There’s nothing like some fun in the sun, and Punta Cana, a popular cruise port and destination on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, offers an abundance of warm-weather activities. You might picture sunbathing at posh, all-inclusive resorts or eating fresh seafood in this top travel destination.
You need to decide what things to do and see in this Spanish-speaking Caribbean destination. That’s where a AAA Travel Agent comes in.
“Punta Cana is the best option for the Dominican Republic,” says Carol Mendoza, a AAA Travel Agent at AAA Northeast.
Mendoza knows what options there are in the country and wants to help people find the best things to do. Whether you decide to take a break with a cruise excursion or stay at a resort, here are the best things to do in Punta Cana to get the most out of your visit.
1. Watch a Baseball Game
When you think of the Dominican Republic, great players come to mind, such as Baseball Hall of Famers Pedro Martínez, Juan Marichal and David Ortiz. In fact, at least 10 percent of the players in American Major League Baseball are from the Dominican Republic, so don’t be surprised that the love for the game runs deep in the country. Provincial teams play from October to December or January. The Caribbean series, which rotates between the different Caribbean countries, kicks off in February.
“The Dominican Republic takes baseball very seriously,” Mendoza says. “If you are lucky enough to be in the area when they are playing, you can catch a game in the San Pedro area.”
Some tour companies may pick guests up from their Punta Cana accommodations, especially for games in the popular Dominican Winter League, which you watch at Estadio Francisco Micheli just an hour and a half away from Punta Cana.
2. Zip Line at Scape Park
Scape Park at Cap Cana is an adventure site offering various outdoor activities. You can zip line across the trees, go buggy off-roading and wade in the Hoyo Azul Lagoon. Purchasing an excursion tour package will help guarantee you do all the activities you want to do during your visit. If you don’t have a tour package, we recommend purchasing your tickets beforehand so you don’t have to wait once you arrive at the park.
3. Swim With Dolphins
One of the best things to do in Punta Cana is swimming with dolphins. While numerous tours offer the chance to spend time with these intelligent marine mammals, Dolphin Island Park is probably the most well-known attraction. Open since 2004, the park offers snorkeling with sharks, "radikal" jet boating and swimming with dolphins and rays.
Dolphin experiences range from family-friendly (no swimming experience needed) to more action-oriented options with a dorsal fin tow or a “royal swim,” where a dolphin would give you a foot push, slightly raising you out of the water.
Note: Height and ability restrictions apply; remember to make reservations in advance, as slots fill quickly.
4. Play a Round of Golf at La Cana Golf Course
Bring or rent a set of clubs and play a round at La Cana Golf Course. With panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, it’s a can’t-miss setting for a game of golf. The golf course is just a 10-minute drive from Punta Cana Airport and 30 minutes from Bávaro Beach. The golf course also includes a driving range, putting green and a nearby restaurant for a meal and drinks after your round.
5. Manatí Park
Manatí Park features a collection of 150 species and sits northwest of the resort area on the Carretera Manatí. Shows feature dolphins, sea lions, horses and parrots, while additional birds and wildlife, like iguanas, can be found in the tropical garden. On the grounds is a Taíno village with a museum and demonstrations of indigenous culture.
6. Swim in the Hoyo Azul Lagoon
The Hoyo Azul Lagoon is an underground limestone sinkhole in Scape Park. This picturesque blue-watered lagoon is a perfect spot for cooling down after exploring the park. If you're purchasing an excursion package, make sure it includes a visit to the Hoyo Azul Lagoon, as you wouldn't want to miss this beautiful spot.
7. Punta Cana Shopping
Often, the most convenient place to buy goods will be at a Punta Cana resort, as a variety of shopping, dining and other entertainment can be found on-site. In Punta Cana, purchase premium rum—a Dominican Republic specialty—or take time souvenir shopping for T-shirts and kitschy lionfish plush toys.
Purchasing outside tourist corridors can bring you closer to local artisans and be much cheaper; think about booking a guided tour with stops at popular attractions or traveling independently to a market. The Bávaro Beach Flea Market may be one of the more traditional, with plenty of stalls to browse. Expect to haggle. Located near Punta Cana International Airport, BlueMall Punta Cana includes shops, activities for kids and an outdoor amphitheater.
Note: Prices are fixed in grocery stores and malls.
8. Scuba Dive at Catalina Island
For scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, consider booking a boat to take you to the reefs near Isla Catalina (Catalina Island), an island 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southeast of the mainland near La Romana. Catalina Island is well known for its beautiful coral reefs and diverse underwater ecosystem, so you’re almost guaranteed to have an enjoyable time exploring the island waters. Families with younger children can enjoy the calm, shallow waters and explore the sandy beaches for hidden treasures.
9. Check Out Some Water Sports
With 800 miles of coastline—30 miles (50 km) of which are in Punta Cana—the Dominican Republic features several scenic spots that are perfect for water sports. A coral reef off the Punta Cana coast breaks the waves, making the surf less rough in many places—an exception is Playa Macao (Macao Beach), where swimming is ill-advised; that’s where to surf or parasail instead. In addition to Macao Beach, must-see Punta Cana beaches include Arena Gorda Beach, Bávaro Beach and Juanillo Beach.
Mendoza says if she had three perfect days in Punta Cana, she’d head to Bávaro Beach. “I would lay on the beach and relax, take a tour to Samaná and have local seafood.”
Conditions for deep-sea fishing also are ideal in the destination. You can look for barracudas, kingfish, marlin and wahoo. You can rent a boat for an hour or a whole day for sailing or yachting.
10. Go on a Catamaran Cruise to Saona Island
Hop onto a catamaran and travel to Isla Soana (Saona Island). It’s the largest coastal island in the Dominican Republic and has plenty to offer. Once you arrive on Saona Island, check out the sandbar that provides panoramic views of the island.
Plus, the natural pool is full of starfish, so bring an underwater camera to snap some pictures. Remember your swimsuit and sunscreen, as the island doesn’t have any shops.
11. Dance the Night Away at Imagine Punta Cana
While you can relax and sunbathe all day during your trip, Punta Cana also has a vibrant nightlife scene for visitors to enjoy. Imagine Punta Cana is one of the most popular spots to check out.
Located in an underground natural cave, the nightclub holds multiple rooms, each with its own DJ playing a different music style. VIP entry offers transportation to and from your resort, as well as premium bottle service. Plus, regular entry includes your drink costs.
CoCo Bongo Cancun is another popular nightclub in Punta Cana, known for its acrobat and musical performances. This is a good entertainment option if you need to rest your feet from dancing.
12. Visit Altos de Chavón
Altos de Chavón is a 16th-century inspired Mediterranean-style village near La Romana. Built in 1976, the village includes restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and a 5,000-seat amphitheater. The Archaeological Regional Museum in the village holds more than 3,000 artifacts, where visitors can learn more about the local history and culture of the indigenous people of Punta Cana.
13. Ride Horseback Across Lemon Lagoon Bay
Lemon Lagoon Bay was a must-add to our list, as it’s the exact beach you expect when visiting the Caribbean. With its sandy white shores and crystal blue waters, Lemon Lagoon Bay is ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also opt for a horseback ride across the bay or plan a quad dune buggy tour with a group of people.
14. Snorkel at Marinarium
Marinarium marine park offers a unique experience of exploring Caribbean marine life off the coast of Punta Cana. You'll catamaran to an open-water snorkeling pool called the "Aquarium" to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays.
You can take a break from snorkeling to sunbathe on the catamaran and relax with a refreshing cocktail. You’ll also likely pop by Bavaro’s Natural Pool to cool down in the shallow waters and enjoy a cocktail or two at the swim-up bar.
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