Punta Cana  ⎜ Punta Cana Things to Do

Best things to do in Punta Cana Dominican Republic

Top Rated Tour in Punta Cana

You’ve heard of Punta Cana’s mesmeric beaches, stunning golf courses, and world-class all-inclusive resorts, making it the most visited destination in the Caribbean… but this place offers so much more.  When you take a look at Punta Cana’s natural attractions, adventure parks, cultural experiences, and a long list of fun things to do, there’s no denying it truly is… The Caribbean Wonderland.  

We encourage you to leave the resort property for a few hours or for a day trip adventure.  Visit one of the offshore islands, book a fun safari or buggy tour to the countryside, have a fun cultural experience, try an exhilarating experience on the water or a line across a green canopy, learn how to dance merengue…and much more.  Following we’ve come up with a list of the best attractions, and things to do in Punta Cana.

Go on a Fun Catamaran Ride

Punta Cana Boat / Catamaran Charter Tours - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Catamaran cruises on the turquoise waters of the coconut coastline are among the most popular things to do in Punta Cana.  Relax, take in the beauty of the coastline, swim in clear waters, and dance to the rhythms of merengue and bachata.  Some of the best catamarans include a stop at a snorkeling spot.  Depending on your preferred style, you can book a party-style catamaran with an open bar and music, or you may want to pay a little extra for a more intimate and personalized experience just for your group.   

Top Rated Catamaran Excursions in Punta Cana

Take a Day Trip to the Beautiful Saona Island

Saona Island - Best Places to Visit / Things to Do in Punta Cana Dominican Republic

Punta Cana has amazing beaches, but the beaches and water of Saona Island are on another level, the island is an unspoiled nature reserve with the most beautiful crystal clear turquoise seductive water you’ll see during your vacation in Punta Cana.  Saona Island has a charming small fishing village and magazine-worthy scenery.  Spend the day swimming in shallow water, lounging on magazine-worthy spots, or snorkeling for hours on water that feels like a giant aquarium.  The way there is part of the fun, most tours make a stop at the Natural Pool, tours typically include food, drinks, and lively music to keep up with the all-inclusive theme of Punta Cana.  Choose from catamaran party boats to more intimate charters perfect for small groups or couples desiring a more exclusive experience.

Top Rated Saona Island Excursions from Punta Cana

Explore the Beaches of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Bavaro Beach - Best Things to Do / Attractions in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana’s Bavaro Beach made it to the list of “Best Beaches in the World”, rave reviews written by people like you placed it on the list, and there are more wonderful beaches in Punta Cana with world-class beachfront resorts to enjoy them from morning till night.  Unlike most developed Caribbean beach destinations, Punta Cana was well planned, respecting the landscape of the beautiful coastline so all visitors can enjoy the natural beauty that most travelers dream of.  There are no high-rise concrete buildings along the beach, by law all resorts must not be higher than palm trees, protecting the shoreline and allowing visitors to feel the embrace of a more natural dreamy setting.

Monkeyland Adventure / Eco Park – A Family Favorite 

Monkeyland - Attractions in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Monkeyland is one of the most loved attractions for families, offering a number of ecotourism experiences and fun activities such as zip lining, safari tours, and buggy rides.  Get ready to fall in love with the cutest and friendliest squirrel monkeys, they welcome you to their countryside home located just outside of Punta Cana, trained to mingle and get close to humans.  Monkeyland also offers nice cultural experiences where you can see demonstrations of how Dominicans live in the countryside and grow food.  You’ll get to taste delicious fresh roasted coffee and cocoa.  The best tours bundle all the fun for an exciting day full of activities sure to bring smiles and make wonderful memories.

Map of Monkeyland, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Top Rated Tours at Monkeyland Park

Go Snorkeling in Punta Cana

Go Snorkeling in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Snorkeling excursions are among the top experiences for adults and children.  Hop on a lively catamaran cruise across the coastline to Cabeza del Toro Nature Reserve, a natural pool with a natural aquarium underneath the clear waters.  Go on a day trip snorkeling to Saona Island where starfish abound.  Beginners and families with small children may wish to snorkel at Marinarium, an enclosed pool where you can swim and have encounters with friendly sea creatures.

Top Rated Snorkeling Excursions in Punta Cana Dominican Republic

Swim on the Mesmerizing Cenotes of Punta Cana

Cenote at Scape Park - Best Places & Things to Do in Punta Cana

Cenotes in Punta Cana are among the best places to visit, just the mere sight will take your breath away.  On a hot summer day, the cenotes and lagoons offer the most refreshing cool water in the region.   The most popular cenotes are at Scape Park and Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, but there are more cenotes often included in ATV / Buggy Adventures.

