The sheltered waters and the surrounding mangroves at Xel-Ha are a haven for 90 species of fish from nearby reefs that form part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest coral formation in the world, which stretches south along the Mexican Caribbean coast into Belize. They gather in the lagoons to feed on minute shrimp and other organisms and to mate and spawn. Wherever you look you’ll see colorful fish of all shapes and sizes, here are some to look out for:

Parrotfish (Scaridae family)

Parrotfish

A parrotfish is one of Xel-Ha Park’s emblem creatures and several members of the parrotfish family can be seen here. Look out for Rainbow Parrotfish, Midnight Parrotfish and Striped Parrotfish.

How did parrotfish get their name? Their powerful jaws resemble a parrot’s bill and they use them to bite off fragments of coral, rock, algae and grind up mollusk shells. You may even hear them under water. After digestion, they excrete sand and this helps create the white sand of the Mexican Caribbean.

Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus)

Blue Tang Fish

The Blue Tang is a striking dark blue fish that starts life as a bright yellow juvenile and then turns pale blue and pale yellow before reaching maturity. Also known as the surgeonfish due to the scalpel-shaped spines on either side of its tail, it feeds on algae and may be seen in pairs or small schools in the lagoons and the offshore reefs.

Porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus)

Porkfish

Recognizable for its yellow body and black stripes, Porkfish congregate in schools around rocks in the lagoon and in the shade along the shoreline. They make a grunting noise by rubbing their teeth together. Juvenile fish are “cleaners,” picking parasites from the scales of other species.

Queen Angelfish

Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)

This regal reef beauty is commonly seen in pairs and biologists have discovered that mate for life. How to tell them apart from the blue angelfish, which also inhabits Xel-Ha? Look for the dark ringed spot resembling a crown on the head and the completely yellow tail.

Sergeant Major (Abudefduf saxatilis)

Sergeant Major Fish

A member of the damselfish family, this is one of the most common fish you’ll see in Xel-Ha. In fact, large schools of them gather around the wooden ladders into the water and the rocky shoreline enjoying the shade and perhaps as curious about humans as we are about them! The name “sergeant major” is an allusion to its five black stripes, like military insignia, and to the fact that the male is very territorial when guarding its nest. It feeds on algae and shrimp larvae.

Cocoa Damselfish

Cocoa damselfish (Stegastes variabilis)

This dainty chocolate brown algae feeder is fiercely territorial despite its diminutive size and will chase larger fish away from the nest where it lays its eggs.

Spotfin butterflyfish  (Chaetodon ocellatus)

Spotfin Butterflyfish

Usually seen in pairs or small groups, this fish feeds on tubeworms, sea fans and anemones, which it scrapes off the reef. Its changes color at night and dark bands appear on its body

This is just for starters, as you swim through the lagoons, you’ll also come across squirrelfish, grunts and trunkfish. Cross the floating bridge at the mouth of the inlet and you’ll see larger fish like jacks, snappers, grouper and barracuda. Keep a look out for the southern stingrays in an area close to the northern shore of the lagoon.

Start planning your tour and book your tickets to Xel-Ha for a snorkeling adventure and a fun day for the whole family

In this same region, the sharp sightedness of some Mexicans has taken advantage of the geological features, vegetation, water bodies, beaches and native wildlife combined with recreation, education and culture, without losing the fundamental concept of nature preservation, making a new concept of ecological parks.

Xcaret and Xel Ha Park offer a wide range of fun attractions that allow the approach to nature in a safe, environmentally friendly, interactive and educational way. Moreover, the great activity and success of these parks have developed research programs, education, welfare and protection of local flora and fauna and have supported the conservation of some resources and protected areas of the peninsula and even the country. In these parks,  the conservation of original vegetation is remarkable, technical teams have developed successful rescue methods, transplanting, cultivation and propagation of shrubs and trees,  unique in the country,  that are being adopted by the new developments to prevent the introduction of non- native forests and to reforest the jungle disturbed areas.

Some powerful tools to achieve conservation of the environment are education and outreach. Xcaret and Xel Ha Park have developed environmental programs at different schools in Quintana Roo.

Xel Ha Natural Park has implemented waste separation and recycling programs in the community of Chemuyil. Through cultural events, it motivates people to adopt these methods as a daily practices to prevent pollution of the environment.

Among this many educational activities, Xcaret and Xel Ha Park have workshops and eco-tours behind the exhibits that invite everyone to participate in the release of marine turtles or cleaning up beaches.

These parks can envision a new era of eco-tourism: visitors are aware that the tickets to Xel Ha, not only mean a long  fun-packed day but are also reflected in various programs supporting environmental conservation. Also, these parks instill respect for nature, because our planet demands it.

Asl a travel agent for Xel Ha Tours and prices.

Nowadays, ecology plays a very important role in Xel Ha Park, which facilities have been built with uttermost care for environment. Respect for nature is the axis of all projects.

As part of other Xel Ha Park programs, they care for wild birds and provide feeding for migratory birds on the 64 hectares of lowland tropical forest within the park.

The park does not practice harmful activities inside, like fumigating, burning or clearing land. One of the Xel Ha park’s on-going projects is the reforestation of all park areas with native plants. Also, fish and other marine species get special attention at Xel Ha Natural Park. They are not only protected and fed every day, but their population and health are monitored.

Some other additional projects include habitat and artificial reef construction, reforesting the sea bed and the creation of water quality monitoring systems. Xel Ha Park treats reprocesses gray water for use in vegetation irrigation. There are actually three plants working together to process gray water without chemicals. Process products are used to fertilize water and otherwise cultivate native plants in the parks conservatories and nurseries.

Where to start being environmentally friendly when so many problems are simmering under our eyes? Extinction of endangered species, garbage management, sea water pollution, global warming and more. IT’S ALARMING!

Let’s begin with the examination of our own conscience!

When you purchase tickets to Xel Ha you are being part of the eco-friendly minds, but your contribution may start from now on this site, leaving your comments of how can others others help to raise awareness towards the environment. Thank You!.

Ask your Travel Agent for different options of Xel Ha Tours.