Cenote Nicte-Ha
A serene, less-crowded cenote near Tulum, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters, floating lily pads, and opportunities for swimming and cave diving...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy peaceful solitude
Cenote Nicte-Ha
Best Time
Enjoy peaceful solitude
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, less-crowded cenote near Tulum, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters, floating lily pads, and opportunities for swimming and cave diving.
"This cenote is a dream location with crystal clear water and stunning photo opportunities."
🚗 Easy Access from Tulum
Just 20 mins north of Tulum, easily reachable by car or taxi. Consider visiting with Dos Ojos!
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Around 300 pesos per person. Card payments may incur a small extra charge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floating Lily Pads
Surface of the cenote
A serene carpet of lily pads floats on the crystal-clear turquoise water, creating a magical, natural spectacle.
Underwater Flora
Cenote floor
The cenote floor is covered in lush aquatic plants, adding to the vibrant ecosystem and beauty of the water.
Cave Diving Opportunities
Submerged caverns
Explore the hidden depths and submerged caverns, offering a thrilling experience for certified cave divers.
Vulture Cave
Small adjacent cave
Observe a small cave inhabited by vultures, adding a unique wildlife element to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Nicte-Ha
Eco-Friendly Practices
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access from Tulum
Just 20 mins north of Tulum, easily reachable by car or taxi. Consider visiting with Dos Ojos!
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Around 300 pesos per person. Card payments may incur a small extra charge.
🚫 No Sunscreen Allowed
Protect the pristine water! Sunscreen and lotions are prohibited. Swim vests are mandatory.
📸 Perfect for Photography
Crystal clear water and light play create stunning photo ops, especially underwater.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access from Tulum
Just 20 mins north of Tulum, easily reachable by car or taxi. Consider visiting with Dos Ojos!
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Around 300 pesos per person. Card payments may incur a small extra charge.
🚫 No Sunscreen Allowed
Protect the pristine water! Sunscreen and lotions are prohibited. Swim vests are mandatory.
📸 Perfect for Photography
Crystal clear water and light play create stunning photo ops, especially underwater.
🐠 Small but Lively
Home to small fish and unique underwater flora. Great for a relaxing swim.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cenote Nicte-Ha for its tranquility and stunning natural beauty, particularly the clear waters and floating lily pads. It's ideal for those seeking a less crowded experience compared to more popular cenotes. Some find it a bit small, with an hour or two being sufficient for enjoyment.
"This is a small but pleasant cenote with very small fish, next to a little cave where some vultures live. Great for being less crowded than other cenotes. Very pretty. But fairly small. An hour is plenty of time to take it in. Two at most. It can be accessed as part of a package that allows you access to cenote Dos Ojos, and is very close to Dos Ojos by car. I would recommend it if you have a rental car. We did it on a day when we only had about 2 hours to swim, and my kids and wife were done after about 1.5 hours."
Scott D.
"We went to this cenote yesterday (06/21). Go to this cenote (Nic Te Ha) if you prefer it quiet, not crowded. We were the first two visitors at 11:30am (!!) and just had the cenote to ourselves for at least 1hour.
There are bathrooms, changing rooms and showers.
It is mandatory to wear a swim vest. You will get it in the cenote. Make sure you don‘t wear sunscreen or anything else on your skin. They want to make sure the water stays as clear and clean.
The water is crystal blue!!! So stunning. We had such a good time. This cenote is also a spot to go cenote / cave diving."
Karolin Wolf
"Nic Tec Ha is a dream location! The interplay of light and water creates endless opportunities for stunning images. From wide-angle shots capturing the grandeur of the caverns to close-ups highlighting the intricate details of the rock formations, every angle offers a new perspective. The crystal-clear water allows for incredible underwater photography, capturing the ethereal beauty of the cenote's depths. Even if you're not a professional, you'll come away with photos that will make your friends jealous. Just be sure to bring a waterproof camera or housing!"
Iman Ghazizadeh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cenote Nicte-Ha is located about 22 km north of Tulum, a short 20-minute drive. You can reach it by car, taxi, or a rental car with a driver. It's conveniently close to Cenote Dos Ojos, making it easy to visit both in one day.
While not explicitly detailed, some travelers mention 'colectivo' as a transport option, suggesting it might be possible to reach areas near Nicte-Ha via shared vans, though direct routes might be limited.
