Cenote Zemway & Zacil Ha with Lagoon! Transportation from Tulum

Experience the Best of Tulum: Cenote Zemway & Zacil Ha with Lagoon Tour Review

If you’re pondering a day full of adventure, history, and stunning scenery around Tulum, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, based on the detailed info and real traveler reviews, it offers a well-rounded experience that combines some of the most beloved natural and cultural sights in the area.

What really stands out are the chance to swim in multiple cenotes, each with unique features, and the convenient round-trip transportation from Tulum. Plus, the optional order of activities means you can tailor the day to your preferences—whether you want to start with the ancient ruins or the cenotes.

One possible downside? The tour packs quite a bit into a single day, which might feel rushed if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, some travelers note that lifejackets aren’t included in cenotes, so if you’re not comfortable swimming without one, you’ll want to bring your own.

If you enjoy a mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and a bit of lighthearted entertainment, this tour is ideal. It’s especially great for those who don’t mind a full day on the move and want a practical, organized way to see some of Tulum’s highlights.

Key Points

• Multiple cenotes: The tour includes visits to Zemway, Zacil-Ha, and Multum Ha, each offering a different underwater experience.
• Historical sites: Explore Chichen Itza, home to Kukulkan Pyramid and other iconic Mayan ruins, with a knowledgeable guide.
• Flexible itinerary: You can choose the order of visits, making it adaptable to your preferences.
• All-in-one experience: Combines archaeological wonders, natural swimming spots, and lively entertainment.
• Value for money: For $116, you get transportation, entry fees, a buffet lunch, and a boat show—good value for a full-day tour.
• Travel tips: Bring towels, swimsuits, and a change of clothes—everything else is covered or optional.

Exploring the Tulum Tour Experience in Detail

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour offers a full-day schedule, starting with an early morning pickup from your Tulum hotel—specifically the Super Aki meeting point—around 7:00 am. The aim here is to maximize your time at each stop while avoiding the heat of the midday sun, especially during the outdoor cenote swims.

First stop: Laguna Kaan Luum
While not included in the core “cenote” stops, this stunning lagoon south of Tulum features deep blue waters and striking scenery—perfect for a quick photo session and relaxing moment. You’ll spend about an hour here, soaking in the views or just unwinding by the water. It’s a nice warm-up before hitting the cenotes.

Next: Cenote Zemway
This open cenote invites you to dip into its clear waters, surrounded by natural rock formations. It’s a sacred spot, rich with Mayan traditions, and offers a refreshing experience. Expect to spend an hour swimming and floating in what feels like a natural bath of history. Just a heads-up—lifejackets aren’t included, so if you prefer extra buoyancy, bring your own.

Followed by: Cenote Zacil-Ha
Another open-air cenote, Zacil-Ha offers gorgeous turquoise waters and a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll get about an hour here to take photos, swim, or just soak in the peaceful environment. It’s a great way to cool down again and connect with nature.

Last cenote stop: Multum Ha
This underground cenote is a bit different, featuring smaller marine life and a darker, more mysterious vibe. It’s perfect if you’re into exploring caves or underground pools. Expect about an hour here to swim and enjoy the ambiance.

Cultural highlight: Chichen Itza
In the late morning or early afternoon, you’ll arrive at one of the New7Wonders of the World. Guided by an expert, you’ll see Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, and the ball court, learning about Mayan history and architecture. The tour includes a buffet lunch with Yucatecan specialties, adding a taste of local flavors to the experience.

Wrap-up: Return and optional pirate show
The tour culminates with a hotel drop-off, leaving you plenty of time to relax or prepare for the evening’s adventure. For the more lively part, some travelers opt for the evening pirate boat ride—complete with dinner, drinks, and family-friendly antics—offering a fun, theatrical end to your day.

The Value of the Experience

At $116 per person, the value is quite good considering the inclusions. You’re getting transportation, multiple cenote entries, guided tours, a buffet lunch, and a lagoon visit, which saves you the hassle of planning each element on your own. Plus, the convenience of round-trip transport from Tulum means you won’t have to worry about navigating busy roads or taxis.

The tour’s flexibility—allowing you to choose the order of activities—means you can tailor your day. If you’re more excited about the ruins, start there and cool off afterward. If you prefer an energetic start with swimming, you can flip the schedule.

From the reviews, we see that the guides, like Jenner, are friendly and helpful, adding a personal touch that can really enhance the experience. People also appreciated the well-organized logistics and the variety of sights packed into one day.

Natural Beauty and Cultural Immersion

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of natural and cultural sights. The cenotes are varied—some open, some underground—showcasing the diverse geological features of the Yucatan. Meanwhile, Chichen Itza offers a glimpse into Mayan civilization, with impressive structures and fascinating history.

And then there’s the lagoon, which adds a peaceful, scenic pause in the busy schedule. The views you’ll see at Kaan Luum are particularly striking, and many travelers find this a highlight of the day.

Food and Refreshments

The included buffet lunch is another plus, offering local Yucatecan dishes that satisfy after a morning of sightseeing. While drinks aren’t included, the boat show and dinner on the pirate ship provide a lively, entertaining evening—think costumes, contests, and dancing—that’s friendly for families but also fun for couples or groups of friends.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Day

• Bring towels, swimsuits, and a change of clothes. It’s a lot of water activity, and you’ll want dry clothes for the ride home.
• Lifejackets aren’t included in cenotes, so consider bringing your own if you’re not comfortable swimming without one.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to ensure a punctual start—7:00 am is when it kicks off.
• Be prepared for a full day. The tour is roughly 13 hours, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a packed schedule.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a mix of history, natural beauty, and fun without having to organize each detail. If you’re comfortable with a busy day that hits multiple highlights, it suits active travelers and families alike. It’s also a good pick if you enjoy swimming in cenotes and exploring archaeological sites in one seamless trip.

It might not be ideal if you prefer a slower pace or are sensitive to long days of travel, but overall, the variety and value make it a compelling option.

FAQ

• Does the tour include transportation? Yes, round-trip transportation from Tulum to Chichen Itza, cenotes, and lagoon is included, starting at 7:00 am from Súper Akí.

• How long is the tour? Expect about 13 hours, including travel, stops, and meals.

• Are meals included? Yes, a box lunch and buffet dinner are part of the package.

• Can I choose the order of activities? Yes, you can decide whether to visit Chichen Itza or the cenotes first—giving you some flexibility.

• What should I bring? Towels, swimsuits, change of clothes, and perhaps a waterproof bag for valuables.

• Are cenote lifejackets provided? No, they are not included, so bring your own if needed.

• Is this tour suitable for families? It’s family-friendly, especially with the pirate show, but keep in mind the full schedule and water activities.

• What is the cost? The tour costs $116 per person, which covers entry fees, transport, meals, and activities.

• What are the main highlights? Visiting Chichen Itza, swimming in cenotes Zemway, Zacil-Ha, Multum Ha, the lagoon Kaan Luum, and enjoying the pirate boat show.

• What’s the biggest draw? The variety of natural and cultural sights packed into one organized day, plus the chance to relax and enjoy local flavors.

To sum it up, this tour offers a thoughtful way to hit many of Tulum’s most popular spots in one day without the stress of planning logistics yourself. It’s well-suited for curious travelers eager to experience history, nature, and entertainment all in one go. If you want a practical, engaging, and value-packed way to explore, this might just be the tour for you.