Cenote Zapote: Puerto Morelos Adventure Tour Guide
Cenote Zapote is an Ecopark located in Puerto Morelos, Mexico along the famous “Ruta de los Cenotes.”
I recently got to visit Cenote Zapote on the Puerto Morelos Snorkeling and Cenotes Tour with Kay Tours Mexico.
It was a full day adventure tour starting with snorkeling at the Puerto Morelos reef, followed by ziplining and visiting 3 different cenotes at Cenote Zapote Ecopark.
About the Cenote Zapote Tour
The Cenote Zapote Puerto Morelos tour is one of the most unique Riviera Maya tours and a great tour option from Playa del Carmen.
Not only do you get to visit Cenote Zapote Ecopark, but you also get to snorkel at the Puerto Morelos reef, which is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the Riviera Maya.
Cenote Zapote is a less well known Playa del Carmen attraction but is an incredibly fun Riviera Maya cenote tour where you can explore 3 different cenotes and experience 5 different ziplines.
Where is Cenote Zapote?
Cenote Zapote is located near Puerto Morelos, Mexico, which is about 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
The ecopark is located along the Ruta de los Cenotes, which is an old road between Puerto Morelos and Valladolid.
Cenote Zapote Tour Itinerary
Here’s an overview of the tour itinerary:
- Pickup Time: 7:00 AM
- Travel to Puerto Morelos (30 minute drive)
- Arrive to Puerto Morelos port and board boat
- Early morning snorkeling tour of Puerto Morelos Reef (2 different locations)
- Travel to Cenote Zapote Ecopark (30 minute drive)
- Visit 1st Cenote – Overwater zipline
- Zipline Tour (5 different zip lines)
- Visit 2nd Cenote – Deep Open Cenote
- Lunch
- Visit 3rd Cenote – Underground Closed Cenote
- Travel to Playa del Carmen (30 minute drive)
- Drop Off Time: 3:00 PM
Approximate duration: 8 hours
Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos
The first stop on the tour is snorkeling in Puerto Morelos. You’ll board a small boat to visit the Puerto Morelos reef, which is considered one of the best places to snorkel near Playa del Carmen.
The snorkeling in Puerto Morelos was very impressive, and we got to see loads of colorful corals, fish, and marine life. For me, the highlight of the snorkeling tour was swimming with sea turtles.
Cenote Zapote Ecopark
The second stop on the tour is Cenote Zapote Ecopark, which is about a 30 minute drive from Puerto Morelos.
Cenote Zapote is a large cenote park and is named after the Sapote fruit trees, which can be found in the area.
Once the tour van is parked, you’ll walk between the cenotes Zapote and ziplines.
First Cenote
The first Zapote cenote you’ll visit on the tour is a large open cenote with an overwater cenote zipline.
This is a just a makeshift rope zipline, where you hold onto the triangular handle and drop into the cenote pool.
This cenote was one of my favorites that we visited and it will definitely give you a rush!
Cenote Zapote Ziplining
After the first cenote, you’ll head to the ziplining course. Once outfitted in your harness, you’ll ascend tall wooden stairs to the first platform.
I have to say the zipline system at Cenote El Zapote was very sophisticated compared to some of the other countries where I’ve ziplined.
It’s equipped with a smooth braking system so you don’t have to worry about stopping – all you have to do is enjoy the ride!
The zipline course was really fun and you even get to go upside down if you choose.
Second Cenote
The second cenote on the tour is really impressive – it’s an open cenote with a high jumping platform and underwater cave system below.
If you’re brave enough, you can jump into the water, or walk down the stairs to the lower platform.
The cenote water is freezing but it’s a beautiful place to swim or float. You’ll definitely want to bring a rash guard or swim shirt to stay warm.
Lunch
Lunch is included in the tour and you’ll get to enjoy it at a large outdoor pavilion with long wooden tables.
Most tour food that I’ve had is less than stellar, but I have to say the food we ate was amazing!
You’ll be treated to authentic Mexican tacos, beans, rice, and best of all handmade tortillas. The lunch is served by Mexican women so you can really get a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
Third Cenote
The last cenote that you’ll visit on the tour is an underground cave like cenote.
It has steep steps that descend into a dark cavern full of stalagmites and stalactites. You can swim or float in the water in the cenote cave if you wish.
What to Bring on the Tour
Below are a few items I would recommend bringing on the tour. If you want to take your own pictures, you’ll definitely need a GoPro or waterproof camera that can be fastened to your wrist or body.
You’ll be doing a lot of water activities and with the ziplines you don’t want to risk having your items fall.
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- GoPro or waterproof camera
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Rash Guard
- Water Shoes
- Change of clothes
- Money for tips
Cenote Zapote Tour Cost
The cost for a small group tour with Kay Tours Mexico is $145 USD per person with a 6 person minimum and the tour is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If you’re interested in Puerto Morelos snorkeling only, the price is $59 USD per person, and the tour is offered on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11:00 AM.
Keep in mind the price of the tour includes:
- An experienced tour guide
- Roundtrip transportation including hotel pickup
- All entrance and park fees
- Authentic Mexican lunch
- Professional quality photos from the entire day
Cenote Zapote is such a fun place to spend the day, especially for adventurous thrill seekers.
If you’re interested in visiting other Playa del Carmen cenotes, check out my guides to visiting Cenote Eden, Cenote Cristalino, and Cenote Azul.
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