parks in Playa del Carmen, then you’ve come to the right place! All the top water parks Playa del Carmen has to offer are listed here.
And I should know! I lived in Playa del Carmen with my family for over a year. We explored all the local water parks, and I’ve got the inside scoop on all of them!
🏆 My family loves Xel Ha for the unique water activities as well as the truly all-inclusive experience!
Playa del Carmen is known for its beaches but it has plenty of fun water parks too. Many people don’t realize it but some of them even have an eco-tourism vibe for extra perks!
They’re one of the really cool and fun things to do in Playa del Carmen. So let’s jump in! Here are all the most awesome water parks in Playa del Carmen.
Top Water Parks in Playa del Carmen
Each of these water parks has something special to offer, so check them out and pick the one – or more – that’s right for you!
1. Nick Aqua Park
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 | 🏆 43 Reviews | 👀 Check Rates & Availability
With over 500 meters of adventure and lazy rivers, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Aqua Nick (Playa del Carmen) at the Nickelodeon Resort is a perfect place to spend a day with family or friends.
The park has something for everyone. There are thrilling water slides, a lazy river and an adventure river, an activity pool, multiple swim and beach areas, and a dedicated area perfect for little kids.
We really enjoy the slime party a the water slides it was great.great food an drinks. Really please most likely to visit again!
Abraham M (read more Reviews)
Plus, you can upgrade your ticket to include food, lockers, and cabanas so you don’t have to worry about carrying anything around all day. Or you can buy food a la carte on-site as well.
And if you’re staying at one of the many Cancun or Riviera Maya hotels, pickups are available so you don’t have to worry about transportation either.
All this plus snacks, soft drinks, water, and beer included in your ticket make Aqua Nick the best water park in Playa del Carmen!
2. Xcaret
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0| 🏆 1,170 Reviews | 👀 Check Rates & Availability
Located along the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen water park Xcaret offers a unique experience that combines both ecological and archeological elements.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and exploring underground river channels. In addition to these activities, Xcaret also has over 40 attractions and 300 actors that showcase ancient Mayan culture.
Definitely get the upgraded tickets. The included snorkeling was amazing! The Mexican lunch buffet was really good. The night show was fantastic!
Jennifer S (read more Reviews)
At Xcaret, visitors can relax on lounge chairs or hammocks while taking in the natural beauty of the park. Life jackets and inner tubes are provided for those who wish to explore further into the underground rivers.
For an even more luxurious experience, opt for the Xcaret Plus package which includes access to beaches, bays, and natural pools as well as the use of snorkeling equipment and a buffet lunch with fruit-flavored drinks, coffee, and one beer.
Xcaret is truly an unforgettable experience for all ages! With its unique combination of ecological and archeological elements, it’s easy to see why this water park near Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular destinations in the area.
3. Xel Ha
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 | 🏆 431 Reviews | 👀 Check Rates & Availability
Located between the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Xel-Ha is a natural aquarium and nature eco park situated on a stunning inlet.
It’s my family’s favorite waterpark in Playa del Carmen! It’s also the only true Playa del Carmen all-inclusive water park.
With an all-inclusive admission ticket, you can explore caves, cenotes, a hanging bridge, and a hidden beach. You can also snorkel and swim in the turquoise-colored lagoon and spot colorful angelfish at Playa del Carmen Xel-Ha!
Lazy River was a fantastic time to relax. Day went by very fast. So happy to have gone to the park. Transportation was great too.
Brenda b (read more Reviews)
For those looking for an adrenaline rush, there’s even a huge waterslide that starts at the top of the lighthouse as well as cliff jumping! You can even zipline (ages 6+) into the water! Little Man loves ziplining here the most.
Plus, with your all-inclusive ticket, you get access to unlimited food and beverages as well as locker use and towels. This tour is family-friendly and includes round-trip transportation to Xel-Ha from Cancun.
Xel Ha offers something for everyone – from swimming in cenotes to spotting wildlife like angelfish and iguanas – making it one of the best waterparks in Playa del Carmen.
4. Xplor
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 | 🏆 383 Reviews | 👀 Check Rates & Availability
Xplor Adventure Park is one of the coolest water parks in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This all-inclusive adventure park includes hotel transport and offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
From zip-lining across the jungle canopy on some of the longest lines in Mexico to driving amphibious vehicles through the jungle and caves, Xplor has something for everyone.
Xplor was incredible! We can not stop talking about it! The food was great! The works were so nice & helpful! I’d go again & again!!!
