Punta Cana, a jewel of the Dominican Republic, is where lazy beach days meet wild adventures. It’s a place for sipping rum by turquoise waters, zip-lining through jungles, and dancing like nobody’s watching.
From fresh seafood to sunburns you’ll wear proudly, this slice of paradise has everything you need for a trip that’s anything but boring.
Let’s dive into all the fun waiting for you!
Punta Cana Activities: Relax on the Beaches
Grab your flip-flops — we’ve got beaches to conquer! With white sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of spots to chill, Punta Cana’s shores are pure bliss. Let’s find your perfect spot.
Bávaro Beach
- How to get there: From Punta Cana International Airport, a taxi ride takes about 25 minutes and costs $30-$35 USD, while a private shuttle offers a safer, pre-booked option. For budget travelers, the public bus (Guagua) costs around €2 but takes over an hour. Already in the area? Use public access points like Bibijagua or Cortecito to walk straight onto the sand.
- Facilities: Water sports like kayaking and snorkeling, beach loungers and cabanas, and beachfront dining with fresh seafood.
- Things to know: Adults-only areas at Barceló Bávaro Beach, calm waters ideal for swimming, and some areas require resort access.
- Why go: Bávaro Beach is ranked among the top 10 beaches in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re up for a peaceful morning walk on soft sands or looking for adrenaline with paddleboarding or snorkeling, this beach offers it all.
Want to explore further? Dive into the vibrant nearby coral reefs, or hop on a catamaran cruise for breathtaking sunset views. Staying at Barceló Bávaro Beach? Enjoy exclusive access to quieter spots — perfect for unwinding before you dive back into the action.
Macao Beach
- How to get there: A taxi from Punta Cana Airport takes about 30 minutes and costs $12-$15. Renting a car offers flexibility, with fuel costing $2-$3 for the trip. Many organized tours also include transportation for added convenience.
- Facilities: Water park with slides and a lazy river, gourmet à la carte dining, and multiple pools, including family and adults-only options.
- Things to know: Family friendly with kid and teen clubs, an unlimited luxury resort experience, and some water sports and activities may have additional costs.
- Why go: Macao Beach offers a refreshing contrast to Punta Cana’s resort-lined shores. One of the few public beaches in the area, it’s known for its natural beauty and local charm. Its dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and turquoise waters create a stunning and untamed backdrop. The waves are stronger here, making it a hotspot for surfers of all levels. Local surf schools along the shore offer lessons, adding to the beach’s laid-back vibe.
Juanillo Beach
- How to get there: Rent a car for a 30-minute drive from Punta Cana, with fuel costing $2-$3 and parking fees ranging from $5-$10. Taxis cost $20-$30 one way. At the Cap Cana gate, present your ID for access. There might be a $20 entrance fee.
- Facilities: Beach clubs with dining and loungers, water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, and beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and Dominican dishes.
- Things to know: Located in Cap Cana’s gated community, ID is required for entry, uncrowded on weekdays, and live music events are common on weekends.
- Why go: Juanillo Beach, nestled within the gated Cap Cana community, is a tropical paradise known for its exclusivity and tranquility. Visitors must stay at a Cap Cana resort, such as Secrets Cap Cana, or present a valid ID at the gate to access the beach.
This exclusivity ensures a quieter atmosphere, perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking peace. With shallow, family-friendly waters, upscale beachfront restaurants, and tropical greenery, Juanillo Beach is the perfect spot to unwind.
Explore Punta Cana’s Natural Wonders
Beaches are great, but there’s so much more to discover. Imagine hidden cenotes, lush rainforests, and caves straight out of an adventure movie. Ready to swap your flip-flops for an explorer hat?
💡 Tip: Looking for inspiration on where to go beyond Punta Cana’s beaches? Our guide to the top things to do in the Dominican Republic has you covered.
Hoyo Azul
- How to get there: A 30-minute taxi ride from Punta Cana Airport costs $20-$30 one way. Renting a car is an option, with fuel costing $2-$3. Local buses from Punta Cana/Bávaro are budget-friendly. Parking fees may apply.
- Facilities: Lifejackets for swimmers, a scenic walking trail through botanical gardens, and full access with Scape Park tickets.
- Things to know: This 40-foot-deep lagoon is accessible via a 15-minute trail and is part of Scape Park’s adventure offerings, including ziplining and cave tours.
