Punta Cana Dominican Republic Travel Punta Cana Vacations

Discover Punta Cana's Wonders

Blessed with one of the Caribbean region’s longest white sand coastlines–a whopping 48 kilometers (30 miles), punctuated with sky-reaching coconut palms–Punta Cana is the land of rest and relaxation by the sea. Here, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, from the northern tip at Uvero Alto to the southern at Cap Cana, all-inclusive resorts and boutique hideaways offer all the whims and comforts of modern beachfront living. Families enjoy miniature entertainment centers and water parks for children, while couples-only enclaves boast dream wedding locations, with secluded beachside lodging for an ultra-romantic stay. But it’s not only about fun in the sun, soft sand brushing against your toes, and iridescent, clear water to swim in, go fishing, or dive for underwater life and shipwrecks.

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Description

Whether you’re looking for a second honeymoon, a family vacation or just some fun in the sun, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has everything to become your perfect getaway. As the heart of tourism in the DR, Punta Cana is a place where one is never too far from white sand beaches and something to do or see. Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean’s premiere golf retreats, featuring dozens of courses, some of which were designed by the world’s most renowned PGA pros. After 18 holes, find refuge in one of Punta Cana’s many casinos for a beverage and a hand of cards. Families will love natural attractions bursting with distilled beauty of the Caribbean. Head South to explore Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park or the natural spring Hoyo Azul. With all of the great sights and spots near your resort, it can be easy to miss out on everything the Dominican Republic has to offer. Take some time to get lost in the culture and enjoy hand-rolled cigars, flavorful rum, and locally grown coffee.

Useful information

Population:

100,023

Currency:

Dominican Peso

Emergency Info:

911 or 112

Opening Hours:

Do & See

Bávaro Beach

Among the numerous beaches that Punta Cana is famous for, Bávaro Beach is probably one of the most popular ones for tourists who come to sunbathe on deck chairs or take a dip in the turquoise blue sea. If you don't feel like spending all day at the beach, you still have a variety of activities at your disposal: from entertainment at casinos and watching live shows, to water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling or sailing. Lifeguards will be there to ensure security.

Dolphin Island Park

Swimming with dolphins is a dream for many looking to share an intense moment of tenderness with the animals. Here at Dolphin Island you will also have the possibility to interact with other animals such as sea lions, sharks and stingrays and make this moment an unforgettable and unique one. Different activities are proposed in order for you to come close to these amazing aquatic animals in their natural habitat. Snorkeling with sharks and jet boat rides are also offered during the tours.

El Tour Caribe

This company offers several marine tours for you to take time for yourself and relax aboard a luxury boat. You can choose between different activities such as Saona Dive and Snorkel, Punta Cana Scuba Diving, Catalina Island Adventure, Saona Speedboat and Catamaran. All the tours are well organized and the guides take care of the visitors with meals and drinks included. Pick-ups and drop-offs are made at your hotel.

Flintstones Buggy Adventure

If you are looking for a new way to explore the landscapes of the Dominican Republic, how about trying to ride the dunes of Bavaro in an eco-friendly buggy across off-road paths. Along the 10-kilometer trail, you will have the chance to discover the beauty of the Dominican countryside, with its colorful vegetation and hill formations. A visit to the Fantasy Cave is included as well as a stop to try local coffee and chocolate. The tour ends with a visit to Bedrock city, caves characterized by stalactites and stalagmites. A guide will supervise small groups of people willing to experience the less traveled roads of the island.

HorsePlay Punta Cana

If you are looking for a different way to explore the lush vegetation of the Dominican Republic, consider riding a horse and discovering the outback of the island. On your way, a stop will be made for you to learn more about the local cultural life by tasting some fresh cocoa and trying your hand at rolling your own cigars. You'll have a choice of several different tours but you will always finish your ride with a zip line across the forest.

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park is a private protected area owned and operated by Puntacana Ecological Foundation. About 1,500 acres of reserve await you in this tropical wonderland. Explore the several lagoons in the shape of an eye and take a dip in some of them. After, pay a visit to the zoo or the iguana habitat to have a complete experience of the fauna and the flora of the Dominican Republic. There is a possibility to visit with a guide or independently.

Isla Catalina

The Isla Catalina is just a ferry ride away from Dominican Republic’s mainland, providing a personal luxury getaway or a diving or snorkeling trip to some of the best reefs of the region. Away from the bustling sites of Punta Cana and La Romana, it is the ideal spot to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches for those in search of peace.

Jesus Maestro Parish

The stunning Jesus Maestro Parish welcomes everyone who may want to attend mass in a different Catholic country or simply visit the church. The architecture is quite unique, with a crisp white exterior and domed roof. Check the hours to attend the masses that are held in Spanish most of the time, but some translations and gospels in English are arranged for the tourists.

