Cenote Dos Ojos: A Guide to Explore Tulum’s Underwater Cathedral

In Tulum, you’ll find Cenote Dos Ojos, one of the most renowned cenotes in the Riviera Maya, and it holds this reputation for several reasons:

• It’s a record-breaker: Part of the “Sac Actun” cave system, it’s the longest underwater cave in the world, stretching for 217 miles (350 km).
• It’s a two-in-one experience: This cenote boasts two entrances, hence its name, offering two distinct diving experiences for recreational divers.
• A world of exploration: Technical divers consider it an underwater paradise with plenty yet to discover.
• A unique natural beauty: Dos Ojos showcases a blend of colors and geological formations, unlike any other cenote in Tulum.

For all these reasons, Dressel Divers visits Cenote Dos Ojos several times a week. Since we know it like the back of our hand, who better than us to guide you through what you’ll find here? Take a look at the table of contents; it will pique your interest!”

1. General Information About Cenote Dos Ojos

1.1. Where is Cenote Dos Ojos Located?

The Sac Actun system, of which Cenote Dos Ojos is a part, is the longest in the world and is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, in the northeast of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

This cenote system in Tulum is divided into different sections: the Sac Actun region (which is a cenote in itself), the Nohoch Nah Chich region, the Aktun Hu region, and the Dos Ojos region. In the latter is Dos Ojos Park.

In addition to the cenote that gives it its name, there are other cenotes in Dos Ojos Park: Cenote Jaguar, Cenote Nicte Ha, Cenote El Pit, and Cenote Los Monos. In total, there are almost thirty cenotes.

This wonderful park is located between Tulum and Akumal, precisely 19 km from Tulum and 10 km from Akumal. Both towns are connected by the Tulum-Playa del Carmen highway, making it very easy to reach. In fact, a bus connects Cenote Dos Ojos with Akumal.

Dos Ojos Park is open every day.

1.2. Why is It Named Dos Ojos Cenote

Actually, the Dos Ojos cenote is not one cenote, it is two. It has two entrances connected by a 40-meter/ 131 feet passage.

These eyes with which the earth looks outward have different colors. Yes, yes, as you read it. One is called ‘Blue Eye’ because it is broader and shows a deep blue color. It is ideal for snorkeling.

The second is the ‘Black Eye’, it is smaller and gives entrance to the deepest part. Of course, it is the one chosen by divers, who find a wooden platform on which to prepare and from where they can jump into the water.

1.3. What to Bring to Tulum Cenotes Dos Ojos?

The water in Tulum’s Dos Ojos cenote remains at a constant temperature of around 25°C-26°C or 77°F-78°F throughout the year, decreasing slightly in the cooler winter months. However, please keep in mind that it is a bit colder than the temperature of the Caribbean Sea, and the thermal sensation may be less.

Therefore, you won’t need a wetsuit if you plan to snorkel. Your swimsuit and life jacket will be sufficient. For diving in the “Dos Ojos” cenote, at Dressel Divers, we provide 5 mm neoprene suits.

But that’s not all! You’ll need to bring a few other essential items to make your adventure amazing:

• Don’t forget your booties to keep your feet comfortable and protected.
• If you plan to dive, you’ll need two flashlights (we’ll explain why later).
• However, you can leave the snorkel and knife at home (we will also explain why in a few lines).
• For your day of exploring, make sure you have biodegradable sunscreen, a quick-drying towel, a hat to protect yourself from the sun, sunglasses, a large water bottle, a waterproof bag for your electronics, and some cash.
• Since there are showers in the Dos Ojos’ park facilities, you can bring a spare change of clothes.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the cenotes of Tulum!

2. Dos Ojos Cenote Diving

If you are a diver, you have just found what you were looking for.

2.1. Dos Ojos Cenotes Tulum Briefing

As soon as you step out of the vehicle that brought you to Dos Ojos Park, you’ll get your gear ready and head over to the diver’s entrance. But before that, right by the informative signs, a professional cave guide will give you a briefing. They’ll explain something like this:

You’ll descend into the sinkhole using wooden stairs until you reach a platform where you can comfortably gear up. Keep in mind that your guide will check your buoyancy. When diving in the Dos Ojos cenote in Tulum or any cenote in the Riviera Maya, it’s crucial to be properly weighted to maintain horizontal balance and achieve precise buoyancy control.

• That’s why your guides will likely use about half the weight you’d use in the open sea.
• You should also make sure all your equipment is securely fastened to your body. Nothing should be left dangling since it could get damaged.

Inside Mexican cenotes, there is a marked line or guide that shows the way. The main line is approximately 4mm thick and golden in color. That’s probably why they call it “The Golden Line”! When the path forks, the secondary lines change color. They become white and thinner. This indicates that you’ve deviated from the main path and need to backtrack.

The secondary lines lead further into the cave, but be cautious! Recreational divers can only explore caverns (where sunlight is visible). Why? Because we don’t have the necessary training for full cave diving.

• That’s why knives are prohibited in recreational diving, to prevent them from getting entangled in the lines and causing damage.
• Gloves are also not allowed. In Spanish, we say, “A cat in gloves catches no mice.” In other words, wearing gloves reduces skin sensitivity and dexterity. Consequently, if you wear gloves, you may have difficulty finding the line in low visibility.
• Inside Dos Ojos cenote, avoid touching anything, and definitely refrain from graffiti.

So, how do you dive in Dos Ojos cenotes?

