Complete guide to visiting the incredible natural sinkholes at Cenote Dos Ojos near Tulum in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Includes up-to-date information on pricing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, and of course, photos so you know what to expect!
After all of the epic cenotes I’ve visited in Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula, Cenote Dos Ojos is my absolute favorite!
That’s because this incredible pair of natural sinkholes have some of the clearest water I’ve seen in any Cenote in Mexico. Exploring the amazing caves and underground rivers of the Two Eyes Cenote is a must for anyone looking for an epic adventure near Tulum or Playa Del Carmen.
In this guide, I’ll outline absolutely everything you need to know about visiting this incredible Cenote so that you can experience this natural wonder for yourself.
Featured in: Best Cenotes in Tulum
- About Cenote Dos Ojos: The Two Eyes Cenote
- Where is Dos Ojos Cenote?
- How to Get to Cenote Dos Ojos From Tulum
- How to Get to Cenote Dos Ojos From Playa Del carmen
- About Parque Dos Ojos
- Visiting Cenote Dos Ojos in 2023: What to Expect
- Facilities at Cenote Dos Ojos
- Scuba Diving at Dos Ojos Cenote
- What To Bring (and Not to Bring)
- More Cenotes Near Tulum & Playa Del Carmen
- Where To Stay in Tulum For Cenote Adventures
- Dos Ojos Cenote FAQs
- More Photos from Cenote Dos Ojos
- More Cenote & Adventure INspiration for the Yucatan Peninsula
About Cenote Dos Ojos: The Two Eyes Cenote
- Cenote Dos Ojos Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
- Cenote Dos Ojos Entrance Fee: 350 MXN pesos
- Diving tickets: 300 MXN
- Lifejackets: Mandatory
The Cenote Dos Ojos translates to two eyes cenote, and is named after its two distinct depressions (natural sinkholes). If you take a look at the overhead map below, you'll clearly see where it got its name– it looks like a skull!
There are extensive underwater cave systems at this cave cenote that you can explore whether you are on land, snorkeling, or diving. These include the caves surrounding the East Eye (First Eye), the West Eye (Second Eye), and the Bat Cave.
The Cenote Dos Ojos system (Sistema Dos Ojos) is one of the top three longest underwater cave systems in the Yucatan. Technically, it's part of the greater Sac Actun system (Sistema Sac Actun), which is the largest underwater cave system on earth.
If you've only got a short time in Playa Del Carmen or Tulum and you want to see the famous cenotes, make sure you visit Dos Ojos! This amazing cenote has the most amazing caves and the clearest water for snorkeling and exploring.
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Where is Dos Ojos Cenote?
The Dos Ojos Cenote is located on the Highway 307 connecting Playa Del Carmen to Tulum. It's only a very short distance (0.6 miles) south of Xel Ha (one of the best places to visit for families).
The distance from Tulum is roughly 13.6 miles (22 km) and roughly 34 miles (54 km) from Playa Del Carmen.
There is a large, unmissable sign on the road with a very spacious car park as well. From here, you'll find the ticket office on your left, then continue for approximately 10 minute through the jungle to reach the actual cenote entrance.
Due to the long distance, the best way to get here is to book one of the best-rated tours (below), take a taxi, or rent a car in either Tulum or Playa Del Carmen.
Grabbing a rental car or motorbike is one of the best ways, since you won't need to wait and hope for a taxi on the way back. This is actually a great way to explore this incredible region independently. I always recommend using DiscoverCars in Mexico to compare the best prices and to avoid mishaps with untrustworthy dealerships.
How to Get to Cenote Dos Ojos From Tulum
The directions to Dos Ojos Cenote are actually quite easy since it's located just off the main highway leading from Downtown Cancun to Tulum.
From Tulum, you'll take the 307 highway for approximately 13.6 miles before arriving at the cenote entrance (on the left).
I tried to find out whether there was a colectivo going from Tulum to the cenote, but I couldn't find one, unfortunately. The second best option would be joining a cenote snorkeling tour (below), or taking a taxi (probably more expensive).
Best Cenote Dos Ojos Tour From Tulum
If you're looking for the easiest way to get to Cenote Dos Ojos from Tulum, you're in luck. There is an epic two-cenote tour which visits Dos Ojos & the beautiful Casa Cenote and includes:
- Transport (small group tour)
- Snacks
- Excellent local guide
- Free snorkel equipment hire
- Free GoPro light hire
- Option: to upgrade to scuba dive tour
Book: 2-Cenote Adventure Tour (best in Tulum)
How to Get to Cenote Dos Ojos From Playa Del carmen
The truth is, Dos Ojos cenote is closer to Tulum than to Playa Del Carmen. But, that doesn't mean you can't visit one of the Yucatans best cenotes from Playa as well!
The total distance is roughly 34 miles, which should take around 45 minutes in a bus, van, or car. Again, I'm unaware of any colectivos running this route, but you could get a taxi which would get a bit pricey.
For trips like this it's usually best to just jump on a small group tour like the one below or pay a bit more for a private tour.
