Punta Cana Travelers Recommend

Punta Cana beaches in the Dominican Republic are ideal picture of a waterfront paradise with their pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and countless palm trees. Here are our picks for the best Punta Cana beaches and what you can do while you’re there.

Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro)

As one of the largest and most popular beaches in the area, the town of Bavaro is lined with small shops and dotted with luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Most boat trips and snorkeling excursions to places like Saona Island (Isla Saona) leave from Bavaro Beach.

Macao Beach (Playa Macao)

The public beach of Macao feels relatively untouched. It's a great spot to enjoy water sports, including surfing, windsurfing, and parasailing. Don’t miss the chance to get muddy on a Macao buggy adventure.

Uvero Alto

Located far from the tourist activity of the main beaches, Uvero Alto is quieter than most and often reached by boat trip or off-roading adventure.

Playa Blanca

Its name translates to “white beach,” so it's no surprise that Playa Blanca has some of the most beautiful white sands in the country. The waters are calm here, and this stretch of sand can be accessed by dune buggy.

Cabeza de Toro Beach

Surrounded by tropical forest with palm trees and wildlife close at hand, Cabeza de Toro Beach is a great spot for snorkeling and getting in touch with nature.

Cap Cana

Located at the eastern tip of the coast, Cap Cana is famous for golfing and for its popular beaches where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.

With its swaying palm trees, powder-white sands, and starfish-filled natural pools, Saona Island (Isla Saona) is every bit the postcard image of a Caribbean paradise. Reachable only by boat, the island makes a popular choice for a day trip from Punta Cana. Here are your options.

Group Tours

Group tours offer the best value for your money and typically include plenty of stops for swimming and snorkeling at the island’s beaches and natural swimming pools, along with a buffet lunch, an open bar, and onboard entertainment. Some tours also include a stop at Los Altos de Chavon, a visit to the island villages of Mano Juan and Catuano, or snorkeling and wildlife watching in the Del Este National Park.

Private Tours

Private tours ensure a personalized experience and can be tailored to your preferences, so you can fill your day with water sports and outdoor activities, or seek out a deserted beach to relax and sunbathe. A private tour can also be a big time saver. You’ll avoid long transfers with multiple pickups and drop-offs, and head straight to the island instead.

Things to Know

• Saona Island is located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic and is reachable by boat from Bayahibe. A speedboat transfer to the island takes about 40 minutes, while catamaran cruises take two hours.

• Full-day tours from Punta Cana typically last between eight and 10 hours.

• Be sure to bring everything you need with you, as there are no shops on the island.

• Most full-day Saona Island tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transfers from Punta Cana, and lunch.

Punta Cana, situated on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a tropical playground of white-sand beaches, gently swaying coconut palm trees, luxe all-inclusive resorts, coastal golf courses, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. With 20 miles (30 kilometers) of sandy shoreline, overcrowding is rarely an issue. The biggest challenge facing any visitor to this little slice of paradise is deciding how to make the most of their time enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Whether you plan to hit the beach and never leave or extend your explorations farther inland, see below for our top picks of experiences you simply can’t miss in Punta Cana.

Punta Cana’s sunny beaches, jungle canopies, and rugged countryside aren’t just for adults. This slice of Caribbean paradise offers loads of family-friendly adventures for the young and the young at heart. Here are some suggestions for things to do in Punta Cana with kids.

• Explore Punta Cana’s underwater wonders during a sailing and snorkeling excursion through the warm Caribbean waters.
• Learn about the island’s squirrel monkeys with a visit to the Monkeyland animal sanctuary.
• Go off-road into the Dominican countryside via a buggy adventure.
• Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, ziplining, and caving at Cap Cana Resort Scape Park.
• Soar through the canopy by zipline as you soak up the aerial views of the surrounding rain forest.
• Learn to surf on Macao Beach.

There’s good reason why Punta Cana attracts couples from around the globe to its sun-kissed shores. This Caribbean destination is a hotbed for romance. Whether you’re getting married, honeymooning, or simply enjoying an intimate escape, here are some ideas for how to feel the love in Punta Cana.

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

There’s something dreamy about the idea of riding a horse along a sandy beach, and that dream can be a reality in Punta Cana. Saddle up for a romantic ride along Uvero Alto Beach, far from the crowds. 

