Cenote Zacil-Ha: Fun and Family

2 min read

Cenote Zacil-Ha is the friendly one: a charming open-air cenote off the Tulum-Coba road with turquoise water, wooden sun decks, and a small zipline that flings you over the pool. Relatively shallow and almost pool-shaped, it is the easiest cenote around for families, casual swimmers, and anyone who wants a relaxed few hours rather than an expedition.

Blue cenote with wooden decks and ladders amid trees, sunlight filtering through leaves. Small huts and a swimmer nearby.
In This Guide
  1. What to Expect
  2. Best For
  3. Facilities
  4. Location and Getting There
  5. Prices and Practical Info
  6. Reviews of Cenote Zacil-Ha

What to Expect

Zacil-Ha feels like nature’s swimming pool. The water is bright turquoise and mostly shallow with easy ladder access, wooden decks surround the edge for sunbathing and towels, and the star attraction is the mini zipline, a few pesos per ride and endlessly repeatable. There is space to relax, food and drinks available on site, and a laid-back local atmosphere that stays gentler than the famous names up the road. Divers should note the small cave section connecting toward neighboring systems, but the surface experience is what Zacil-Ha does best: easy, sunny, and fun.

Best For

Families and easygoing swimmers: shallow, pool-like water, easy access, and the mini zipline the kids will not stop riding.

Facilities

Wooden sun decks, bathrooms, food and drinks on site, the zipline, and free parking, comfortable without losing the cenote charm.

Location and Getting There

Zacil-Ha lies about 8 km (5 miles) from Tulum on Highway 109 toward Coba, past Gran Cenote.

By car or taxi
A short, signposted drive with free parking. Arrange your return ride, as passing taxis are not guaranteed.
By scooter or bike
10 to 15 minutes by scooter or a straightforward 25 to 30 minute cycle from town along the Coba road.
By colectivo
The Coba-bound vans can drop you near the entrance with a short walk.

Use It as the Relaxing Second Stop

After a busy swim at Gran Cenote, Zacil-Ha’s calm shallow water and decks make the perfect wind-down before heading back to town.

Cenote Zacil-Ha

Prices and Practical Info

Entry runs around 400 pesos per person with a life jacket included, and the zipline costs about 10 pesos per ride, both cash only with no ATM on site. It opens daily from roughly 9 AM to 5 PM. The usual cenote rules apply on sunscreen and rinsing, and because Zacil-Ha sits near Gran Cenote and other Coba-road swims, it slots perfectly into a multi-cenote morning.

Two people sit on wooden steps above clear blue water at Cenote Zacil-Ha, surrounded by lush trees and rustic thatched buildings.

Reviews of Cenote Zacil-Ha

4.5 · 4,597 reviews on Google

Jenny Chan

· March 2026

Highly recommend if you’re looking for a local cenote that’s not packed with tourists! I came here on a Tuesday afternoon and basically had the whole cenote to myself. The water is crystal clear and you can see the fishes swimming next to you even without any goggles. I’d suggest bringing your own snorkel or goggles though if you want to get up close and personal with the fishes, or you can rent when you get there. Entrance fee is 400 MXN per person (cash only) and it includes a life jacket, though wearing one is optional. There’s also a zip line for 10 MXN each ride. It’s a short one that goes over the cenote but still fun to be able to drop into the water. There are showers, changing rooms, a restaurant, and a souvenir store on site as well. Overall, a very well-kept and clean cenote.

Chintu

· July 2026

🌿 If you're looking for a peaceful cenote away from the crowds, this is definitely the place to visit! We had such a great experience here. The water is unbelievably clear—you can easily see fish swimming around you, even without wearing goggles. The cenote is very clean and well maintained, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. There are changing rooms and showers available, which makes everything much more convenient. For a little extra fun, there's a small zipline that lets you splash into the water, and there are also spots where you can jump in. Life jackets are available if you want a little extra confidence while swimming. Overall, it has a much more relaxed and local feel compared to some of the more crowded cenotes around Tulum. It was one of our favorite stops, and I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to cool off. 🌊

Last Man Standing

· December 2025

One of Tulum's hidden gems! The Cenote is great for swimming. It is also popular with cave diver. Originally, it was known as Luke's Hope. Ask a diver there to tell you the story! There's a restaurant, bar, and excellent souvenir shop on site. There are even small accommodations that can be rented nightly. There's also a swimming pool that uses water from the Cenote to fill a modern pool.

Snigdha Majumder

· January 2026

Visited on 24.12.2026. This is a small but very beautiful cenote with crystal-clear water and plenty of fish, making it a lovely spot to swim and relax. Life jackets are available on request, which is great for those who prefer extra safety. There’s also a restaurant on-site, although we didn’t try the food. They have a zipline as well, but it comes at an additional cost. A swimming pool is also available, though it’s hard to imagine choosing it over the natural beauty of the cenote itself. Overall, a nice and peaceful place worth a visit!

Elizabeth Ayotte

· April 2026

Family friendly place. Yummy cocktails (mango/limon mezcalitas and mojitos) and ceviche. Good number of folks enjoying the cenote. Water is clear and cool with some fun spots to jump in from. $400 MX entry per person.

All 4,597 reviews on Google
Sunlight filters through clear water in an underwater cave, lighting up rocks and a diver in a serene, blue-tinted scene. A Family Cenote Day, Arranged A guided cenote tour matches the stops to your group, gear and entrances included, an easy way to give kids their best day in Tulum. Book a Cenote Tour

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