If you’re planning a visit to Punta Cana, don’t simply keep on with the lodge seashore! The Dominican Republic has a lot extra to supply.
Many select to remain within the Dominican Republic by specializing in staying in an all-inclusive lodge. But severely, you possibly can discover a lot extra. Find a few of Punta Cana’s most lovely spots by yourself or with a information who’ll make it even higher.
There are tons of implausible actions and seashores to discover, that can positively be price your whereas.
Whether you need to lease a automobile and discover by yourself or be part of an thrilling group tour, I’ve received some nice options under.
Here is an outline:
Punta Cana’s most lovely seashores
With a few of the most lovely seashores on the planet, this tropical paradise is a must-see for anybody who loves solar, sand, and surf.
Make positive to decide on a lodge on the seashore, however be sure to additionally discover the opposite high seashores.
Discover the secluded Playa Esmeralda
Looking for a quiet and secluded seashore in Punta Cana? Look no additional than Playa Esmeralda!
This hidden gem, positioned simply an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Punta Cana’s vacationer business, is among the most pristine seashores you’ll discover wherever within the Dominican Republic. With its crystal clear waters stretching almost 4 kilometers with out one other soul in sight, it’s laborious to consider that such magnificence exists so shut by.
In truth, this breathtaking stretch has been acknowledged as one of many high ten most lovely seashores within the DR!
But in the event you’re planning to go to quickly – act quick! All-inclusive resorts will probably be constructed right here within the coming years.
If renting a automobile isn’t your factor, don’t fear – there are at all times helicopter rides obtainable at surprisingly reasonably priced costs that embrace visits to Salto de la Jalda; the very best waterfall in all of Dominican territory.
How to get there: About an hour’s drive from Punta Cana.
Costs: Access to the seashore is free, and a helicopter tour prices about $250.
Good to know: Just an hour from Punta Cana, a secluded and beautiful seashore.
Bavaro Beach – Punta Cana’s longest seashore
Bavaro Beach is an absolute should for seashore lovers in Punta Cana. It’s the longest and hottest stretch of sand round, with some sections being hailed as a few of the greatest seashores within the Dominican Republic!
The sheer measurement of this 20 kilometer stretch will depart you in awe – it stretches from Cabeza de Toro on the Barceló Resort to Macau. You’ll discover a number of completely different areas alongside Bavaro Beach similar to Bibijagua, Jellyfish, Corales, Cortecito, Arena Blanca and Arena Gorda.
The width of Bavaro Beach makes it a sight to behold; particularly close to Melía Caribe Punta Cana or Secrets Royal Beach the place the tremendous sand is just breathtaking!
If strolling alongside the sandy shores sounds interesting, then seize your flip-flops, as a result of right here it’s attainable to stroll as much as 20 kilometers with out leaving the gentle grains behind.
As you stroll additional down in the direction of Macau, take within the breathtaking views of turquoise waters lapping in opposition to towering palm bushes!
For these staying at all-inclusive resorts positioned proper on its shores, Bavaro Beach is simply steps away out of your room, making sunbathing periods extra handy than ever!
How to get there: Many of the accommodations are positioned proper on the seashore at Bavaro.
Cost: Access to the seashores of Punta Cana is freed from cost.
Good to know: A 20-kilometer-long seashore will not be one thing you will discover all over the place within the Caribbean.
Macao Beach
If you’re on the lookout for a chill seashore expertise in Punta Cana, Macao is the place to go.
It’s a fast 20-minute drive from most all-inclusive resorts and affords one thing completely different from the everyday touristy seashores. You gained’t discover big accommodations right here (apart from Dreams Macao Beach), however as a substitute native meals distributors promoting freshly grilled fish proper on the sand.
On weekends, issues can get fairly energetic as locals come out to take pleasure in this lovely stretch of shoreline – so count on some crowds and noise! But in the event you want peace and quiet throughout your seashore time, weekdays are excellent for absorbing the pure tranquility of Macao Beach.
