Discover why you need to swim at Cenote Dos Ojos, a stunning sinkhole located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. This NEEDS to be on your bucket list!
Cenote Dos Ojos in Tulum might easily be the most famous cenote in the world. I have to confess I’m partial to this cenote!
The blue water, which almost looks painted, and the incredible rock formations make it look otherwordly.
Cenote Dos Ojos has appeared in multiple documentaries and movies, and I can honestly understand why. It’s just incredibly beautiful…and you’re about to discover it with your own eyes!
Being one of the most beautiful cenotes near Tulum, there’s no shortage of tourists visiting the natural attraction. In this guide you’ll learn how to avoid the crowds, as well as every bit of information needed to plan a memorable visit.
Everything from the cenote’s activities to updated prices and timings, as well as the dos and don’ts are included. Read on!
Table of Contents
WHAT IS A CENOTE?
I already know what is a cenote! I know, I know – after all, cenotes have become super popular these past few years, especially thanks to Instagram and travel blogs.
However, many people don’t really know what exactly is a cenote. I do believe it’s important to understand what is their significance to the Mayans so we can be more respectful.
A cenote is a natural sinkhole dating back several centuries. Said in simple words, when limestone caves collapse they expose a natural pool.
This pool then gets filled with rain water and with the water that flows through underground rivers, to which these natural sinkholes are connected. Voilà, you’ve got yourself a cenote!
The word cenote comes from the Mayan term dzonot, which means well. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that all cenotes look the same. In fact, cenotes can be classified in 3 main types.
- Open Cenotes – Open cenotes are like natural, open pools, which can be more or less deep. Some of these open cenotes are also connected to an underground river passage (which makes them great for diving!). Examples of beautiful open cenotes are Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido, Cenote Zacil-Ha, and Cenote Carwash.
- Semi-open Cenotes – As the name implies, semi-open cenotes have some parts that are exposed and some portions that are partially hidden by a cave. Examples of semi-open cenotes are Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera.
- Cave Cenotes – This type of cenote can be accessed via a land-level entrance. Once you make your way in, it opens up to an underground pool which can have both shallow and deep areas. Cenote Dos Ojos, which I’ll tell you all about in this post, is a cave cenote.
Cenotes are not just natural pools and caves. They have a great cultural and religious significance to the ancient Mayans, who believed them to be passages to the underworld.
Please be responsible! Don’t litter the cenote, always take your trash back with you, and only apply biodegradable sunscreen before swimming in the cenote.
CENOTE DOS OJOS: AN INTRODUCTION
Cenote Dos Ojos, contrary to popular belief, is not a single cenote but it’s actually a system made of two different cenotes. These are connected via a passageway that measures 400 meters long.
Name explained! – in fact, the name Cenote Dos Ojos means Two Eyes Cenote in English. I could not find the name of each of the two “eyes” cenotes, I suspect they are just called Cenote Dos Ojos 1 and 2.
Most people spend the majority of their time at the main cenote, as the second one is darker and less inviting – yet really beautiful in a different way.
Cenote Dos Ojos is part of one of the largest underwater cave systems of the Yucatan Peninsula. This cenote also boasts the record for the deepest underwater passageway. It’s 118 meters (396 feet) deep, although the cenote itself is a maximum of 10 meters (33 feet) deep.
The water is transparent, blue really – one of the most crystal clear waters I’ve seen in my entire life. The temperature of the water is a pleasurable 24-25 Celsius degrees (in the high 70s Fahrenheit).
It’s not unusual to see bats, and if you happen to really like them, you could head to the Bat Cave. It’s only visited with a guide, and one of the attractions at the park.
Both sinkholes feature beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, but these are pretty fragile so please don’t touch them. You’ll find both shallow and deeper areas in the cenotes, so it’s a good option for families with children as well.
THE FACILITIES AT CENOTE DOS OJOS, TULUM
Parque Dos Ojos, where Cenote Dos Ojos is located, offers some of the best facilities in the region.