Top Rated Cenote Tours in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Go on an Off-Road Adventure in the Countryside 

Buggy Tours - Best Things to Do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Off-roading is so much fun in Punta Cana, one of the top experiences you should not miss.  Depending on the tour you choose, you may visit cocoa and coffee plantations, ride across colorful country homes, swim in mesmerizing cenotes, and end up at secluded beaches to swim and clean up the mud.  ATV Tours also include a cultural experience so visitors can get to know more about life and culture in the Dominican Republic.  There are various options to meet your travel party’s needs and preferences, from ATVs, Polaris, Buggies, and Jeep Tours, there’s something for everyone. 

Top Rated ATV / Buggy Tours in Punta Cana

Play a Game of Golf on World Renowned Courses

Golfiing - Best Things to Do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana and other tourist regions in the Dominican Republic constantly rank among the best golf destinations in the Caribbean.  The beautiful coastline is not only for beachgoers, golfers can play on stunning oceanfront courses and regular venues for Championship Tours.  Four golf courses in the Dominican Republic out of seven made it to the list of Golf Digest’s “2020 & 2021’s Top Golf Resorts in the Caribbean and Bermuda”, two of them are in Punta Cana.  Courses in Punta Cana have been designed by acclaimed architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Greg Norman, among others.

Swim, Play & Party at Bavaro Beach – A Caribbean Playground

Ranked Among the Best Beaches in the World

Bavaro Beach - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana attracts travelers from all over the world seeking the perfect tropical getaway.  While there are a number of great beaches in Punta Cana, be sure not to miss Bavaro Beach, not only the best beach in Punta Cana but also ranked among the best beaches in the world and the Caribbean.

But don’t take our word for it… tens of thousands of travelers like you reviewed their experience placing Bavaro Beach

  • #7 – “Top 25 Beaches in the Caribbean” – TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best 2022
  • #23 – “Top 25 Beaches in the World  – TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best 2022

The shore is perfectly landscaped with coconut groves, lounge chairs inviting guests to relax, water sports to re-ignite the playful side, and plenty of fun tours all day long… under the year-long warmth of the Caribbean sun.

Top Rated Tours - Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana

Surprise your Loved One with a Romantic Horseback Ride on the Beach

Punta Cana Horseback Riding Tours - Dominican Republic

When most people think of Punta Cana, the first thing that comes to mind is a coastline lined with palm trees with beachfront all-inclusive resorts.  What most visitors don’t know is that on the north side of Punta Cana you’ll find quiet beaches with little to no development where nature lovers head to experience the Caribbean in its natural splendor, one of the best and most romantic ways to experience it is by horseback.  For an extra special touch, book a tour at sunset. Whether you’re on a romantic honeymoon, a family vacation with kids, or traveling with a group of friends, this may be a wonderful experience. The most romantic horseback riding tours are on the beach, but those that love the green lush countryside and wish to have a cultural experience will find a few tours that offer it.

Most horseback riding tours take place on the palm-lined Uvero Alto Beach.  There are various tours offering horseback riding tours that pack on a variety of experiences that may include riding through the countryside, along rivers, stopping at sugar, cocoa, and coffee plantations (with samples), delicious food and some even include ziplining.

Top Rated Horseback Riding Tours in Uvero Alto Beach

+ Combination Tours - Horseback Riding in Punta Cana

Go Shopping at a Beachside Shop Shack

Shopping - Things to Do in Punta Cana, DR

Shoes and shirts are not required when shopping along the coconut coastline of Punta Cana.  Bring a little cash for your beach walk and stop by beach shacks selling a variety of must-have items.  Shopping at these colorful wooden shacks is a unique cultural experience while making a positive impact on local small businesses.  Popular traditional items: jewelry pieces with Larimar or Amber, art pieces such as hand wood carvings and paintings, local rum bottles, and colorful sarong wrap among others.

Go Deep Sea Fishing in Punta Cana

Depending on the time of the year, you can catch Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Wahoo, Barracuda, Tuna, and the gorgeous Blue Marlin among others.  There are several fishing charters offering excursions from private charters or shared fishing tours.  

Top Rated Fishing Charters in Punta Cana

Go Kite Surfing on the Turquoise Waters of Punta Cana

Go Kitesurfing - Best things to do in Punta Cana Dominican Republic

Kitesurfing is an exhilarating experience, the added scenery, clear turquoise water, and steady winds make Punta Cana the perfect destination.  Punta Cana is the perfect place for individuals wishing to learn with professional and friendly instructors.