Beyond the laid-back ambiance, nonetheless, lies a pure magnificence that can take your breath away. The bay itself is stunningly picturesque; it makes for a powerful backdrop as you lounge round or catch waves, relying on the wind situations – though watch out when swimming as there are sturdy currents!
How to get there: From most accommodations in Punta Cana, it’s simply accessible by taxi or automobile in about 20-Half-hour.
Costs: There isn’t any cost for this Punta Cana seashore.
Good to know: Macao Beach is among the most lovely seashores in all of Punta Cana.
Cap Cana
If you’re on the lookout for an opulent seashore getaway in Punta Cana, Cap Cana is the place to be!
This southern a part of the town attracts many celebrities and excessive rollers with its posh villas and upscale resorts. And it’s not laborious to see why – two beautiful seashores await you: Playa Blanca and Playa Juanillo, each with a few of the whitest sand on the planet.
But that’s not all – because of its shallow waters, Cap Cana additionally boasts vibrant turquoise hues which are positive to take your breath away.
So in case you are on the lookout for an unforgettable trip expertise in a paradise-like setting, you’ll want to try this wonderful vacation spot in your subsequent journey!
How to get there: Cap Cana is greatest reached by renting a automobile.
Cost: The seashores of Punta Cana are freed from cost. Though a few of the seashores could require you to eat one thing on the native seashore golf equipment to be able to acquire entry to them. And it’s price it.
Good to know: Cap Cana is the place to be in the event you’re within the way of life of the wealthy and well-known and need to see pristine white seashores.
Top excursions from Punta Cana
Explore the peninsula of Samaná
If you’re in your method to Los Haitises National Park (see under), why not make a pit cease on the beautiful Samaná Peninsula? It’s one of the lovely areas of the Dominican Republic and nicely price exploring.
While day journeys from Punta Cana by bus + boat or airplane are attainable, we advocate that you simply plan for a number of days to totally immerse your self in all that Samaná has to supply.
There are many sights to see on the peninsula similar to Salto El Limón Waterfall, Bacardi Island Cayo Levantado and numerous unspoiled seashores together with Playa Cosón, Playa Lanza del Norte, Playa Las Canas, Playa Ermitano and Playa Rincon.
Renting a automobile can also be an choice with nicely developed roads making it solely about 4 hours away from Punta Cana.
Accommodations can be found in quite a lot of value ranges so there’s one thing for everybody!
Los Haitises National Park
If you’re on the lookout for a must-see attraction in Punta Cana, look no additional than Los Haitises National Park. While it might be a little bit of a hike at 2.5 hours away, this nationwide park is nicely definitely worth the go to because of its beautiful natural world.
The better part? You can expertise Los Haitises National Park as an thrilling day journey and even as a cushty in a single day keep – there’s one thing for everybody! As somebody who likes to journey, I extremely advocate renting a automobile (~) and testing the Eco-Lodge contained in the park (charges and reserving hyperlink under). This distinctive lodging choice affords unparalleled views of pure swimming pools shaped by dammed rivers that result in lovely waterfalls.
Not solely will you may have entry to breathtaking surroundings throughout your keep, but in addition some scrumptious meals – simply bear in mind, good issues come to those that wait! So why not make your subsequent trip unforgettable by exploring all that Los Haitises has to supply?
How to get there: The begin of the Los Haitises excursions is straight from the lodge in Punta Cana. If you need to discover the park by yourself, it’s best to lease a automobile and drive about 2 hours northwest on superb roads (besides the final 10km).
Costs: Day journeys from Punta Cana beginning at 100 euros per individual, automobile rental beginning at 50 euros, in a single day keep within the park beginning at 70 euros.
It’s depraved as a result of: The Los Haitises National Park is among the most lovely pure points of interest in Punta Cana and the encompassing space with its islands, caves, natural world.
Hoyo Azul
Hoyo Azul is a cave (cenote) that is a crucial a part of Scape Park and is hidden on the foot of a 75 meter cliff.
Its turquoise waters entice many guests. Hoyo Azul (Blue Hole) is a pure phenomenon full of crystal clear water.