Bathrooms & Changing Rooms
At Cenote Dos Ojos you’ll find bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers. They’re in good condition, and very useful for changing in and out of your swimsuit or rinsing off your sunscreen before a dip.
Food at Cenote Dos Ojos
There are two on-site restaurants: Dos Ojos, and Juanita. You can grab a delicious taco lunch to refuel after swimming in the cenote.
With such a great choice of restaurants in Tulum, however, I suggest heading to town for a meal if you’re not staying in the area.
Parking
Parking is free at the cenote’s parking space, which is about half a mile from the entrance.
Other Facilities
A large wooden deck area at the main cenote makes for a great entry point. There are stairs to go down in the water at both cenotes, but make sure you watch out for the shallow rocks right below the surface.
Life jackets (I heard that they are now mandatory) are included in the price of the entrance ticket, and lockers available for rent.
You can also rent snorkeling gear at Cenote Dos Ojos. If you need it, make sure you pay for it in advance at the ticket booth, since the cenote and the ticket booth are very far from each other. The cost of rental (mask, snorkel, and fins) is around 200 MXN.
You can also upgrade your ticket to a guided snorkeling or diving tour. For diving, however, I recommend going with a reputable diving school instead. You’ll find a few diving tours in the paragraph about tours.
At Cenote 2 Ojos there are also lifeguards on duty. Always keep an eye on your children if you are traveling with kids regardless.
You can have massages (some reviewers say this was the best massage they ever got!), and there are covered picnic areas where you can sit and eat.
There’s a designated hammock area where you can lay down to chill or even nap!
⚠️ Remember to take pesos with you to pay for the rentals and the entrance fee. Only Mexican currency in cash is accepted.
CENOTE DOS OJOS: PRACTICAL INFO
Cenote Dos Ojos Price
The Dos Ojos Cenote entrance fee is quite expensive, costing 350 MXN or 21 USD at the time of writing. Only cash is accepted, and it’s cheaper if you pay in pesos (about 18 USD with the current conversion).
Where is it located?
Cenote Dos Ojos is located 13 miles (22 km) north of Tulum, and around 31 miles (50 km) south of Playa del Carmen.
It’s part of a place called Parque Dos Ojos (or Sistema Dos Ojos) where you can also find other cenotes. They are Cenote Nicte Ha, Cenote Jaguar, Cenote El Pit, and Cenote Los Monos.
You can also visit Cenote Dos Ojos Tulum together with Xel Ha, which is just 1 km (0.6 miles) south.
Cenote Dos Ojos address is Carretera Federal 307, km 244.5. Here below you can see it on the map:
Cenote Dos Ojos Opening Hours
Cenote Dos Ojos is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
What’s the best time to visit Cenote Dos Ojos?
If you want to avoid the crowds, come to Cenote Dos Ojos in the early morning. I came at opening time and had the cenote pretty much for myself. At 9.30 the crowds started to arrive and I escaped to Cenote Nicte Ha!
Cenote Dos Ojos Snorkeling
✓ Possible – you can either bring your own gear or rent it at the entrance of Dos Ojos Cenote Tulum when you pay for your ticket.
Dos Ojos Cenote Diving
✓ Possible but you need to organize it with a diving center in advance. Cenote Dos Ojos is really popular with divers (many of whom are at their first experience).
Are drones allowed?
Drones are prohibited in most cenotes in Tulum and the Riviera Maya, including Cenote Dos Ojos as of March 2024.
Is there anything prohibited at the cenote?
These are the practices and elements that are not allowed in Cenote Dos Ojos:
- Any kind of lotion, including mosquito repellent and sunscreen, is forbidden as it damages the ecosystem.
- While you can bring your own food, alcohol is not allowed.
- When diving, gloves and knives are not permitted.
- Touching the cenote’s roots, stalactites, and stalagmites could harm the delicate ecosystem. Don’t do it.
How long should you stay at Cenote Dos Ojos?
A visit to Cenote Dos Ojos usually lasts around 3 hours. This gives you plenty of extra time to visit nearby cenotes or attractions!