- Why go: Hoyo Azul, or the “Blue Hole,” is a stunning cenote in Scape Park, known for its vibrant turquoise water created by a natural phenomenon called a halocline. Surrounded by tropical lowland jungle, its crystal-clear waters reveal the rocky floor, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Entry to Scape Park costs $129 per person and includes Hoyo Azul alongside other attractions like zip-lining, cave exploration, cultural trails, and more. For adventure seekers, Scape Park combines natural beauty with excitement — zip-line through the trees, explore caves, or walk cultural trails for an unforgettable day.
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park
- How to get there: A 15-minute drive from Punta Cana Airport. Taxis cost $40 during the day or $60 at night, while Uber averages $100. Private transfers offer added comfort, starting at $200.
- Facilities: Shaded walking trails, crystal-clear lagoons for swimming, and nearby amenities at the Sustainability Center, including bathrooms.
- Things to know: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). Entry costs $50 for general visitors, with discounts for resort guests and residents. Eco-friendly mosquito repellent and biodegradable sunscreen are recommended.
- Why go: Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, located within the Puntacana Resort & Club, is a 1,500-acre private reserve highlighting the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty and cultural history.
Day Trip to Nearby Islands
Why stick to the mainland when tropical islands are just a boat ride away? A day trip offers postcard-worthy views and a taste of the Dominican Republic’s local charm.
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Isla Saona
- How to get there: Join an organized tour ($59-$75) or book a private trip ($710+). Travel includes a bus to Bayahibe and a boat ride — 45–60 minutes by catamaran or 30 minutes by speedboat. Most tours offer hotel pickup, meals, and stops at natural pools.
- Facilities: Organized tours with boat rides, snorkeling gear, buffet lunches, and rest areas. Some tours offer VIP options with private experiences.
- Things to know: Tours cost $70–$150, often including snorkeling and stops at the famous Blue Lagoon.
- Why go: Saona Island is your tropical dream come true. Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and untouched natural beauty, this 110 square kilometer island is part of Parque Nacional Cotubanamá, so everything here stays pristine and protected.
Once there, you can snorkel vibrant coral reefs, sunbathe on some of the Caribbean’s best beaches, or visit Mano Juan’s Sea Turtle Recovery Center. Look out for dolphins, rhinoceros iguanas, and pelicans, all part of the island’s diverse wildlife.
Cayo Levantado
- How to get there: From Punta Cana, join a full-day guided tour ($140 per adult) that includes transportation, lunch, and activities, or book a private transfer starting at $299 for up to seven passengers (6+ hours travel). If you’re in Samaná, take a 15-minute ferry ride for $9–$10 per person.
- Facilities: Luxurious private resort, public beaches, dining options, and complimentary water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
- Things to know: Located 3 miles off the coast of Samaná, it requires a 10-minute boat ride to reach. Tours from Punta Cana last around 7 hours, with prices varying based on package inclusions.
- Why go: Cayo Levantado, or “Bacardi Island,” is a tropical escape offering pristine beaches, clear waters, and a touch of luxury. It’s split into two areas: the exclusive Cayo Levantado Resort and a public beach.
For five-star luxury, the resort offers gourmet dining, yoga classes, and private beaches. On the public side, enjoy a laid-back beach with breathtaking views and the warm Caribbean vibes that made this spot famous in a Bacardi ad.
Experience the Nightlife
When the sun sets in Punta Cana, the laid-back beach vibes transform into vibrant nightlife.
Whether you’re swaying to live merengue, dancing under the stars at a beachfront club, or sipping cocktails at a chic lounge, there are many things to do in Punta Cana at night.
Coco Bongo
- How to get there: Most tickets include round-trip transportation from Punta Cana resorts and nearby areas like Bávaro, Cap Cana, and Bayahibe, with pick-up starting around 6:15 PM.
- Cost: Tickets range from $70 (Drink Pack) to $190 (Front Row), offering open bars, snacks, and premium seating.
- Things to know: Guests must be 18+ to enter. Dress smart casual — no flip-flops or beachwear. Shows run from 10:30 PM to 3:30 AM.
- Why go: Coco Bongo is a high-energy fusion of live performances, acrobatics, and music, often compared to a Vegas show in the heart of the Caribbean. Known as a must-visit nightlife destination, it features over 40 performers, including dancers, acrobats, and impersonators paying tribute to global stars like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Queen.
Our Takeaway on the Best Things to Do in Punta Cana
Punta Cana offers the perfect mix of stunning beaches, thrilling water sports, and rich cultural experiences. Relax on pristine sands at Bávaro Beach, snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Catalina Island, or uncover hidden gems like Hoyo Azul. The nightlife is equally exciting, with world-class venues offering unforgettable evenings.
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