Best Cenote Dos Ojos Tour From Playa Del Carmen
If you're staying in Playa Del Carmen, there's also one great tour running to Cenote Dos Ojos (this is actually cheaper than the one from Tulum).
While this one only includes Cenote Dos Ojos, you'll get lots of bang for buck including:
- Transport (small groups)
- Mayan lunch - a la carte
- Beverages (water, soda,beers)
- Free snorkel equipment hire (wet suits as well)
- Professional local guide
Book: Epic Cenote Trip from Playa Del Carmen (Cenote Dos Ojos)
Planning to Visit Tulum?
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About Parque Dos Ojos
Once you arrive at Cenote Dos Ojos, you'll realize that locals have really taken advantage of the popularity and natural beauty of this site. Recently, they've turned the entire region into a tourist park named Parque Dos Ojos (Cenote Dos Ojos Park).
This has in turn raised the price of Cenote Dos Ojos tickets to 350 MXN pesos from around 150 a few years back.
You also now have the option of visiting two more cenotes in the park including:
- Cenote Jaguar - 200 MXN
- Nicte Ha - 200 MXN
If you've come independently, you have the option to check out these other two cenotes in Parque Dos Ojos in a combined package for 600 MXN per person. While Jaguar Cenote has a zip-line I was told you only get one try for the price, and you'll almost want to spend an entire day at Dos Ojos anyway.
Can You Bring Professional Cameras & Go Pros into Dos Ojos?
As a photographer, this particular aspect of the Mexican cenotes, especially the ones in the Riveria Maya, really annoys me! Unfortunately, you have to pay to bring in a mirrorless or DSLR camera (anything that looks professional).
The updated fee for bringing an underwater housing or large camera is 300 MXN pesos. Drones are not permitted at Cenote Dos Ojos. However, you can bring a GoPro without paying.
Still, in protest of the fees, I snuck in my Canon R5 and took some shots to show you guys while nobody was looking. Imagine paying the owners to provide them with free exposure!
Visiting Cenote Dos Ojos in 2023: What to Expect
Once you've paid your entrance fee, you'll be given a paper bracelet which grants entry to Dos Ojos Cenote. Continue on through the main gate and on for another 10 minutes (drive) down the jungle dirt road, passing Jaguar Cenote before arriving at the entrance.
Here, there are several restaurants, stalls, and other general tourist traps. My advice is to ignore that and head straight for the first eye!
The Dos Ojos Bat Cave
On the way to the first eye, you'll pass a section where the roof of the cave has broken in, a deep bat cave. There is a wooden safety barrier around this, making it a bit tricky to see much.
The First Eye (East Eye)
The first (east) eye is the most popular for snorkelers since the cave cavern is the largest. Once you make your way down the stairs, you'll discover a spectacular oasis with the crystal clear natural pool surrounding its edge.
There is a large wooden boardwalk at the entrance to the largest cave that makes for a good entrance point into the water. This is also a great spot to snap some photographs.
Unfortunately, due to the popularity of this cenote, life jackets are compulsory. This makes freediving and snorkeling in general very frustrating. We removed ours a few times to dive down and explore the caves a bit but were immediately called out by the life guards. Hey, they're just doing their job...
The Second Eye
In my opinion, the second eye (west eye) of Dos Ojos Cenote is the funnest to explore if you are snorkeling. That's because it's often much less crowded and has some amazing tunnels with deeper sections.
The video you see embeded in this blog post was taken exploring this section of the cenote. As you can see I had the time of my life swimming through the natural light rays, exploring the amazing cave rock formations and saying hi to the scuba divers
The base of the cavern floor is also really spectacular, with several stalagmites and stalactites immersed in crystal clear fresh water.
Facilities at Cenote Dos Ojos
Here's a list of facilities you will find inside the cenote area.
- Toilets, changing rooms, and showers (showers are mandatory before entering the water)
- Lockers for rent
- Life jacket rental - free but also mandatory. You will find them at both eyes at the lifeguard hut
- Parking lot - loads of parking for motorbikes, cars, and buses. This is just outside the entrance to the cenote (at the end of the 10-minute road after the park entrance)
- Massages - yes, this is a top tourist attraction after all
- Restaurants & snack shops
- Gear rental - 100 MXN for a snorkel and mask, and 100 additional for fins
Scuba Diving at Dos Ojos Cenote
Cenote Dos Ojos is is one of the best natural sinkholes in the Yucatan for scuba diving! There are two main cavern dive sites, each following a fixed line through the caves and networks of underground rivers connecting the two eyes.
The two different dive sites are named the Barbie Line and the Bat Cave line. These dives are both rated as "easy". But, you will need to be at least a Dive Master to attempt them without a guide. The maximum depth is only 10 meters, but the hazards of cave diving far outweigh the depth challenges involved at this cenote.
If you're looking to book a guided dive, the best price you'll find in Tulum is this 2-dive discounted package from Agua Clara Diving. The price on Viator is discounted and actually cheaper than booking at Tulum Pueblo!
Below is a convenient map showing the lines for the different dive sites. It also shows the depth markings and cavern limits.