It's considered less known than other cenotes, which contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. Following GPS or asking locals for directions to Nicte-Ha should guide you there.
From Playa del Carmen, you would typically drive north towards Tulum. Renting a car or hiring a private tour that includes Nicte-Ha would be the most convenient options.
While not explicitly stated, most cenotes in the region offer parking for visitors arriving by car. It's advisable to confirm upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately 300 Mexican Pesos per person. Be aware that card payments might incur an additional 5% charge.
As it's a less crowded cenote, advance booking is generally not required. Arriving early, especially on weekdays, is recommended for the best experience.
While specific hours aren't always listed, cenotes are typically open during daylight hours. Arriving before 11:30 AM is suggested for a quieter visit.
Visitors often find that 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to enjoy the cenote, with some noting their families were done after 1.5 hours.
Yes, it's mandatory to wear a swim vest, which is provided. Crucially, sunscreen and any lotions are prohibited to keep the water pristine.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Absolutely! The crystal-clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply floating.
You can spot small fish swimming in the cenote and observe vultures residing in a small adjacent cave.
Yes, the clear water and interesting underwater flora make it a pleasant spot for snorkeling.
Yes, the cenote is equipped with bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers for visitor convenience.
Indeed, Cenote Nicte-Ha is a known spot for cenote and cave diving, offering opportunities to explore its submerged caverns.
📸 📸 Photography
The interplay of light and water, the floating lily pads, and the clear turquoise water offer endless stunning photo opportunities. Underwater shots are particularly impressive.
A waterproof camera or a waterproof housing for your phone is highly recommended to capture the ethereal beauty of the cenote's depths.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules or inquire at the cenote entrance to ensure compliance.
Mid-morning, when sunlight filters through the openings, creates beautiful light beams. However, any time during daylight hours offers good photographic potential.
You can observe the vultures from a distance in their cave. Be respectful of their space and avoid disturbing them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cenote is relatively small, an hour or two is usually enough for kids to enjoy swimming and exploring. Remember that sunscreen is prohibited, so consider bringing rash guards for sun protection. The availability of changing rooms and showers adds to the convenience for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to potentially avoid any crowds and maximize your experience without additional tour costs. Since it's a less commercialized cenote, you get a lot of natural beauty for your money.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for a weekday morning visit to have more freedom to set up shots without disturbing other visitors. The cenote's natural beauty provides endless angles and compositions, from wide shots of the open cenote to close-ups of the aquatic life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecology of Cenote Nicte-Ha
The cenote's relatively shallow depth and open-air design allow ample sunlight to penetrate, nurturing this aquatic garden. This natural beauty makes it a photographer's dream, with opportunities for both surface and underwater shots. The presence of a small cave inhabited by vultures adds another layer of natural wonder to the experience, offering a glimpse into the local wildlife.
Visitors are reminded of the importance of preserving this delicate environment. The mandatory use of swim vests and the prohibition of sunscreen and lotions are crucial measures to maintain the water's purity. By adhering to these eco-friendly practices, visitors contribute to the long-term health and beauty of Cenote Nicte-Ha.
Exploring the Depths: Cave Diving at Nicte-Ha
These underwater passages are part of the vast Yucatan cave systems, known for their geological formations and pristine water clarity. Diving here allows for an exploration of a hidden world, far removed from the surface. It's essential for divers to be fully certified in cavern or cave diving and to use appropriate equipment and safety protocols.
While the open-air section is accessible to swimmers and snorkelers, the cave diving aspect caters to a more specialized audience. The unique interplay of light and shadow within the caverns, combined with the clear water, makes for an unforgettable diving adventure.
Photography Paradise: Capturing Nicte-Ha's Beauty
For those looking to capture the cenote's submerged beauty, underwater photography is highly recommended. Bringing a waterproof camera or a protective housing for your phone will allow you to document the intricate details of the aquatic plants and the vibrant life within the water. The interplay of light and shadow within the cenote's natural formations adds depth and dimension to every shot.
Even without professional equipment, visitors can capture memorable images. The serene environment, the unique natural elements, and the vibrant colors make it easy to get jaw-dropping photos that will impress friends and family. Remember to be mindful of others and the environment while you're snapping away.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit