Cenote Zemway & Cenote Zacil with Lagoon from Playa del Carmen

Discover the Magic of Cenote Zemway & Zacil with Lagoon from Playa del Carmen

If you’re craving a day filled with adventure, nature, and authentic Mayan sights, this tour offers an excellent way to see some of the Riviera Maya’s most captivating natural wonders. For $122 per person, you’ll spend roughly 12 hours exploring three cenotes—each with its own character—and relaxing in the beautiful Laguna Kaan Luum. We loved how this trip combines swimming, snorkeling, and cultural insights, making it a perfect day for travelers who want more than just a beach lounge.

Among the highlights are the crystal-clear waters of the cenotes and the vivid colors of the lagoon, both offering excellent photo opportunities and refreshing swims. Our favorite parts? The guide’s storytelling about the Mayan significance of these sacred sites, and the delicious regional lunch that wraps up the day. On the downside, you should be prepared to rent a life jacket for the cenote swims, and drinks in the restaurant are extra. But overall, this tour is ideal for anyone eager to combine nature, culture, and fun in a single day.

If you’re looking for a day trip that balances adventure with relaxation and includes insider insights, this experience suits those who appreciate authentic natural beauty and are comfortable with some walking and swimming. It’s especially good for travelers who want a well-organized, all-in-one excursion without having to plan every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Multiple natural sites: Visit four unique cenotes plus a lagoon, each offering different experiences.
• Cultural insights: Guides explain the Mayan importance of each site, adding meaningful context.
• All-inclusive: Entrance fees, a box lunch, and transportation from Playa del Carmen are covered.
• Photo stops: A quick visit to the Tulum “Blue Letters” for memorable snapshots.
• Comfort considerations: Life jackets are mandatory, and drinks in the restaurant are extra.
• Group size: Limited to 45 travelers for a more personalized experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting the Day: Pickup and Transportation

Most tours start early, around 7:30 am, with convenient round-trip transport from Playa del Carmen. This saves you the hassle of figuring out how to reach these remote sites yourself and means you can relax and enjoy the scenery. We appreciated the smooth ride and the fact that the group size is capped at 45, which helps keep things manageable and friendly.

Laguna Kaan Luum: A Hidden Jewel

Your first stop is the Laguna Kaan Luum, located south of Tulum. This lagoon is truly a sight to behold. Its waters are a striking deep turquoise, often compared to a gemstone, and in the middle, there’s a deep dark sinkhole that adds a mysterious touch. You’ll have about an hour here to swim, relax, or snap photos of the vivid landscape. The lagoon’s calm, shallow waters make it accessible for most visitors, and the natural setting feels untouched and peaceful.

Cenote Zemway: A Sacred Dive

Next, you’ll visit Cenote Zemway, an open cenote with clear waters that have been formed over millions of years. Our guide, who shared stories of its significance for the Mayans, explained that these sites weren’t just natural wonders but spiritual spaces. Swimming here gives a sense of stepping back in time, and the fresh water is delightfully cool and refreshing. Expect to spend about an hour snorkeling or just floating in the crystal-clear waters, observing the natural formations and the fish that call it home.

Cenote Zacil-Ha: A Bright, Open Cenote

The third stop, Cenote Zacil-Ha, offers a gorgeous open cenote with inviting waters. It’s a perfect place for swimming, relaxing, or trying your hand at some casual snorkeling if you’re feeling adventurous. The site’s bright, open nature makes it especially photogenic—think sunbeams piercing through the water and lush greenery surrounding it. Here, you can truly follow Mayan traditions by experiencing the natural beauty that was once considered sacred.

Multum Ha Cenote: An Underground Wonder

The tour’s final cenote is Multum Ha, an underground cenote that presents a different vibe. It’s smaller and somewhat more enclosed, with the added bonus of marine life in its waters. The atmosphere is ideal for a more secluded, peaceful swim, and the experience of descending into an underground water cavern adds a dash of adventure. We enjoyed the sense of discovery and the chance to see small marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Lunch and a Photo Stop

After a day of swimming, the tour concludes with a regional food restaurant where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch box. The included meal typically features one dish of your choice, offering a taste of local flavors. Be aware that drinks are an extra cost, so you might want to bring some cash or plan accordingly. Following lunch, the group makes a quick stop at the Tulum Blue Letters—a popular photo spot that adds a fun, colorful memory to your day.

Authenticity and Value

This tour stands out for its balance of natural beauty and cultural storytelling. Our guide shared insightful details about each site’s significance to the Mayans, which added depth to the experience. The entrance fees are all covered, and the transportation is comfortable, making it a hassle-free way to visit these remote locations.

In terms of value, at $122, you’re paying for admission to four different cenotes, a beautiful lagoon, transportation, and a regional lunch. Considering that individual entrance fees, transportation, and food would add up if you planned this independently, this tour offers solid value—especially for travelers short on time but eager for a comprehensive experience.

What We Loved

• The stunning views and diverse scenery of each cenote and lagoon kept the day visually interesting.
• The guide’s storytelling made the sites more meaningful and educational.
• The lunch provided a genuine taste of regional cuisine, offering a break and a chance to recharge.

Considerations

• You should be prepared to rent a life jacket for the cenote swims—mandatory for safety.
• Drinks in the restaurant are extra, so budget accordingly.
• The timing is tight, so punctuality helps ensure you get to enjoy all sites fully.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to explore several natural and cultural sites in one day without the hassle of self-driving or planning. It suits those who are comfortable with swimming and walking and are eager to see less crowded, authentic cenotes. If you love nature, photography, and learning about Mayan traditions, this trip will resonate with you.

Travelers looking for a relaxed, all-in-one day that includes snorkeling, swimming, and regional cuisine will find this tour hits the mark. However, if you’re sensitive to strict schedules or prefer more secluded, quiet locations, you might want to consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start time of the tour?
The tour begins at 7:30 am, so arrive ready to start your adventure early in the day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen is included, which makes logistics much easier.

How long do we spend at each site?
You’ll have approximately one hour at each cenote and lagoon, giving enough time to swim, take photos, and relax without feeling rushed.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring towels, swimsuits, and change of clothes. Since life jackets are mandatory for cenote swimming, you will need to rent or bring your own if you prefer.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks at the restaurant are extra, so plan to bring some cash for beverages.

Is there an age limit?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour is best suited for those comfortable with swimming and walking.

What about safety?
Life jackets are mandatory, and guides ensure safety protocols are followed, providing peace of mind during swims.

What’s the meal like?
A regional box lunch is included, offering one dish of your choice. The tour emphasizes local flavors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility if needed.

Final Words

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the natural beauty and cultural significance of some of the Riviera Maya’s top cenotes and lagoon. It’s a great choice for those who want a full, organized day with plenty of opportunities to swim, photograph, and learn.

The combination of stunning scenery, engaging storytelling, and regional food makes it a memorable experience. If you’re eager to explore underwater caves, float in turquoise waters, and understand the spiritual importance of these sites, this trip delivers.

Travelers who value authenticity, convenience, and a variety of sites will find this tour a worthwhile investment—especially if you’re visiting Playa del Carmen and want a full-day immersion in nature and culture. Just be prepared for an active day and some minor costs for extra drinks, and you’ll likely come away with wonderful memories and plenty of photos to share.

This tour strikes a good balance between adventure and education, making it a worthwhile addition to your Riviera Maya itinerary. Perfect for those eager to see the natural side of Mexico with a touch of Mayan heritage and excellent photo opportunities.