Visiting Hoyo Azul

Hoyo Azul, the "blue hole", is the turquoise cenote at the foot of a limestone cliff that has become Punta Cana's most photographed swim. It sits inside Scape Park, so this is how you see it.

How to get in

Hoyo Azul is part of Scape Park in Cap Cana and is included in the park's full admission. There is no separate entrance: tours sold as "Hoyo Azul" trips are Scape Park tickets. The simplest option is the full-day admission with transport (from $129), which picks you up at your hotel and lets you spend the rest of the day on the ziplines, caves and waterfall pools.

The walk and the swim

From the park centre it is a 750-metre jungle trail with no steep climbs, about 15 minutes on foot, then steps down to the water. The park puts the pool's depth at about 12 feet. Life vests are provided and you do not need to be a strong swimmer. No food or drinks are allowed at the cenote, and closed shoes with grip are recommended for the trail.

When to go

Go first thing. Hoyo Azul is one of the first places to fill when the park opens at 9 AM, so an early pickup gives you the calmest swim. The attractions close at 4:30 PM, and some run limited hours, so check the day's schedule at the entrance.