Cruise the Caribbean

You can’t visit Punta Cana without spending some time out on the water, and options abound for setting sail together. Spend the day sailing and snorkeling aboard a catamaran, cruise to quiet Saona Island, dance the day away aboard a party boat, or sit back and relax during an adults-only sunset cruise along the Punta Cana coast. 

Soar at Sunrise

The beauty of the Dominican Republic is on full display as you soar above the island by helicopter or hot-air balloon. Take off at sunrise to up the romance factor, and wrap up your morning date with a champagne toast upon landing.

Dance the Night Away

Once the sun goes down, the music is turned up in Punta Cana’s nightclubs, setting the scene for a sultry night out. Head to popular Coco Bongo for an evening of live entertainment, or put on your dancing shoes at the cave turned club known as Imagine Punta Cana Disco. Many tours include drinks.

With its vibrant cultural heritage and UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone), Santo Domingo is not only the largest city of the Dominican Republic, but it’s also the oldest city of the Americas. Here’s how to visit this historic hotbed on a day trip from Punta Cana.

Group Tours

Most small-group tours of Santo Domingo cover the city’s top attractions, including the National Presidential Palace, Alcazar de Colon, and Calle Las Damas (the first paved street in the New World), without forcing you to sacrifice a big chunk of your travel budget. Some tours include other stops on the way to Santo Domingo, like the limestone caves of Los Tres Ojos or the Columbus Lighthouse. 

Private Tours

There’s a lot to see and explore in the Dominican capital, and a private tour allows you to customize your itinerary to match your interests. Spend your day diving deep into local history in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Colonial Zone or focus on the city’s modern culture with a local guide.

Things to Know

• Day trips can last anywhere from seven to 11 hours, depending on the option chosen.

• Santo Domingo is situated 119 miles (192 kilometers) from Punta Cana; the drive takes between two and three hours.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off at your Punta Cana resort.

Punta Cana, the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, is a paradise for beachgoers, sun seekers, and outdoors enthusiasts. Even if your time in this tropical resort is limited, you’ll be able to enjoy the beach and some adventure on land. Here’s how to make the most of your 24 hours in Punta Cana.

Morning: Outdoor Adventure

Name an outdoor activity, and you can probably do it in Punta Cana. Plan to spend your morning taking in the island’s natural beauty: Zipline through the rain forest canopy, zip through the lush landscape on a 4WD or dune buggy, horseback ride along Uvero Alto Beach, or hike through the mountains of Anamuya in search of squirrel monkeys. If you’re having trouble narrowing things down to just one activity, consider a combo tour that combines multiple adventures into one convenient package.

Afternoon: Sun, Sand, Sea

No trip to Punta Cana would be complete without spending some time on the stunning white-sand beaches. While there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a lounger and relaxing in the sun, the area is also known for its plethora of water sports for those who prefer a more active beach experience. Hop aboard a catamaran for an afternoon of sailing and snorkeling in the warm Caribbean waters, or, for an adrenaline rush, soar above the beaches while parasailing. Scuba diving, whale watching, Scubadoo, glass-bottom boat tours, and booze cruises round out the menu of aquatic activities.

Night: Dance the Night Away

The action in Punta Cana doesn’t stop once the sun goes down. In fact, the nightlife here is legendary. Bid farewell to the island in epic fashion with a night out on the town. Start with some live entertainment at Coco Bongo, one of Punta Cana’s most famous stage shows, before heading to one of the area’s top nightclubs or discos for dancing, socializing, and drinking cocktails mixed by flair bartenders. Book a nightlife tour for a hassle-free experience; many include access to an all-you-can-drink open bar as well as safe, round-trip transportation from your Punta Cana hotel. For something a little more low-key, opt for an evening cooking class instead, and bring home the flavors of the Dominican Republic.

With two days to spend in Punta Cana, situated at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, you’ll have enough time to soak up the sun at the beach, get out on the water, explore the island’s interior, and experience some authentic Dominican culture. Here are some ideas for how to spend your 48 hours.

Day 1: Adventure in Paradise

Morning: Take advantage of the cooler morning hours with an outdoor adventure on land; you’ll have plenty to choose from. Go horseback riding along the Punta Cana River, zipline through the lush rain forest canopy, get behind the wheel of a dune buggy to explore the countryside, or look for squirrel monkeys in the mountains of Anamuya.