Dining

Agave

Agave is the ultimate Mexican dining experience at the Excellence Resort. Enjoy the buffet-style venue and a wide variety of authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes like burritos and fajitas, whether you like you food spicy or mild.

Bamboo at Tortuga Bay

Dine at the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Bamboo Restaurant and experience local cooking with an influence from Mediterranean flavors. Nestled at the exclusive Tortuga Bay, the setting was designed by the renowned Dominican-American fashion designer Oscar de la Renta who conceived this snug and elegant atmosphere. On the menu are fresh vegetables from organic gardens, Lion Fish dishes (one of the restaurant's specialties), and a large cold and hot dish buffet for breakfast.

Blue Marlin

Dine beneath a palapa-shaded table on a pier overlooking the Caribbean's gentle waters with a very pleasant view over the ocean. The restaurant's small fleet of fishing boats traverses the waters for fresh fish, which are in turn served to you daily. A variety of seafood dishes are on offer along with traditional Dominican specialties.

Hard Rock Cafe Punta Cana

The Hard Rock Cafe, one of the favorites among tourists, is conveniently located in the Palma Real Shopping Village, an upscale mall in Bávaro. Enjoy its signature authentic rock atmosphere and great American fare influenced by the location and the regional cuisine. Stop by and enjoy a yummy meal or a refreshing cocktail while listening to some live music or just relax in the outdoor patio.

La Yola

The AAA Three Diamond Award-winning La Yola was named for the yola, or the small, local fishing boats from which their expert seafood is caught. The menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean influences served in a space modeled after a fisherman’s boat and perched right on the sea with magnificent views of the ocean. Cocktails or other drinks can be savored, especially during the happy hours from 5pm to 7pm.

Little John

On the tiny outdoor terrace of Little John restaurant you can enjoy a great view of the sea while grabbing a quick bite. Classic bar food like pizzas and burgers are served as well as some local specialties of sea food to satisfy everyone. Enjoy your meal in this open-air restaurant on the beach and relax with a fresh cocktail in hand.

Passion by Martin Berasategui

Winner of 7 Michelin stars, Passion at Paradisus Palma Real is one of the most recognized restaurants in Punta Cana. Martin Berasategui, a celebrated Spanish chef, developed fine courses for diners in search of delicacies and new flavors. Enjoy a romantic and elegant atmosphere with incredible Spanish tapas or succulent fish dishes. A once in a lifetime dining experience. Due to its reputation and long waiting times, book beforehand and do not forget to dress appropriately.

Playa Blanca Restaurant

The gorgeously casual ambiance of Playa Blanca is not to be underestimated, as guests are invited to taste fresh seafood while enjoying sweeping views of the white sand beach. The restaurant serves fresh local seafood as well as a variety of meat or fish dishes which can be accompanied by a freshly made fruit cocktail.

Cafes

Brot Bagel Shop

For bagel and sandwich lovers, Brot Bagel offers a large choice of breakfast meals. Between two shopping sessions at Galerias de Punta Cana, take a break and enjoy fresh or hot beverages along with breakfast burritos, salads and wraps. Multiple sweet or savory options for a complete breakfast.

Huracán Café

The thatched-roofed palapa is the signature of Huracán Café. Enjoy a meal on the wooden deck in the sand with a wonderful view of the ocean or relax on a deck chair with a mojito or caipirinha in the hand. The menu features delicious pastas and other Italian dishes. Weddings and special occasions are another specialty of the restaurant.

JOY Nutritional Popsicle

JOY Nutritional Popsicle is a nice and cozy place to have breakfast, sweet or savory, or both lunch and dinner, as the menu teems with salads, burgers and sandwiches. A lot of vegetarian and vegan options are available, and they serve fresh natural juices and smoothies. Take a look at the ice cream card and finish your meal with the restaurant's specialty, a popsicle.

Kat's Corner

Kat's Corner is an open-air bar that serves breakfast meals like scrambled eggs with bacon and potato pancakes, but also Mexican specialties with its burrito breakfast and other kinds of quesadillas and nachos. You can come at any time of day to enjoy fast food dishes with fresh juices or fruit cocktails. Live acoustic music is put on weekly.

Las Leñas

For those looking for a place to have a snack, the old bakery of Las Leñas, one of the first in the Bavaro area, offers different kinds of pastries and breads for breakfast or brunch, as well as savory dishes like sandwiches and tortillas. With natural juices and aromatic coffee, it's an authentic local meeting place excellent for a refreshing break at this now well-known Dominican cafe.

