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Cenote Zapote and Kin Ha Diving from Playa del Carmen

Two deep and unusual cenote dives to about 30 m / 98 ft: Zapote with its Hells Bells mineral formations, followed by Kin Ha’s large chambers, fossils, and dramatic rock scenery. Built for experienced Advanced divers.

Diving Cenote Kin Ha
Diving Cenote Zapote
Diving Cenote Kin Ha
Diving Cenote Kin Ha
Diving Cenote Kin Ha
Diving Cenote Kin Ha
Diving Cenote Zapote
Diving Cenote Zapote
Diving Cenote Zapote
Diving Cenote Kin Ha
Diving Cenote Zapote

Why choose Xico for this dive

Runs Even With One Client This product does not depend on Xico filling a group before it can operate.
Maximum 4 Divers per Cenote Guide Xico limits recreational cenote groups to a maximum of four divers per guide so spacing, buoyancy, communication and comfort can be managed properly in the cavern environment.
Cavern-Qualified Cenote Guides Cenote dives are led by experienced cave/cavern-qualified professionals who understand local cavern procedures, guideline discipline and the specific routes used at Riviera Maya cenotes.
Complete Cenote-Day Logistics Meet at Xico in Playa del Carmen and we organize round-trip transport, cenote entrances, a qualified guide, two cavern dives, and refreshments.
The experience

A Deep Cenote Day Built Around Rare Formations

Zapote and Kin Ha are not the standard first-cenote choice. Both profiles can reach approximately 30 m / 98 ft and reward divers who are already comfortable with depth, buoyancy, and controlled movement in a cavern environment.

Zapote: The Hells Bells Dive

Zapote is famous for unusual bell-shaped mineral formations suspended in the deeper cenote. Their shape and position make the site feel unlike the light-beam and wide-cavern routes many divers associate with the Riviera Maya. Precision is essential because the formations cannot tolerate contact.

Kin Ha: Fossils and a Different Deep-Cavern Scale

Kin Ha adds a second deep profile with large spaces, rock formations, and visible fossils. It gives the day variety instead of repeating the same visual environment after Zapote.

For Advanced Divers With Real Depth Comfort

Advanced certification alone is not the whole requirement. Recent diving, gas awareness, stable buoyancy, and comfort around 30 m matter. If your experience is not ready, Xico will recommend a shallower cenote combination rather than forcing the wrong route.

Simple logistics

How it works

  1. Check In at Xico

    Meet at 08:15, complete paperwork, confirm certification and recent experience, and get fitted for any rental gear.

  2. Drive to the Cenotes

    Travel from Xico Dive Center to the first cenote while the guide reviews the route, cavern procedures, and the plan for the day.

  3. First Cavern Dive

    Dive Cenote Zapote after a detailed briefing, equipment check, and controlled entry.

  4. Jungle Surface Interval

    Relax between dives with a sandwich and refreshments while the team prepares for the second route.

  5. Second Cavern Dive

    Dive Cenote Kin Ha and experience a different freshwater cavern environment.

  6. Return to Playa del Carmen

    Travel back to Xico Dive Center, normally arriving around 15:30, with showers, towels, and lockers available.

Before you book

Plan your dive

Included

  • 2 guided cavern dives
  • Entrance fees for both cenotes
  • Round-trip transportation from Xico Dive Center
  • Professional cavern-qualified cenote guide
  • Maximum 4 divers per guide
  • Sandwich and refreshments
  • All taxes and operational fees
  • Locker at the dive center
  • Shower and towels at the dive center

Extras / not included

  • Standard recreational rental gear
  • Site camera fee when charged by the cenote
  • Cenote camera fee Some cenotes charge a separate site fee when an underwater camera is used.

Requirements

  • Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.
  • Recent experience and comfort at approximately 30 m / 98 ft.
  • Strong buoyancy, gas awareness, and disciplined movement around unique formations.
  • This is not recommended as a first cenote day for a rusty or newly certified diver.

