Tulum: Discover the Depths of Dos Ojos Cenote

If you’re eyeing a trip to the Yucatán Peninsula, chances are you’ve heard about Dos Ojos, one of the most striking cenotes in the area. Our review here is based on a popular tour offered by The Dive Machine, a professional operation that promises a safe, memorable underwater adventure. If exploring crystal-clear waters, surreal rock formations, and mysterious cavern passages sounds compelling, this experience might be just the thing for you.

What we love about this tour is how it combines breathtaking natural scenery with the thrill of underwater exploration, all led by knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of full gear, transportation, and a relaxed itinerary makes it accessible for certified divers seeking an extraordinary day. One thing to keep in mind: it’s not suitable for those without Open Water certification or those with more than a year since their last dive, so check your credentials first.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers with a diving background who want to see one of the most iconic cenotes in the region with expert supervision. Casual snorkelers or non-certified divers will need to look elsewhere, but if you’re ready for an immersive, guided descent into a subterranean world, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Certified Divers Only: Requires Open Water certification; not suitable for non-divers or those with over a year since their last dive.
• Stunning Underwater Views: Clear waters and rock formations provide unforgettable visuals.
• All-Inclusive Package: Full gear, transportation, snacks, and even Mexican food included.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 4 participants, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
• Two Tanks at Dos Ojos: Plenty of time to explore this cavern system.
• Flexible Payment: Book now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

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You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Cenote: What Makes Dos Ojos Special?

The name “Dos Ojos,” meaning “Two Eyes,” perfectly describes the twin sinkholes that make up this cenote. Connected by a maze of underwater passages, the complex offers a visual feast of stalactites, stalagmites, and crystalline waters. The tour is designed to take you through a cavern system that’s both accessible and awe-inspiring, making it ideal for those seeking a safe yet captivating underwater experience.

We loved the way sunlight filters through the water, casting shifting patterns on the rocks below. This creates an almost surreal atmosphere, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the scene. The water clarity is often praised in reviews, with some mentioning that visibility is “pristine,” which helps highlight the stunning formations and play of light.

The cavern system isn’t just about beauty; it’s also about the feeling of being in a hidden world. The rocks and formations seem intentionally sculpted by nature—each passageway and opening feels like a secret doorway. Guides are skilled at pointing out these features and explaining their formation, adding educational value to the experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Your day begins at the designated meeting point on Calle 6 Nte Bis, where you’ll meet your guides and fellow divers. Once everyone has checked in, transport in a comfortable Jeep or SUV takes about 45 minutes to reach Tulum, giving you a chance to see the landscape and get excited about what’s ahead.

Before heading into the cenote, there’s a guided tour of Tulum lasting around 2 hours. This is a good opportunity to learn about the region’s geology, history, and significance before descending into the water. Though the focus is on diving, the tour adds context and depth to your experience.

A quick 45-minute ride back to Tulum follows, during which you can relax or review your plans for the rest of the day. Then, you get to enjoy a 45-minute Mexican lunch—a welcome break to replenish energy after your underwater adventure.

The highlight, of course, is the time spent at Dos Ojos. With two tanks included, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore the cavern system safely. The guides are attentive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and confident, whether it’s your first or your tenth time in a cenote.

Back at the starting point, the tour wraps up with a ride home. Included in the price are full dive gear, snacks, towels, and transportation—making this a smooth, hassle-free experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll find that the tour covers most essentials: entrance fees, dive gear, tanks, guided instruction, transportation, and even Mexican food. The only extras are photos (which you can purchase if you like), the ecotax of $15 USD per person, and transportation from your hotel to the dive center, which isn’t included but can be arranged separately.

The ecotax is a small fee that supports the preservation of these natural environments—something worth considering when budgeting your trip.

The Practical Side: Logistics and Considerations

Timing-wise, this tour typically runs in the morning, making it an ideal start to a day of exploring Tulum or the Riviera Maya. The total duration is about 5.5 hours, so it’s a full but manageable half-day activity. Given the small group size—limited to four participants—it feels personalized and less hurried than larger tours.

One important point: you need to bring cash for the ecotax and possibly tips or other expenses. Also, be sure to provide your T-shirt and shoe sizes, as well as your height and weight, for the gear fitting.

This experience isn’t suitable for children under 15, and those who aren’t certified or have more than a year since their last dive won’t be able to participate. Also, alcohol and drugs are prohibited before diving, aligning with safety guidelines.

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What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers consistently highlight the stunning beauty of the cenote and the clarity of the water. One mentions the “ethereal glow,” and others appreciate the “personalized” attention from guides, making the experience feel safe and special. Some note that the cavern passages are “not overly challenging,” making it accessible for those with some diving experience.

A common theme is how the rock formations and light play create a mesmerizing environment, with many saying it’s a “photographer’s dream.” The inclusion of a guided tour of Tulum also adds cultural context, enriching the day beyond just the underwater exploration.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re a certified diver looking for a unique underwater experience in Mexico, this tour offers excellent value. The price includes everything you need—gear, tanks, transportation, and food—and the small-group setting ensures personalized attention. The natural beauty of Dos Ojos, combined with the expertise of guides, makes it a memorable adventure.

However, it’s important to remember that this is an experience best suited for divers with current certification. For those willing to meet these criteria, this tour provides a safe, well-organized, and visually stunning dive into one of the Yucatán’s most iconic cenotes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for certified divers eager to see the famous cavern system of Dos Ojos and explore its dazzling rock formations. It suits travelers who value small-group settings and want a well-organized, all-inclusive day. Not ideal for non-divers or young children, but perfect for those with a sense of adventure and a love of natural beauty.

FAQ

Do I need special certification to join this tour?
Yes, it requires Open Water certification. You must be certified to dive safely in cavern systems like Dos Ojos.

Is this suitable for beginners?
It’s best suited for those with current certification; the maximum depth is 32 feet (10 meters), making it accessible for most certified divers.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers cenote entrance, full dive gear, tanks, a guide, transportation, snacks, towels, and a Mexican lunch.

Can I take photos during the dive?
Photos are not included in the package, but you can purchase them separately if offered.

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts about 5.5 hours, with most of that time spent traveling, touring Tulum, eating, and diving.

Is transportation from my hotel included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup, but transportation can be arranged separately.

Are children allowed?
No, children under 15 years old are not permitted due to safety and certification requirements.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Spanish, English, and German to accommodate diverse travelers.

In short, this tour offers a well-rounded, expertly guided introduction to one of Mexico’s most breathtaking cenotes for certified divers. The stunning visuals, combined with practical organization, make it a memorable day—especially if you appreciate natural beauty and underwater adventure at its finest.

You can check availability for your dates here: