Casa Tortuga Tulum Review and Tips

Cenotes are some of my favorite things about the Yucatan Peninsula. I’ve visited many of them and my favorite by far is Casa Tortuga Tulum.

Casa Tortuga has four different cenotes you can swim in and float through. Two of them are open-air, and two are caves. They’re all beautiful and fun and full of cool, fresh water.

But there’s more to Casa Tortuga than just swimming. You can zipline, kayak, scuba dive, ride ATVs, and eat fantastic food in a beautiful setting.

I’ve prepared a full Casa Tortuga Tulum review so you can decide if it’s right for you. Plus, I’ve compiled some tips to help you make the most of your visit.

You’ll find useful amenities, including lockers for rent (currently 100 pesos), well-maintained restrooms, and life jackets included with admission.

There are five restaurants on site, serving a range of food from snacks to full meals. More on food options later.

You can get there by colectivo (shared minivan) for just a few dollars. Just tell the driver you’re heading to Casa Tortuga, and they’ll drop you at the entrance. If you’re coming by taxi, expect to pay around 200-300 pesos one way.

While walking from the highway is possible, it’s a bit of a trek in the heat. Many people opt to rent a car, which gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. The cenotes have a decent-sized parking lot, and parking is free with admission.

For those with mobility issues, the main pathways are mostly flat. The two open-air cenotes have sturdy handrails and wide steps. The cave cenotes require more careful walking. The staff helps out when needed, but you will need to be able to do a bit of walking.

Each cenote has its own charm. The order you visit them will depend on the crowds. The guides space the people out so you don’t have a big rush on one cenote.

Cenote Campana

Casa Campana is a semi-open cavern. You’ll see beautiful rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Wisho Cenote

In Wishoe Cenote, you can see various fossils and, if you’re lucky, some bats sleeping on the ceiling. Don’t worry, they aren’t aggressive. Bats are nocturnal, so it’s unlikely they’ll be flying around when you’re there.

Dorca Cenote

Dorca Cenote is one of the open-air ones. It’s like a beautiful tropical swimming hole. There’s a platform you can jump off, or just swim around and enjoy the water.

Tres Zapotes Cenote

Tres Zapotes is a lot like a lazy river. It’s 100 meters long and in some places is 8 meters deep.

At the end, there’s a stone staircase where people were sitting, letting the fish nibble on their feet, just like those fish spas, only free.

After you’re done with the tour, you can return to Tres Zapotes for as long as you like. Just be sure to keep your wristband on.

Zip-Lining: For thrill-seekers, zip-lining is available, allowing you to soar above the jungle. This is the highest zipline in Tulum. I didn’t try it, but it looked like a lot of fun.

Kayaking: Kayaks are available if you prefer to paddle through the cenotes’ tranquil waters. It will give you a unique perspective of the surroundings.

ATV Quad Bike Tours: Adventure enthusiasts can take ATV quad bike tours that navigate through the Mayan jungle, ending with a refreshing swim in a private cenote.

Scuba Diving: Experienced guides will take you diving in one of the open cenotes. It’s great for beginner divers. If you’re looking for a more advanced cave-diving experience, you’re better off visiting other, deeper cenotes.

Dining Options

Casa Tortuga has five different places to eat:

Mami Bonita Cafeteria: Located right by the entrance. It’s a great place for breakfast or coffee if you arrive early. They also serve burgers and sandwiches.
Open from 08:30 am to 04:00 pm

Carey Restaurant: This is the main restaurant located in Plaza Toh. Here you can also purchase a taco bar buffet, or order from the menu. They also have a full bar. You can see their menu here. Prices are surprisingly good for a tourist attraction.
Open from 12:00 to 05:00 pm

Alebrije Cafeteria: This little bar has drinks and light snacks.
Open from   9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Caguama Bar: Located next to the Dorca Cenote and a good spot to grab a cold drink or snack in the middle of the tour. Be sure to bring some money with you.
Open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Turtle Pizza: Don’t worry, the pizza doesn’t contain any turtles! But they do have delicious artisan pizza.
Open from 1:00 to 05:00 pm

Ticket Options

During the summer months (May to September), afternoon rain showers are common, but they usually pass quickly. The water stays a pleasant temperature year-round, making any season good for a dip.

The last entry is at 4:30 PM, and crowds thin out again after 3 PM. Going late can mean shorter swimming time, but you’ll get more peaceful cenotes to yourself.

Skip the regular sunscreen and opt for biodegradable versions to protect the cenotes.

Pack water and snacks if you’re watching your budget, though they sell both on-site and prices are pretty good.

A hat and sunglasses help between dips, and a change of clothes keeps you comfy for traveling back.

Cash in small bills comes in handy for locker rental and tips.

You can use your phone or regular camera around the open cenotes, but flash photography isn’t allowed in the cave areas to protect the natural features.

For the best shots, head to the platforms overlooking the open cenotes early morning when sunlight hits the water just right.

If you want pro-quality photos, they offer a photo package with a waterproof camera for around 400 pesos. I didn’t buy the photo package, so I can’t say for sure how great the photos are. I have read from others that it’s worth the money.

Frequently Asked Questions: Casa Tortuga Tulum

I love that you get to swim in four cenotes. They have great prices and nice amenities. It’s the best cenote experience I’ve had so far.

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