One of Dos Ojos “eyes”, courtesy Loco Gringo

Cenote Dos Ojos is actually located inside of Dos Ojos Cenote Park which is between Tulum and Akumal, just south of Xel-Ha Park in the Riviera Maya.  You can actually take advantage of visiting several additional cenotes, such as Nicte Ha and The Pit, when visiting this park.

Dos Ojos is one of the most filmed and photographed cenotes in the Riviera Maya primarily because it is part of one of the most famous underground river/cave systems in the world (Sistema Sac Actun).  Dos Ojos is only part of this underground river and cave system; it consists of two neighboring cenotes connected by a 1,300+ foot cavern with stalactites and stalagmites–visitors must swim through darkened areas with little overhead room in order to reach other areas. There is also a “secret cave” where many bats can be found.

You can visit this cenote several different ways–book a tour with an independent tour company, pay a bit extra and have a local guide take you through the cave system, or you can “do it yourself”; do-it-yourselfers may not get the full cenote experience because there are certain caverns only accessible to guided tours.  Still, if you just want to snorkel or swim in a beautiful cenote, this may be the one for you to try.  FYI:  do-it-yourselfers who come here via rental car, bicycle, private taxi, colectivo, etc., will have to walk about 15-20 minutes after paying your entrance fee to the actual cenote.

There are two “eyes” (one entrance to the left and one to the right); swimmers and snorkelers typically start with the entrance to the right, but they can use both.  Watch out for scuba divers at both entrances (scuba divers need a special cave diving certification to dive here).  If you want to go swimming through the cave areas you will definitely need a waterproof flashlight; non-swimmers and those who cannot swim well will also need a flotation vest since you will be swimming the entire time while in the water–no collapsed cave ceilings to stand on nor convenient ropes common in some cenotes.

Since this cenote is popular, it has lockers and snorkeling equipment you can rent; I believe the flotation vest comes with the price of admission.  If you are with a local guide, waterproof flashlights are supplied.  There are some food options by the entrance as well as hammocks, picnic tables, and massages are available as well.

The entrance is close to the major highway, so colectivos will drop you off on the shoulder of the road.  You can take a taxi, ride a bike if staying nearby, rent a car, or hire a private driver for a specified period of time.

Take a few moments and view the video below; what do you think?  Would you visit this cenote?