The Yucatan Peninsula of Southern Mexico is known for its wonderful array of ancient cenotes, most of which are in the surrounding area of Tulum. The cenotes come in a variety of colours, depths, and unique environments, some are quiet and hidden and others are very crowded.
Dos Ojos Cenote between Tulum and Akumal is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico with stunning blue water and exquisite rock formations creating an almost mystical environment.
There are different types of cenotes, including open-air cenotes, semi-open cenotes, cave cenotes, and underground cenotes. Dos Ojos Cenote is considered a semi-open, cave and underground cenote.
The name Dos Ojos literally translates to “two eyes” in Spanish, and this is because it’s actually a system of two cenotes and when viewed from above appears to be two eyes peaking out of the jungle canopy.
One eye is the open air “blue eye” and the other is a closed cave cenote which is cleverly named the “black eye.” The black eye cenote is actually pitch black, so you’ll need a guide or flashlight to enter, but it’s definitely worth it.
Quick Tips & Advice for Dos Ojos Cenote
Entrance Fee: 400 pesos ($24 USD), card not accepted.
There is a current deal where you can gain access to 3 cenotes for only 600 pesos ($35 USD) which includes Dos Ojos, Nicte Ha, and Cenote Jaguar! Make sure to ask for it if you’re doing a full day touring cenotes.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm every day
Make sure to bring mosquito spray, towels, and snorkelling gear, however, you can rent gear on site. If you’re planning on going diving, organize this in advance with a company in Tulum.
Wear comfortable shoes (not flip-flops) because the entrance by the highway and the actual cenote is 2 km away, which you can only get to by walking!
Like most cenotes, it’s best to arrive around 9 am and not on the weekends, to avoid the crowds.
All About Dos Ojos Cenote
The Dos Ojos Cenote is contained within one of the largest underwater cave systems in the Yucatan, and also holds the record for the deepest underwater passageway at a nerve-racking 118 meters (387 feet) deep! The average depth of the cenote is not as terrifying though, at only around 10 meters (32 feet) deep.
Dos Ojos Cenote is considered one of the best cave diving cenotes anywhere in Mexico. While it’s a popular spot to go cave diving, you don’t have to be a diver to enjoy this cenote.
Just witnessing the magical rock formations and swimming in the incredible blue water is enough, snorkelling is also a must-do activity to see all of the colourful fish below.
There are technically two cenotes, one of which is much darker and uninviting, so the main cenote is where you’ll be spending most of your time, but there will be more people here.
The cenote is full of incredible stalagmites and stalactites, and with the reflection of the water dancing off of them, it’s quite magical. Don’t touch them as they are very fragile and will break.
In the past, the Mayans used to sacrifice humans in some of these cenotes, including Dos Ojos, in fact, there are still remains discovered to this day, some dating back as early as 10,000 years ago.
The cenote was made famous in several documentaries and films, including The Cave and Journey Into Amazing Caves, the latter about two daring scientists diving into the depths of the earth to gather data on extreme environments.
What to do at Dos Ojos Cenote
The main attraction at this cenote is of course cave diving. Diving typically starts at around 2000 pesos ($118 USD) and there are many dive companies and instructors around the cenote and in Tulum or Akumal as well. We recommend booking beforehand.
Dive Dos Ojos is a good company we recommend out of Akumal. Anyone with an Open Water SCUBA certification is allowed to dive with a guide.
If you’re not brave enough to go cave diving, no worries, snorkeling is also a great option! We recommend bringing your own gear, but you can also rent snorkel equipment for around 100 pesos on site.
Be sure to check out the Bat Cave, a cool little cave that you can access by swimming through a dark and narrow pathway, you normally need a guide to take you there. This area, home to a bat population, is an ethereal world where stalactites and stalagmites meet in the cenote’s shallow water, creating otherworldly formations.
How to get to Dos Ojos Cenote
It’s easy to get to Dos Ojos Cenote as it’s close to other cenotes so there’ll be lots of options. If you’re coming from Tulum, simply take a colectivo on the main highway (Carretera Federal) which heads north towards Playa Del Carmen.
There are no fixed schedules with colectivos so just wait until one comes by every few minutes. From Tulum centro on the main highway near 7-eleven and grab the van heading to Playa Del Carmen and tell the driver to drop you off at Dos Ojos Cenote. The cost is only around 40 pesos.
If you’re coming from Playa Del Carmen get the colecitvo heading to Tulum under the highway overpass Avenida 50 and Avenida Benito Juarez right near the Mcdonald’s.
Our favorite way to get around is of course by renting a car, this allows you much more freedom as you can explore other sites along the way. You can find many car rental options in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen
If you’re driving, make sure to check out other cenotes in the area and along the way such as Cenote Casa Tortuga, Casa Cenote and also Cenote Nicte Ha, and Cenote Jaguar which are in the same complex as Dos Ojos.
Dos Ojos Cenote Conclusion
Dos Ojos Cenote is undoubtedly one of Tulum’s most mesmerizing natural wonders. Its striking beauty coupled with the various activities it offers makes it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re exploring the depths of the cenotes, swimming amidst the stalactites and stalagmites, or simply enjoying the tranquil environment, Dos Ojos promises an unforgettable experience.
As you plan your trip to Tulum, be sure to include Dos Ojos Cenote in your itinerary. Dive into its clear, cool waters. Gaze at the intricate rock formations. Marvel at the stalactites that hang like chandeliers from the cavern ceilings.
Dos Ojos Cenote isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey into an ancient, magical world that remains untouched by the passage of time. So, get ready to explore, dive, and swim your way through a captivating natural spectacle that promises to be one of the highlights of your trip to Tulum.