BEST CENOTE DOS OJOS TOURS
If you decide to visit Two Eyes cenote in Tulum with a tour, check out my favorite Cenote Dos Ojos tours.
➤ This Dos Cenotes Adventure from Tulum – Small Group caters to both snorkelers and scuba divers (which makes it a family-friendly tour). You’ll get to snorkel or scuba dive with a guide at Casa Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos. It’s also more affordable than most other diving tours. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The VIP Private Dos Ojos Cenote Tour with Mayan Lunch grants you privacy and convenience. Depart early in the morning, and enjoy the two cenotes away from the tourist crowds! After the visit, relish lunch at a local Mayan restaurant. Hotel pickup is included from Tulum and Playa del Carmen. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ Discover the underwater wonders with the 2 Different Divings in Dos Ojos Cenote. This 2-tank diving experience takes certified scuba divers to the tunnels and caves of cenotes Dos Ojos. The tanks, weights, and flashlight are included, as well as transfers from Tulum. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Private Dream Underground World takes your group to explore the Sac Actun system. You’ll get to swim and snorkel in the underground river and discover the rock formations of this unique ecosystem. Snacks, drinks, and snorkel equipment are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
READ ALSO: 13 Best Cenote Tours in Tulum
HOW TO GET TO CENOTE DOS OJOS
Cenote Dos Ojos is located inside the Dos Ojos Cenote park where you can also find Cenote Nicte Ha, Cenote The Pit, and other cool cenotes. There are quite a few transportation options to get to Dos Ojos Cenote that you can choose from. Let’s see them all.
Take a Colectivo to Cenote Dos Ojos
Colectivos (shared vans) are often the best way to move around the Riviera Maya. Once you understand how they work, they are really easy to use. Somply stand on the side of the highway and wave at any minivan coming your way.
Tell the driver your destination when you get on (or show the name on your phone if you don’t speak Spanish), and pay when you get off (it’s always very cheap!)
➤ If you want to get to Cenote Dos Ojos by colectivo, take it on Highway 307 going north from Tulum, towards Playa del Carmen. There is no fixed schedule, but shuttles pass every few minutes.
The shuttle will leave you at the entrance of Parque Dos Ojos and usually costs about 40 MXN from Tulum Town.
⚠️ Careful though: from the entrance and the ticket booth it takes about 30 minutes on foot to get to Cenote Dos Ojos. The path (around 2 km long) is on a dirt road and there’s no transportation available, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
If you’re coming by colectivo, avoid going at midday when it’s too hot! You’ll have to pass in front of Cenote Jaguar and Cenote Nicte Ha before reaching Cenote Dos Ojos.
If you don’t want to walk for that long, check out one of the other options – this, however, it’s the cheapest way to get to Cenote Dos Ojos.
Book a Private Driver for the Day
One of the best day trips from Tulum is visiting the ultimate cenotes in the area. I would say all of them, but considering there are thousands of cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula and Quintana Roo it’s a little difficult!
If you want to check out multiple Mexican cenotes (or other attractions) in one day, consider hiring a private driver. While it’s more costly, having a private driver helps you optimize your time.
This is how I visited 6 cenotes in one day, including Cenote Dos Ojos, and I didn’t regret it one bit!
When you book a driver, you get to plan your own itinerary without worrying about any of the transfers, or having to follow a strict schedule. Parking fees and insurance will be covered, and you’ll even get two drinks per person to hydrate between visits. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Take a Taxi to Dos Ojos
➤ The ride from Tulum Town to the Dos Ojos park takes about 20 minutes and shouldn’t cost you more than 200 pesos. If they ask you for more money, make sure you haggle!
➤ If you are staying at Tulum Beach you are a little further away, so budget an extra 100 pesos.
Taxis will leave you at the entrance of the park. If you don’t want to walk you can ask the driver to wait while you buy the ticket, and then drive you to the cenote (obviously with a surcharge). The cenote is over 0.6 miles (1 km) away.
