Our Family Adventure at Xcaret Xplor

Graduation marks the start of a new chapter and with two graduates in the family this spring – we wanted to celebrate! We landed on a family trip to Cancun. Everyone had their own idea of what they wanted do on the trip, but my niece had one request: zip lining.

We started looking at the options through our resort, Moon Palace The Grand, but the Extreme Canopy Tour they offered was no longer available. We considered Isla Mujeres, which has a cool looking zip line over the ocean but then my friend McCall recommended Xcaret’s Xplor Park. After talking with her and doing a little research, we booked it!

When the bus arrived to pick us up, it was on time and the guide was easy to spot in a red shirt. The bus itself was clean and comfortable. On the ride over, our guide walked us through expectations and explained each attraction in Spanish and then English. It made the whole experience feel welcoming from the start.

Arriving at Xplor: Helmets, Photos & Lockers

When you arrive at Xplor, you are taken down a little path into a cave entrance. We were issued helmets right away and asked to wear them on all attractions in the park.

Next was the photo station. I had pre‑purchased the photo package for our group (tip: if you’re traveling with a big group, book under one reservation so you only need one photo pass). The staff recorded the numbers on our helmets so the cameras around the park could automatically link photos of our group.

Then we grabbed our locker keys. Each one comes with a fob on an adjustable wristband that you wear during all the activities. The wristband color matches your assigned locker area so that made it easy to find. (Tip: the lockers are on the smaller side, so if you have more than a backpack, I would consider getting two). Overall, check‑in was quick, easy, and well organized.

Zip‑Lining to Start the Day

Our guide recommended starting with the zip lines, so we headed there after we got our things secured in our lockers.

Xplor has over 14 zip‑line routes that send you soaring over the jungle. Everyone from age 8 to 70 was able to participate so that was awesome. You can ride individually or in tandem, which made it extra fun for the kids (and the adults). Some towers even have drinking fountains, which was a lifesaver in the heat. (Tip: Be prepared for a lot of stairs. Each tower requires some climbing but you can take it at our own pace).

The final zip line dips you right into the water which was a refreshing finish!

Amphibious Vehicles: A Family Favorite

Next up were the amphibious vehicles. This quickly became one of our crew’s favorites. You hop into a side‑by‑side (they offer both 2‑person and 4‑person options) and head out onto a jungle‑style track filled with water features, twists, and tunnels. Seat belts are required and you’ll quickly find out why!

Everyone loved it so much we immediately went back for a second ride.

Tip: Expect to get wet and close your mouth when you hit the water features unless you want a surprise mouthful.

Underground Caves & Rafts

The caves were next. They were such a unique experience with stalagmites rising out of the water and stalactites hanging overhead. They had photo opportunities throughout the cave – you press a button for it to capture the moment! The whole cave experience offered a nice reprieve from the heat.

Xplor also offers a rafting option. You can choose a single or double raft, but as their sign warns: “Take a single if you don’t want to end up divorced.” They give you hand paddles, which aren’t the most efficient way to paddle but help some.

Toboganes & the Giant Slide

Our grand finale of the day was the inflatable rafts and giant slide. The walk to the top offered plenty of shaded areas and the digital displays along the way showed photos of our group as we passed by.

When we reached the top, a big rainstorm rolled in so we had to wait a few minutes for it to pass. Once it cleared, we were on our way. You start by shooting out of the top before launching into an open‑air section. You swoop up and back down into a giant toilet‑bowl‑style funnel before shooting out the end. So much fun!

Xplor Park FAQ

• Do you need to wear the helmet the whole time? Yes, they are mandatory but we took them off at the lockers, restaurant, gift shop and lunch.
• What if my helmet doesn’t fit? You can ask for a larger size – just make sure you update your helmet number at the photo counter.
• Is Xplor good for kids? Definitely! Our group ranged from 8 to 70 and everyone participated.
• How many zip lines are there? 14 routes, with individual and tandem options.
• Do you get wet? Yes, on every activity.
• Do you really need water shoes? Yes, they are required for certain activities. Sandals and crocs don’t work.
• What if I didn’t bring water shoes? They sell them at the entrance and gift shop inside the park.
• Are the lockers big? They will fit a backpack comfortably. Consider two if you have extra gear.
• Is the photo package worth it? Absolutely. They have cameras all over the park that catch fun angles you could never get on your phone. Plus, I didn’t want to worry about having my phone on me.
• Is food included? Yes. They have a buffet lunch and juice bar.
• How was the food? We thought it was great for a buffet. Huge selection including traditional Mexican food, pasta, salads, and fresh grilled burgers.
• How long do you need? A full day.
• Is transportation included? Yes, as long as your resort is within a certain radius.
• Would you recommend it? Yes! The park is well-run, clean, and truly offered something for everyone! All activities are included so you can do all of them or just some! If you choose to sit out of an activity there are plenty of places to hang out including a juice bar and hammock area!

Tips for Visiting Xcaret Xplor

• If you want to do the zip lines – start with them before the crowds and heat pick up.
• Wear water‑friendly clothing including water shoes. You will be wet all day. If you plan to zip line I would recommend wearing water/athletic shorts. The straps can be uncomfortable on bare skin.
• Remember your sunscreen!
• Close your mouth on the amphibious vehicles.
• Choose single rafts if you want to stay married 😉
• Expect stairs, especially for the zip lines.
• Keep your locker wristband secured on your wrist.
• Watch the digital photo boards for fun surprises!
• Be flexible with weather. Rain storms pass quickly. If it looks like one is on the horizon opt for the caves.