We have been to Mexico several times now, and we enjoy visiting different cenotes. These are natural sinkholes formed from underground caves that have collapsed, revealing crystal clear water. We had heard of Cenote Zacil-Ha before, as it is a popular cenote in the Tulum area. Since we were staying in nearby Akumal, we decided to check it out.
This cenote is easy to get to, located just off the main highway. This is not far from the downtown area of Tulum, only about 10 minutes. We drove from Akumal and it was also easy to get to.
We drove using the rental car we rented in Cancun Avant Car Rental, and found it with no problem using Google Maps.
There are plenty of signs along the highway, as well as along the road in.
There is plenty of parking here, with enough space for tour buses as well.
We paid at the ticket booth before entering. It was 200 MXN to get in, or about $10 USD per person.
There were some snacks set up for the wildlife, and we saw this cute squirrel enjoying a tortilla on our way in!
There was a fun photo opp spot near the entrance.
It is a very short walk to the cenote.
The cenote here is sort of like a swimming pool, as far as size. The cenote was busy, and it seemed to be mostly local visitors and not tourists.
There is a staircase here, or you can jump in. However, being so busy, the staircase was packed with people, making it difficult to get in or out. (see the photo above)
There was also a zip line here, but we weren’t sure if it was available, and also didn’t want to pay for it.
There is an actual swimming pool here as well, which was very large and clean.
My daughter enjoyed it because it had a fun slide.
There is a smaller children’s pool as well.
Cenote Zacil-Ha also has a restaurant area, and we ordered some beverages.
There are some shops here too, and you can get souvenirs as well as things you might need (such as swimwear).
Overall, we had a relaxing time here when we visited. My main takeaway is that I wish the cenote was a little bit bigger.
The cenote was a bit small, and crowded when we went. I would probably time it a little better so it wasn’t so busy. Zacil-Ha is definitely very well maintained, as things were clean and there were lots of amenities. It is nice to go to one place that has it all – cenote, swimming pool, rest rooms, food, drinks, and shopping.
What to bring:
~ swimwear, towels
~ sunglasses
~ money for food or souvenirs
~ sunscreen not allowed for the cenote
Check out the Zacil Ha Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/CenoteZacilHa/
Check out our other Mexico blog posts.
About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls! We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!
This looks like a cool place! My kids would love the pool as well because of the slide.
Mexico looks like a nice place to visit. I need to take a trip here.
Mexico looks like such a great place to visit. I’ve always wanted to go there too. You’ve got such lovely photos here.
My family and I have never been to Mexico or heard of this place honestly. It looks like a lot of fun though!
Mexico is a stunning location. My husbands brother had his honeymoon here. It looked incredible.
Although I don’t enjoy being in crowded places, overall it looks like a great place to visit. The pool and slide look like a lot of fun,
It’s good that the cenote was clearly sign posted. It looks lovely with such clear water and is a good size too.
I love Mexico and cenotes are one great addition to visiting Mexico. Save this post when I visit Mexico next.
I have never been to Mexico, it is somewhere I am still not sure about visiitng and no idea why as have friends who have been and loved it
Love reading all about your adventures in Mexico! This looks like another fantastic find.
I would really love to go and visit Mexico! Having a trip there would be so amazing!
This looks like a fun place to visit. I have to put it on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing this with us.
This looks like a blast & a great price as well to enjoy a nice swim. I love how these swimming holes look, so gorgeous!!!! It is cool they have a zipline too for those who want to go on it.
I like these nice, open cenotes! Very spacious and doesn’t make me feel that pang of claustrophobia!
We love Mexico. We’ve been several times. I think the next time we go, we’ll have to visit Cenote Zacil.
I always love seeing your vacation pics. This looks like a wonder place to visit, especially for those that love water activities.
I’d love to see the cenotes in Mexico for myself -and I know I would adore the Mexican food too!
This is beautiful. I am of Mexican descent but haven’t really seen the country so this is definitely something on my list.
Oh wow this looks like such a cool place to visit! My daughter and I are real water babies so this would be a dream spot for us to visit.
I love those colorful houses. So pretty! I really do hope we get to visit and explore Mexico someday.
I have not experienced any cenote yet. Noted your points will check out during my Mexico visit.
Beach towns seem so cool to me. I’ve never been to Mexico but I also didn’t realize how fun and beautiful it is until I discovered your site. Really cool places to visit one day!
Thanks for sharing your photos and experience while visiting the Tulum area.Glad you had fun.
Cenote Zacil-Ha looks amazing, especially the wildlife there. The entry price is reasonable as well. Looks like you had a fabulous visit
I want to go to Mexico and visit some of these cenotes. I love how clear and blue the water is compared to the oceans in the US.
This place looks really worth a visit. I would love to visit here someday.