How To Visit Cenote Zacil-Ha,Tulum Mexico

The water at Cenote Zacil-Ha left me in awe as it was the clearest, most turquoise water I had ever seen. I wish I could say I enhanced the colors in the photos below, but there was no need because that is how blue the water really is. This was the last and probably our favorite cenote we visited while in Tulum. It was a small swimming area, but the surrounding decks and the awe-inspiring nature of the sparkling water made it an easy favorite for our trip.

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About Cenote Zacil-Ha

The main swimming area of Cenote Zacil-Ha is an open-air cenote, located a few short miles from Tulum downtown. On the same road a few minutes past Cenote Calavera, this is also a must-stop on your Cenote grand tour.

While there is a series of complex and deep cave waterways underneath the blue waters of this cenote, the main swimming area is only 10 feet deep. However, there is a diving deck for jumping into the water, so the water is just deep enough for canon balls.

The cavernous underground of the cave hosts views of stalactites shaped like water droplets, a chamber known as “Las Lágrimas,” translating to “the tears.” The opening of the Zacil-Ha cave system can be seen at one end of the cenote when the water reaches a deep blue color.

What To Do At Cenote Zacil-Ha

The surrounding area of this cenote was more developed, surrounded by decks and even a bar and small restaurant. Although rides will cost you, there was a zipline at this cenote for you to use to traverse across the water. Below are the details of what you are able to do at Cenote Zacil-Ha.

Diving: While diving is an opportunity at this cenote, you will need an open water or cavern diving certificate to do. If certified, you’ll be able to explore the caverns of Cenote Zacil-Ha and well as travel to the connected Cenotes, such as Cenote Carwash. There are a myriad of diving school opportunities in Tulum with ranging rates, but here is one I found for you to check out if interested in getting certified in Tulum, Mexico. Cenote Freediving in Tulum, Mexico.

Ziplining: Though it will cost you each ride, there is an opportunity to zipline across and drop into the water at Cenote Zacil-Ha. While a short ride, we saw a number of people partaking and for those that are nervous about heights, the drop is not that far.

Snorkeling: Like many other cenotes, snorkeling is another activity at this cenote. I would recommend pre-buying and bringing your own gear so you don’t have to deal with the overinflated prices in the surrounding areas of Tulum.

Relaxing: Surrounding this cenote were decks equipped with many chairs aimed at relaxing by the turquoise pools. The area was quite shaded, and with there being a bar filled with drinks and some food, you could easily spend a few hours enjoying the stunning waters of Cenote Zacil-Ha.

Do You Have To Pay For Cenote Zacil-Ha

Like many other cenotes in Tulum, Cenote Zacil-Ha is not free. You should have 200 MXN at the entrance, converting to about $12 US, in cash to pay for the entry fee per person. Additionally, the zipline across the cenote once inside will cost you around 100 MXN each time you would like to ride across from what I remember.

While it is totally up to you whether you partake in the zipline, we elected to not pay for it. For the price, the ride is too short and not worth the fee in my opinion.

What To Bring To Cenote Zacil-Ha

Much like the other cenotes, there are a few essentials you’ll need to bring on your trip to Cenote Zacil-Ha. If you have been around here before, the below language might look familiar to you… because it is! My advice below is the same gear advice I recommend in all of my detailed cenote reviews. While the cenotes may change, after being to several, my advice on what to bring has not.

READ MORE: HOW TO VISIT CENOTE CALAVERA IN TULUM, MEXICO

Towel

Since you’ll be swimming, you will definitely need a towel to dry off. I am partial to Turkish towels, for their soft texture, minimal packing space, and ultra-absorbant nature, but here are some options to check out from Amazon to get you started. (The middle one is the one I have and I LOVE it!)

GoPro + Camera Gear

In my humble opinion, you cannot go explore the underwater caverns of a cenote without some quality waterproof camera gear. While likely the priciest on this list, you’ll get some super dope pictures and videos. I have the GoPro Hero 11 and the image + video quality you get on these things is insane. Plus, they’re a gritty little machine that you’ll be comfortable taking with you anywhere adventure pulls. Another two awesome pieces of gear would be a waterproof phone sleeve and a handheld GoPro monopod. I used all three of these tools throughout our cenote exploration in Mexico and would not have been able to get the photos I got without them.

Snorkel Gear

This was something I wish I had at all of the cenotes we visited. While you can buy snorkel gear in Tulum, many of the places have jacked the prices way up because they know desperate tourists, like myself, would be looking to buy them. If you plan on visiting a multitude of cenotes, I would get a cheap set from Amazon to take with you when you leave for your trip. The underwater topography of many of these cenotes is spectacular, and these tools will help you see it with your eyes and capture it with your GoPro. Here are some of the sets I was looking at getting to help get you started.

Shades, Backpack and Underwater Flashlight

These next few items are just some extras, but I think are worth bringing. If taking ATVs to the cenote, a pair of shades will not only protect you from the sun but also the dirt as you rip through the gravel roads. Additionally, you’ll need a vessel to transport all of your cool new gear. One of my favorite backpacks ever, that has taken me from Africa to Guatemala, has been this little back by Aotian from Amazon. This little bag has so many pockets for organization and even a hidden backside pocket for more valuable items. This bag has the capacity to be stuffed to its brim while also being small enough to serve as a sort of backpack purse, this can take you and your things anywhere. The last thing I wish I would have brought is an underwater flashlight. Many of the cenote guides had them, and it made me wish I did too. As mentioned before, the structures underneath the cenote waters were magnificent. Having an underwater flashlight would have helped me see into these waters better, as well as capture better content with my GoPro.

Transportation Options: How To Get To Cenote Zacil-Ha?

By ATV: This was the route we chose, and in my opinion the best option on this list. ATVs are super fun to get around in and their compact nature makes it a breeze to buzz around the streets of Tulum. Plus, it’s cheaper than a car or taxi, and you have the ultimate freedom to come and go as you please from places. We were staying at Selina Tulum on the beach and rented one from a guy named Billy D for $100 a day, split between 2 people. I am sure there were some cheaper options, especially in Tulum downtown, but Tulum in general, especially Tulum Beach, was expensive as a whole.

By Bike or By Foot: While some of the other cenotes I speak about could be doable by bike or foot, I would not recommend it for Cenote Zacil-Ha. This cenote is far down one of the major roads, and I would recommend getting there by either ATV, like we did, or rental car if you choose to go that route during your stay in Tulum.

By Taxi: If you decide to go by taxi from anywhere, you will have no trouble finding one. There are so many taxi drivers in Tulum, and large numbers of them always congregate around hotspots for travelers. However, I was blown away by the prices to even go short distances in Tulum, think $20-$25 USD for a jaunt about town. That’s more than a lot of Uber trips in the U.S. So while they are everywhere, I would look to renting a longer-term option for the duration of your stay when you’re in Tulum, it’ll be cheaper in the long run.

Recap: What To Know Before You Go?

To recap it all, here is everything you need to know before venturing to Cenote Zacil-Ha.

• You will need MXN 200 in cash to pay the entry fee. Another MXN 100 is needed if you want to ride the zipline.
• If you want to dive at this cenote, you will need a license. Otherwise, you are able to swim freely!
• Be sure to rinse off before swimming at the cenote here. They ask that you do so to mitigate for pollutants like sunscreen on your skin from entering the water.

With that, enjoy Cenote Zacil-Ha!