Cenote Dos Ojos: You Will Feel Younger Here

Dos Ojos means “two eyes.” The Cenote Dos Ojos is one of tourists’ favorite diving spots in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. It also sports one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. In this article we’ll give you all the pertinent information regarding Cenote Dos Ojos, including how you can book a ticket and tour.

If you are unfamiliar with cenotes, make sure to check out our article on Mexican Cenotes first!

Without further adieu, let’s explore one of Mexico’s most beautiful attractions.

Everything to Know Before Visiting Cenote Dos Ojos

With a plethora of cenotes to choose from, you may spend hours weighing your options. But don’t fret, Cenote Dos Ojos is one that you absolutely should add to the list.

Cenote Dos Ojos earned its name due to its two massive sinkholes connected by a 400 meter long passageway. These sinkholes have a diameter of 70m, and create the image of two eyes.

One of these two pools rests in the sun, with another more dimly lit, lurking in the shadows. The water is not too cold, and you can swim from one of the eyes to the other. With such crystal clear waters, some say you feel unbelievably refreshed after swimming here.

The cenote is open everyday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Visitors enjoy this location, as they can relax in the crystal clear waters for as long as they want. You have the option to try snorkeling, diving, swimming, or just floating in the natural light.

In addition to chilling in the water, you can relax on a hammock. They are available at a small shop nearby, and a bar as well in front.

The animals here include bats, turtles, small fish, and birds. It’s been said that jaguars come at night to drink here, so don’t stick around too long for your own safety. There are not a lot of fish, but it is quite an experience nonetheless.

Casual diving is permitted, as it is a very large and open cave. There are some lifeguards on duty in case of any incidents, but you will likely not need to worry about anything happening here. With that said, please be careful with your small children.

The Downside

With just about any of the most popular cenotes, you will have to contend with crowds. People are eager to take their own selfies and group photos, and it can get quite busy during the day. The entrance fee is also quite expensive relative to other cenotes, so do what you will with that information.

Sunscreen will not be permitted, as it can harm the ecosystem.

How to Get to Cenote Dos Ojos

Cenote Dos Ojos is located at Carretera Federal 307.

Getting there from Tulum is about a 20-minute drive. This location is intertwined with Parque Dos Ojos, where other cenotes are located (Cenote Nicte Ha, Cenote Jaguar, Cenote El Pit, and Cenote Los Monos).

You can also visit Xel Ha, which is a cenote just 1 km away from Cenote Dos Ojos. This is too convenient to pass up.

Traveling by Colectivo

If you wish to travel with a group in a shared taxi, this is an option. Called colectivos, people typically recommend this method of traversing the Riviera Maya. To hail one, simply wave at any minivan coming your way on the highway. If you don’t speak Spanish, you can show the driver a location on your phone, and pay when you get off.

On Highway 307 going north from Tulum, head towards Playa del Carmen. Shuttles will take you there every few minutes, leaving you at Parques Dos Ojos (Dos Ojos Park), for only about 40 MXN ($2).

The path from the entrance and ticket booth to the cenote is roughly 30 minutes long. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, well-prepared for the humidity and dirt road. You will pass Cenote Jaguar and Cenote Nicte Ha on the way.

Tips & Tricks

First and foremost, remember to take cash when you visit the Mexican cenotes. If possible, take pesos, because only having dollars may result in an upcharge.

Having extra cash will allow you to rent snorkeling equipment and life vests, which will add to the experience. Both are quite cheap, and come as a package.

Bring bug spray, because there are lots of mosquitos, and it gets quite humid on warmer days. This advice applies to many locations on the Yucatán peninsula.

Note that the second eye is larger, and thus may seem more appealing, but it comes with a price. It’s said that the mosquitos are worse there.

As is the case with Cenote Calavera and other popular spots, arriving early will save you a headache or two. If you have the option to take a ride up to the cenote, it will also save you a good half hour. We recommend this, since it helps to beat the crowds that will arrive by 10 or 11 AM.

When it comes to belongings, be careful with how much you bring with you. At this cenote, having too much could pose a problem. There aren’t a lot of safe places to leave your glasses, shoes, or other things. The path from the lockers is also quite rocky and hot once the sun is up. It may be better to bring the bare minimum and not have to worry about it being unattended.

Prices

The entrance fee is 350 pesos ($21), and snorkeling equipment is available for rent for another 100 pesos ($5).

Parking is free.

Diving Options and Guided Tours

Although it will ultimately come down to personal preference, some suggest not going with a guided tour here. Instead, try a proper diving school or go with a group that knows enough about it. You will likely enjoy this more, and save some money.

If you do intend to go with a guided tour, however, you have a few options. You could get with a small group for a guided tour, or have a private tour. In addition, for diving, you have several options, all listed below.

You have the option of reserving in advance, and paying later, with a free cancellation policy.

Hotels by Dos Ojos Cenote

This short list gives you an idea of the distance you can expect to travel to get to Dos Ojos.