Situated just 5 kilometers / 3 miles farther south is Xcaret a beautifully landscaped tropical water park and pioneer in the region.

Covered in lush vegetation and home to a few small Mayan ruins,  Xcaret bills itself as an "eco-archaeological park," though "seaside playground" would probably be more descriptive.

The park draws hundreds of people each day who come to swim and  snorkel the length of underground rivers, swim among schools of tropical fish in  crystal-clear inlets and lagoons, see exotic animals, and enjoy folkloric and Mayan theme shows.

Apart from being a colorful place to snorkel and frolic in the sun, Xcaret has some scattered archaeological ruins, a wonderful aquarium featuring exotic sea creatures and a sea turtle hatchery, a butterfly pavilion  and hatchery, an aviary, and excellent Mexican and seafood restaurants, some  right on the beach.

One of the park's stellar attractions are its dolphins, which  you can swim with for an added fee. This is a very popular activity and you must  arrive at the park early to sign up for it.

The park has added night-time  shows to its roster of offerings (at no extra charge), including a fascinating  re-enactment of the Mayan ball game that pits two teams against each other,  concerts of pre-Hispanic music and rituals, and excellent folkloric dancing and  singing.