Did you know? At the Dos Ojos Cenote, you can find the deepest known cave passage in Quintano Roo. This goes all the way down to 119 meters (391 feet) and is known as "The Pit". Of course, regular divers (especially those with just an open water course) won't be heading down here
Dive 1: Barbie Line - (Línea Barbie)
The first dive at Cenote Dos Ojos is the Barbie Line (Línea Barbie). This scuba dive leads divers down into a large open cavern where you'll see amazing light rays.
Next, it crosses over from the east eye over to the west and edges the rim before cutting back and following the wall through the cavern and "time tunnel". This section offers an amazing view of the cave at the end.
The water temperature can get chilly in these cenote due to the lack of sunlight. Therefore it's definitely best to avoid trying to brave it and wear a wetsuit!
Dive 2: Bat Cave Line (Línea Cueva De Murciélagos)
The second cave dive at Cenote Dos Ojos is the Bat Cave Line (Línea Cueva de Murciélagos). This dive is a little more clostrophobic due to darker sections without much light penetration. As a result, it's best to do this dive second after the Barbie Line.
As the name suggest, this second dive wraps around the outside of the Bat Cave and features an awesome chimney entrance casting a beautiful stream of light.
If you're going to be diving at Cenote Dos Ojos, I highly recommend taking both dives. If you book a package from Tulum, they will usually include two. Again, since these are cave dives, they're really only good for experienced divers with at least a few dives under their belt.
I've done hundreds of dives and worked as a Dive Master around the world, still cave diving is nothing like open ocean diving!
What To Bring (and Not to Bring)
Besides the obvious like swimmers, I suggest bringing the following. This will help avoid extra fees for rental gear:
- Mask & snorkel – will save you money instead of renting one
- Travel towel
- GoPro – the only cameras allowed without a fee (more below)
- Telekin GoPro Dome – for unique half-in-out photos
- Grayl Bottle – to filter tap-water on the go (free clean drinking water without the plastic)
- Hat – no sunblock allowed
- Clothes for swimming
- Small travel backpack
In addition, here are some things you certainly don't want to bring:
- Sunscreen - not permitted at any cenotes (you must also shower before entering the water)
- Drones - not permitted
- Too many valuables
- Reef shoes - float and swim, don't step on the sensitive rock formations!
More Cenotes Near Tulum & Playa Del Carmen
I hope this detailed and updated travel guide to visiting Cenote Dos Ojos Tulum has prepared you for an awesome adventure in Mexico's Riveria Maya. But, before you head out, below I've linked to a few more unmissable Cenotes near Tulum and Playa Del Carmen.
- Gran Cenote Tulum - awesome semi-open cenote with caves and crystal clear water near Tulum
- Cenote Carwash - an underrated and relaxing cenote just a short drive from the Gran Cenote
- Calavera Cenote - The Temple of Doom cenote offers a fun cliff jump and iconic swing and wooden ladder
- Cenote Escondido - The Hidden Cenote is great for relaxing or jumping off the 12 foot dive platform
- Cenote Cristal - one of the best cenotes in Mexico for snorkeling
- Casa Cenote - an awesome hidden gem that is one of the best Tulum sink holes for scuba diving.
Where To Stay in Tulum For Cenote Adventures
Wondering about where to stay in Tulum? Generally speaking, there are two areas, Tulum Town (Pueblo), and the Tulum Hotel Zone (Tulum Beach).
Tulum Town is a laid-back town close to the ADO bus station and has loads of hotels, guest houses, hostels, restaurants, bars, and everything else you could imagine.
The Tulum Hotel Zone is located closer to the to the beach, where you'll find more high-end hotels, beach resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs. Here are the 3 top picks from both neighborhoods.
- Casa Malca - Perfect for couples searching for a luxury, private and relaxing resort. It's situated on a private beach surrounded by palm trees and offers luxury spa treatments and a large outdoor swimming pool.
- Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins - Stay in an epic tree house just 100m from South Tulum Beach! Features an epic root-top jungle bar with rooms overlooking the ocean.
- Myan Monkey - By far the best hostel for a party vibe and making lifelong friends. The perfect choice for backpackers looking for accommodation in a great location. Just a short walk to Tulum Center where you can find many restaurants and bars.
Dos Ojos Cenote FAQs
This name comes from the two depressions that makes the cenote look like a skull with two large eyes when mapped out.
Due to its beauty and unparalleled opportunities for cave exploring, this is one of the most popular cenotes in the Yucatan. As a result, you can expect decent crowds year round. My advice is to get here early when it opens (9 AM).
This cave cenote isn't too deep, just 10 metres (33 feet) at its maximum depth.
More Photos from Cenote Dos Ojos
I had a great time exploring this awesome cenote! Here are some more photos from my recent visit.
More Cenote & Adventure INspiration for the Yucatan Peninsula
And that's a wrap for this detailed guide to visiting Cenote Dos Ojos from Tulum & Playa Del Carmen in Mexico's Riviera Maya! I hope it's helped you prepare for an awesome trip.
While you're still here on my blog, make sure to check out some of the other articles I've written about adventures in the Yucatan Peninsula.