Bars & Nightlife

Areito Disco

Located in the luxurious Caribe Club Princess, Areito Disco is decorated in an indigenous theme with aboriginal elements. Live shows and events are organized frequently but you can simply come to enjoy a freshly mmixed cocktail and dance all night long.

Drink Point

For a night of drinking and dancing with locals on any day of the week, Drink Point is one of the most reputed nightclubs in Punta Cana to head to for the purpose. To the sound of traditional Caribbean and Latin music, such as bachata and merengue, you can experience a true Dominican dance night and drink local cocktails or rums.

Hard Rock Casino

Hard Rock Casino offers you more than a simple gambling experience. Indeed, in this incredible 45,000-square-foot setting, you will find more than 40 table games and 400 other kinds of roulettes and slots. Whether you are a confirmed poker player, an amateur of blackjack, craps and baccarat or just looking for a nice place to chill out at the bar, everyone can enjoy this casino in their own way.

Imagine Punta Cana

If you are looking for a different way of partying and clubing, consider descending into a cave and dancing all night in this one of a kind setting. In this place built in the remains of a castle, be prepared to experience a unique party you can only have in Punta Cana. Several packages are proposed for parties with different music styles, and even Spring Break parties.

Mangu Disco

Mangu Disco is located at the Hotel Occidental Grand Punta Cana. This two-floor club booms with all kind of music styles, from electronic to merengue and bachata, salsa and even rock and Reggae. If you don't feel like dancing, the bar also features a big screen where you can watch soccer, football, baseball, boxing, racing and more. Locals and tourists mix together to enjoy the music and dance all night long.

ORO Nightclub

ORO is Hard Rock’s answer to the Punta Cana nightclubs. With guest shows by some of the top performers of today, theme nights and local and international DJs, you will experience Caribbean nightlife at its most vibrant. The setting of about 14,000 square feet with its two levels features intelligent show lighting and a unique LED wall which makes the show performances all the more impressive.

Pacha (RIU Resort Disco)

The Punta Cana installment of this internationally celebrated chain attracts both locals and visitors in near-equal proportion. Music played includes styles enjoyed locally alongside international top hits.

Shopping

ChocoMuseo Punta Cana

If you want to discover true Dominican flavors and taste the finest chocolates from Central and South Americas, you will have the opportunity at this one of the kind museum. Here you can learn more about the history of this renowned chocolate, but what makes this visit special is that you have the chance to make your own chocolate from the beans of Dominican cacao in the chocolate workshop. Besides, a visit to the chocolate factory and museum is totally free.

Don Lucas Cigars

Come and visit the Don Lucas Cigars shop and discover the Dominican tradition of cigar making. This brand is very popular in the area and by visiting its factory, you will have the chance to learn about the history of different types of cigars and find out more about the flagship product of the Dominican Republic.

Galerias at Puntacana Village

The Galerias at Puntacana Village reside within the blossoming shopping, dining, and residential complex of Puntacana Resort & Club. After a day full of discovery and new experiences on the island, stroll around this place and relax by doing some window shopping. A large choice of restaurants offers you a refreshing break and a playground is available for families.

Harrison’s Fine Caribbean Jewelers

Step into Harrison's Fine Caribbean Jewelers and discover the Dominican tradition of jewelry in one of the largest jewelry shop chains on the island. You will find a unique collection of rings, earrings and necklaces including a large selection of larimar and amber pieces, as well as diamonds and other gems.

La Perla Dominicana

La Perla Dominicana's cigars are entirely hand-rolled and made from the finest tobacco plants. Harvested on plantations from the top production areas for Dominican tobaccos, their cigars are an exclusive souvenir from the Dominican Republic. You can discover how cigars are produced during the factory tour which includes a guided tasting experience; at the end, you will have the possibility to purchase the cigars, but also a variety of local rums, spices, and coffees.

Museo del Artesano

Located in the San Juan Shopping Center, Museo del Artesano is a complete souvenir shop. Find multitudes of gifts at great prices and of good quality. It's a must if you're looking for either common souvenirs like T-shirts and hats or more authentic local ones such as Dominican ceramics or cigars.

Palma Real Shopping Village

This is the premiere shopping destination in Punta Cana that is a must for you if you happen to be into substantial shopping sprees. Between two sunbathing sessions on the beach, you can come here to refresh by looking around clothing shops and other kind of boutiques or even grabbing a bite at one of the village's restaurants.

