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Certified divers
Riviera Maya
Diving Cenote Kin Ha and Zapote (Hell's Bells)
5.0★ · 242 Google reviewsZapote is the cenote of the Hell's Bells: bell-shaped carbonate formations hanging from twenty-eight metres down, wrapped in a hydrogen sulphide cloud that blurs every edge and makes the whole scene look like a dream. Kin Ha, the first dive, has character of its own: a wide, bright cavern with light shafts, stalactites and a few smaller bell-type formations.
What makes this dive different
- Zapote and its iconic Hell's Bells from ~28 m
- Kin Ha: wide cavern with light shafts, stalactites and some bell-type formations
- Hydrogen sulphide cloud at Zapote: a visible layer under the water
- Two cenotes with very different character in one trip
- Light lunch included: sandwich and drinks
How the day works, step by step
- Departure. Early departure from Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
- Briefing. Cavern rules, depth plan and halocline behaviour.
- Dive 1 · Kin Ha. Wide, bright cavern with light shafts, stalactites, large chambers and a few smaller bell-type formations. A comfortable route with character of its own.
- Surface interval. Snack and rest between cenotes.
- Dive 2 · Zapote. Descent to the Hell's Bells zone, with the hydrogen sulphide cloud and the carbonate formations.
- Lunch. Light lunch after the second dive: sandwich and drinks.
- Return. Back to the start point. Total duration around 7 hours.
What you will see
- Hell's Bells at Zapote: unique carbonate formations
- A few bell-type formations at Kin Ha too, in smaller numbers
- Hydrogen sulphide cloud at Zapote
- Stalactites, light shafts and large chambers
- Freshwater cenote fauna
What's included
- 2 guided dives
- Specialist cenote guide
- Entrance fees and permits
- Safety protocols
- Full dive equipment
- Light lunch: sandwich and drinks
What's not included
- Photos and video (service available)
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
Requirements
Advanced Open Water certification for Zapote's depth (down to ~35 m). Recent deep-diving experience recommended, or a prior refresher.
This trip needs a minimum of 2 divers. If you are travelling alone you can still book by adding US$71 (MX$1,200), and you dive with a private guide dedicated to you.
This trip needs a minimum of 2 divers. If you are travelling alone you can still book by adding US$71 (MX$1,200), and you dive with a private guide dedicated to you.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Advanced Open Water card
- Dive computer recommended
- Change of clothes
Gallery
Verified reviews
What our divers say
Real reviews published on our Google Business Profile.
★★★★★
“I had an excellent experience with Scuba & Adventours Mexico starting my PADI Open Water Diver certification. Everything was explained very clearly and all my questions were answered along the way. Instructor René has a real talent for explaining things simply and clearly.”
Alejandro CorresPADI Open Water course
★★★★★
“My first time in the diving world! I'm so grateful because my experience with Scuba was incredible — the support and professionalism of René, Delfina and captain Larry make you feel safe at every step. I'll definitely be back with them to certify.”
VictoriaLocal Guide · 28 reviews
★★★★★
“I did the Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses and it was an excellent decision. The service was great, my guide Rene was incredible — always attentive and giving me techniques to build confidence underwater. The most exciting part was diving with bull sharks and dolphins!”
Delfina FernándezOpen Water + Advanced
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are Hell's Bells?
Bell-shaped carbonate formations hanging from the ceiling below twenty-eight metres. They are clearly dominant at Zapote, where they reach their largest size and density; a few can also be seen at Kin Ha, in smaller numbers. They formed in a particular chemical environment and do not exist in most cenotes.
Is Kin Ha suitable for Open Water divers?
Kin Ha on its own, yes — but this trip is sold combined with Zapote, which requires Advanced Open Water for the depth. If you hold Open Water, we recommend Dos Ojos.
What is the hydrogen sulphide cloud at Zapote?
It is a visible layer under the water formed by organic matter decomposing in low-oxygen conditions. Passing through it your vision goes blurry, and as you leave it everything snaps back into focus: one of the strangest effects in cenote diving, and the setting where the Hell's Bells appear.
How deep is Cenote Zapote?
The Hell's Bells start below 28 metres and the trip profile goes down to around 35 metres, which is why an Advanced Open Water certification is required. Kin Ha, the first dive, is considerably shallower.
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