Punta Cana is a beautiful town bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its 32km of beaches and clear waters, this destination has a worldwide reputation as a dream tropical destination. Come and discover the best things to do in Punta Cana Dominican Republic!
Punta Cana is part of the so-called Coconut Coast, an area filled with stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and exclusive all-inclusive resorts. However, Punta Cana is much more than that. Discover the beaches, excursions and natural enclaves that you have to include on your travel route to Punta Cana. Get ready for an unforgettable experience.
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Things to see on your trip to Punta Cana
Playa Macao in Punta Cana
Macao Beach is one of the best beaches in Punta Cana Dominican Republic. It is one of the few public beaches that can be found on the famous Coconut Coast of the Dominican Republic. This beach is easily reached by car, about thirty minutes north of Punta Cana. It is famous because it is a large white sandy beach surrounded by nature. Furthermore, this beach is one of the most famous surfing spots.
Playa Bávaro
One of the most famous beaches in the Dominican Republic is Playa Bávaro. Declared by UNESCO as one of the best beaches in the world, this beach is a unique natural enclave to enjoy the Caribbean Sea. Likewise, the Playa Bávaro area offers the best hotel complexes in Punta Cana, as well as a wide range of local cuisine.
Playa de Arena Gorda
Another beach on the east coast that proudly holds the Blue Flag certificate is Playa Arena Gorda. As the name suggests, this beach is characterised by its coarse white sand and turquoise blue waters, so it is the ideal place to stroll, swim or just lounge on the sand all day. It is certainly one of the most highly regarded beaches to see on your trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Hoyo azul
At the southern end of the coast of Punta Cana there is the Hoyo Azul (Blue Hole) cenote. You can access this cenote through a route starting in the tropical forests, so you can enjoy the area’s flora and fauna. In these forests you will find an endless number of medicinal plants that are still used in the region.
The route includes different key points and panoramic views, such as the El Farallón peak, and the Cueva de Iguabonita. In this cave you will encounter different species of bats. Finally the route ends at Hoyo Azul, where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world. They were formed in a huge cliff, so this a truly unique place in Punta Cana.
Altos de Chavón
Altos de Chavón is a beautiful village built high above the Chavón River in the Dominican Republic. This village is home to a Cultural Centre, the National Archaeological Museum and the City of Artists, so it is the place to go to soak up the culture of Punta Cana.
Located in La Romana, Dominican Republic, it is 100 kilometres from the city of Santo Domingo and about 15 minutes from the Casa de Campo resort. This villa transports us to Mediterranean Europe with the most spectacular views of the Chavon River and the Caribbean Sea. The village has a church, restaurants, art galleries, shops, artists’ studios, and even an amphitheatre, making this a unique place to visit on your trip to Punta Cana Dominican Republic.
Amphitheatre at Altos de Chavón
The Altos de Chavón Amphitheatre is a cultural jewel of tourism in the Dominican Republic. The best places to visit are those that you know will have a profound impact, and this is one of them.
Designed in 1976 with the same structure as a Greek amphitheatre, this amphitheatre seats about 5000 people. Nowadays, you can watch shows and concerts from the country’s most famous artists all throughout the year. Artists such as Shakira, Juan Luis Guerra and Elton John have been among those who have performed under the stars in this enchanting spot in the Dominican Republic.
Los Haitises National Park
Los Haitises National Park is a natural wonder where mangroves and rock formations over the water create one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Caribbean. Discover the mangroves that adorn the natural beauty of this tropical paradise, creating an incredible and magical landscape.
This unique ecosystem encompasses more than 3,600 kilometres of tropical rainforest, with mangroves and secluded beaches interspersed along its coastline. Los Haitises is home to more than 100 species of birds, including the rare black goshawk eagle. The coastline is full of caves where the local Taino Indians lived and decorated them with pictographs and paintings that can still be seen today.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Punta Cana?
Isla Saona
As one of the largest islands in the Dominican Republic, Isla Saona is surrounded by beautiful beaches and history. It is one of the most sought after places in the southeast of the Dominican Republic, making it a must-see on your trip. Located to the south of the National Park of the East, Saona Island is one of the most important ecological reserves of the country. It is home to many species of birds, turtles, dolphins, whales and manatees, and is a daily destination for tourists who arrive on its shores by boat to discover its mysteries.
Saona Island is part of a National Park with wooden fishing villages and incredible reefs. Once there, head to Catuano beach and its navy ruins.