Diane l (read more Reviews)
You can also enjoy a buffet lunch with healthy fare and drinks. Because ziplining and booze don’t mix, the featured drink at Xplor is the smoothies. They’re actually amazing! I didn’t even miss not having a beer with lunch when we visited.
At Xplor, you’ll be able to fly over the jungle on multiple ziplines, take a thrilling drop into caverns or a natural sinkhole, and marvel at ancient rock formations while rafting or swimming through underground rivers.
Note: Little Man got stuck in the middle of a zip line when he was six. That’s him in the photo above! Staff had to harness up to go and get him! Families with young kids may want/need to skip the zip lines.
Plus, you can steer an amphibious vehicle through the jungle, on bridges, and into caves. We did this several times. Before and after lunch. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more!
5. Xenses
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 | 🏆 90 Reviews | 👀 Check Rates & Availability
Xenses Park in Playa del Carmen is one of the most unique waterparks in Mexico. It offers an unforgettable experience that will challenge your senses and leave you with lasting memories.
Xenses Park is a half-day park with two paths of activities and over 50 fantastic scenarios. The park features 15 themed areas, ranging from zip lines and spas to immersive installations.
Very fun. The pueblo is a highlight, as is the waterslide and mud. Lots of laughs. Right experience for kids age 10 and 9.
Andrew P (read more Reviews)
Visitors can enjoy activities such as Xensei, Pinwheel, Way of Dwarfs and Giants, Xensatorium, Underground Arteries Labrynth, The Eden, Xitric Garden, The Heartbeat, Twon-Picture This, The Breather, Slip, Bird Flight, and a Mexican village facade with optical illusions.
There are also two lazy rivers and walk-through saunas for visitors to enjoy. With this package, visitors can enjoy comfortable round-trip transit from their area hotel to the park as well as priority tickets and access to on-site amenities.
Xenses Park is a truly unique experience that will stimulate all your senses. From the gravity-defying chambers to the dark caves and ziplines – it’s an adventure like no other!
6. Jungala
🏆 Rating: 4.5/5.0| 🏆 68 Reviews | 👀 Check Rates & Availability
Jungala Aqua Experience at the Vidanta Resort offers guests a unique and luxurious experience, with bespoke lounge offerings, world-class attractions, and new dining concepts.
The park also features a Concierge service and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a variety of rides and activities, including thrilling slides and pools for adults and children alike. It also has the longest lazy river in all of Latin America!
The kids area was padded, had warmer water and was easy to watch kids play in. The older kids area had too many splashing activities for my 5 year old. Loved the big hot tub and lazy River. Excellent place!
Denise k (read more Reviews)
The ticket prices are designed to be affordable for everyone. Children under 91 cm (3ft) get in free, while adults over 122 cm (4ft) pay the full price. Children between 91 cm (3ft) and 121 cm (4ft) will be charged the difference at the box office.
Towels are included in the ticket price, as well as access to showers.
Jungala Aqua Experience is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed after your day at the park.
With its lush environment, exciting attractions, and excellent amenities, it’s no wonder why Jungala is one of the top water parks in Playa del Carmen!
7. Chanolandia
🏆 Rating: 3.7/5.0 | 🏆 7 Reviews | 👀 See More Info
Chanolandia is a fun, affordable, local Playa del Carmen water park for families. Located just 10 minutes from the center of Playa del Carmen, Chanolandia offers a great day out for all ages.
The park features Mayan pyramids and caves, as well as a range of water activities for both adults and children. Typically, there are just local visitors here. It hasn’t really caught on with tourists yet, but sometimes that’s part of the charm!
My family and I enjoyed looking around the Mayan pyramids and caves were cool. We were the only foreigners so it was nice to be in a local area.
Fatimah M (read more Reviews)
The cost of admission to Chanolandia is very reasonable, with an adult ticket costing 150 pesos and children under 12 costing only 100 pesos. It’s cash only.
At Chanolandia, visitors can enjoy a variety of rides such as the water slides, pools, and lazy river. There are also plenty of activities for kids including mini-golf and bumper boats.
Plus, there’s also a restaurant on site serving delicious Mexican cuisine. Just keep in mind that this is a family-owned water park in Playa del Carmen. The service can take a while if you order a family meal.
Bonus: Visit Cenotes
Cenotes near Playa del Carmen are a great alternative to traditional waterparks for families looking for a unique and exciting way to cool off.
Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal clear, refreshing water that is perfect for swimming and exploring. They are often surrounded by lush jungles, making them the perfect spot for a family adventure.
Cenotes are also kid-friendly, as many of them have shallow areas where children can safely explore and play. Some cenotes even have platforms or rope swings that kids can use to jump into the water.
