MFNYC

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

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

MFNYC

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

I snorkeled at dos ojos. It was fun.

schmerl

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

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

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

go snorkel dos ojos and have a great time

Shanti

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

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

there are actually dozens of cenotes outside of PDC.

castlevisitor

ttt

schmerl

<<<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

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

Thanks!

MFNYC

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

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

Katzgar

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

emd3

Dos Ojos, hands down, no contest

MFNYC

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.