Cenotes Near Tulum: Snorkel Dos Ojos & Casa Cenote (Manati)
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate: comfortable swimming for short distances and able to climb ladders or scramble over wet rock.
Overview
Float between two very different worlds: the cathedral-dark caverns of Dos Ojos and the mangrove mirror of Casa Cenote (Manati). This 4.5-hour tour from downtown Tulum pairs world-class snorkeling with a concise lesson in Yucatán geology and Mayan history.
Cenotes Near Tulum: Snorkel Dos Ojos & Casa Cenote (Manati)
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The first time the light finds the water at Dos Ojos it feels deliberate — a narrow shaft that cuts through the limestone and throws a silver knife across an underground pool. You step off the platform and the water answers, cool and clear, daring you to look deeper. Around you the cave breathes in measured drafts; across the surface the mangrove-lined inlet of Casa Cenote glows green and still, reflecting roots that reach like arthritic hands into the river.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Regular sunscreens damage limestone and underground ecosystems — choose reef-safe formulas and apply before you arrive.
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Morning light produces the best underwater visibility and photo shafts at Dos Ojos; weekdays are quieter.
Footwear for wet, uneven surfaces
Water shoes or sandals with grip make ladder entries and rocky approach paths much safer.
Protect electronics
Carry a dry bag or waterproof case — splash and low ledges make water exposure likely.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Freshwater turtles
- Mangrove fish and shore birds (herons, egrets)
History
Maya communities revered cenotes as water sources and ritual sites; offerings and ceramics have been found in nearby sinkholes and caves.
Conservation
Limiting sunscreen residue, staying on designated walkways, and following guide rules help protect stalactites and the Sac Actun groundwater system.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tulum
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects fragile cave and coastal ecosystems while shielding you from strong tropical sun.
summer specific
Swimsuit and quick-dry layer
Quick-dry clothing keeps you comfortable between cenotes and on the drive back to Tulum.
summer specific
Water shoes
Provide traction on ladders, volcanic rock, and slick boardwalks.
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps electronics and extras dry while you snorkel or move between sites.