The Dominican Republic has such incredible natural wealth, with so many unique spots hidden away in its territory. And the best way to really uncover this biodiversity is by exploring these places that offer unforgettable experiences for all of the five senses.
Although the most highly acclaimed attraction in the Caribbean are its beaches, going on some of the best excursions in Punta Cana will not prevent you from enjoying going for a swim on Bávaro Beach and you will get to discover some truly incredible places.
And the Blue Hole is without a doubt one of these places. Let’s see what this natural enclave consists of and how we can visit it during a day trip from our hotel in Playa Bávaro.
Excursion to the Blue Hole in Punta Cana
This wonder of nature is located within Scape Park, in the area of Cap Cana. It is not the only attraction you can enjoy here, since the park offers many activities that you can do as a family, with friends or as a couple.
At the Blue Hole, you can take a refreshing dip in cold, turquoise fresh waters that come straight from natural springs. But, what exactly is this place like?
Is it a blue hole or a cenote?
The well-known “blue holes” are strange natural wonders that are often formed in this area of the Caribbean. Also known as a cenote or a natural pool, a blue hole is a natural freshwater pond fed by an underground river. That is, a type of natural sinkhole that is formed as a result of soil erosion.
The reason why the water looks so blue is because the light is refracted through the crystalline waters, generating this effect and colour. Pre-Columbian inhabitants used to use them for sacred purposes.
The Blue Hole and its surroundings
This fresh water cenote is approximately 14 metres deep inside of a huge rocky cavity. Another of the reasons why it’s so attractive is that it’s located at the foot of a 75-metre high cliff that’s covered with vegetation.
Walking the path to access this spectacular hidden oasis is also one of the best feelings that this trip to the Blue Hole will offer you. The environment is a lush tropical forest with an incredible variety of majestic plants and wildlife. The journey takes approximately half an hour through exotic flora and fauna, among which there is an incredible garden of orchids and a suspension bridge that you’ll cross.
You can visit the Blue Hole on your own or with a guided tour. At your hotel, they’ll inform you of all available options. The guided tour usually complements the walk with expert guides who narrate the visit with interesting stories about the culture and nature of the Dominican Republic, from the cave paintings by the Taíno natives to the plants, animals and natural medicines that are still used today if you head inland.
Once there, you can take a rest by going for a relaxing swim after the walk. You will have time to enjoy the striking turquoise water, or access the natural pool using a few steps that are there to help you enter this heavenly cenote. You can swim for as long as you’d like to cool off and enjoy all of this intense beauty that surrounds you.
The more adventurous can also enjoy the Blue Hole zip line, ideal for getting a shot of adrenaline due to its spectacular location on the edge of a cliff. Nothing like the traditional zip lines that go from tree to tree, this unique attraction runs along El Farallón cliff. It has 8 zip lines that are 250 feet above the exotic tree tops in Cap Cana.
How to get to the Blue Hole from Lopesan Costa Bávaro
The Blue Hole is located 30 kilometres from the main beaches in Punta Cana, which takes approximately 40 minutes by car or by bus. Buses leave from most of the hotels in Punta Cana and Playa Bávaro. The reception staff at your hotel in Punta Cana where you’re staying can inform you about how to book this excursion in advance.
Before going on this trip, it’s important to know that although it can be done with children, these routes are not recommended for pregnant women. They are also not suitable for travellers with heart conditions or other serious medical problems. If you are interested in going on the zip line on El Fallarón cliff, look into what age, height or weight restrictions may exist beforehand. It’s a good idea to wear closed shoes and bring a swimsuit, sandals and sunscreen.
Without a doubt, the Blue Hole in Punta Cana will be one of the most unforgettable excursions during your trip to Punta Cana. Together with other outings, such as the turtle sanctuary on Saona Island, it is a great example of the great natural wealth found inland on the island of Hispaniola.
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