Operator of the Decade, Xcaret Park!

A lot can happen in a decade. From debates over dress colors to the “Ice Bucket Challenge”, the last ten years have been a whirlwind! In the travel industry, we saw some exciting changes and challenges, like the explosion of Airbnb and the growing desire for travelers to experience eco-friendly destinations.

For Sub Sea Systems, the last decade has been a busy and exciting one. With the creation of new products like Aquaticar, DIVR+ virtual reality snorkeling and SolarCat, and the addition of new SeaTREK locations– we’ve expanded to 27 countries! We’re proud of our successes. We also take great pride in our relationships with SeaTREK operators, some of whom we’ve been partnered with for more than two decades!

One of these incredible partnerships is the well-established relationship we share with Xcaret Park. Located in Cancun, Mexico, Xcaret is a landmark in the Riviera Maya. Since its opening in 1990, the park has welcomed more than 23 million visitors from all over the world!

Xcaret was founded by architect Miguel Quintana Pali, who initially acquired five hectares in the Riviera Maya with plans to construct a private residence. However, while surveying the land, he discovered that it had vast cenotes and a network of underground rivers. He knew this incredible place could not be kept privately; it had to be shared with the rest of the world. Thus, a partnership was established with brothers Oscar, Marcos and Carlos Constandse, and years later Xcaret was born. Since its opening in December 1990, Xcaret has been recognized as one of the most famous attractions in the Cancun-Riviera Maya tourist destination.

The park is comprised of 50 natural and cultural attractions. From the moment guests step on the property, they are surrounded by nature, from native flora and fauna, to underground rivers, lagoons, and cenotes. In addition to tropical surroundings and cultural demonstrations, Xcaret offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Visitors can take a snorkel tour where they encounter tropical sea life, or get up close and personal with sharks and stingrays. And of course, guests can take an incredible SeaTREK helmet dive at two separate locations within the park– the Caleta and Stingray Lagoon. Xcaret is the largest and longest operating SeaTREK location in the world. To date, they have welcomed more than 1.4 million TREKKERs!

Over the past ten years, Xcaret has received multiple awards, primarily for its creative vision and dedication to conservation. Accolades include the IAAPA Liseberg Applause Award for the World’s Best Park; the Travvy Award for Best International Theme Park, three years in a row; the 2018 Prevue Visionary Award (gold); and the “Obras del Año” awards for both “Economics Innovation, Tourism and Hospitality”, and “People’s Choice”.

Sub Sea Systems and SeaTREK are pleased to add to this ever-growing list of recognitions by awarding Xcaret with the first-ever SeaTREK Operator of the Decade Award!

Sub Sea Systems’ CEO Jim Mayfield presented a stunning art glass statue to Miguel and his executive team earlier this month at an awards ceremony held at Xcaret. We are so grateful to Miguel and Xcaret’s incredible team of dedicated staff, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to honor our relationship.

Here’s to the next decade of success!