One of the most popular beaches for kitesurfing is Playa Blanca, a gorgeous beach with the best wind conditions, waves, and safe shallow waters.  Arena Gorda Beach is also a popular spot with two businesses offering kite surfing gear rentals and lessons.  The best time to kite surf in Punta Cana is from June through August.

Top Rated Kite Surfing / Boarding Experiences in Punta Cana

Experience the Colorful Rhytmic Culture of Dominicans

Cultural Experiences - Things to Do in Punta Cana

As you read this guide, you’re tempted to come for the gorgeous coastline, amazing beachfront resort options, and fun activities… once you’re here, you’ll be enamored by the spirit and hospitality of the people.  The sounds of merengue energize the ambiance with happy vibes and invite your hips to move, most resorts have free merengue and bachata dancing lessons.  Visitors will have plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the colorful and vibrant Dominican culture.   

Go to The Top of Round Mountain… Swing, Dream & Admire the Emerald Coast

Montaña Redonda - Best things to do and places to visit in Punta Cana Dominican Republic

Head north to Miches to visit Montaña Redonda (Round Mountain), the most scenic overlook on the east coast of the Dominican Republic.  Let your inner child free, get on a swing, and let your cares fade away in the wind as you take in the beauty of the Emerald Coastline of Miches. This is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Dominican Republic.  You can book a tour that offers transportation from Punta Cana or go on your own if you wish to rent a car.  The ride up can be a bit scary, there’s a safari-style open-air truck that takes groups and there are some pick-up trucks that can take a small group of 4 which feels more steady and safe on the way up.  Be sure to stop by the beautiful Playa Esmeralda (Beach) and experience one of the last undeveloped beaches in the Caribbean.

Top Rated Tours to Montaña Redonda

Go Surfing / Learn to Surf at Macao Beach

Things to do in Punta Cana - Surfing

Macao Beach often named one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean packs much more than beauty.  For those that love more action on the water, Macao Beach offers six surfing breaks.  If you always wanted to learn, you’ll find some of the friendliest and most passionate surfing instructors.  Learning to surf will certainly give you bragging rights and memories to share with loved ones and friends. See top-rated surfing lessons below. 

Top Rated Surfing Lessons - Macao Beach

Have a Fun Family Escape to Scape Park – Adventure Park

Scape Park - Things to Do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Scape Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Punta Cana.   Scape Park is located in Cap Cana, just 15 minutes from the Punta Cana Airport.   There are a number of activities and attractions to fill an entire day.  Scape Park is the perfect mix of nature, fun, cultural experiences, sun, and sand.  Scape Park offers various packages.  See link below with brochure and booking information.

+ Scape Park

Cave at Scape Park - Things to Do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Tel: +1 809-469-7484  /  +1-809-200-0398  ⏐  Address:  Avenida Sarasota No.20, Torre Empresarial AIRD, Suite 3-E, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana

Saltos Azules El Rancho
Zip Line Eco Splash Iguana Land
Hoyo Azul Parrots Island
Iguabonita Cave Cave Swim
Cultural Route Monkey Islands
Beach Getaway at Juanillo Beach Sunshine Cruise

 

Top Rated Scape Park Tours

Go on a Safari Tour 

Safari Tours in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Bring your entire family for a fun-filled day where you can get to see the vibrant countryside, and warm culture of Dominicans, taste delicious food, laugh, and mingle with happy travelers just like you.   Safari Tours in Punta Cana packs a lot of fun in a few hours, one of the best cultural experiences in Punta Cana.  Tours are offered in open-air trucks, some tour operators offer jeep safari tours.  Every tour is different and has its own itinerary, most include a ride through the countryside, coffee and cacao plantations, tours of traditional country homes, cooking lessons, food tasting or lunches, artisan shops, and gorgeous secluded beaches.  Some safari tours have special stops at animal farms great for families with small children.  

Top Rated Safari Tours in Punta Cana

Go Ziplining over Lush Green Canopies

Ziplining - Top Things to in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Experience the lush green side of the Dominican Republic in an exhilarating way.  Yes, the adrenaline is pumping as you take off, but as you fly across the line, you’ll go from yelling to wowing from the feelings of wonder as you fly like a bird over green canopies.  By the time your zipline adventure is complete, you’ll feel light and free, with memories you’ll want to share with family and friends back home when you return.