Afternoon: As the day begins to warm up, beat the heat by heading to one of Punta Cana’s many stellar beaches for some fun in the sun. Spend time relaxing on the white sand, or opt for a guided activity, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, or cruising through the warm Caribbean waters.

Night: Now that you’ve experienced Punta Cana’s outdoor appeal, find out what makes its nightlife legendary with an evening of dancing and drinking at one of the area’s best nightclubs. Leave the driving to someone else, and enjoy an all-you-can-drink open bar as you dance the night away to live music or a spinning DJ.

Day 2: Dominican Culture

Morning: It would be a shame to visit Punta Cana without experiencing the Dominican Republic outside the resort. Use your second day on the island to get a taste of local culture with a tour through the countryside. Meet locals as you visit coffee and chocolate plantations, schools, churches, and a beach popular with island residents.

Afternoon: If there’s one thing Dominicans love to do above all else, it’s surf. This afternoon, make the beach your classroom during a private or small-group surfing lesson, whether you’re catching your first wave or polishing your skills. Alternatively, opt for an afternoon spa treatment at one of the area’s resorts.

Night: Finish off your exploration of Dominican culture with an evening cooking class. Get hands-on as you learn to make traditional dishes such as sancocho, a traditional soup, from a local chef. You’ll walk away with some new recipes and a greater appreciation for the culinary culture of Punta Cana.

The Dominican Republic is known for its spectacular beaches, and the island paradise of Punta Cana is no exception. With three days, you can spend some time on the sand, enjoy Punta Cana’s legendary nightlife, and still have time to explore outside the resort. Here are some tips for how to plan the ultimate three days in Punta Cana.

Day 1: Beach Hopping

No trip to Punta Cana would be complete without a day at the beach, but you shouldn’t limit yourself to just one—Bavaro, El Cortecito, and Arena Gorda are all excellent options. While there’s nothing wrong with settling in on a beach lounger for the day, Punta Cana’s beaches offer loads of water sports and aquatic adventures for those looking for a more active vacation. Board a catamaran for a day of snorkeling and swimming in the warm Caribbean waters, soar over the beaches of Punta Cana on a parasailing adventure, or take a surfing lesson to polish your skills or catch your first wave. Break for lunch at one of the area’s many seaside restaurants, and in the evening, switch from beachwear to club wear to dance the night away at one of Punta Cana’s best nightclubs.

Day 2: Into the Wild

It can be hard to pull yourself away from the beaches of the Dominican Republic, but by doing so, you’ll be rewarded with a wide array of outdoor adventures to enjoy. Start your day with a sunrise hot-air-balloon flight high above the island, or if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, opt for some horseback riding along a beach or the Punta Cana River. After lunch, hop behind the wheel of a 4WD vehicle or dune buggy to tour the Dominican countryside, or for a thrill, spend a few hours ziplining through the rain forest canopy. In the evening, watch the sunset over the Caribbean while sipping a tropical cocktail on a party boat ride. Stop for some dancing and drinks at a beach bar before heading back to your hotel.

Day 3: Island Exploration

For your last day, step out of the immediate confines of Punta Cana and embark on a tour of Santo Domingo, one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Steeped in history, Santo Domingo is a delectable blend of traditional and modern. Most itineraries include visits to Las Damas Street, the National Presidential Palace, and Diego Columbus Alcazar, the first cathedral built in the New World. Make the most of your day by booking a private tour with your own guide and driver; you’ll be able to see the sights you want and skip those you don’t. If you can’t get enough of the beach, hop aboard a boat for a day trip to a nearby island, such as Saona Island with its white-sand beaches or Catalina for diving and snorkeling. Back in Punta Cana, finish off your trip with some live entertainment at Coco Bongo, one of the area’s most popular stage shows.

The scenic peninsula of Samaná is the Dominican Republic at its most spectacular. Day trips from Punta Cana to Samaná visit protected national parks, picturesque waterfalls, tropical forests, Caribbean-style beaches, and even out into the clear waters in search of whales. Here are your options for Samaná day trips from Punta Cana.

Tours by Road

Many tours by road begin with a bus transfer from Punta Cana to Miches. From there, participants board a speedboat, catamaran, or another vessel for transfers to other locations around Samaná Bay. Some tours head to town or to the island of Cayo Levantado (also known as Bacardi Island).

