Dos Ojos (cenote system)

Dos Ojos (Spanish: Sistema Dos Ojos, ‘Two Eyes System’) is an extensive submerged limestone cave system entered through a cluster of cenotes; its name refers to two neighboring sinkholes that look like a pair of eyes into the underground. Exploration began in 1987 and the system was surveyed to large extent before recent connections linked it into the larger Sistema Sac Actun.

The caves are anchialine: they show tidal influence and have mixing between fresh and marine water in some passages. Explorers have mapped deep and long passages (the system included very deep features such as ‘The Pit’ and rooms with technical names used by cave divers), while the cenotes themselves have maximum depths of around 10 meters near the public openings.

Visiting Dos Ojos is mostly about water activities rather than long dry walks: the site is popular for snorkeling and guided cavern dives because the water is exceptionally clear (rainwater filtered through limestone) and steady in temperature (about 25 °C year-round). Most recreational visitors experience the well-lit cavern zones and the dramatic twin openings, while much of the mapped cave network remains accessible only to trained cave divers.

• The Two 'Eyes' (twin cenotes): Two large neighboring sinkholes that give Dos Ojos its name and open into an extensive shared cavern zone.
• Cavern zone and light shafts: Shallow parts of the caves form large, well-lit caverns where sunlight penetrates and visibility is limited more by light than water clarity.
• Snorkeling and guided cavern dives: The site is famous for excellent underwater visibility and organized snorkeling or guided cavern dives in the 5-7 meter range for recreational visitors.
• Connection to neighbouring cenotes (Bat Cave): Guided routes can include underwater traverses into an adjacent cenote known locally as the Bat Cave, used by snorkelers and divers alike.
• Deep exploration passages (for technical divers): Beyond the public caverns the system contains long, deep passages and named exploration areas visited only by trained underground cave divers.

Dos Ojos lies north of Tulum; the nearest town for services and tour operators is Tulum. The closest major airport is Cancún International Airport; many visitors travel along the coastal highway by shuttle, rental car or bus to Tulum and then onward to cenote areas.

There is no local passenger railway serving the site; most of the last stretch is reached by car, taxi or a short transfer from Tulum (several small tour operators and local taxis serve the cenote zone). Check with your accommodation or a local operator for current transfer options and meeting points.

• Book snorkeling or cavern dives with a licensed operator and tell them your certification level - technical cave diving requires specialist training and equipment.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen or shower before entering the water to protect the fragile aquifer and keep visibility high.
• Bring a towel and change of clothes; facilities vary so ask your operator about lockers and amenities before you go.
• Arrive early when possible - Dos Ojos is popular and activity levels rise later in the day.
• Follow guides’ safety briefings closely; even shallow cave areas can be disorienting without experience.