Cave cenote · Puerto Morelos
Cenote Zapote
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Puerto Morelos
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Zapote is a deep cenote famous among divers for the Hells Bells (Campanas del Inframundo): bell-shaped formations up to about 4 m across that hang from the walls deep underwater. It is part of Cenotes Zapote Prehistoric Park, which has three cenotes plus ziplines and ATV trails for non-divers.
Cenote Zapote is one of the cenotes on the Ruta de los Cenotes in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Why it is named Zapote
The cenote is named after the zapote (sapodilla) trees that grow around it in the jungle. From the surface it looks like a quiet pond, but it drops into a deep, dark shaft.
How the Hells Bells form
Scientists describe the bells as hollow limestone formations that grow under water, shaped by the cave water, microbes and the layer of hydrogen sulfide. They hang from the walls at around 29 to 35 m deep, which makes this a dive for experienced, certified divers.
Not a swimming cenote
Zapote is mainly a dive site. Non-divers can see the pool from the platform, but the real highlights are deep below the surface. For swimming, choose Verde Lucero or Siete Bocas on the same route.
What to do at Cenote Zapote
- Swimming
- Deep diving (advanced, with a guide)
- Zipline
- ATV
Highlights
- Around 52 m deep according to the Puerto Morelos municipality
- Hells Bells formations up to about 4 m in diameter; how they formed is still studied
- Divers usually go to about 30 m, past a hydrogen sulfide cloud layer
- Three cenotes in the park: Zapote, Abuelo Che Che and Las Palmas
How to get to Cenote Zapote
Location: At about km 19 of the Ruta de los Cenotes (official park address), next to Cenotes Kin Ha.
The Ruta de los Cenotes starts at the Highway 307 turn-off in Puerto Morelos (about 35 km south of Cancun) and heads inland toward Leona Vicario. A car is easiest; there is no regular public transport along the road, and the last stretch to many cenotes is a dirt track. The park entrance is at about km 19.
Cenote Zapote entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Zapote yet. Ask at the Puerto Morelos entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Zapote is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote Zapote?
Approximate driving times to the Puerto Morelos cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Puerto Morelos to Cenote Zapote: 15–30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Zapote: 30–40 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Zapote: 30 min
- Tulum to Cenote Zapote: 1 h 15 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Zapote: 2 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Zapote
- Time needed: about 1–1.5 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Around midday if the roof has openings that create light beams; otherwise any time, ideally early before tour groups arrive.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is Cenote Zapote worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for certified advanced divers, adventure, swimmers who like deep, dark cenotes. At Cenote Zapote you can do: swimming, deep diving (advanced, with a guide), zipline, atv.
Tips and rules for visiting
- The Hells Bells need advanced dive certification and a local cave/cavern guide.
- Non-divers can swim and use the park activities.
- Bring cash.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in Puerto MorelosLearn more: Stalactites and stalagmites in cenotes, How deep are cenotes?, The halocline in cenotes
Cenote Zapote FAQs
What are the Hells Bells at Cenote Zapote?
Bell-shaped mineral formations, up to about 4 m across, that grew underwater deep in the cenote. Seeing them requires advanced certified diving.
How deep is Cenote Zapote?
The Puerto Morelos municipality describes it as about 52 m deep. Recreational dives usually reach about 30 m.
Can non-divers visit Cenote Zapote?
Yes. The park has swimming areas, ziplines and ATV trails, but the Hells Bells are only visible to divers.
Where is Cenote Zapote?
At about km 19 of the Ruta de los Cenotes, inland from Puerto Morelos, right next to Cenotes Kin Ha.