By Soren Rivero
Caribbean breeze, sweet cocktails, and beaches stretching over miles on end. What’s that sound like? None other than Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, of course!
Aside from lounging on white sandy beaches and swimming in turquoise waters, you may be wondering what is there to do in Punta Cana? Keep reading for some of the best things to do in Punta Cana!
Bávaro Beach
While Punta Cana was developed specifically for tourism, the nearby area of Bávaro was made more so for resort workers. Over the years, Bávaro has adopted a similar appeal to vacationers thanks to the influx of hotels and related establishments.
The highlight of the area is Bávaro Beach, one of the best beaches to visit in the Dominican Republic. The beach’s clear waters make it ideal for aquatic activities. If you’re looking for the best diving spots in Punta Cana, definitely consider visiting Bávaro Beach. You might also be interested in trying out some parasailing or taking a casual dip in the shallow end of the beach.
Coco Bongo
One of the best clubs in Punta Cana is none other than Coco Bongo. This club chain has a few locations around South and Central America and the Caribbean Islands. If you’re considering “is it worth it to visit Coco Bongo in the Dominican Republic”, just take a look at what the club has to offer. It features daily shows that range from Samba, disco shows, The Mask themed shows, and so much more. With handcrafted cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Coco Bongo has quickly become the hottest nightlife spot in the Dominican Republic.
Scape Park
Are you a fan of amusement parks but don’t care too much for the hi-tech features? Scape Park is a natural (with slight renovations) amusement park in Punta Cana that focuses more on earthly attractions than man-made contraptions. Some of the most fun things to do at Scape Park include swimming in underground caves, exploring the jungle, ziplining through trees, and navigating waters in splash hammocks.
Scape Park is also a family-friendly place in Punta Cana. Not only does it have plenty of entertainment, but there’s also some educational history behind it. While having fun at the theme park, you’ll be exposed to indigenous and local cultural traditions that trace back to when the native Taino people flourished, pre-colonization.
Jeep Safari Tours
You’ll find a handful of jeep tours in Punta Cana, geared to introduce you to more of the surrounding area outside of beaches and resorts. Some of them can even take you to Dominican villages so you can learn more about the people’s lifestyle. Try to look for one that fits your needs. Whether you want a quick and simple ride, or a full day excursion filled with activities and meals, there’s an affordable Punta Cana tour for everyone!
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve
Another famous park in Punta Cana is the Reserva Ecológica Ojos Indígenas (Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve). It’s privately owned by the Grupo Puntacana Foundation and is dedicated to protecting local wildlife. The park spreads over 1,500 acres comprising subtropical rainforest and five lagoons. Each lagoon is visitor-friendly, so come prepared to swim if you’re wanting to take a dip! There are also a handful of cultural and natural exhibits where you can learn more about the land, the native people, and more.
Macao Beach
Want more beaches to visit in Punta Cana? Head over to the northern tip to find the incredible Playa Macao (Macao Beach). Interestingly, this beach was deemed by the UNESCO world heritage site organization as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. What’s notable about this beach is its soft white sands, crystal clear waters, and a background lining of palm trees. While many of the beaches in Punta Cana are like this, Playa Macao particularly showcases a more relaxed atmosphere in comparison to others. Specifically, Macao Beach is popular among locals and those looking to surf in Punta Cana.
ChocoMuseo
Love sweets? Make your vacation in Punta Cana all the more indulgent by visiting the one and only ChocoMuseum! At this museum (that includes free entry), you’ll see the process of chocolate making from what they call ‘bean to bar’. Chocolate decorating, tasting, workshops, and more are all also available but require a fee. There’s a gift shop on site for those who want to take some goodies home with them.
Catamaran Tours
Catamarans are the boats with ‘the most float’ in the Dominican Republic. These watercrafts are similar to sailboats with much more stability than a monohull, for example. They’re perfect for gathering a small group of people and taking an adventure out in the great blue waters surrounding Punta Cana. You can find a variety of different catamaran tours in Punta Cana each with their own unique appeal. Be on the lookout for those that allow you to go snorkeling! These are usually the most fun as they include a few extra activities mixed into one great experience.
Altos de Chavón
This attraction is a rendition of a 16th century Mediterranean village located atop the Chavón River. While it is not exactly in Punta Cana (rather in La Romana), it is just a short drive away. The village was designed by José Antonio Caro and Roberto Coppa around the 1970s. Now, it is the most popular attraction in La Romana. Inside the village are cultural museums, fascinating architecture, archaeological sites, a cultural center, and an amphitheater.
Seaquarium Punta Cana
Last but not least is the exciting Seaquarium Punta Cana. You’ll likely have to reserve an entire day here, depending on how long your Dominican Republic vacation package is. But that’s simply because this experience has so much to offer! First, you’ll set sail on a special catamaran that features live music, food, drinks, and more entertainment. Then, you’ll land at Seaquarium Punta Cana. This popular attraction in Punta Cana allows you to snorkel underwater and swim with local aquatic wildlife. Then, you can transition over to the Piscina Natural (natural swimming pool) just a few minutes away to spend the rest of your time swimming in warm waters!
Now that you know some of the best things to do in Punta Cana, it’s time to book that vacation and start planning your Punta Cana itinerary!
