About
Two Eyes Cenote is a popular destination combining nature, underwater allure, and Mayan history.
A cenote is a sinkhole created by thousands of years of limestone erosion. Countless cenotes are found across the Yucatan Peninsula and were considered sacred by the Mayans. You'll often find their ancient ruins around these beautiful blue wells for these reasons.
The Spanish name for this landmark is Cenotes Dos Ojos ("Two Eyes") because the pair of sinkholes resemble eyes. The cenotes connect to vast underwater caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
The exposed pool above the cavern entrances is crystal clear and stays 77° year round, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Regarding the caverns, certified scuba divers flock here for the ultimate adventure. With stunning visibility and sunbeams cutting the water from open accesses, it's an otherworldly experience.
We'll explore the unique features of each cenote in the next section, but the western sinkhole is the most popular.
Whether you swim or scuba, you'll need a certified guide because the cenote is protected. For snorkeling and scuba diving, Dressel Divers Cancún is an ideal candidate. They offer tours for licensed divers and snorkeling trips for those uncertified.
For the ultimate Mayan experience, combine a swim at the Cenotes Dos Ojos with exploring the Tulum Archaeological Site. The combination of history and nature will transform your Mexican vacation into something extraordinary.
Cenote Dos Ojos: Fun Facts & Cool Features
When you visit, you'll be at the "world's longest underground cavern." The Maya Aquifer Project team explored them for ten months and estimated they were 215 miles long!
The names associated with the cenotes are interesting: Bat Cave and Barbie Line. No, the Bat Cave isn't home to Bruce Wayne but is the residence of a colony of bats. Regarding the reference to the Mattel toy, a Barbie doll is affixed to the dive line's midway point.
As mentioned, most visitors enjoy the west cenote. It is ideal for swimming and leads to the Bat Cave. The eastern cenote is smaller and is where most divers enter. This pool will appeal to all swimming abilities with a shallow section and the deepest area reaching 26'.
No matter which cenote you explore, the water's clarity will blow your mind. The limestone cleans the water, resulting in visibility underwater up to 400'!
Whether you visit this landmark after a morning at Chichén-Itzá or coming straight from Cancun, be sure to include a stop at the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos. As the second largest reef in the world, the protected waters are home to an array of corals, bountiful tropical fish, and marine life. The quaint town features superb eateries like Le Chique and Puerto Knna (Boquinete Seafood & Grill.) Stopping at Puerto Morelos on your way back to your Casago rental is a fantastic ending to an adventurous day.
Aside from being a snorkeling and diving wonderland, the cenotes are rich with Mayan history. They associated cenotes with Xibalba, the mythical underworld where people went when they died. Knowing this tidbit of history adds an extra layer of mystique.
Whether you swim, snorkel, or dive, visiting the Two Eyes Cenote will be one of your treasured Cancun memories.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Cancun to the Cenotes Dos Ojos:
- Head southwest on Tulum Avenue (Avenida Tulum).
- Merge onto Highway 307 (Carretera Cancun-Tulum/Chetumal-Cancun), head south toward Playa del Carmen.
- Continue for approximately 98 miles.
- Watch for signs to the destination as you approach Tulum.
- Turn right at the marked entrance for Cenotes Dos Ojos and proceed along the access road.
- Follow the road to the parking area near the cenotes.
- Address: 77774 Quintana Roo, Mexico
Local Tips
- Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the ecosystem.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Bring cash; some vendors do not accept credit cards.
- Bring a waterproof camera to capture the underwater world.
