Cenote Zacil-Ha: Fun and Family

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.

Content

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

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.

Prices and Practical Info

Entry runs around 300 pesos per person, and the zipline costs just a few 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.

Reviews

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.

Chic black bakery with glass windows, outdoor tables under blue umbrellas, bikes parked outside, green plants, and a dog at the door.

The Best Coffee Shops in Tulum

The best coffee shops in Tulum: Nimeno’s breakfasts, Campanella’s gelato and espresso, and laptop-friendly Rossina, all with multiple locations in town.

Friends toast with drinks and cheerful smiles at a dimly lit bar in Tulum, celebrating together at a bachelor party.

Bachelor Party in Tulum: The Playbook

Planning a Tulum bachelor party: where to stay, the best days out from boats to beach clubs, nightlife that delivers, and a day-by-day itinerary.

Cozy patio with rustic wood furniture, warm lights, lush plants, a small bar, and seating surrounded by trees at sunset.

Best Bars in Tulum for a Night Out

The best bars in Tulum: Batey’s sugarcane mojitos, artsy rooftops, Veleta Market nights, and the local pub crawl.

A wooden deck overlooks clear blue cenote waters, surrounded by green trees and rocks. Steps invite swimmers below.

Gran Cenote: Prices, Tips & Turtles

Visiting Gran Cenote near Tulum: entry price, opening hours, the turtles and caverns that made it famous, and how to beat the midday crowds.

A white and green taxi with "TAXI" and the number 636 on the side drives down a city street among other cars.

Taxis from Tulum and Cancun Airport

Taxis from Tulum Airport and Cancun Airport to Tulum: real prices, travel times, where to find them, and how they compare to pre-booked shuttles.

Four people in aprons laugh and cook together in a bright tiled kitchen, fresh vegetables and bowls on the table before them.

Cooking Classes in Tulum

Cooking classes in Tulum: hands-on tortillas, salsas, and tamales with local cooks at Rivera’s Kitchen and Lina’s, ending in a feast you made yourself.

A whale shark with white spots swims underwater, mouth open, as small fish accompany it in the clear blue ocean.

Whale Sharks near Tulum: Season Guide

Swimming with whale sharks from Tulum: the June to September season, where the boats really depart, what the long day involves, and if it is worth it.