The Best Things To Do In Punta Cana

If you’re spending time in Punta Cana, there’s often only one thing on your mind – relaxation! A sun and sand paradise, this resort town in the Dominican Republic is ideally situated between the gorgeous Caribbean waters and the Atlantic. Warm water and white sandy beaches dotted with beautiful coconut palms create a lovely atmosphere for guests visiting any time of year. The island provides a range of recreational and outdoor activities for water and sun lovers. Luxury resorts are blended with more economical options, which caters to anyone who visits the island.

Visitors to Punta Cana can either come with nothing specific to do or add a few activities to the itinerary. Some of the highly recommended activities are to just walk along the scenic sandy beaches and soak up the island ambiance during a relaxing retreat. If you do find that you want to get out to explore, there are still plenty of things to do during your stay. The jungle and topical geography makes it fun to hike or zipline over the treetops – you can also island hop and visit nearby beach towns along the coastline.

Those who want a cultural taste of the island also have some options. There are tours and museums to explore throughout Punta Cana, including the Mi Amor Pirate Rum Tour and the nearby Taino Museum, which highlights some of the art and culture throughout the islands. Whale watching tours, diving excursions and snorkeling are all possibilities to engage in during a stay. Want to explore Punta Cana and enjoy some shopping? A number of boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants are located throughout the beachside report.

Travelers coming to Punta Cana are able to reach it directly from many locations around the world – the Punta Cana International Airport connects to a number of countries throughout Central America and the Caribbean. Due to the location, Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic is an ideal travel destination all year long. If you’re travelling to the island between July and September, be prepared for a hot and rainy season — the peak travel time to Punta Cana is between December and April.

HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUNTA CANA…

Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro)

Punta Cana has some really great beaches, but Bavaro Beach is just about the best, with its soft white sand, flowing palm trees, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Come to play and relax on the sand, or maybe head to a nearby golf course. There are restaurants and bars to “retire” to, and for the adventurous there are activities such as off-shore reef dives!

Marinarium

Take a cruise to the Marinarium – the fun starts with the trip out on the beautiful ocean waters! Once you arrive, you can enjoy the many pleasures of this mini Island; go snorkelling with stingrays and nurse sharks, or stay above water and explore by kayak. When you’re finished with the day’s activities, take a break with a drink and a snack, and soak up the sun for the afternoon!

Fun Fun Cave

Take a day trip from Punta Cana to explore the amazing Fun Fun Cave. Take a guided tour and learn the history of the cave while you work your way sixty-five feet underground. Surrounded by West Indian Rock Art, you can admire the stalagmites and stalactites that have formed over the centuries. Many tours also include above ground activities such as horse riding or rafting, so take your time and make it a full day of adventure!

Juanillo Beach (Playa Juanillo)

Juanillo Beach (Playa Juanillo) truly is a hidden gem, and it’s a magnificent day trip from Punta Cana! With brilliant white sand, flowing green palm trees, and pristine crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to relax and appreciate the beauty the environment. The beach is public, and not as crowded as most, but is accessible only through the Cap Cana Resort. If transport is a problem, there are also cruises that will take you to enjoy this beautiful location.

Macao Beach

Join the locals on Macao Beach for a great day out enjoying the white crisp sand and beautiful ocean waters. What you will notice is that the beach is not as crowded as others, and the aggressive vendors don’t seem to appear. Go boogie-boarding or even take a horse ride, and if you’re a real surfer looking for a nice break, this may be one of the few suitable locations for you. Macao Beach is one of those hidden pearls that don’t seem to appear that often, so make sure you take full advantage!

Hoyo Azul

Just a few minutes from Punta Cana airport lies the beautiful Hoya Azul. Wind your way down the path through truly magnificent forest – with towering trees and lush undergrowth – until you reach the bottom of the sixty-five metre cliff and discover the tranquil waters of this pristine, scenic lagoon. Relax and enjoy its tranquillity – maybe go for a swim – or for the adventurous, dive off the cliff into the waters that are up to thirty seven metres deep.

Scape Park at Cap Cana

Take a break from sightseeing and explore the natural environment of Punta Cana while having the time of your life at Scape Park! There is so much to do and see in this one park – head for the forest and zip line across the trees tops, or head to the beach and explore it on horseback. Prefer motorised horsepower? Adventure buggies may be for you! You can even head off-shore to cruise the crystal-clear blue waters by yacht!

Saona Island (Isla Saona)

Take a day trip to Saona Island (Isla Saona) and join the 300 locals who live in paradise, off the south-eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. Relax on the boat trip to the Island, and on arrival, chill-out on the beautiful beaches or take time to enjoy the fascinating lagoons and caves. When you’re done with exploring, grab a meal and a drink and people-watch for a while – it’s all about relaxation here!

Catalina Island (Isla Catalina)

Take a day off and relax with a trip to little Catalina Island, 1.5 miles off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Here, you come to unwind, but if you do get restless, there are many activities to choose from. Go zip lining, or take a short cruise to see the surrounding underwater world – without getting wet. If you want a closer experience with the marine life, there is also snorkelling or diving on offer! On Catalina Island it’s all about having fun without the hustle and bustle of the city, so take full advantage – you won’t regret it!