The Amazing Cenote Dos Ojos

Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the most extravagant dive sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. This Cenote is known for being one of the largest underwater cave systems. It is named due to the fact that the two sinkholes that you will find there ressembles "two eyes". Each sinkhole has a diameter of 70 meters long and they are connected by a 400-meter long corridor. In Dos Ojos, you will find the deepest underwater cave passage knwon to this day with a depth of almost 400 feet (118 meters). The cave system is 38 miles (61 kilometers) long. The water is crystal clear almost like if your were looking through glass. Both snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in this cenote. The water temperature is ideal to enjoy diving. It is usually between 75°F - 78°F (24°C - 25°C) throughout the year. Cenote Dos Ojos is located just 2 miles (3 kms) from Highway 307, 14 miles (22 kms) north of Tulum, and 30 miles (50 kms) south of Playa del Carmen.

Unlike other cenotes, specially those exposed to the open air, to enter Cenote Dos Ojos you will have to walk through underground caves to reach the area where the water is located. Dos Ojos is a recognized diving destination and many professional divers come to this peculiar body of water to explore the depths of the earth. Once you are close to the entrance, you will find groups of divers getting ready for their immersion. You can go into the wáter of the cenote through two main platforms. The first platform is to the left just after passing through the entrance. This is the largest platform. The first platform is also where divers come in and out of the water, so it can be crowded. At the bottom of the stairs, you'll find a pretty nice area that's also quite shallow. There, everyone who comes out of the water usually gathers: divers, amateur swimmers and snorkelers. In ths area, you will find a spot where divers can fall backwards into the water. Those who are not divers often use it as a jumping platform. The second platform is to the right after the entrance. The platform here is smaller and is a jumping-off spot to get into the water. There are stairs leading into the wáter, but be careful because they can be slippery. The water is fairly deep around the second platform, but there are shallower areas around the first platform. If you were wondering about living creatures at Dos Ojos, yes, there is life in this cenote. The water is full of fish, but most of the species linving here are really small.

Dos Ojos is primarily a diver's cenote, although there are many snorkelers too. At Dos Ojos, divers are king and queen. There is not much room to maneuver the steps to the first platform. The steps are constantly busy with divers coming out of the water. The cool, fresh water is crystal clear. The light is strong enough to see fish and rock formations while diving and the water is deep enough that there is plenty of room for both divers and snorkelers once they exit the platforms and enter the water. You may also see other jungle creatures near these cenotes, including iguanas, snakes, and birds. This is a place worth the visit and have a different experience while you are traveling in Cancun.