How to visit cenote Dos Ojos – the most popular cenote on the Riviera Maya [2022]
Find out why you MUST include Cenote Dos Ojos in your bucket list of places to see in the Riviera Maya. This stunning cenote is one of the busiest and most popular but there is a reason. It’s just spectacular.
In this post, we will tell you all about it, how to get there and everything you need to know to enjoy cenote Dos Ojos.
Located on the Riviera Maya at only 20 km from Tulum and 60 km from Playa del Carmen, Cenote Dos Ojos is very popular not only for its beauty but for being one of the first cenotes that opened as a recreational site for tourists.
I remember the first time I visited it was very different from what’s like right now, much less developed and, most of all, less busy.
Nowadays Cenote Dos Ojos is part of Parque Dos Ojos which is a group of cenotes included in the same area and some of them can only be visited if accompanied by a tour guide.
Further below we will explain in detail all the cenotes that are included in Parque Dos Ojos with prices and activities + how to get there.
But before moving forward with the information about Cenote Dos Ojos we would like to spend a couple of words on what are the cenotes.
What are the cenotes?
A cenote is a freshwater sinkhole formed by the collapsing of limestone soil, the type of stone that the Yucatan Peninsula is mainly made of. The cenotes allow us access to the water table. These holes are produced naturally by the collapse of the roof.
Sacred to the Mayan civilization they are now some of the main tourist attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula. Read more about the Mexico cenotes.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CENOTE DOS OJOS
Cenotes Dos Ojos is actually a group of two semi-open cenotes located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, but closer to Tulum.
When you arrive at Cenote Dos Ojos from the federal highway you will find the ticket office where you must decide whether want to visit the cenote on your own or you want a guide.
After you purchase your entrance ticket you must continue on an unpaved road for about 3 km (2 miles) to the Cenote Dos Ojos entrance where you show the ticket and you can proceed to the Cenotes.
But not after having showered, of course.
It’s called Dos Ojos which in Spanish means 2 eyes because there are two cenotes that are actually connected by a 60 mt underwater tunnel.
In fact, if you dive you can actually dive across from one cenote to the other. If you only swim you must walk from one to the other and they are quite close.
On the first cenote, the bigger one you will find a nice wooden platform which will make the access to the water very easy.
► Keep in mind that for safety reasons they have made the life jacket mandatory.
In the first cenote, you will find incredibly crystal clear blue water and you can easily swim and snorkel.
The second cenote is less appealing and smaller but you may see some bats flying around and fewer people. For sure you must check it out while you are there.
HOW TO GET CENOTE DOS OJOS
Getting to the Cenote Dos Ojos is easy because the ticket office is right on the federal highway but from there you still have 3 km to get to the actual cenotes.
How to get to Dos Ojos by car
Getting to Cenote Dos Ojos by car is the best option considering that you will have to drive another 3 km inland on a dirt road from the main federal highway.
If you have your own car it’s more convenient and once you finish visiting Cenote Dos Ojos you can move around and get to know the surroundings.
If you follow our advice and rent a car, we would also recommend getting the full insurance coverage, which will allow you to drive with peace of mind and not to worry about small incidents or mishappenings on the road.
Coming from Playa del Carmen you will find Cenotes Dos Ojos entrance on your right side after about 55 km, you cannot miss it.
Coming from Tulum you will find Cenote Dos ojos on your left, which means you will need to drive past it and return to the other lane at the first chance.
Turns and Cenotes are very well marked on the road you cannot miss them.
➣ When renting a car in Mexico we recommend Discover Cars because on their website you can compare different companies and their prices and you can choose between their car insurance or the ones offered by the car rental directly, or both.
How to get to Cenote Dos Ojos by local bus
It’s very easy to get to the Cenote Dos Ojos by local bus, whether you are coming from Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
You can hop on a ‘colectivo” and ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance of Cenote Dos Ojos. The price should be around 60 MXN approximately.
At the entrance, you will find the ticket office and bathrooms, but then you will have another 3 miles to walk. If you do that, keep yourself hydrated and wear sunscreen or cover your head.
Also, keep in mind that many cars will pass by and will make lots of dust. So be prepared, or rent a car!
Or you can purchase the Cenote Dos Ojos tour which includes transportation to the cave entrance.
► PRO TIP – there are local shuttle busses that take you to the cenotes for 25 MXN per person but they need to have at least 4 people to leave.
How to get to Cenote Dos Ojos by taxi
Another convenient option will be to hire a taxi. In this case here is what we suggest:
► Ask your hotel a recommended taxi driver
► Agree on the price and schedule beforehand
► Exchange phone numbers with the driver in case of an unexpected change of plans.