Day tours by road typically include visits to a Dominican ranch, safari rides through the Sierra de Samaná mountain range, horseback riding, or trips to the 165-foot (52-meter) El Limón waterfall. Several tours also go to the National Park of Los Haitises, where you can see rare wildlife species, such as solenodon (a raccoon-sized nocturnal mammal with a venomous bite), and caves featuring pictograms created by the Taino people. Some experiences also include whale-watching excursions in Samaná Bay, a popular sighting spot for humpback whales.

Tours by Air

If you want to squeeze more adventure into your Samaná day trip and enjoy aerial views while you’re at it, a tour by air will help you maximize your time. Flights usually depart early morning from Punta Cana. From there, it’s just a 45-minute journey to Arroyo Barril Airport in Samaná. Some tours by air incorporate horseback rides, cruises to Cayo Levantado, swimming at El Limón waterfall, ranch visits, and honey, coffee, and cacao tastings, as well as whale-watching tours of the bay.

Things to Know

• Most tours to Samaná from Punta Cana—whether by land or air—are full-day excursions, typically lasting eight to 12 hours.

• Driving from Punta Cana to Miches takes about two hours.

• Day tours usually include a Dominican lunch and, in some instances, snacks.

• Bring sunscreen and beach essentials as most day tours involve free time at the beach.

Punta Cana is famous for its glorious Caribbean beaches, luxury beach resorts, and world-class golf courses. But the Dominican Republic paradise isn’t just a place to unwind—its sun-soaked sands, lush plantations, and soaring dunes also offer a spectacular backdrop for outdoor activities. Here are some top adventures in Punta Cana.

Water Sports

Whether you want to zip along the coast on a speed boat, enjoy a mellow catamaran cruise, dive into the natural pool of Saona Island, or just head to the nearest city beach, there are endless options for watery fun in Punta Cana. Get wet on a SNUBA or snorkeling tour, fly high on a kitesurfing lesson, complete a PADI diving certification course, or enjoy a banana boat ride.

Horseback Riding

A unique and fun way to explore Punta Cana’s natural landscapes is on horseback, and a half-day tour is an ideal introduction for first-time riders. Enjoy trotting or galloping along the beach, follow the Anamaya River, and stop to explore coffee, cigar, vanilla, and cocoa plantations along the way.

Ziplining

The dramatic El Farallon Cliff is the lofty location for an unforgettable zipline adventure, and the exhilarating 8-line course offers panoramic views over Cap Cana’s forests. Combine a zipline experience with a visit to the nearby Hoyo Azul lagoon or a morning horseback ride. 

Jeep Safari and Sand Buggy Tours

One of the most popular Punta Cana tours is exploring the rugged coastal landscapes and sand dunes along the Atlantic coast. Set out on a half-day Jeep safari or buggy excursion to Macao Beach, stopping en route to tour a local coffee plantation, swim in a natural cave pool, or visit Fantasy Cave and “Bedrock City.”

While Punta Cana is best-known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters, this resort destination in the Dominican Republic is also an excellent place to sample local cuisine. Treat your tastebuds to the flavors of the Caribbean with these foods and activities.

Must-Try Dishes

Dominican cuisine displays cultural influences from Spain, Africa, and the indigenous Taino people. Fuel your day with Los Tres Golpes, a hearty breakfast of fried eggs, salami, cheese, and mangú (boiled plantains). La Bandera, perhaps the most popular dish in the Dominican Republic, is made from rice, stewed beans, stewed or roasted meat, and a side salad. If you’re looking to warm up after a dip in the sea, opt for a bowl of sancocho, a hearty meat-and-vegetable stew. Another popular dish, mofongo, hails from Puerto Rico and includes fried plantains, garlic, and chicharróns (fried pork skins).

Must-Do Experiences

• Get a hands-on introduction to Dominican cuisine during a cooking class led by a local chef.
• Taste your way through Punta Cana during a culinary tour to some of the city’s local foodie hot spots.
• Sample locally made rum and cigars while learning more about the island’s economic exports.
• Try Dominican coffee, chocolate, and spirits during a guided shopping excursion.
• Treat your tastebuds to traditional Dominican dishes while spending a day on Saona Island.