Xel Ha

Xel Ha is an eco-park with a large lagoon for snorkeling. It is a great place for first time snorkelers, since inner tubes and life vests are free, and you can rent snorkel gear or bring your own. The park is open daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm. The lagoon is calm, even on windy days, so snorkeling is easy. The coral is mostly dead, but Xel Ha feeds the fish so there are plenty to see. For a peso, you can feed the fish too. This works well if some of your group gets in the water while one person throws food at them. This way you get to see a swarm of fish all at once. For an extra fee you can swim with the trained dolphins. Xel Ha has a few fresh water cenotes in the park, and hidden beaches with hammocks for relaxing. On the far side of the lagoon, near the bridge, you can check out the Mayan cave. The restaurants, snacks and sodas are not over priced, so you can enjoy lunch at the park as well.
Xel Ha was a Mayan city, and you can find the entrance to the ruins, passing the park. The ruins are small, and mostly unexcavated, but the price is right. Further down on the left are two dive shops for Dos Ojos, a cenote and large cave system