Punta Cana Dominican Republic 〉Things to Do in Punta Cana 〉Best Punta Cana Cenotes to Visit
Punta Cana is famous for its beaches, but cenotes are gaining much attention and slowly becoming one of the most “must visit” attractions in Punta Cana…and they ought to be. Hidden in subtropical forests and underground caves, you’ll find cenotes and “blue lagoons” with are simply bewitching to the eye and natives considered mystic … special gifts from God. While in Punta Cana you can experience swimming in crystalline water that looks like liquid glass with colors so surreal they seem tinted in shades of aquamarine, turquoise emerald green.
Unlike the warm water that washes ashore from the Caribbean Sea, the water in the cenotes and lagoons is cool, crisp, and fresh. The most accessible cenotes and lagoons are inside Ojos Indigenas (Indigenous Eyes) Ecological Reserve in Punta Cana and Hoyo Azul inside Scape Park at Cap Cana. Both parks offer additional attractions and activities to keep you busy for a full day and entertain the whole family.
Below, is more information about cenotes, top-rated tours and maps, informational links, and videos.
Top Rated Cenote Tours in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hoyo Azul (The Blue Hole) & Las Ondas
Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Inside the fun Scape Park at Cap Cana, Hoyo Azul will be the most unforgettable experience and the highlight of your day. As you walk down towards “The Blue Hole”, you’ll just say “wow!”. The scenery is so gorgeous, many couples come to take the most romantic photos on their wedding day.
The water is… so magically blue, like a giant aquamarine precious stone…and you become one with it. You’ll have the most amazing vacation photos taken here.
Hoyo Azul (The Blue Hole) is not the only cenote inside Scape Park, there are multiple ones. Head to Las Ondas, an underground cave with those mystical waters the natives loved with just a ray of sunshine creating that magical scene. Pictographs made by the Taino natives can be observed at the cave. Scape Park did a wonderful job respecting the natural ambiance of the cave, yet making it accessible with hiking trails leading down to the cave and adding lighting accentuating the beauty of this natural treasure.
Top Rated Tours to Hoyo Azul - Punta Cana
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve has twelve freshwater lagoons, five of which are open for swimming, once you gaze at the waters, you’ll want to take a dip to become part of this mesmerizing scene. Freshwater from a subterranean river flows into the lagoons that aboriginals called “eyes”, these beautiful lagoons indeed look like eyes on the ground in beautiful shades of emerald and turquoise.
+ Learn More
While in Punta Cana, don’t miss visiting Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve, one of the most relaxing and inspiring natural attractions in the area. The reserve is privately operated and protected by Puntacana Ecological Foundation, located inside the property of the amazing Puntacana Resort & Club. The Puntacana Ecological Foundation does a fantastic job, their goal is to conserve, educate, research, and offer guests and visitors an unforgettable experience. The reserve is typically quiet and uncrowded, a wonderful place to relax, connect with mother earth, and re-connect with those you bring.
Indigenous Eyes Park is 1,500 acres of subtropical forest offering a variety of activities, be sure to give yourself a full morning or afternoon to enjoy it all. Bring your walking shoes, leading to breathtaking rewards along the way…twelve freshwater lagoons, five of them are open for swimming, once you gaze at the waters, you’ll want to take a dip to become part of this mesmerizing scene. During your walk, you’ll be embraced by flora, observe birds, see reptiles, learn on the interpretive exhibits and more. You’ll also enjoy visiting a petting zoo, a fruit tree garden, iguana habitat, and more.
Entry Fee
- Free of charge for hotel guests of Tortuga Bay, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club, and Puntacana Resort & Club homeowners and residents.
- Visitors can pay a fee to enter. As you’re entering the Puntacana Resort & Club you’ll see a building to the right of the gate. Pay an entry fee, you’ll need your ID / or passport to receive the pass.
- Visit the official website for rates and more information.
Top Rated Tours to Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park - Punta Cana
Hoyos del Salado aka Hoyos de Molina – Macao
Near Macao in the area of La Ceiba various tour operators offer daily trips with a stop on this spectacular underground cenote in a cave. Natural works of art in the cavern (stalagmites and stalactites) can be admired as you float and swim on the cool, crystalline water naturally tinted in blue.
Top Rated Tours to Hoyos del Salado Cenote in Punta Cana
Museo Indigena Yucayeque Macao – Higüey, La Altagracia
Inside this 52-acre farm, there are various underground caves with cenotes where the crystalline water of the Anamuya River flow. You’ll be visiting a place beloved and respected by natives. Museo Indigena Yucayeque Macao also offers a cultural and educational experience for visitors, they have a farm growing food plants that are consumed in the traditional Dominican cuisine as well as cacao and tobacco. You can walk into traditional conucos (native huts), and dine to savor traditional Dominican food among other activities.
How Cenotes are Made
Informational Links – Cenotes
Top Rated Tour Packages with Cenote Visit
Punta Cana, Dominican RepublicPunta Cana Dominican Republic 〉Things to Do in Punta Cana 〉Best Punta Cana Cenotes to Visit