Isla Catalina
This is an island in the Caribbean Sea south of the province of La Romana. It is a true Caribbean paradise that has everything you could imagine and more. One of the Dominican Republic‘s must-see places is the beautiful Catalina Island, which is not only the place to see Captain Kidd’s underwater shipwreck museum, but also the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches. It is an unbeatable wild island that has been declared a protected natural park, so there are no buildings on the island.
Samaná Peninsula
The Samaná peninsula is another place you can visit whilst on your trip to Punta Cana. Its beaches are straight out of any pirate movie, where wild nature still coexists with the charm of the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Although in recent decades it has been taken over by hotel complexes, Samaná is still the place to isolate yourself from the world and reconnect with your inner peace through a rich biological ecosystem.
The most exciting activity you can do on the Samaná peninsula is humpback whale–watching. A truly authentic natural spectacle, these impressive mammals that can reach almost 20 metres in length.
Cayo Levantado
Excursions to Cayo Levantado are also common from Sanamá, popularly known as Bacardí Island, which is only 5 kilometres away. Here you can discover a unique spot full of tranquillity where you can also do all the water activities you can think of. Believe it or not, many travellers escape to this place just to sunbathe in a hammock while watching the sea, drinking a refreshing tropical juice.
Santo Domingo
As the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic, it is worth visiting when in Punta Cana as it is the site of the first European settlement in the Americas.
Founded by Bartholomew Columbus in 1496, Santo Domingo has great historical importance. With an enormous amount of cultural activities, you can learn about the culture of the ancient civilisations that inhabited these lands. Also known as the Colonial City, you cannot miss an excursion to this great Caribbean World Heritage Site. If you want to know more about the capital of the Dominican Republic, read our post: Things to do in Santo Domingo.
Travel itinerary for Punta Cana
Here is a travel itinerary for Punta Cana created by one of our users to inspire you to organise your own itinerary.
What to see in 5 days in Punta Cana?
Punta Cana is a destination worth visiting, not only for the number of places of interest it has, but also for its beauty. Here is a five-day itinerary for Punta Cana:
Day 1, 2: Enjoy the amazing beaches of Punta Cana and unwind.
- Bávaro Beach
- Macao Beach
- Arena Gorda Beach
Day 3: Discover all that Punta Cana has to offer.
- Hoyo azul
- Altos de Chavón
- Amphitheatre at Altos de Chavón
Day 4:
- Isla Catalina
Day 5:
- Santo Domingo
What to see in 7 days in Punta Cana?
To make your experience in Punta Cana as enriching as possible, complete your route by discovering the most spectacular corners of Saona Island, one of the largest islands in the Dominican Republic. Follow the itinerary above, then do:
- 4th Day: Isla Catalina
- 5th and 6th Days: Isla Saona
- 7th Day: Visit the capital, Santo Domingo
Tips for your trip to Punta Cana
Punta Cana is one of the safest destinations in the Dominican Republic, although it is a country where you should remain generally alert. For this reason, here are some tips to keep in mind for your trip to Punta Cana.
- Remember to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent for tropical nights.
- Avoid crowds and carrying visible valuables.
- It’s a good idea to take out travel insurance before leaving, so you can travel with peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Punta Cana
Being on an island, the only two ways to get to Punta Cana are by plane or boat, with cruise ships usually arriving in nearby La Romana. For private transport you can use taxis, Uber and car and motorbike rentals.
Punta Cana is a tropical destination that is a good place to travel to at any time of year. However, summers are hot and cloudy, while winters are warm and clear. If you’re wondering when is the best time to enjoy your trip to Punta Cana, the best months are between December and April, as this is the best time to make the most of the water activities in the different coastal areas.
If you are looking for a place to try Dominican food, here is a selection of the best restaurants rated by users in terms of value for money.
– Noah Restaurant & Lounge
– Ceviche 301
– Wacamole
– Onno’s Bavaro
In Punta Cana you can use both public and private transport. As far as public transport is concerned, you can find buses or guaguas, which are a fairly cheap way of getting around Punta Cana and the whole of the republic.
For accommodation in Punta Cana, the best area to stay in is the Bávaro area. This area is where the main tourist centre of Punta Cana is located and offers ample facilities that will cover all your needs. But if you prefer to stay in an area other than Bávaro, in search of something quieter, the Cap Cana area is another highly recommended area. Cap Cana is an upper class neighbourhood, famous for its luxurious atmosphere. It is a very safe neighbourhood, and is well connected to the airport and the rest of Punta Cana.
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