Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells) - Cozumel

Gili Selang isn't really a Gili at all, it's more of a big rock sitting off Lombok’s eastern coast. It’s a drift diver's playground, no doubt about it. We usually find ourselves flying along the outer wall here, the current pushing us past some really striking soft corals – purples, yellows, and oranges that just pop against the blue. You’ll spend a lot of time looking out into the open water; we’ve seen everything from schooling mackerel to big dogtooth tuna here. The reef itself is a mix of rock and coral, with some impressive staghorn formations and quite a few small giant clams tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for Gardiner's headshield slugs, too – they're always a neat find. Visibility averages around 17m, which is good enough to appreciate the scale of the wall as you zip by. This spot is definitely one for the experienced diver who loves a good current and the thrill of big pelagic encounters.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.853800, -87.125300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Arrecife de Puerto Morelos

Best Time to Dive in Cozumel

The warmest water temperatures in Cozumel occur in September, averaging 29.8°C (up to 32.1°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 26.9°C.

The calmest sea conditions are typically in September with average wave heights of 0.70m. Average current speed: 95.0 cm/s.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.2°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • February: 26.9°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • March: 27.0°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • April: 27.5°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • May: 28.4°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • July: 29.4°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • August: 29.6°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • September: 29.8°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 29.6°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 28.8°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • December: 27.9°C (air: 26.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cozumel

Nearest Dive Centres to Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells)

Marine Life in Cozumel

Home to 181 recorded species including 140 reef fish, 15 hard corals, 9 other, 7 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells)

Based on average water temperature of 28.4°C, visibility 23 nmi, currents 87 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the dive at Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells) and at what depths can divers expect to see the unique formations?
The maximum depth for diving at Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells) is 32 meters, though its cavernous system reaches depths of up to 54 meters. Divers can expect to encounter the unique "Hells Bells" formations throughout the intricate network of passages within this system.
What specific formations and features, like the 'Hell's Bells' and the sulfur cloud, will divers encounter in Cenote Zapote?
Divers at Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells) will primarily encounter its distinctive and unique "Hells Bells" formations, which are bell-shaped structures adorning an intricate network of passages. The provided data does not mention the presence of a sulfur cloud in this particular cenote.
What is the required certification level and overall difficulty for diving Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells)?
Diving at Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells) is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. While a specific certification level beyond Open Water is not explicitly stated, divers should possess adequate experience and comfort in cavern environments to safely navigate its unique passages.
What is the best time of day to dive Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells) to experience the best light and visibility?
The provided data for Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells) does not specify the best time of day to experience optimal light and visibility. However, divers can generally expect excellent conditions with an average visibility of 22 meters within the cenote. For general guidance on dive conditions, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels, beyond Advanced Open Water, recommended for Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells)?
The data for Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells) classifies its difficulty as intermediate, but does not explicitly recommend specific certifications beyond Advanced Open Water. Given its cavernous system and intricate passages, divers should ideally have experience and comfort in overhead environments.
What are the typical water conditions, including temperature, visibility, and the presence of currents or a halocline, in Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells)?
Divers at Cenote Zapote (Hells Bells) can expect excellent water clarity, with an average visibility of 22 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding water temperature, the presence of currents, or a halocline for this dive site.