• The guide leads the way, with up to four divers following at most.
• There should be at least a 2-meter distance between divers.
• Everyone must keep their flashlight ALWAYS ON. This way, you can both see and be seen without any trouble. When a guide counts the number of divers, they count lights. If one light isn’t visible, it can be quite alarming. That’s why two flashlights are carried. If the primary one goes out, the backup flashlight comes on.
• You should stay at arm’s length from the guideline. Why?

o Comfort: this allows you to reach the line easily, even in low visibility.

o Safety: it helps prevent getting lost along the way.

o Conservation: our bubbles inevitably affect the limestone structure of Dos Ojos cenote. However, if we stick close to the line, diver traffic only affects our specific path, preserving the rest of the cave.

• Diving follows the rule of thirds. One-third of your tank is used for the outbound journey, another third for the return, and the remaining third is your emergency air supply in case any issues arise.
• Recreational divers in Dos Ojos cenote can only navigate passages where two divers can swim side by side. This way, if any problems occur, you can share air, even if you have recreational, rather than technical, diving equipment.
• Dive signals are made with one hand. The other hand is needed to shine your flashlight on your hand, so your buddy can see it.

MANDATORY COMPLIANCE AND REQUIRED RESPONSE SIGNALS

To dive in Dos Ojos cenote, there are three vital signals.

Index finger and thumb making an “O.” This is the Okay signal. It’s always responded to with another Okay signal or the problem signal.

A closed fist means “stop and pay attention.” It’s crucial for your buddy to notice what you’re trying to communicate.

Thumb up means “ascend.” This signal is non-negotiable. It’s followed without question. The reason is the GOLDEN RULE OF CAVE DIVING.

“Any diver, at any time, can cancel the dive, for any reason.”

This rule isn’t up for debate. It exists to prevent group pressure. You shouldn’t dive in Dos Ojos cenote, or any other cave for that matter if you’re not comfortable. It would be unsafe for you and others.

Once, my cave diving instructor canceled a dive after just 10 minutes of entering a cave. When we discussed it, he said, “Today, the cave didn’t want me.” He canceled the dive because he had a bad feeling, and that was reason enough.”

2.2. Inside Dos Ojos Cenotes

At Cenote Dos Ojos, you’ll find two distinct dive routes, each offering a unique cave diving experience. Both are absolutely worth exploring, and both start at the same entry point.

Upon entering Cenote Dos Ojos, you’ll immediately find yourself in a massive chamber. The chamber floor is covered in white sand, and the dome above is adorned with colorful stalactites and stalagmites in shades of white, ocher, orange, and black. This natural display is a unique feature of Cenote Dos Ojos, as most other cenotes typically showcase geological formations in either white or black without such vibrant variations.

However, the most remarkable aspect of this chamber is the astonishing clarity of the water. In fact, if it weren’t for the bubbles you see, you might think you’re floating weightlessly in the air.

BARBIE CENOTE

For divers taking the Barbie Line route, the journey begins by heading to the right in search of the western eye of the cenote. You’ll pass through an expansive passageway and continue along another passage that runs alongside it.

This particular route is dubbed the Barbie Line due to a playful diver’s prank you’ll encounter halfway along the way. There, attached to the line, you’ll spot a Barbie doll being “attacked” by a crocodile.

It’s worth noting that this route forms a circular path, so when you reach the Barbie doll, you’ll know that you’re already on your way back from that point on. This is a good opportunity to check your pressure gauge and ensure you still have at least two-thirds of your tank’s air remaining. The route concludes where it started, and the maximum depth is approximately 8 meters/ 26 feet.

The Barbie Line offers a relatively easy and enjoyable diving experience. It is well-lit and relaxing, benefiting from ample sunlight from the western eye of the cenote. This makes it an excellent choice if you have any concerns about feeling claustrophobic. Moreover, you’ll have the chance to witness the captivating interplay of light as it refracts through the water.

This route also provides a fascinating journey through millions of years of the Yucatán Peninsula’s geological history, allowing you to marvel at the intricate speleothems that have taken millennia to form.

BATCAVE LINE

Divers embarking on the Bat Cave Line follow a similar starting point as the first dive but this time head to the left.

The Bat Cave Line, as the name suggests, leads to a colossal air-filled dome at the midpoint of the route. This dome is a unique feature as it hosts hundreds of bats hanging from the ceiling.

The dome is a well-ventilated space with a hole in the ceiling through which the bats come and go. It’s worth noting that this hole isn’t particularly large, though it is possible to emerge from it to the surface. As a result, all divers taking this route will experience the sensation of exploring a genuine cave, with no direct exit, rather than just a cavern.

To successfully navigate this route, it’s essential to possess strong finning skills and precise buoyancy control to avoid stirring up excessive sediment. Fortunately, the caves are expansive and beautifully adorned. Besides the incredible experience of observing the bats, this dive also provides the opportunity to discover numerous fossils and admire breathtaking underwater formations.

The dive concludes at the starting point and does not reach depths beyond 10 meters/33 feet.

3. Snorkeling in Tulum Cenotes Dos Ojos

Snorkel enthusiasts have the freedom to swim in any cenote of their choice within the park for as long as they please.

If you decide to explore Cenote Dos Ojos, it’s a good idea to either go with a guide or hire one at the park. For those who prefer using a snorkel tube rather than a scuba regulator, you can enter the water through the western entrance and even take a guided tour from there to the bat dome, accompanied by a guide, of course.

4. Dressel Divers Tour to Cenote Dos Ojos

The Tulum “Dos Ojos” Cenote Excursion organized by Dressel Divers departs from our bases in Cozumel, Playa Paraiso, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Aventuras.

As we explore both lines, it’s a full-day excursion that includes:

✓ Transportation

✓ Additional equipment for cenote diving

✓ Entrance to the Dos Ojos cenote

✓ Professional Cave Diving Guide

✓ Snacks and refreshments

Do you want to dive in the Dos Ojos cenote? Write to us.