It is advisable to reach early as it may be very fashionable. And don’t overlook to deliver a showering go well with to swim within the water, because the water temperature stays fixed all year long. This makes it an ideal place for swimming.
The cave is surrounded by lush vegetation and affords a panoramic panorama. There can also be a platform from which you’ll be able to take pleasure in a spectacular view of the encompassing space.
The water at Hoyo Azul is so clear you can see all the way in which to the underside – a snorkeler’s paradise!
Scape Park additionally affords different actions similar to zip lining and horseback driving. But in the event you’re on the lookout for a quiet oasis, you’ll want to go to Hoyo Azul. Just a few hours right here will allow you to unwind from the stress of on a regular basis life and recharge your batteries.
So pack your swimsuit and prepare for an unforgettable day within the turquoise waters of Hoyo Azul!
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve is an ecopark and reserve of 1,500 hectares of subtropical forest. The space is privately owned however devoted to conservation and scientific analysis.
Visitors can benefit from the 12 freshwater lagoons, 5 of that are open for swimming.
The Guama Lagoon is as much as 26 ft deep and lots of wish to dive from the platform – definitely one thing to your digicam.
The park workers is dedicated to defending and preserving the pure setting. They have applied a sustainable administration program that ensures the forest stays wholesome and its biodiversity is preserved. Visitors can be part of guided excursions or hike on their very own.
In addition to the lagoons, the park is dwelling to quite a lot of wildlife, together with monkeys, iguanas, and numerous hen species similar to toucans and parrots. It’s a paradise for nature photographers!
If you’re concerned about tradition, you’ll want to make a journey to the indigenous village. The locals are comfortable to point out you their conventional lifestyle in addition to their handicrafts similar to weaving or carving.
All in all, Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve affords an ideal alternative to loosen up in lovely nature and be taught concerning the native ecology and tradition – positively price a go to!
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Santo Domingo
If you’re extra into cultural experiences than nature, Punta Cana is for you!
Just a 2.5-hour drive from most all-inclusive resorts, Santo Domingo is the capital metropolis with an unbeatable colonial district that can take you again in time and fill your coronary heart with Dominican allure. You gained’t need to miss out on exploring this residing open-air museum of traditionally useful buildings, colourful facades, small cafes and retailers galore; it’s really distinctive!
And if people-watching is your factor, look no additional, as a result of there’s no higher place to do it than right here.
Now let me inform you how greatest to discover Santo Domingo: reserving an organized tour would be the best, however it leaves little room to delve into the main points – as a substitute, hop on a bus or lease a automobile (if the site visitors isn’t an excessive amount of of a trouble) and take two days off at one of many charming historic accommodations positioned proper within the Zona Colonial itself.
Trust us once we say that just a little additional time will make all of the distinction between seeing issues and actually experiencing them!
Getting there: Santo Domingo is about 2.5 to three hours away from Punta Cana – one of the best ways to journey is by public bus or on a guided tour.
Cost: The value of a tour information from Punta Cana is roughly 90 euros per individual. If you determine to prepare it your self, count on to pay about US$10 per individual every method for the bus and US$30-40 per individual in a double room in a small however good colonial lodge.
Good to know: Santo Domingo is the center of the Dominican Republic, a melting pot of cultures and a fantastic place to be taught concerning the nation.
Exploring Punta Cana’s waterfalls
Although Punta Cana itself doesn’t have any pure waterfalls, don’t fear – the close by mountains are only a fast 45-minute drive away and provide loads of exploration alternatives.
You’ll be comfortable to know that there are about ten completely different waterfall areas inside three hours’ attain from Punta Cana! One such location is Salto de la Jalda, which boasts each being the very best Dominican Republic waterfall in addition to one in all its longest hikes.
But in the event you’re not up for touring fairly to this point out, no downside in any respect! Cascada Blanca or La Copa can simply be reached on foot in solely an hour or two. And even higher but? If mountain climbing isn’t your factor altogether then think about testing spots like Salto Socoa or Salto Alto de Bayaguana the place parking tons sit conveniently near their respective falls.