Key details

Meet at
Xico Dive Center, Playa del Carmen
Operating days
Daily
Availability
Year-round
Nitrox
Complimentary for Nitrox-certified divers on suitable dive profiles, subject to availability.
Minimum booking
Runs with one client
Cenote combination
Zapote (Hells Bells) + Kin Ha
More trip details What to bring, check-in and departure information

What to bring

  • Certification card or digital proof of certification
  • Swimsuit
  • Dry clothes and personal items for after the dives
  • Your own dive equipment if you prefer to use it instead of rental gear
  • Camera-fee cash if you plan to bring a camera and the selected site charges a fee

Arrival / check-in: Meet at Xico Dive Center at 08:15 for check-in and equipment preparation. The trip normally returns around 15:30, with exact timing depending on traffic, site access, conditions, and group pace.

Boat / transport: This is a land-based cenote diving day. Round-trip transportation from Xico Dive Center to both cenote sites and back is included.

Departure details: Meet at Xico Dive Center at 08:15. Return to Playa del Carmen is normally around 15:30. Exact timing can vary with traffic, site access, conditions, and group pace.

Real Guest Feedback

What divers say

★★★★★
I did a recreational with Xico DC which included 2 dives with Felipe as my guide. He was calm and made me feel at ease. For some reason I was nervous but he had a relaxed way about him that set me right. The dives… Read full review Show less

I did a recreational with Xico DC which included 2 dives with Felipe as my guide. He was calm and made me feel at ease. For some reason I was nervous but he had a relaxed way about him that set me right. The dives went great. The water had more current than what Id experienced before but Im still new & it was all good. The boat crew was very helpful and attentive. Id definitely dive with Xico DC again. The staff there are very helpful too.
Update:
I went on with other instructors (Santi & Morgan) to complete my Advanced Cert here adding 6 more dives and then an unforgetable cenote dive. With Xicos great staff, team of instructor's, boat crew, and location, I look forward to seeing what the center looks like after renovations have finished.

Lori Google
★★★★★

I had Manuel as a guide and he took me to cenotes for my cave dives. I had a wonderful experience and would recommend him as a guide. Thank you for guiding and keeping me safe.

Victor Cheah Google
★★★★★

Great dives! Very professional, security A+, cool and relaxing; would dive again with those guys

Charles Boisvert Google
Read All Google Reviews
Planning more than one dive day? Compare Xico's 4-, 5- and 6-day packages with Playa reefs, cenotes and Cozumel. View Multi-Day Packages →
Ready to go?

Check availability

Tell us your preferred date and diver details. The Xico team confirms the exact trip before anything is booked.

  • Direct confirmation from the Xico team
  • Diver level and trip fit checked
  • Exact trip confirmed before booking

    This is an availability request. Xico confirms the final plan before booking.

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    Good to Know

    Frequently asked questions

    What are the Hells Bells formations in Cenote Zapote?

    They are unusual bell-shaped mineral formations suspended in the deeper cenote environment. Their appearance makes Zapote one of the most distinctive advanced cenote dives in the region. Divers must protect the formations with precise buoyancy and controlled movement.

    Why is Zapote and Kin Ha an advanced cenote day?

    Both dives can reach approximately 30 m / 98 ft. Advanced certification, recent depth comfort, reliable buoyancy, gas awareness, and calm movement are important. This is not the best first cenote combination for a newly certified or rusty diver.

    What does Cenote Kin Ha add to the Zapote day?

    Kin Ha adds a second deep cavern with large spaces, fossils, rock formations, and a different visual character from Zapote. The combination gives advanced divers two unusual deep cenote profiles rather than repeating the same environment.

    Is this cave diving?

    No. Xico recreational cenote trips are guided cavern dives in the natural-light zone, following a permanent guideline back to the entrance. Full cave diving continues beyond the cavern zone and requires formal technical cave training and specialized equipment.

    What is the water temperature in the cenotes?

    Riviera Maya cenotes are usually around 24-26 C / 75-79 F year-round. A 3 mm wetsuit is comfortable for many divers, while people who get cold easily may prefer additional exposure protection.

    Can I bring a camera on a cenote dive?

    Many cenotes allow cameras, but some charge a separate site fee and individual locations can apply different rules. You must keep excellent buoyancy and avoid contact with formations or the bottom. Confirm the rule for your selected route before bringing a camera.

    Can I dive a cenote if I have not dived recently?

    Tell us your last dive date and comfort level. Cenotes are calm and clear, but they are overhead cavern environments where buoyancy, trim, awareness, and following the guideline matter. A refresher or local reef check dive may be recommended first.

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