The whimsical small town of Wimberley, Texas is known for its laid-back Hill Country charm and its beautiful nature–and most of all, for its swimming holes, including the Blue Hole.
Want to take a dip in one of the most beloved swimming holes in the Texas Hill Country?
Here’s everything you need to know about swimming in the Blue Hole in Wimberley (including how to make the necessary reservations).
What is the Blue Hole?
The Blue Hole is a naturally occurring swimming hole that is fed by Cypress Creek and is mere minutes from downtown Wimberley.
It’s known for its beautiful blue-green color, clear waters, excellent swimming, and family-friendly atmosphere.
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What’s it Like to Swim at the Blue Hole, Texas?
Swimming at the Blue Hole in Wimberley is a bit cold (more refreshing than anything on a hot summer day) and lots of fun!
The waters of Wimberley’s Blue Hole are crystal-clear, and the combination of the gorgeous water and the shade from the bald cypress trees that line the river make for an incredibly peaceful atmosphere.
There are a couple of rings set up to swing into the river, and while you should be careful, they’re lots of fun and well worth taking advantage of during your visit.
Step-By-Step Guide to Visiting Wimberley’s Blue Hole
Step 1: Plan ahead.
Reservations for the Blue Hole fill up quickly, often weeks in advance.
As soon as you’re able to commit to a date, finalize your plans to go swimming at the Blue Hole!
Step 2: Choose your preferred swim time.
There are two windows for swimming during each day that the Blue Hole is open: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
You don’t need to show up at the specific time, you’ll be allowed to enter and leave at any time during your window.
Step 3: Make a reservation.
You can make a reservation to go swimming in Wimberley’s Blue Hole here.
Note that you’ll need to register an account with the City of Wimberley, if you haven’t already, in order to create a reservation.
This is very simple and you can do it right on the website!
Once you’ve made your reservation, you’ll be charged the fee and a confirmation email with the details of your swim date and time will be sent to your email.
Step 4: Come prepared.
Sunscreen, swim goggles, towels, a picnic lunch: be sure to come prepared to spend a few hours at the Blue Hole when you arrive!
There’s a beautiful green lawn right next to the swimming hole, and you’ll have plenty of space to set up a corner and relax.
Step 5: Check in for your visit to Texas’ Blue Hole.
Before swimming at the Wimberley Blue Hole, you’ll need to check in at the front desk.
The employee will confirm your reservation and then give you an armband, which you’ll need to wear for the duration of your time in the park.
This is the entrance to the swimming area at the Blue Hole–you check in at the small building on the left.Step 6: Enjoy your swim!
Head down to the water and enjoy your day at Wimberley’s Blue Hole!
We recommend simply jumping right in–if you ask us, it’s easier to get cold all at once than to ease into it.
FAQ for Visiting the Blue Hole in Wimberley
Are there restrooms on-site?
Yes, shortly after entering the swimming area, you’ll be able to access restrooms.
What about changing facilities?
Yes, there are changing stalls in the restrooms.
Do you need to hike to reach the Blue Hole?
No! Unlike some other swimming holes in the Texas Hill Country, no hike is required to reach the Blue Hole in Wimberley.
After checking in with your reservation, it’s a mere 5-minute stroll down a paved path to the water.
How much does it cost to go swimming in Wimberley’s Blue Hole?
As of the time of writing, it’s $12 per adult and $6 per child under age 13 (or Wimberley residents).
Children 3 and under can enter for free, and there are also discounts available for seniors 60+.
Are dogs allowed?
No, all fur friends are forbidden at the park.
Can you bring a picnic?
Yes, but no grills are allowed.
How far in advance should you make a reservation?
As soon as you can commit to a date!
When we visited the Blue Hole, we took the next available swimming date, and still had to wait 3 weeks to visit.
Is the Blue Hole the same as Jacob’s Well?
No, it’s not–Wimberley is lucky enough to be home to two famous Hill Country swimming holes, but they aren’t part of the same park.
Jacob’s Well also operates on a reservation system, you can find more details about making reservations here.
When does the Blue Hole allow swimming?
The Blue Hole is open for swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day, as well as a few weekends before and after each holiday. It is not open year-round.
Do you always have to make reservations to swim?
Yes, with one exception–Blue Hole season pass holders do not need to make reservations and can visit at any time during the day with unlimited access.
Beyond the Blue Hole in Wimberley
Wimberley’s Blue Hole is only one part of the Blue Hole Regional Park.
The 126-acre park also includes trails, basketball courts, a playground, and more.
No reservations are required for visiting these parts of the park, and they’re open to anyone.
Beyond the Blue Hole Regional Park, Wimberley itself is also packed with fun things to do.
The best things to do in Wimberley include shopping in the boutiques downtown, grabbing a bite to eat from one of its many restaurants, and tracking down some of Wimberley’s 30 painted boot statues that add an extra dash of whimsy to downtown.
If you are coming to visit the Blue Hole in Wimberley, we highly recommend making a day of it and enjoying the town itself before or after your swim!
if i dont want to swim do i still need reservations and pay to get in?
To enter the swimming area and see the Blue Hole, yes! But just to visit the park overall, no. 🙂