All cenotes offer life jackets if you don’t have your own floaties for the kiddos. Little Man is a strong enough swimmer that he doesn’t really use life vests. If you don’t book a cenote tour, then you’ll have to pay cash (pesos only) on-site at each individual cenote.
Overall, cenotes near Playa del Carmen provide an exciting and educational experience for families looking for something different than your typical waterpark.
With their stunning scenery and kid-friendly activities, they make the perfect destination for a summer day trip!
👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!
Water Parks in Playa del Carmen: FAQs
Do you still have questions about visiting water parks in Playa del Carmen? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
What are the best water parks in Playa del Carmen?
The best water parks in Playa del Carmen are Xcaret, Nick Aqua Park, and Xel-ha. Having visited all three, my family’s favorite is Xel-Ha but the other two are excellent choices as well.
What resorts in Cancun have waterparks?
There are a number of Cancun resorts with waterparks, such as the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Paradisus Cancun, and The Royal Sands. You can read more about the best resorts with waterparks in Cancun here.
What water parks in Playa del Carmen are good for avoiding crowds?
All of the water parks in Playa del Carmen tend to be quite busy during peak season. However, Xenses and Chanolandia are probably your best bet for avoiding crowds as they tend to only get busy on weekends.
Can you swim in the water in Playa del Carmen?
Yes, the water in Playa del Carmen is generally safe for swimming. However, it’s important to exercise caution and check with local authorities before swimming as conditions can change.
This is especially true when there is red seaweed (sargazo) on the beaches. I don’t recommend swimming in the water when there’s a lot of seaweed around as it can cause rashes or other skin conditions.
What is the most famous water park in Mexico?
Xcaret is definitely the most famous water park in Mexico. It’s situated just south of Playa del Carmen and is one of the most popular attractions in the entire country. It offers a wide range of activities and amenities, from snorkeling to Mayan cultural experiences.
Can you brush your teeth with water in Playa del Carmen?
Yes, you can brush your teeth with the water in Playa del Carmen. However, it is important to note that this may not be safe for those with compromised immune systems. It is best to use bottled or filtered water if you have any concerns.
Is Playa del Carmen water better than Cancun?
The water in Playa del Carmen is generally considered to be better than Cancun as it is less polluted and has fewer chemicals. It is important to note, however, that the water in both locations is safe for swimming.
Why is Xcaret park famous?
Xcaret park is famous for its stunning scenery and range of activities. It offers a variety of attractions, including an elaborate night show that highlights the history of the Yucatan peninsula from the Mayans through the modern day.
Are mosquitoes a problem in Playa del Carmen?
Yes, mosquitoes can be a problem in Playa del Carmen. It is important to take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using repellant, and sleeping under a mosquito net if your hotel doesn’t offer air conditioning.
Many of the resorts in Playa del Carmen also use special, eco-friendly insect-control sprays to keep the area free of bugs.
Is it safe to drink ice in Playa del Carmen?
Yes, it is generally safe to drink ice in Playa del Carmen. However, it is important to make sure that the ice you are consuming has been made from bottled water. All hotels and restaurants I know of in Playa del Carmen do this automatically.
Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Playa del Carmen?
Yes, it is legal to drink alcohol on the beach in Playa del Carmen. However, I recommend using caution as there are strict laws regarding public intoxication and minors consuming alcohol.
Please do not leave your alcohol containers on the beach. Dispose of them properly when you’re done drinking from them.
What is the most popular waterpark?
Xcaret is considered to be the most popular water park Playa del Carmen Mexico offers. Its legendary night show, underground caverns for swimming, and abundant snorkeling opportunities make it a great day trip for any Riviera Maya vacation.
Why is Playa del Carmen so popular?
Playa del Carmen is a popular destination for many reasons. It offers stunning beaches, great nightlife, and countless activities and attractions. It’s also conveniently located close to several famous Mayan ruins.
Conclusion: Water Parks in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a great place to visit for its warm waters, stunning beaches, and endless activities. Each of the water parks in Playa del Carmen on this list offers visitors a unique experience in the area.
Xcaret water park is the most popular and offers unique experiences like snorkeling, underground caverns, and a Mayan night show while Nick Aqua Park offers a chance to meet your kiddos’ favorite Nickelodeon characters.
🏆 My family loves Xel Ha for the unique water activities as well as the truly all-inclusive experience!
No matter which water park you choose to visit, you are bound to have a memorable experience. If you visit Playa del Carmen during seaweed season, you may even want to visit several water parks in Playa del Carmen from this list.
Enjoy your time in Playa del Carmen! 💦
