Where: Dos Ojos in Tulum, Mexico
Known as one of the most spectacular cenotes in the world, Cenote Dos Ojos is filled with crystal blue water and is surrounded by limestone rock formations. The name is Spanish for ‘two eyes,’ because there are two caverns to explore.
In case you were wondering… a cenote is a large sinkhole or pit of water. They occur naturally and are caused by the collapse of limestone rock around them, which creates underground freshwater river systems that make for spectacular underwater exploration. Cenotes are most present in East Mexico. Might sound a bit weird, but they’re pretty incredible.
Itinerary
Join a tour or do it yourself. Cenote Dos Ojos is only a 20 minute drive from the town Tulum, so it’s not hard to get to. But if you’re based in Cancun, it’s about 2 hours each way. If you choose to do it yourself, keep in mind there is an entry fee. They’ll require cash at the gate or you can pre-purchase tickets online.
Morning
Cenote Dos Ojos is usually open from 8am to 5pm, however, the crowds usually start at about 9am. Get there early if you’d like to explore on your own or later in the day if you don’t mind sharing the space. Either way, this is a memorable and unique place to spend a couple of hours or a whole day.
Upon arrival, there are bathrooms, change rooms and lockers so there’s no awkward changing under your towel for you!
You’ll find stairs down to the water and lifeguards on duty throughout the day.
Swim, snorkel or scuba dive. They’re all on offer. Life jackets are included in the ticket price for those who need them and snorkeling gear can be rented on site (or you can BYO). If diving is more your thing, there are professional diving tours on offer – just be sure to do your research in advance.
In the crystal clear water (which stays at about 25 degrees celsius all year round), you’ll see plenty of small fish and amazing rock formations as well as limestone stalactites and stalagmites above ground. And if you’re a diver, there’s an entire underwater world of caves for you to explore if you’re game.
Afternoon
Depending on your choice to swim, snorkel or dive, you may still be there. But if you’re keen to keep exploring, there are more cenotes nearby – such as Cenote Nicte Ha and The Pit – both extraordinary sites. Perhaps stop at one of the nearby restaurants for lunch beforehand.
Evening
By now, you’ll probably be on your way back to your accommodation, whether it’s the 2-hour trip back to Cancun, 20-minute trip back to Tulum or anywhere in between.
Has Cenote Dos Ojos just been added to your bucket list? Or have you already been? Either way, we would love to hear your story. Let us know in the comments!
Are you interested in learning more about Cenotes in Mexico? Visit Cenotes of Mexico here.
Or maybe you can’t quite get to Mexico at the moment and would like to go somewhere closer to home. Check out these three Airbnbs to inspire your next inland winter escape.
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