Open cenote · Tulum
Cenote Zacil-Ha
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Tulum
- Entry fee
- Reported at 300–400 MXN per person, cash only (sources differ; one says a life jacket is included)
- Hours
- About 9:00/10:00 to 17:00/18:00 daily (sources differ; confirm locally)
Prices and hours change often. Last checked 2026-10-03. Fee source · Hours source
Cenote Zacil-Ha (also spelled Zazil-Ha) is a small, round open cenote about 8 km from Tulum on the Cobá road. It is shallow and almost pool-shaped, with a small zipline that drops you into the water, wooden sun decks and a separate swimming pool, which makes it one of the easiest cenotes near Tulum for families and relaxed swimmers.
Cenote Zacil-Ha is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
What to do at Cenote Zacil-Ha
- Swimming
- Zipline into the water
- Jumping platform
- Snorkeling
- Short cavern section for certified divers
Highlights
- Open, pool-like cenote with turquoise water
- Reported depth of about 3 m in the main swimming area
- Small aquatic zipline (a small extra charge was reported) and a jumping platform
- On-site restaurant, showers, changing rooms, palapas and a separate swimming pool
- Usually calmer than Gran Cenote, especially on weekdays
How to get to Cenote Zacil-Ha
Location: About 8 km west of Tulum on Highway 109 toward Cobá, a little past Gran Cenote and before Cenote Car Wash.
Drive, take a taxi or cycle west from Tulum on Highway 109 (the Cobá road) for about 8 km; it is signposted and has free parking. By bike it is a flat ride of roughly 30 minutes. Colectivos heading to Cobá can drop you at the entrance if you ask the driver.
Cenote Zacil-Ha entrance fee and hours
Entry: Reported at 300–400 MXN per person, cash only (sources differ; one says a life jacket is included) (checked 2026-10-03, source).
Hours: About 9:00/10:00 to 17:00/18:00 daily (sources differ; confirm locally) (checked 2026-10-03, source).
Prices and hours change often, so treat these as a guide.
How far is Cenote Zacil-Ha?
Approximate driving times to the Tulum cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Tulum town to Cenote Zacil-Ha: 10–30 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Zacil-Ha: 45 min
- Cancún to Cenote Zacil-Ha: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Zacil-Ha: 1 h 30 min
- Mérida to Cenote Zacil-Ha: 3 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Zacil-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 Zacil-Ha worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for families with kids, relaxed swimming, non-confident swimmers (life jackets available). At Cenote Zacil-Ha you can do: swimming, zipline into the water, jumping platform, snorkeling, short cavern section for certified divers.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Bring cash; card payment is not reliable here.
- Weekends are busier with local families; go on a weekday morning for a quieter swim.
- Shower before entering and skip sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Pair it with Gran Cenote and Car Wash on the same Cobá-road day.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in TulumLearn more: Types of cenotes, Why is cenote water so clear?, Wildlife in cenotes
Cenote Zacil-Ha FAQs
Is Zacil-Ha good for kids?
Yes. It is shallow, open and calm, life jackets are available, and there is also a separate swimming pool, so it is one of the most family-friendly cenotes near Tulum.
How much is Cenote Zacil-Ha?
Sources checked on 2026-10-03 report 300–400 MXN per person, cash only. One source says a life jacket is included. Confirm the current price at the entrance.
How deep is Zacil-Ha?
The main swimming area is reported at about 3 m deep. A small cave section exists, but it is only for certified divers with a guide.
Is it Zacil-Ha or Zazil-Ha?
Both spellings are used for the same cenote. In Maya, the name is usually translated as "clear water".
How far is Zacil-Ha from Tulum?
About 8 km west of Tulum on the road to Cobá, roughly 10–15 minutes by car or about 30 minutes by bike.
Does Zacil-Ha have a zipline?
Yes, a small zipline drops you into the cenote, plus a platform for jumping in. A small extra fee for the zipline has been reported.