Punta Cana

Bávaro Beach and Punta Cana Beach

The great succession of white-sand beaches and coconut palms that gave the destination its worldwide fame.

The beaches of Bávaro and Punta Cana form an extensive strip of fine white sand fringed with coconut palms, considered one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. They stretch for miles along the east coast, with a sea of warm, transparent turquoise water, much of it protected by reefs that keep the surf gentle: ideal for swimming, floating and enjoying with kids. Most of the big all-inclusive resorts line up facing these beaches, each with its stretch of sand, umbrellas and loungers. Although beaches in the Dominican Republic are public by law, in practice the access in front of the hotels is usually organized by them. There are also more open, public stretches where you can walk, and the classic image of the coconut palm leaning over the water repeats all along the coast. Beyond swimming and sunbathing, on these beaches you can do everything: kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, horseback rides along the shore, banana-boat or catamaran outings. At sunset, walking on the sand with the sea breeze is one of the most memorable simple pleasures of the trip. Getting there: most visitors stay right on the beach; from outside you reach it by taxi or car. Best time: in the morning for the calmest sea; the whole day to enjoy. Tips: use water-resistant sunscreen, hydrate well and, if it bothers you, check whether there's sargassum (seaweed) on your travel dates. Watch your belongings on the sand.

ℹ️ Distance: East coast; in front of most of the resorts (on foot or taxi/car) · Best time: Morning for the calm sea; all day to enjoy · Entry: Free (public beaches; access organized by the resorts) · Duration: Half a day or more

Saona Island (Cotubanamá National Park)

The postcard-perfect island, with its natural pool full of starfish, inside a national park.

Saona Island is the most famous excursion in Punta Cana and one of the most repeated images of the Dominican Caribbean. It's a virgin island, without big buildings, protected within Cotubanamá National Park (formerly called Parque Nacional del Este), at the far southeast of the country. Its beaches of dazzling white sand, its coconut palms and its turquoise waters look like something out of a painting. The classic full-day trip combines the sailing —out by speedboat and/or back by catamaran with music and open bar— with a star stop: the Natural Pool, a sandbank in the middle of the sea where the water reaches your waist and where you traditionally see starfish (which, for their conservation, should not be taken out of the water). It usually includes a buffet-style lunch on the island and free time on its beaches. The outing sets off from points like Bayahíbe or from the Punta Cana resorts (with a road transfer to the pier). It's a long but unforgettable day, ideal for those who want to live the quintessential Caribbean postcard. Getting there: on an organized excursion, generally with a transfer to Bayahíbe and then sailing. Best time: days of good weather and calm sea; done year-round. Tips: bring biodegradable sunscreen, a cap, water and small cash for tips or purchases. Respect the starfish (don't take them out of the water). Book with reputable operators.

ℹ️ Distance: Southeast of the country; departure from Bayahíbe or with a transfer from Punta Cana · Best time: Days of good weather and calm sea (year-round) · Entry: US$ 50–99 per person depending on operator and tour type (regular, first class), 2025; includes sailing, buffet lunch and national drinks

Scape Park and Hoyo Azul

A natural adventure park in Cap Cana with a deep-blue cenote at the foot of a cliff.

Scape Park is an ecotourism and adventure park located in Cap Cana, south of Punta Cana, which brings together several attractions in a natural setting of tropical vegetation, caves and cenotes. It's one of the best options for those who want to combine nature and adrenaline without getting too far from the resorts. Its jewel is Hoyo Azul, a cenote (natural lagoon) of an intensely turquoise blue, at the foot of a cliff about 75 meters high, surrounded by jungle. You reach it after a walk along a trail through the vegetation and can swim in its cool, crystal-clear waters, fed by underground springs: a refreshing and very photogenic experience. The park also offers zip lines over the jungle, caves, cenotes for swimming, springs, wildlife areas and trails. General admission (full admission) includes access to the main attractions: Hoyo Azul, Saltos Azules, Eco Splash and the cave expedition. It's ideal for an active day in contact with nature. Getting there: in Cap Cana, a short distance from Punta Cana; you go on an excursion or by taxi/car. Best time: in the morning, with less heat and light for the cenote. Tips: bring comfortable walking footwear, a swimsuit and biodegradable sunscreen. Book 24-48 hours in advance in high season (December-March), because the morning slots sell out fast.

ℹ️ Distance: Cap Cana, south of Punta Cana (excursion or taxi/car) · Best time: In the morning (less heat) · Entry: US$ 129 per person (2025/2026, full admission: Hoyo Azul + zip lines + caves + round-trip transfer from the hotel); verify when you visit · Duration: Half a day to a full day

Catamaran and snorkel excursion (reefs and natural pool)

A day of sailing with snorkel stops on the reefs and an open bar off the coast.

The catamaran outings are one of the most popular and festive plans in Punta Cana. You sail off the coast of Bávaro and Punta Cana, with music, entertainment and an open bar on board, in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. It's a different way to see the destination: from the sea, with the strip of resorts and coconut palms in the background. The route usually includes one or two stops to snorkel on nearby reefs, where you can see colorful tropical fish, corals and, with luck, some other marine species. Many excursions also include a stop at a natural pool, a shallow sandbank in the middle of the sea, perfect for getting in the water and relaxing. There are options for all tastes: more party-oriented outings with music and drinks, calmer sunset cruises and even combos with other activities. It's an ideal plan for groups, couples and families who want a different day without getting too far away. Getting there: the excursion includes the transfer or boarding from the beach near the resort. Best time: days of good weather and calm sea; sunset for the sunset cruises. Tips: bring biodegradable sunscreen, a cap and some cash. If you get seasick, take precautions. For snorkeling, they usually lend the gear, but check its condition.

