In short
- Snorkelers float in the two open-air sinkholes and must wear life jackets.
- Certified divers explore the 415-meter Barbie Line and 300-meter Bat Cave routes.
- Basic entry is 350-400 MXN, while guided dive tours cost around $165 USD.
In this article
Cenote Dos Ojos accommodates both casual swimmers and certified scuba divers. The water is incredibly clear, with visibility regularly exceeding 60 to 100 meters. You will see ancient rock formations regardless of how you choose to explore the park.
What do snorkelers see at Cenote Dos Ojos?
Snorkelers explore the First Eye and Second Eye from the surface.
The First Eye is flooded with natural light. You can look down through the clear water to see massive rock formations below. The Second Eye is slightly darker. It features trailing jungle roots and small fish near the edges.
What do scuba divers see at Cenote Dos Ojos?
Divers navigate dedicated underwater cavern routes up to 10 meters (33 feet) deep.
The popular Barbie Line spans 415 meters and takes roughly 45 minutes. It features wide spaces and large columns illuminated by light beams. The Bat Cave route is a 300-meter circuit. It takes about 40 minutes and includes a brief surfacing in an air-filled dome.
Do I need a certification to dive or snorkel?
You need an Open Water certification to scuba dive. Snorkeling requires no experience.
Cavern divers must dive with a certified local guide. You must maintain neutral buoyancy and use a frog kick. This prevents disturbing the bottom sediment. Snorkelers just need basic swimming skills. All snorkelers must wear a mandatory life jacket in the designated clear water zones.
How do snorkeling and diving compare?
Diving requires certification and covers more ground, while snorkeling is cheaper and easier.
Review the differences below to plan your day at the park.
Is it more expensive to dive or snorkel?
Scuba diving is significantly more expensive than snorkeling.
Basic admission for snorkelers is 350 to 400 MXN (around $19-22 USD). If you want a guided snorkeling tour on site, expect to pay between 600 and 700 MXN. Scuba diving tours generally cost between $160 and $175 USD. These dive tours usually include tanks, weights, and transport from Tulum or Playa del Carmen.
Which activity should you choose?
Choose diving if you hold an Open Water certification.
The guided cavern routes offer a highly immersive underwater experience. If you are not certified, snorkeling is still highly rewarding. The water clarity allows snorkelers to see deep into the caverns from the surface.
Questions travellers ask
What is the water temperature in Cenote Dos Ojos?
The water temperature stays at a constant 77°F (25°C) all year round.
Can I freedive into the caves?
No. Freediving or swimming into the restricted cave zones without a certified guide is strictly prohibited.
Can beginner scuba divers dive at Cenote Dos Ojos?
You must have at least an Open Water certification. Divers are restricted to cavern diving limits, meaning you must stay within the natural light zone and use a guide.