How to get there: The greatest method is by rental automobile to the completely different beginning factors of the walks, which take between 1 and three hours.
Costs: Normally none
Good to know: Waterfalls are quintessential tropical vegetation and also you often have all of them to your self.
Half day tour to the Boca de Yuma space
If you’re on the lookout for a extra laid-back and off-the-beaten-path Punta Cana expertise, Boca de Yuma is the proper getaway.
This charming fishing village is simply an hour’s drive from Punta Cana, however feels worlds away with its sleepy ambiance. The actual gem listed here are the small eating places perched excessive on the cliffs, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a few of the freshest fish within the area whereas taking in breathtaking views of the ocean – all in a country and genuine setting, as organized tourism has but to take maintain right here!
You may hop aboard a picket boat to discover secluded seashores or hike via lush forests to search out crystal-clear lagoons; locals are comfortable to behave as your guides for a small tip.
How to get there: The greatest method is by rental automobile, about an hour from Punta Cana.
Costs: Car rental about €50 per day, fish lunch in Boca de Yuma about €10.
Good to know: Tourism in Punta Cana could be very commercialized, however in Boca de Yuma time appears to face nonetheless, which is its particular allure.
Ziplining in Punta Cana
Why not keep on with ziplining in Punta Cana for now?
There are so many thrilling cover adventures to discover on the japanese facet of the Dominican Republic. There are round 5 completely different zipline experiences in Punta Cana alone!
While the breathtaking zipline at Scape Park Cap Cana could also be one of the spectacular choices, it’s definitely not your solely selection. For households on the lookout for a extra kid-friendly choice, Bavaro Adventure Park affords an exhilarating suspension bridge and fun-filled expertise. Meanwhile, these on the lookout for lush greenery will love exploring Bavaro Runners’ tropical vegetation-focused journey.
By reserving one in all these excursions, you’ll have loads of alternatives to find the completely different sides that make up this lovely nation – however regardless of which one you select, relaxation assured that all of them promise action-packed pleasure all through your time right here!
How to get there: All Punta Cana zipline excursions embrace lodge transfers.
Costs: Starting at 50 euros per individual
Good to know: It is a novel expertise to see Punta Cana from the air.
Catamaran tour in Punta Cana
Looking for a ship tour that showcases the breathtaking fantastic thing about Isla Saona and Isla Catalina? Look no additional than Punta Cana!
While these excursions may be prolonged, taking as much as 10 hours together with bus transfers to Bayahibe or La Romana, there’s another. Instead, e-book a catamaran tour from Punta Cana.
Although there aren’t any main points of interest within the space (except for the underwhelming pure pool), cruising the Caribbean waters is an expertise you gained’t quickly overlook.
For those that are on the lookout for one thing just a little extra upscale, we advocate choosing greater high quality excursions, as a few of the cheaper choices are typically get together and booze cruises. So think about properly, if you wish to lower your expenses right here or not.
How to get there: Tours often depart straight from accommodations in Punta Cana.
Costs: Starting at 50 euros per individual.
Good to know: Experience the Caribbean with out having to go to Saona or Catinaccio.
Diving in Punta Cana
If you’d wish to discover the depths of Punta Cana’s oceans, however need to absorb all of the beautiful sights underwater, don’t fear!
You can simply e-book a dive with one of many many respected colleges. Scuba diving is certainly one of many high issues to do when visiting this lovely vacation spot within the Dominican Republic.
While it is probably not as well-known for diving as different spots across the globe, there are nonetheless some wonderful wrecks and reefs that can hold divers entertained for 2-3 days straight. And in the event you’re on the lookout for just a little extra selection than what Punta Cana has to supply, don’t overlook about Bayahibe – one other implausible space to take a look at!
How to get there: There are quite a few dive colleges alongside the Punta Cana seashore resorts.
Costs: Diving in Punta Cana often prices between 35 and 50 euros.
Good to know: Diving lovers mustn’t miss the chance to get the Dominican Republic of their diving e-book.
