Punta Cana
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Tips
9 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Long white-sand beach lined with palms
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Beach vendors can be persistent
- Use sunscreen
📷 Photos
- 2
Wild surf beach with open dunes
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Less developed than Bávaro
- Bring water and snacks
📷 Photos
- 3
Beautiful beach in Cap Cana
3 tips
- Access may be through Cap Cana
- Check entry rules
- Calm waters
📷 Photos
- 4
Adventure park with caves, zip lines and cenotes
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Bring a swimsuit
- Allow most of a day
📷 Photos
- 5
Turquoise cenote inside Scape Park
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Visit with a park ticket
- Wear water shoes
📷 Photos
- 6
Ecological reserve with freshwater lagoons
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wear insect repellent
- Swim in designated lagoons
📷 Photos
- 7
Major pilgrimage basilica in Higüey
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Closed to tourists during services
- Combine with a day trip
📷 Photos
- 8
Recreated Mediterranean village above the Chavón River
3 tips
- Reached by day trip from Punta Cana
- Amphitheater hosts concerts
- Wear walking shoes
📷 Photos
- 9
Wildlife park with dolphins, sea lions and shows
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Book ahead
1 tip
- Bring sun protection
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Punta Cana tips
Transportation
- Agree taxi prices first: taxis use set zone rates rather than meters, so confirm the fare before getting in.
- Try the guaguas: local minibuses run along the main road through Bavaro and are much cheaper than taxis.
- Drive with caution: if you rent a car, expect motorbikes weaving through traffic and unpredictable driving.
Security
- Book tours carefully: use reputable operators for excursions like Saona Island, rather than beach vendors with no license.
- Watch the waves: some beaches have strong currents, so swim where lifeguards or flags show it is safe.
- Use your hotel safe: do not leave phones, passports or cash on sun loungers while swimming.
Saving
- Eat outside the resorts: local restaurants and colmados in Bavaro serve Dominican food for much less than resort menus.
- Pay in pesos: paying in Dominican pesos often gets a better rate than dollars at local businesses.
- Enjoy public beaches: Bavaro and Macao beaches are free to visit, with no need for day passes.
Weather/Clothing
- Plan for hurricane season: June to November brings storm risk and heavy rain, so check forecasts before travelling.
- Pack for heat: it is warm and sunny year-round, so bring light clothes, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Check for sargassum: seaweed can wash ashore in warmer months; ask hotels about beach conditions.
Cultural
- Try La Bandera: the classic Dominican lunch of rice, beans and meat is filling and widely available.
- Dance merengue and bachata: Dominican music is everywhere, and locals are happy to teach visitors a few steps.
- Tip for service: tipping is appreciated, even where a service charge is included.
Local Hacks
- Visit Macao Beach: this wide, wild beach north of Bavaro is less crowded and popular with local surfers.
- Drink bottled water: tap water is not safe to drink, so buy large bottles at supermarkets rather than minibars.
- Try mangu for breakfast: mashed plantains with onions, eggs and fried cheese make a hearty start to the day.
1-day itineraries in Punta Cana
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.