Xel-Há — Disneyland for Nature Lovers

Xel-Há is like Disneyland for nature lovers.

Located 60 miles from Cancun, this gorgeous aquarium is a stunning biological sanctuary within the Riviera Maya and one of Mexico's top natural wonders. It is not the type of aquarium you simply look at, however, but one that beckons you to enter.

This all-inclusive experience features an endless list of activities that start with the basics — swim with the dolphins, scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, biking, "jungle train" tours and a beautiful beach — but that's honestly the boring stuff you can do anywhere. How about taking a jump off the cliff of courage (pictured at left)? Or take an underwater walk past Stingray City on the Snuba-enabled Sea Trek? What about testing your balance on the floating bridge or the 50-yard parallel ropes? There's even Mo's Flight, a rope swing that drops you into the crystalline waters of Ixchel's Gulf.

For less adventuresome activities, take an inner-tube ride or snorkel swim down the main river: a track in which freshwater travels through underground caves to meet and mix with incoming seawater. Visually, the river offers a stunning combination of freshwater and marine fish.

After a day of jumping off cliffs and swimming down rivers, how about a little exploring? There's the fossil-studded El Dorado Cavern, the water-accessed Mayan Cave, gardens and plant nurseries, the bewitching mangrove forests, a giant meteorite crater and even Mayan ruins. And for chilling out, there's a spa, restaurant, bar and several hammocks.

Xel-Há, called the Eden of the ancient Mayan gods, knows better than to incur divine wrath. This natural playground is Green Globe Certified Silver with a wide-reaching sustainability policy to protect the environment.

It's fun to visit an aquarium, but if you actually want to experience one, Xel-Há is the place to go.