Snorkeling in Xel-Ha is a one-off activity that guarantees astounding experiences. This backwater of tranquility is an over 14 hectares body of water where the world’s most important underground rivers system converges with the Caribbean sea, a very special habitat where different and very interesting species coexist; species that can be watched during the immersion.
A BIG-EYED GUY
The “horse eyes amberjack” also called “big-eyed” is a very large fish that can reach a length of 2 meters and a weight of 75 kg. Even though it is a pelagic species – rathers spawn offshore- in Xel-Ha, it can be looked at near the floating bridge. It is amazing how dozens of amberjacks come by in search of smaller fish, whom they predate. It is a sliver-colored fish with the ability of enduring salinity changes, so common in the inlet, where fresh water mixes with seawater.
CARNIVORES AND “CROWDED”
The “grey porgy” is one of the most abundant species of the “Lutjanidae” family. It is often seen around the rocks and sandy bottoms by the coast. Its color goes from silverish, to golden, and it is distinguished by its vertical stripes. They move in crowds. As young fish, they are omnivorous (feed on meat and vegetables) but once they reach adulthood they become just carnivores.
BLUE ROUND SURGEONFISH
The “Youthful Blue Tang Surgeonfish” is recurrently seen in the inlet. It can be seen in crannies near the ocean, where it is sunnier. It has a continuous dorsal fin with nine bones, and an emerged caudal fin (tail); its body is quite compressed, with an almost round outline. Its color is quite distinctive, but they get yellow during their adult phase.
A COMUFAGING SERGEANT
Another common species is the “Sergeant Major” characterized by the five black vertical stripes on the sides, contrasting with its yellow color. During mating season, adult males turn dark blue, which makes it very difficult to appreciate the black stripes. It also has the ability of camouflaging to match the surrounding environment.
A GUARDIAN OF THE WATER
An emblematic species of Xel-Ha, which in addition is one of its leading characters because it represents the guardian of the water, is the “parrotfish”. A solitary fish, although occasionally it swims in small groups, stands out for the wide range of colors on its body. Shades going from an intense orange to a turquoise blue and aquamarine green. It feeds on algae and attached seaweed, biting the substratum with its “beak”, which means, its mouth that resembles this part of the birds. The “parrotfish” is an awesome recycling machine that turns coral and rocks into fine sand by scratching the algae on them. It is able to produce up to 40 tons of sand per year.
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