Whale and dolphin watching within the Dominican Republic
If you’re on the lookout for an thrilling journey in Punta Cana, whale and dolphin watching in Samaná is a should!
These excursions have turn out to be extremely fashionable and at all times draw crowds. It’s no surprise – from January to March yearly, humpback whales come to the Bay of Samaná to present delivery and feed their younger. Thousands of tourists flock right here every year because it is among the best points of interest the Dominican Republic has to supply.
And what makes this expertise much more particular is that these magnificent creatures adjust to naturalist rules whereas enchanting vacationers!
Did you recognize that the Bay of Samana may be reached from the mainland in addition to from Punta Cana? If you head to Miches (simply over an hour away), you possibly can embark on one of the thrilling experiences in Punta Cana – whale watching!
The excellent news is that it’s nearly sure that you simply’ll see them.
How to get there: Punta Cana Whale Watching at all times picks you up at your lodge.
Cost: The value of the whale watching tour is between 120 and 160 euros.
Good to know: A Caribbean tour with an nearly 100% assure that you will note big humpback whales – the place else can you discover that?
Saona Island
Saona Island is an unspoiled island off the coast of Punta Cana.
Why must you go there? If you need to get away from the vacationer crowds, one can find paradise on Saona Island. The island is a federally protected nature reserve and a part of the East National Park. Wildlife is all over the place on the island, from birds to a seashore stuffed with starfish. During the nesting season, sea turtles may be seen laying their eggs. The seashores on Saona Island are breathtakingly lovely and supply the proper backdrop for a soothing day by the ocean. The crystal clear waters are excellent for snorkeling with colourful fish and coral reefs. The island can also be a preferred vacation spot for scuba divers who can observe quite a lot of marine life.
Another motive to go to Saona Island is its genuine Caribbean aptitude. There aren’t any giant lodge complexes or eating places right here – as a substitute one can find small seashore bars and grill stands serving contemporary fish and tropical cocktails.
To get to the island, you possibly can be part of a ship tour or lease a personal boat. Some excursions embrace a cease at a fishing village on the coast of Bayahibe to get a style of life away from the vacationer crowds.
So in case you are on the lookout for peace and leisure in the course of untouched nature and need to expertise the true Caribbean feeling, you need to positively make a journey to the paradise island of Saona!
Punta Cana Buggy Tour
Buggy excursions are a should in Punta Cana. It’s very fashionable with American guests. The Dune Buggy Tours are particularly fashionable and supply a number of enjoyable for these staying in all-inclusive accommodations.
But in case you are on the lookout for extra pleasure and journey, select a Buggy Tour, which present you a bit extra from the area. These excursions not solely provide senseless racing, but in addition offer you an opportunity to expertise the true Dominican Republic, which may be laborious to search out within the midst of touristy areas like Punta Cana.
The completely different Buggy Tours are really a one in all a form exercise, as they take guests via secluded seashores, beautiful riversides and genuine villages that showcase native life up shut. The excursions often additionally embrace a number of stops alongside the way in which! If Land & People’s choices appear boring or uninspiring – try our advisable buggy adventures!
How to get there: The excursions at all times embrace selecting up out of your lodging or from the resort.
Cost: Standard buggy excursions in Punta Cana begin at 35 euros, some buggy excursions are costlier on account of smaller teams, actual VW engines and personalised consideration.
Good to know: Choose a buggy tour that take you to locations you possibly can’t go as a traditional vacationer.
Conclusion
Punta Cana is a paradise for seashore lovers and journey seekers alike. With its beautiful shoreline, there’s no scarcity of seashores to go well with each style.
But that’s not all – the area additionally affords an abundance of actions to go well with each curiosity. From snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal clear waters to zip lining via lush forests or exploring on ATV excursions, Punta Cana has all of it!
Whether you’re on the lookout for pleasure or leisure, this tropical vacation spot really has one thing for everybody. So why wait? Come take in the Caribbean solar and expertise all that Punta Cana has to supply!