Top Rated Ziplining Tours in Punta Cana

Take the Family to Bavaro Adventure Park

Bavaro Adventure Park - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Located off the main highway in Bavaro, Bavaro Adventure Park is a fun place for the whole family, not too far from the beach where you can spend a day enjoying a variety of fun experiences in 110 acres of natural beauty offering over 15 activities.  If your kids are a fan of Jurassic Park Movies, they’ll have fun and enjoy walking around the park seeing life-size dinosaurs.

+ Highlights of Bavaro Adventure Park

Dino World Horse Back Riding ATV / Buggy / Polaris tours
Zipline Skywalker Regular Bungee Trampoline Flight Simulators
Zipline Mega Splash Segway circuit Segway X-treme Driver
Zipline Skywalker Pro Climbing garden Waterfall Pool
Zipline Splash Paintball Eco Tour
Zorbing Downhill Revolution Mountain biking Playground

Top Rated Tours to Bavaro Adventure Park

Go Parasailing over the Turquoise Water of Punta Cana 

Parasailing - Best Things to do Do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

You’ve fallen in love with Punta Cana, if you want to be passionately in love… go parasailing and see it from above.  Once you’re up 200 feet in the air, you will begin to feel more relaxed… you’ll be mesmerized by breathtaking views of the coconut coastline.  From above you can appreciate the colors of the water contrasting with the coral reefs, the sparking sand, and the lush coconut groves that run along the shores of this magical Caribbean Wonderland.  Parasailing can be a romantic experience and a fun family adventure to share with the kids.  We recommended that you book ahead of time in order to secure your parasailing experience.

Top Rated Parasailing Tours & Charters in Punta Cana

Take the Whole Family to ChocoMuseo 

ChocoMuseum - Family Attractions - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Head to the Mundo Autentico shopping center and stop at ChocoMuseo where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and eat some delicious chocolate.  The entrance to the museum is free.  You can also book a workshop where you can make your own chocolate, the kids will love it.  Highlights: Free Entry, tours are in both English and Spanish, see and touch cacao beans and pods, learn about the process of making chocolate from harvesting to transformation, and learn about the history of cacao.

Best Day Trip Excursions from Punta Cana

Punta Cana Things to Do - Best Day Trips

The Punta Cana tourist region has enough activities to keep you busy, but we encourage you to take a break from the marvelous resort life in Punta Cana (we know is hard) and take at least one day trip.  We have come up with a great list of places to visit with great cultural experiences, historical sites, and dreamy nature reserves.

Some of the day trips mentioned you can do on your own by renting a car, some are best experienced by booking a tour and letting knowledgeable friendly tour guides take care of all the details.

Santo Domingo Historical District

Santo Domingo - Best Tours from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The best way to connect with the history and culture of the Dominican Republic is by taking a day trip to Santo Domingo, the capital city.  Santo Domingo, the first city established in the New World was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.  The colonial historic district (Zona Colonial) houses a number of 16th-century business turned into museums, forts, castles, churches, and elegant squares.  Today, Santo Domingo is a mix of old-world, modern and traditional colorful touches of Dominican culture.

A number of tour operators offer well planned day trips to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana,  offering tours of the most significant sights of the city and cultural experiences.

Read More... Top Places to Visit in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo’s top attractions in the Colonial Historic District

  • Catedral Santa Maria La Menor – first cathedral in the New World.
  • Fortaleza Ozama – The oldest fortress in the Americas
  • Alcazar de Colon – the first castle in the Americas where Diego Colon, the son of Christopher Columbus resided.  The castle is now a museum, the structure was built in 1510 and restored in 1952.
  • Ruins of Monasterio de San Franciso – the first monastery in the Americas
  • Dominican Convent – the first convent in the Americas.
  • Plaza de España is a nice point of interest with shops and restaurants, it was the first commercial center in the established in the New World.

Popular modern attractions and places in Santo Domingo

  • Fine Arts Palace
  • Presidential Palace
  • National Theatre

Don’t miss taking a walk along El Malecon, a lively place along the water with a string of restaurants and shops.

Top Rated Tours to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana

Go Whale Watching in Samana

Whale watching tours from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Did you know that the Dominican Republic is one of the top 10 places in the world?  Every year not hundreds, but thousands of  Humpback Whales come home to the warm waters of the Dominican Republic to give birth, breed, and play at Silver Bank and Samana Bay.  Humpback Whales migrate to the Dominican Republic from January through April.  You’ve seen these gorgeous creatures in pictures and films, but seeing them in person, swimming freely, jumping out of the water and listening to the sound of their symphony… it takes your breath away, it is one of those moments when you realize just how magical our planet really is.  During a tour, you may see hundreds of humpback whales within a few miles, including bay calves.

