Hoyo Azul Lagoon

The Basics

Hoyo Azul is a popular stop on many tours of the Cap Cana Resort, including zipline and full-day excursions from Punta Cana. Get to know the Cap Cana ecosystem on a day-long ecotour that combines suspension bridges, ziplines, and hiking with a trip to Hoyo Azul. Catamaran cruises are also popular. Once at the park, learn about the flora at endemic plant stations on your way to the cenote.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Hoyo Azul Lagoon is located in Scape Park, which is in Cap Cana Resort.

• Cap Cana Resort offers a variety of tour packages that include a trip to Hoyo Azul Lagoon.

• Bring your own towel and cash for souvenirs and photos.

• Floating devices are available for those who cannot swim.

• Hoyo Azul Lagoon is not recommended for those with trouble walking on steep or uneven surfaces.

How to Get There

Cap Cana Resort is located 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport by car. Take an airport transfer, taxi, or shuttle from there for only a few dollars. Many tours of the area stop at Hoyo Azul Lagoon, including catamaran cruises.

When to Get There

Budget travelers should head to Hoyo Azul during low season—from Aug. to early Dec.—for the best deals on accommodations and activities. Warm weather year-round means that swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities are always an option.

Other Scape Park Attractions

The Hoyo Azul Lagoon is far from the only travel-worthy attraction at Scape Park in the Dominican Republic. The park is ideal for adventurous travelers looking to dive into underground caves, explore ancient caverns, and go ziplining. Then, head to the sandy shores for a spot of relaxation at the beach clubs, a dip in the ocean, or a snorkeling excursion.

Ways to explore

Hoyo Azul is a popular stop on Cap Cana tours, which include zipline and ATV options, as well as full-day excursions from Punta Cana. Get to know the Cap Cana ecosystem on a daylong ecotour that combines suspension bridges, ziplines, and hiking trails with a Hoyo Azul visit. Once at Scape Park, learn about Dominican endemic flora and fauna on your way to the cenote. The lagoon features jumping platforms and swimming areas supervised by lifeguards.

Access to Hoyo Azul and the surrounding trails is included with the purchase of a full admission ticket to Scape Park.

Accessibility

Trails are irregular, so they are neither wheelchair accessible nor ideal for visitors with reduced mobility.

Age limits

While there are no age restrictions, do note that the cenote is about 12 feet (3.7 meters) deep, so young visitors should wear life vests.

What to pack

Towel, change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen

What to wear

Water shoes with grip, swimsuit

Not allowed

Outside food and beverages are not allowed in order to protect the natural environment. There is a snack bar nearby with shaded seating.

Amenities

Restrooms, lockers, snack bar

Address 

You can visit Scape Park on your own by car—there’s plenty of free parking available. However, some ticket options include shared transfers from many Punta Cana, Cap Cana, and Bávaro resorts.

Driving

Hoyo Azul is about a 40-minute drive south from Bávaro Beach, mostly along the Boulevard Turístico del Este and Boulevard Principal. Once you arrive, park in the Scape Park free parking lot.

Public transportation

A full admission ticket to Scape Park includes shuttle service from most hotels and resorts. When booking your ticket online, select your accommodation to see the pickup and return times.

Best times to visit

Although Hoya Azul is less crowded if you arrive first thing in the morning, the water is chilly, so you might want to opt for the hotter midday hours.

Best days to visit

Head to Hoyo Azul on weekdays, when Scape Park sees fewer visitors than on the busier, crowded weekends.

Best months to visit

December through April are warm, dry, and sunny, making them ideal months to enjoy Hoyo Azul’s refreshing waters.