► Only pay him after each service
THINGS TO DO IN CENOTE DOS OJOS
✅ Swim and enjoy the spectacular crystal clear water
✅ Dive ( you need to be certified – and prove it – and be with a divemaster)
✅ snorkel around
✅ Enjoy a meal in the local restaurant immersed in nature
OTHER CENOTES TO VISIT IN PARQUE DOS OJOS
Within the Cenote Dos Ojos, there aren’t many activities you can do, but since it’s located within a park called Parque Dos Ojos, there are many other cenotes that you can visit. Here below we will list all of them with the prices.
Cenote Los Monos (closed at the moment)
You can only visit the cenote by purchasing a guided tour. It costs 700 MXN ( 35 USD) and includes entrance fees, snorkeling gear, wetsuits, flashlight, lifejacket, and a locker to keep your belonging safe. Also, you have included transportation to the cenote.
Cenote Mystery Maya
Same as above. You cannot visit this cenote on your own. You must purchase the package which includes a guide, and all the equipment. The price is 600 MXN
Cenote Jaguar
It’s located 2 km from the entrance of the Park where you can enjoy a zipline tour. It’s an open cenote and you can visit on your own. Price is 250 MXN
Cenote Nic Te Ha
This is a lovely open cenote at only 1 km from the entrance. The entry fee is only 200 MXN and you can visit on your own.
Cenote Dos Palmas
It’s an interesting cenote with restaurant and Temazcal, located at 2 km from the park entrance. It’s a semi-open cenote with crystal clear water and it’s not so deep.
Perfect for families with kids. The entry fee is 200 MXN per person. The temazcal alone is 900 MXN per person.
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Although it’s inside the park, Cenote Taak Bi Ha has its own management. The entrance fee is 450 MXN and it’s located about 2 km from the entrance. This cenote is spectacular, one of our favorite, and we wrote a separate article about it.
Cenote the Pit
This is further inside the jungle and it’s divers’ favorite for it’s profound depth and beauty, but it’s not suitable for regular swimer or snorkelers.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Cenote Dos Ojos Facilities
✔ showers
✔ lockers
✔ snacks shop
✔ restaurant
✔ restrooms
✔ snorkel equipment rental – 70 MXN
✔ shuttle to the cenotes – 25 MXN per person min 4 pax – (unless you buy the package, in which case it’s included)
Cenote Dos Ojos entrance fee
► 350 MXN regular entrance
► 700 MXN tour which includes, Guide, transportation, life jacket, snorkeling gear and access to the batcave (a flooded cave with access from one of the cenote’s waterholes).
Cenote Dos Ojos Opening Hours
Cenote Dos Ojos is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day.
HOW TO VISIT CENOTE DOS OJOS AND RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Here we would like to share some easy rules to follow in order to respect the cenotes and nature in general and prevent the fragile environment from deterioration.
✅ Don’t be loud, other people may want to enjoy the place in peace and tranquility. Respect them.
✅ Always take a shower before entering a cenote
✅ Don’t trash. Keep the place clean and if you see something that is out of place, pick it up.
✅ Don’t use any kinds of cream spray or protectors on your skin as it would contaminate the environment (even the so-called – eco friendly)
✅ Sometimes the wind move around trash or previous visitors were not respectful. You can help keep the place clean.
✅ Don’t hang on to the stalactites or stalagmites or any roots
✅ Just avoid any silly act that can damage the environment
If we appreciate the earth we will learn to respect it.
WHAT TO BRING TO DOS OJOS
✔ ecological Sunscreen and mosquito spray to wear only after you swim
✔ your own snorkeling gear
✔ swim suite
✔ some Mexican pesos in cash
✔ water ( better if in your water bottle)
✔ wet suit if you are usually cold in the water
✔ an extra swimsuit to change from the wet one.
INSIDER TIP – try to avoid weekends and be there early morning when they open if you want to avoid crowds.
WHAT WE LOVED THE MOST ABOUT CENOTE DOS OJOS
✅ the rock formations
✅ the cristal clear water
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT CENOTE DOS OJOS
❌ it’s too popular and therefore crowded almost all the time
❌ it’s way too expensive
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
To get the best shots of this cenote you should go early morning and be there for when it opens by 8 am. At that time besides being by yourself you will have the best light.
Also, it’s advisable to bring your tripod with you since it’s a semi-open cenote, it can be either very dark or you may find a lot of contrast.
Category – park / diving
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐/ 5
WHAT YOU CAN VISIT NEARBY
➡️ Cenote Taak Bi Ha – 0.6 km / 0.3 miles
➡️ Akumal Beach – 15.8 km / 9.8 miles
➡️ Xelha ruins – 3 km / 1.8
➡️ Cenote Yax-kin – 5 km / 3 miles
➡️ Tulum Ruins – 15 km / 9 miles