ℹ️ Distance: Off the coast of Bávaro/Punta Cana (boarding from the beach) · Best time: Days of good weather; sunset for a sunset cruise · Entry: US$ 40–75 per person (2025, half day with snorkeling and open bar; sunset cruise a bit cheaper) · Duration: Half a day

Chavón River and Altos de Chavón (La Romana)

A nearby excursion to the replica Mediterranean village and the movie-famous river, an hour from the destination.

Although it belongs to the La Romana area, a little over an hour from Punta Cana, Altos de Chavón is a very popular excursion from the destination. It's a recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, built in stone in the early 1980s on a cliff overlooking the Chavón River. With its cobbled streets, its stone houses, its artists' workshops, its church and its Greek-style amphitheater (where great music figures have performed), it's one of the most photogenic corners of the country. The Chavón River, which winds at its feet between walls of tropical vegetation, was the setting for famous movies like 'Apocalypse Now' and 'Rambo'. You can take boat rides on its waters (a route of about 6 km), surrounded by mangroves and jungle, in a setting of great beauty that contrasts with the open beaches of the east. The area is part of the Casa de Campo complex, one of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean. The excursion usually combines the visit to Altos de Chavón with the river ride and, sometimes, with other stops in the region. Getting there: a little over an hour from Punta Cana, in La Romana; you go on an excursion or by car/taxi. Best time: in the morning or at sunset, with good light for photos. Tips: comfortable footwear for the cobblestones; it pairs very well with a ride on the Chavón River (separate). Check the hours and whether there's an event at the amphitheater.

ℹ️ Distance: La Romana, a little over 1 hour from Punta Cana (excursion or car/taxi) · Best time: Morning or sunset (good light) · Entry: US$ 30 adults / US$ 15 children (day tour, 2025); a boat ride on the Chavón River is booked separately, about US$ 15–25 · Duration: Half a day to a full day

Diving and snorkeling on the eastern reefs

Dives and snorkeling on reefs, wrecks and the rich marine life of the Dominican east coast.

The Dominican east coast offers good opportunities for diving and snorkeling, with coral reefs, walls, underwater caves and some wrecks (sunken ships) that serve as habitat for a rich marine fauna: colorful tropical fish, rays, turtles, lobsters and, in certain areas, remarkable coral formations. There are dive centers in Punta Cana, Bávaro and, above all, in Bayahíbe, considered one of the best diving bases in the country for its closeness to the reefs of Cotubanamá National Park. For those who have never dived, the centers offer 'discovery dives' (Discover Scuba Diving, introductory dives with an instructor) and PADI certification courses. Experienced divers find deeper, more demanding dives, including famous wrecks in the area. Snorkeling, more accessible, lets you peek into this world without complex gear, on shallow reefs. Visibility is usually good and the waters warm year-round, which makes the Dominican Caribbean a comfortable destination to start or keep diving. Getting there: with dive centers in Punta Cana, Bávaro or Bayahíbe, which include the transfer and the gear. Best time: days of calm sea and good visibility; diving year-round. Tips: choose centers with good references and PADI certification; respect the corals (don't touch them) and use biodegradable sunscreen. For the discovery dive, always follow the instructor's directions.

ℹ️ Distance: Centers in Punta Cana, Bávaro and Bayahíbe (with transfer) · Best time: Days of calm sea and good visibility (year-round) · Entry: US$ 80–120 discovery dive (Discover Scuba Diving); US$ 60–90 guided dive for certified divers; from US$ 350 PADI Open Water course (2025) · Duration: Half a day

Higüey and the Basilica of Altagracia

The provincial capital and the country's main religious sanctuary, an hour from the destination.

Higüey (officially Salvaleón de Higüey) is the capital of La Altagracia province and the most important 'real' city near Punta Cana, about an hour's drive away. It's a visit that lets you step out of the resort bubble and get to know everyday Dominican life: its market, its bustling streets, its people. Its great draw is the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, the main religious sanctuary of the Dominican Republic and the center of the country's Marian devotion. The current temple, of modern and monumental architecture, inaugurated in 1971, stands out for its great arch rising over the façade. Every January 21, the day of the Virgin of Altagracia, the basilica receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the country in one of the most massive religious celebrations in the Caribbean. In Higüey you can also visit the old church of San Dionisio (the first dedicated to Altagracia) and learn a bit about the colonial history of the region. It's a cultural excursion that contrasts with the beaches and adds another view of the country. Getting there: an hour from Punta Cana; you go on an excursion, by guagua or by taxi/car. Best time: any day; January 21 is the big feast (very crowded). Tips: since it's a temple, it's best to dress respectfully. It pairs well with a tour of the city and its market.

ℹ️ Distance: About 1 hour from Punta Cana (excursion, guagua or taxi/car) · Best time: Any day; January 21, feast of Altagracia (very crowded) · Entry: Free (open access to the basilica; check the hours) · Duration: Half a day