Exploring the Best of Tulum and Beyond: A Detailed Look at the Cenote Zemway & Zacil Ha Tour with Lagoon
If you’re in Tulum and craving an adventure that combines history, nature, and fun, the Cenote Zemway & Zacil Ha with Lagoon tour from Altustours might just be your perfect fit. While we haven’t been on this exact journey ourselves, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it offers a well-balanced mix of cultural exploration and cooling off in some of Mexico’s most stunning natural spots.
What we particularly love about this tour is the variety it brings—visiting the iconic Chichen Itza, swimming in scenic cenotes, and wrapping up with a lively pirate boat show. Plus, the convenience of round-trip transportation from Tulum simplifies logistics. On the flip side, some travelers might find the long day a bit tiring, especially if you’re not used to extensive sightseeing. Still, this tour’s flexibility to choose the order of activities makes it adaptable for different energy levels and interests.
This experience is ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, and families seeking an engaging day away from the beach. If you’re after a comprehensive day trip with plenty of photo opportunities, delicious food, and a touch of adventure, this tour checks many boxes.
Good To Know

- Comprehensive Itinerary: Combines ancient ruins, cenotes, lagoon visits, and a pirate show.
- Flexibility: You can choose the order of the activities to suit your energy levels.
- Inclusions: Round-trip transportation, buffet lunch, and entrance fees make this a convenient package.
- Authentic Experiences: Swimming in cenotes and visiting Kukulkan Pyramid provide a genuine taste of Yucatecan culture.
- Family-friendly: The pirate show and scenic stops cater well to travelers with kids.
- Value for Money: At $116, the tour offers a lot of diverse experiences in one day.
An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary
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Day 1: Ancient Ruins and Cenote Adventures
The tour kicks off early, with a 7:00 am pickup from your hotel in Tulum, which means you’re on the road before most travelers arrive at Chichen Itza. This early start is a plus—crowds tend to be thinner in the morning, allowing for much better photos of the Kukulkan Pyramid and the surrounding structures like the Temple of the Warriors and the ball court. A guide provides narration, helping you understand the significance of each monument and the ancient Mayan civilization.
What really stands out is the visit to Laguna Kaan Luum, located south of Tulum. This lesser-known gem amazes with its vibrant waters and deep central sinkhole, offering a peaceful spot for swimming and relaxing away from the crowds. One reviewer mentioned discovering this “hidden treasure,” which is a testament to the tour’s value in revealing off-the-beaten-path sights.
Next, you’ll visit Cenote Zemway, an open cenote that feels like stepping into a natural cathedral. Earthy, cool, and perfect for a refreshing dip, this cenote immerses you in an environment shaped over millions of years. The open-air experience means lots of natural light—ideal for photos and a relaxing swim.
Afterward, there’s time to explore Cenote Zacil-Ha, another open cenote known for its stunning blue waters and tranquil vibe. The opportunity to “follow Mayan traditions” by swimming here adds a cultural layer that makes the visit more meaningful.
Day 2: Underground Cenotes and the Pirate Show
The second day focuses on underground cenotes, starting with Multum Ha, an underground cenote featuring unique marine life and an otherworldly atmosphere. The small marine creatures add a splash of life to the otherwise quiet surroundings, making it a peaceful spot to cool off.
In the evening, the adventure shifts to the Cancun Marina for the famous pirate ship ride. The boat features a lively dinner show with costumed pirates battling it out, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that some reviews describe as “entertaining for all ages.” The dinner includes grilled chicken and beverages—a good value considering the entertainment, dinner, and scenic boat ride.
The flexibility to choose whether to do the ruins or the lagoon first is appreciated. Some travelers prefer to visit Chichen Itza early to avoid crowds, while others might opt for the relaxing lagoon experience initially to save energy for the evening pirate show.
Transportation and Practicalities
Transportation is a major plus—round-trip from Tulum or Riviera Maya hotels makes logistics hassle-free. The coach is described as comfortable, which is crucial for a 13-hour day. Plus, the tour group size is capped at 45 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience without feeling crowded.
You should come prepared with towels, swimsuits, and a change of clothes for the cenotes. Note that lifejackets are not included, so if you’re safety-conscious, bringing your own or renting one might be something to consider.
Food and Refreshments
Included is a box lunch with a choice of dishes and a buffet lunch at Chichen Itza, offering Yucatecan specialties. Reviewers mentioned enjoying the delicious food and perfect timing for refueling between activities. Drinks at the pirate show are not included, so you might want to bring some cash or be prepared to purchase beverages.
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Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer shared that their guide, Jenner, “was awesome” and went out of his way to take pictures, showing the importance of good guides in enriching the experience. Such personal touches make a difference, especially when navigating busy sites or unfamiliar environments.
Others mentioned that the early start allowed them to beat the crowds, and the combination of history, nature, and entertainment kept the day exciting from morning to evening. The variety of stops—from sacred cenotes to the Kukulkan Pyramid—means you get a well-rounded perspective on the region’s culture and natural beauty.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a detailed and well-organized way to experience some of the most iconic and beautiful sights around Tulum. It’s perfect for those who want to fit a lot into one day, especially if you’re keen on historical sites, stunning cenotes, and some family-friendly fun with the pirate show.
The value here is notable considering transportation, multiple attractions, and meals are included. It’s a somewhat full day, and travelers should be prepared for a long but rewarding experience. The flexibility in activity order and the variety of stops make it adaptable to different interests and energy levels.
For culture and history enthusiasts, the chance to explore Chichen Itza early and avoid crowds is a real perk. Meanwhile, nature lovers will appreciate the pristine cenotes and lagoon, which offer authentic beauty away from tourist-heavy spots.
If you’re seeking an adventure that blends education, relaxation, and entertainment in one seamless package, this tour from Altustours delivers on many levels. Just pack your swimsuit, camera, and sense of curiosity.
Frequently Asked Questions

- What is the departure time for the tour? It starts at 7:00 am with pickup from the Súper Akí Tulum meeting point.
- Do I need to bring anything? Yes, towels, swimwear, and a change of clothes are recommended. You might also want to bring cash for drinks at the restaurant or souvenirs.
- Is the tour suitable for families? Absolutely. The pirate show and scenic stops make it fun for children, while adults will enjoy the cultural and natural parts.
- How long is the total tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 13 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and meals.
- Can I choose the order of activities? Yes, the tour allows you to select whether to visit Chichen Itza or the lagoon first, offering some flexibility.
- Are entrance fees included? Yes, all listed entrances—Laguna Kaan Luum, cenotes Zemway, Zacil-Ha, and Multum Ha—are included.
- Is transportation comfortable? Reviewers note the coach is comfortable, making the long day more bearable.
- Are meals included? Yes, a box lunch and buffet dinner are part of the package, with options to choose your main dish.
- What’s not included? Lifejackets in cenotes and drinks at the restaurant are extra. You might want to bring some cash or prepare accordingly.
In sum, this tour from Tulum offers a diverse and engaging day packed with history, natural beauty, and entertainment. It’s a smart pick for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience without the hassle of organizing multiple activities themselves. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or family looking for fun, this trip makes for a memorable adventure.
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