What is Hoyo Azul
Hoyo Azul, meaning blue hole, is a natural cenote at the base of a 75-meter limestone cliff inside Scape Park, a nature and adventure park in Cap Cana near Punta Cana. The deep pool glows an intense turquoise thanks to mineral-rich freshwater fed by underground springs. A short jungle walkway leads you down to the water, where you can swim surrounded by tropical greenery and towering rock. It is the signature image of cenotes in the Dominican Republic.
Ticket options
| Ticket | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Hoyo Azul only | $45 to $60 | Cenote swim and walkway |
| Hoyo Azul plus Eco Splash | $89 to $129 | Cenote plus zipline circuit |
| Full Scape Park combo | $129 to $159 | Cenote, ziplines, caves, more |
| Tour with transport | $99 to $129 | Above plus hotel pickup |
What is included and the hike
Most Hoyo Azul tickets include the scenic walking trail to the cenote, the cenote swim itself and life jackets. The walk is gentle and takes about 15 minutes each way through the park, with viewpoints along the cliff. Combo tickets add the Eco Splash ziplines over the canopy, the Farallon cave system and other Scape Park attractions, which is why many visitors choose a combo to make a full day of it.
Getting there from Punta Cana
Scape Park sits in Cap Cana, roughly 30 minutes from the main Punta Cana and Bavaro hotel zone. You can drive, take a taxi or book a guided Hoyo Azul tour with round-trip transport included, which is the simplest option for resort guests. If you want to add a beach day, pair it with a separate Saona Island catamaran trip for one nature day and one beach day.
Best time to visit
Arrive early to enjoy the cenote before the larger groups appear toward midday. The water stays cool year-round, which is welcome in the Caribbean heat. The dry season from December to April offers the most reliable weather, though Scape Park operates all year. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
What to bring
- Swimsuit worn under your clothes for an easy change
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat for the walk
- Water shoes for the cenote edge
- A waterproof phone case for photos at the pool
- Cash for lockers, drinks and tips
Hoyo Azul versus other cenotes
Hoyo Azul is the easiest swimmable cenote near the resorts, but it is not the only option. For a viewing-only cave park in the capital, see Los Tres Ojos in Santo Domingo. For adventure with cliff jumping, look at Laguna Dudu in Cabrera, covered in our Laguna Dudu guide. The full ranking is in our top 10 cenotes guide.
Swim Hoyo Azul from Punta Cana
Tours include hotel pickup and the cenote swim. Free cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
A Hoyo Azul only ticket inside Scape Park costs around 45 to 60 US dollars. Combo passes that add the Eco Splash ziplines, caves and other Scape Park activities run from about 89 to 159 dollars. Guided tours from Punta Cana hotels that include round-trip transport usually start near 99 to 129 dollars per adult.
Yes. Unlike Los Tres Ojos in Santo Domingo, Hoyo Azul is a swimmable cenote. After a short scenic hike to the base of the cliff you can swim in the deep turquoise pool. Life jackets are provided and the water is cool and refreshing. It is one of the highlights of any Scape Park visit.
Yes, especially if you want a swimmable cenote without a long drive. Hoyo Azul is only about 30 minutes from most Punta Cana and Bavaro resorts and combines easily with the rest of Scape Park. It is the most convenient cenote experience on the east coast for resort guests.
