Cenote Zapote is a hidden gem of the famous Ruta de los Cenotes, located west of Puerto Morelos in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Reserved for experienced divers, it offers a unique experience thanks to its impressive limestone formations called Hell Bells, natural sculptures hanging in the depths.
Few sites combine geological mystery and exceptional diving to such an extent, making Cenote Zapote an unmissable destination for those who love strong sensations and extraordinary underwater landscapes.
Why is Cenote Zapote so popular among divers ?
Cenote Zapote attracts so many divers because it brings together rare and spectacular features. There you can discover the mysterious Hell’s Bells, rare underwater calcite formations shaped like large bells that can reach up to 2m in length.
They develop in the redoxcline, a layer where oxygenated fresh water meets anoxic water rich in sulfur. This unique, dark, and stagnant environment favors the action of microorganisms that precipitate calcite, forming these conical structures.
Their slow growth and the very specific conditions of their formation explain why they are found only in a few cenotes of Yucatán.
What certifications are required to dive in Cenote Zapote ?
Cenote Zapote is not accessible to all divers. To dive there, you need at least an advanced level certification such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, CMAS Level 2, or any other recognized equivalent.
This requirement is explained by the significant depth, up to 30 to 35m, and by the technical particularities of cenote diving, which require solid certified experience and a good skill level.
Where is Cenote Zapote located and how can you get there ?
Cenote Zapote is located about twenty minutes from downtown Puerto Morelos, on the Ruta de los Cenotes, a famous road that connects Puerto Morelos to the village of Leona Vicario in the state of Quintana Roo, halfway between Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
Cenote Zapote is about forty to fifty minutes by car from Playa del Carmen.
To get there, you need to take Federal Highway 307 heading north toward Cancún, pass Puerto Morelos, and then follow the signs for the Ruta de los Cenotes, where it is located about twenty kilometers west of Puerto Morelos.
The route is well marked and accessible by car, by taxi, or through organized tours departing from Playa del Carmen.
Prices at Cenote Zapote
To dive in Cenote Zapote, the cost is around 3,800 MXN which is about 203 USD for 2 immersions of 45 minutes each. The price includes transportation from Playa del Carmen, diving equipment including lamps, as well as some snacks.
In addition, Cenote Zapote is often offered in combination with Cenote Maravilla and Cenote Carwash for a double immersion dive.