Plaza Bávaro

Go out and mingle with the locals at Plaza Bávaro. Wander around the shops, search for bargains or get souvenirs to bring home, such as cigars or crafts from local shops, and truly experience where everyday Dominicans do their shopping.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

There are two distinct tourist high seasons in the Dominican Republic: the summer months of July and August, mostly for northern-hemisphere travelers, and winter season between December and late February, when the Dominican climate is at its best. But since the weather is warm all year round, trips can be organized at any time of the year. During the summer, temperatures fluctuate from 25 °C to 28 °C and the weather is very hot and humid. The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is therefore during the dry season, from November to April, since the climate is drier but still warm. Regarding water temperature, it rarely falls below 27 °C. The Dominican Republic is also in the center of the Caribbean hurricane belt and can be hit by storms especially during the hurricane season in August and September. If you are planning a trip to the Dominican Republic during the high summer season, and especially if you're heading to Punta Cana, expect higher hotel and resort prices and crowded beaches. Whale-watching runs from around mid-January to mid-March.

Passport / Visa

The Dominican Republic allows nationals from eight countries to enter without a visa or a tourist entry tax (previously known as a tourist card, amounting to US$10). These eight countries are Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru, South Korea and Uruguay. Residents of the United Kingdom and those holding a valid visa to enter Canada, the United States or any European Union country do not require a tourist visa (tourist card) to enter the Dominican Republic. The tourist entry tax of US$10 should be included in the price of the flight ticket. Nationals who aren't in possession of a valid visa for Canada, the United States or any European Union country must obtain a tourist visa which must be done in person at the Dominican Consulate nearest to their place of residence. Nationals from 95 countries can enter the Dominican Republic by paying the tourism entry tax of US$10 which should be already included in the air fare. Alternatively, the tourist card can be obtained at the airport upon arrival at Punta Cana International Airport. Check out the list of the 95 countries. The tourist cards are valid for 30 days from the date of entry. You can apply for a tourist card at a consulate near you, online (www.dgii.gov.do/Paginas/inicio.aspx) or at the airport upon arrival.

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is located in the heart of Punta Cana, only a short shuttle ride from your final destination. Taxis and buses are available at the airport and many resorts supply their guests with personal or group shuttle services.

Public Transport

The public bus system covers both Punta Cana and Bavaro and is low cost, but navigating it can get tricky. Bus stops are not clearly marked and you can hail a minibus (Guacas) anywhere, that's why it is recommended to tell the driver in advance where you want to get off. Tickets can be purchased on board.

Taxi

Taxis and shuttles are commonplace and can be found almost everywhere you want to travel to. Don’t forget that many attractions will provide free transit if you call ahead or get your resort’s travel desk to book for you. Taxi services in Punta Cana are safe and common, but make sure to set a price before taking a ride. You can book a taxi at hubs at the airport and at most resorts, shopping venues, and attractions. They have fixed rates, which are displayed on a white board in the outer arrival's hall.

Electricity

120 volts, 60 Hz American style two-pin plugs

Pharmacy

Three are several pharmacies in Punta Cana. Pharmacia Estrella: Plaza Estrella Bavaro, Avenida España, Punta Cana +1 809 552 0344, 8am - 11pm Pharma 360: Primer Nivel 106, Punta Cana +1 809 455 1708, 8am - 12am Farmacia: Plaza San Juan Shopping Center, Avenida Barceló, Punta Cana +1 809 933 4444, 8am - 10pm

Post

A post office is located at Punta Cana Airport, selling postcards and stamps. Dominica Republic's postal service is not renowned for its efficiency, and post can take a few months to reach its destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Punta Cana?

The best time to visit Punta Cana is from December to April when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.

What are the must-see attractions in Punta Cana?

Must-see attractions in Punta Cana include the pristine beaches like Bavaro Beach, the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, and the vibrant nightlife at Coco Bongo.

How can I get around Punta Cana once I arrive?

In Punta Cana, you can get around by taxis, rental cars, or local buses known as 'guaguas'. Many resorts also offer shuttle services to popular attractions.

What local dishes should I try in Punta Cana?

In Punta Cana, try local dishes such as 'mangu' (mashed plantains), 'sancocho' (meat stew), and fresh seafood like 'pescado frito' (fried fish).

How many days should I plan to stay in Punta Cana?

A stay of 4 to 7 days is ideal to explore Punta Cana's beaches, engage in water sports, and take day trips to nearby attractions like Saona Island.

What are some popular day trips from Punta Cana?

Popular day trips from Punta Cana include visiting Saona Island for its stunning beaches, exploring the historic city of Santo Domingo, and the natural beauty of Los Haitises National Park.

Where is the best area to stay in Punta Cana?

Bavaro is the most popular area to stay in Punta Cana, offering a wide range of resorts, restaurants, and easy access to beautiful beaches and activities.

Trips

Punta Cana Pre or Post Cruise

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