Punta Cana is located in the southeast of the Dominican Republic and owes its name to the Cana palm tree that is common in this region. It is known for luxurious beach holidays but there is more to Punta Cana than that!

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1) Island hopping

Discover some of the most beautiful islands around Punta Cana. Some were even movie locations for the famous Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise! Enjoy the blue sky and white beaches and don’t forget to drink a fresh coconut! (I didn’t like the taste, however).

Saona Island

Something that should not be missed on your Punta Cana holiday is a boat trip to the beautiful island of Saona: white beaches, clear blue water, and lots of palm trees.

Book your Saona Island boat tour here

2) Cane sugar

The Dominican Republic is known for its production of cane sugar. If possible, have a walk around that field but be careful! Tarantulae are known to live within these fields. Take a closer look at some of the workers. They are wearing leather boots and skirts to protect themselves from tarantula bites.

3) Voodoo

We had the chance to visit a local village near the Cane sugar fields where we could see a voodoo ritual. Some still believe in voodoo where people have died and returned back from the dead.

4) Snorkeling or diving

Go for a dive or go snorkeling in the Dominican Republic. The many colorful corals will catch your eye, if not then the stingrays, lobsters or many fish will!

P.S. We even swam with nurse sharks! Certainly, a must-do for the risk-takers among us. Don’t worry, they don’t bite.

5) Go on a boat tour

Go on a boat tour! Many boat tours include a Dominican party or even dolphin watching. We also sailed on a catamaran.

Samaná Bay, Bacardí Island and El Limón Waterfall

6) Cigars

Go to a cigar shop and learn how they make cigars from banana leaves. Also, the perfect place to take some cigars home as a souvenir.

7) Playa Bávaro

Playa Bávaro is said to be the most beautiful beach in Punta Cana. White sand as far as the eye can see, turquoise water, palm trees, and beach clubs. Playa Bávaro consists of several parts; Playa Bibijagua, Corales, Cortecito, and Arena Gorda.

8) Visit the mangrove & lagoon

Visit the lagoon with mangroves in Nature reserve Punta Cana!

9) Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and also the oldest city in the Americas. Santo Domingo is only a 2-hour drive from Punta Cana, it is the perfect day trip during a Punta Cana vacation. Go see the historic center of Santo Domingo to admire architectural gems from the past and soak up the Caribbean atmosphere.

10) In the area of Santo Domingo

If you are near Santo Domingo go see and tour the Presidential Palace! Also make sure to visit the Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colón), a mausoleum in memory of explorer Christopher Columbus. Many claims he is buried here, but this has not been officially proven. Last but not least, visit the magical Los 3 Ojos National Park. Via a number of stairs, you descend into the cave where you can admire 3 beautiful turquoise lakes. Take the boat to enjoy these lakes!

Before you go

What is the best time to travel to Punta Cana?

Punta Cana has a tropical climate. This ensures temperatures between 25-35°C all year round. The mildest months are January and February. Between January and April, you have the best chance of sun. Temperatures rise from May reaching a peak between July and October but éalso more chances of rain. September is hurricane month! Punta Cana is therefore the ideal destination to escape the cold European winter months.

Money

Don’t forget that in the Dominican Republic, you pay with Dominican pesos (DOP). US dollars or euros are also accepted in some places. You can usually pay by credit card, but it is very handy to have some cash with you for small purchases or tips. So it is best to pin at the airport before you start your trip

How to get around Punta Cana and its surroundings?

Most hotel resorts in Punta Cana have a shuttle service that will take you to the hotel. If you would like to explore more of Punta Cana and the surrounding area, you can do so via excursions that are offered at the hotel. If you prefer to do this on your own, you can rent a car. This is possible at the airport, but most hotels also have a car rental service. We stayed at the Ifa Villas Bavaro – Resort – Punta Cana and did the excursions with our hotel (2008).

For long journeys, you can rely on tour buses that take you from one destination to another. Some reliable bus companies are Caribe Tours, Capital coach line, Metro, and Expreso Santa Domingo Bávaro. Taxis and Ubers are also available for short trips.