Open cenote · Tulum
Cenote Nicte-Ha
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Tulum
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Nicte-Ha is a small open cenote with water lilies inside Parque Dos Ojos, north of Tulum. It is shallow, quiet and popular with photographers and cavern divers.
Cenote Nicte-Ha is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
What the name means
Nicte-Ha is usually translated as 'flower of the water' in Maya, after the water lilies that float on its surface.
Snorkeling and photography
The pool is shallow and clear, with lilies, small fish and plants. It is calmer than Dos Ojos, so snorkelers can float slowly and photographers can work without crowds.
Diving Nicte-Ha
Cavern divers enter passages with stalactites under the lilies. Fine silt and narrow sections make it a more demanding dive than Dos Ojos, so it is for experienced divers.
What to do at Cenote Nicte-Ha
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Cavern diving
Highlights
- Water lilies and fish
- Part of the Dos Ojos park and Sac Actun system
- Cavern dives from the cenote
How to get to Cenote Nicte-Ha
Location: Inside Parque Dos Ojos, off Highway 307 about 20 minutes north of Tulum.
Drive north from Tulum on Highway 307 to the Dos Ojos park entrance (about 20 minutes), then follow the park road past Dos Ojos.
Cenote Nicte-Ha entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Nicte-Ha yet. Ask at the Tulum entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Nicte-Ha opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Nicte-Ha?
Approximate driving times to the Tulum cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Tulum town to Cenote Nicte-Ha: 10–30 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Nicte-Ha: 45 min
- Cancún to Cenote Nicte-Ha: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Nicte-Ha: 1 h 30 min
- Mérida to Cenote Nicte-Ha: 3 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Nicte-Ha
- Time needed: 1–2 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Early morning (before about 10 am) for calm water and fewer people; weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is Cenote Nicte-Ha worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for quiet swim, lily pads, cavern diving. At Cenote Nicte-Ha you can do: swimming, snorkeling, cavern diving.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Combine with Dos Ojos on the same park visit.
- Bring cash.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in TulumLearn more: Wildlife in cenotes, Sac Actun underwater cave system, Types of cenotes
Cenote Nicte-Ha FAQs
Where is Cenote Nicte-Ha?
Inside Parque Dos Ojos, about 20 minutes north of Tulum.
How much is Nicte-Ha?
Fees reported online vary; check at the Dos Ojos park entrance.
What type of cenote is Cenote Nicte-Ha?
Cenote Nicte-Ha is an open cenote. Cenote Nicte-Ha is a small open cenote with water lilies inside Parque Dos Ojos, north of Tulum.
What can you do at Cenote Nicte-Ha?
Popular activities at Cenote Nicte-Ha: swimming, snorkeling, cavern diving.