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-   -   Cenotes near Playa Del Carmen (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/cenotes-near-playa-del-carmen-972214/)

MFNYC Mar 27th, 2013 04:24 PM

Cenotes near Playa Del Carmen
 
Are there any nice cenotes near Playa Del Carmen accessible by Collectivo (or similar public transportation)? This June we're heading to PDC, staying in town and are looking for some excursions we could do without a tour. We've already done Tulum and Coba so looking for something different. We also may do snorkeling in Akumal.

Katzgar Mar 28th, 2013 02:12 AM

they also have taxis. look at dos ojos on you tube

MFNYC Mar 28th, 2013 06:55 AM

Dos Ojos looks like it's geared for divers. This is for my kids and their friends (in their 20s), who are all on a budget, that's why public transportation, and minimal fees.

Shanti Mar 28th, 2013 07:52 AM

I snorkeled at dos ojos. It was fun.

schmerl Mar 28th, 2013 08:53 AM

Check out this site. It lists the cenotes in the area and provides info on them also.
http://www.playamayanews.com/area_in...iera_maya.html

MFNYC Mar 28th, 2013 08:56 AM

On the website it just looked like it was for diving. Do you need a reservation or to enter to snorkel? About how much is the snorkel-only fee?

jamie99 Mar 28th, 2013 11:13 AM

I have not been but every time I travel south there are a number of cenotes just south of Puerto Aventuras near the Barcelo on the west (non beach) side of Highway 307. Ask the staff at your hotel which ones are a short distance from the highway.

Katzgar Mar 28th, 2013 01:56 PM

go snorkel dos ojos and have a great time

Shanti Mar 28th, 2013 03:48 PM

I went on a tour so I don't know how to make arrangements to snorkel there or if you need reservations. I don't think it would be expensive if you went on your own. It was an interesting experience as compared to snorkeling in the ocean.

KVR Mar 28th, 2013 04:06 PM

To answer your question there are 2 cenotes oustide of Playa del Carmen; Gran Cenote and Cenote Azul. We went to both of them using a tour with James and Anna.

http://www.playa.info/tours-anna-james-general.html

I would think you could get to both by either a taxi or Collective. Go to Google maps under directions and it will give you a good idea of how far.

I have pictures of both these cenotes on my web-site:

http://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfly.com/pictures/3356

The first set is Gran Cenote and the second set is Cenote Azul. Click "all" so you can just scroll down.

Katzgar Mar 29th, 2013 12:58 AM

there are actually dozens of cenotes outside of PDC.

castlevisitor Mar 29th, 2013 01:49 AM

ttt

schmerl Mar 29th, 2013 04:24 AM

<<<there are actually dozens of cenotes outside of PDC>>>>>>>>
YES...which is why I posted a link to a site listing all of them.

emd3 Mar 29th, 2013 05:02 AM

I have snorkeled at Dos Ojos. You need a guide to snorkel in the larger part of the cenote that leads into the bat cave. DO NOT miss doing that part, but you must have a guide, do not attempt to do it on your own, there are narrow and low passages and you can get lost. You can either go with an outside guide, or you can hire a guide at the entrance. Cheaper to hire a guide at the entrance.

I have been to many other cenotes (Gran cenote, Car Wash, others) but nothing compares to Dos Ojos (except Hidden Worlds, but there is a hefty admission price and it takes over 30min on a bumpy rd. in an open truck bed to get to the cenote).

MFNYC Mar 29th, 2013 06:12 AM

Thanks!

MFNYC Mar 29th, 2013 06:15 AM

If we were to consider a tour, any preference of Dos Ojos vs Gran Cenote/Cenote Azul tour suggested by KVR? Both look good.

KVR Mar 29th, 2013 07:15 AM

That tour company also offers tours of other Cenotes. Look at their Sea to Cenote tour on thier site.

Katzgar Mar 29th, 2013 07:49 AM

when you looked at them on youtube and gmaps which one did you like?

emd3 Mar 29th, 2013 09:09 AM

Dos Ojos, hands down, no contest

MFNYC Apr 1st, 2013 10:33 AM

Based on this and googling around, Dos Ojos it is, and from what I gather a guide is recommended. I found a snorkel tour through Mexico Blue Dream for $70 (incl transportation, gear, guide and lunch). This seems like a pretty good price, based on the cost of doing this on our own with a private guide.


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