Rent a Car in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancun
Many people are scared of driving in Mexico, but I didn’t find the roads in the Riviera Maya to be bad at all. Renting a car means more freedom, and you’ll be able to park right in front of the cenotes, which will save you a lot of time and hassle. Why not opt for a road trip through the Yucatan Peninsula?
Plus, renting a car in Mexico is generally cheap. I rented a car multiple times in Merida with absolutely zero issues.
▶ CHECK OUT HERE the best prices for rental cars in Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
Coming from Playa del Carmen or Cancun instead?
If you’re coming from Playa del Carmen or Cancun, I wrote two detailed articles about all the options you have to get to Tulum. Check them out:
How to get from Cancun to Tulum
How to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
PROS AND CONS OF CENOTE DOS OJOS, RIVIERA MAYA
Pros of Cenote Dos Ojos
✅ Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the most incredible cenotes in Mexico – that fresh water!
✅ It’s near Cenote Nicte Ha, so you can visit both in one day.
✅ It’s great for both snorkeling and diving.
Cons of Cenote Dos Ojos
❌ Cenote Dos Ojos entrance fee is expensive.
❌ It’s one of the most popular cenotes, so it gets very crowded.
WHAT TO PACK FOR CENOTE DOS OJOS
This is a list of the essential items you should bring with you when you visit Cenote Dos Ojos.
➤ Swimwear: Of course. This is an essential item to pack with you when you visit a cenote! I’m currently in love with bikinis from ZAFUL – I kinda want to buy them all!
➤ Biodegradable Sunscreen: One of the most important Cenote Dos Ojos facts is that the use of sunscreen is not allowed. If you need to use it, only go for 100% biodegradable sunscreen.
Please make sure not to apply regular sunscreen before entering Dos Ojos Cenote in Tulum or any other cenote, as it can damage the ecosystem.
➤ Snorkel Mask or Goggles: At Cenote Dos Ojos you can rent gear. If you’re planning to snorkel on a few different occasions, though, it makes a lot more sense to buy your own snorkeling gear.
➤ Water Bottle: Try and bring a refillable water bottle around with you to reduce the consumption of plastic. However, the tap water in Mexico isn’t generally safe to drink. Make sure to refill your bottle with potable water, or buy a LifeStraw water bottle that comes with a water filter.
OTHER THINGS TO DO NEAR CENOTE DOS OJOS
▶️ Visit the Tulum Ruins, a jaw-dropping Mayan site perched on a cliff with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea.
▶️ Spend the rest of the day relaxing at Tulum Beach, one of the most paradisiac in the region.
▶️ Check out the nearby cenotes. Trust me, there’s no such thing as too many cenotes!
▶️ If you’re not staying in Playa del Carmen, I recommend spending a day in the bustling city.
CENOTE DOS OJOS FAQ
The Dos Ojos Cenote price is 350 MXN (approximately 18 USD) at the time of writing.
You have a few options to get from Tulum to Cenote Dos Ojos. You can take a colectivo (shared taxi), a regular taxi, or hire a car with driver for a day. You can also rent a car and drive on your own.
Of course you can! Most cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula can be visited easily on your own. There are some instances, though, where a particular cenote can only be visited accompanied by a guide. Other times, you might want to join a tour for convenience.
I recommend the 2 Cenotes Adventure from Tulum – This tour is great for both snorkelers and certified divers, and will bring you to two of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula… in just 5 hours! A light lunch, drinks, and all equipment and fees are included, and you’ll be accompanied by a guide and divemaster.
Opening hours of Cenote Dos Ojos are daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Cenote Dos Ojos, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is located in Parque Dos Ojos, merely 13 miles north of Tulum Town.
Did I convince you to visit Cenote Dos Ojos? Let me know in the comments!
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sara
Monday 13th of September 2021
can you share your driver you hired for the day?
Steph
Thursday 16th of September 2021
Hi Sara! It was a friend of my friend, not a professional driver, so I can't share details, unfortunately. However, a few of my readers have used this service: https://www.cancunairporttransportations.com/cancun-tours/open-service-riviera-maya-6?idaff=1303 You might be able to find something cheaper depending on how many people are in your party, but it's a trusted option.