If you’re lucky to swim along with these majestic creatures you will come away feeling really small, but with greater sensitivity for the protection of our natural treasures.  After this experience, you’ll want to come back year after year to the Dominican Republic just like the whales do.

A day trip from Punta Cana to Samana will take most of the day.  Tour companies from Punta Cana will provide transportation by bus or small plane.

Top Rated Whale Watching Excursions from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Visit Higuey, Dominican Republic

Higuey is the city of Altagracia Province, just 45 minutes from Punta Cana, you can visit one of the most recognized and visited cathedrals in the Caribbean, a religious museum, an artisan market, and a farmer’s market.  As you tour around Higuey, you’ll be driving through the communities where most employees of resorts in the Punta Cana Tourist Region reside.

In this very busy small city where it seems impossible to drive and cross the street, you can find quiet, solemn spaces on the beautiful grounds and inside the Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, one of the most visited cathedrals in the country by Catholics and visitors alike.

Thousands of visitors from around the country come to the annual pilgrimages held on January 21st.

  • The basilica was inaugurated in 1971, built to replace a sanctuary where there was a sighting of La Altagracia.
  • The cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, the Basilica was built in her honor.
  • Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia was designed by French architects André-Jacques Dunoyer de Segonzac y Pierre Dupré.   

+ Places to Visit & Things to do in Higuey

Museo (Museum) de la Altagracia

Museo de la Altagracia - Higuey, Dominican Republic

In the vicinity of the cathedral, you can visit La Altagracia Museum.  The museum holds exhibits of the history of the religion of the Dominican Republic and a collection of religious jewelry and paintings that goes back to the 17th century.

(Subject to change, please call to confirm)

  • Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Sundays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Mondays Closed
  • Tel: +1-809-554-2748
  • Address: 105, Higüey, Dominican Republic 23000

Artisan Market

A great way to support the locals is by strolling through the artisan market (Plaza Higüeyana) and making a purchase.

Getting to Higuey

Higuey is about a 45-minute drive from Punta Cana.  You can choose to rent a car for the day and drive yourself or book a guided tour from Punta Cana.  If you’re traveling with a group, a car rental is the most cost-effective option and great for adventurers who may wish to get a little more out of their day.  There are a number of tours available that take care of all the details so you can enjoy your day without worries so you can simply enjoy the experience, see below for online booking tour options.

Driving in Higuey – The streets are really busy, visitors coming from the United States, Canada, Europe, and more developed countries may find driving stressful due to the lack of organized traffic, with motorcycles driving in all directions, where traffic lights and stop signs seem to be an optional rule.  If you choose to drive into Higuey with a car rental, be sure to be extra alert and take the additional car rental insurance just in case.

Best place to park – Use Google Maps to Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, and park at the Museum parking lot.  From there you can walk to the cathedral and later cross the street to visit the artisan market.

Top Rated Tours to Higuey from Punta Cana

Altos de Chavón – La Romana, Dominican Republic

Top Attractions near Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Los Altos de Chavon is a Mediterranean village set on a hill with sweeping views of the Chavon River and the famous golf course in Casa de Campo.  Los Altos de Chavon was designed to capture the romance and elegance of the Old World with the vibe of the vibrant and colorful culture of Dominicans.

Top Rated Private Tours to Altos del Chavon

More Things to Do in Punta Cana From your Resort

Go Kayaking in Punta Cana

Punta Cana Kayaking - Things to Do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Kayaking is a wonderful way to see the coastline of Punta Cana from a different perspective.  Kayaking is enjoyed best on the Caribbean side of Punta Cana where the water is calm, clear, and shallow.  You’ll glide over turquoise water with coral reefs underneath, where you can make stops to snorkel.  Be sure to only snorkel in areas without heavy boat traffic and wear safety gear so boaters can spot you.  Many of the beachfront resorts offer free use of kayaks to guests or for a modest fee.  For those visiting Bavaro Beach for the day, you can easily find vendors that offer kayak rentals.

Take a Hobie Cat Ride in Punta Cana

Hobie Cats / Sailing Catamarans - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Various resorts offer Hobie Cats for the use of their guests, most at no cost.  If you need lessons, they are offered at a fee.  There are a limited number of Hobie Cats at each resort, we advise you to book it as soon as you arrive at the resort to secure a day and time.

If your resort doesn’t offer it, there are rentals at various spots along Bavaro Beach for rent.

Punta Cana  ⎜ Best Things to Do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic