Punta Cana

What is commonly known as a tropical destination of Punta Cana, is not just one place, but rather a set of diverse areas collectively considered Punta Cana. Each neighborhood offers varying experiences. Some focus more on all-inclusive resorts, while in other places, you get to explore, shop and really experience the authentic Dominican Republic. Common for all neighborhoods on the east coast of the island are glorious gold and white sand beaches, swaying coconut palm trees and crystal-clear aquamarine waters, plenty of restaurants on and off the beach, watersports, movie theaters, cool bars and fun nightlife. Whichever area you choose as your Punta Cana base, you won’t be disappointed.

BAVARO

If you want to leave the resort on your own to shop or just walk around without renting a car, it is best to stay in the Bavaro area, particularly the Los Corales or El Cortecito neighborhoods. With shopping malls, town plazas with various shops and bodegas, Playa Bavaro is the most popular, developed, and populated beach and resort area in Punta Cana, with tourists and locals indulging in the plethora of activities and amenities. While being one of the most sought-after beaches, Playa Bavaro remains pristine with its palm trees, powder-white sand and little nooks where you can carve out some privacy. Parts of the beach have been awarded Blue Flag status and the offshore reef provides protection. That reef is located just off the coast and is famous among divers and snorkelers. Los Corales is Bavaro’s upscale neighborhood and a luxurious beach within the town. The architecture is mostly Mediterranean with outstanding sea views, abundant palm trees and white powdered crystal sand. This charming corner of the world offers fine dining, spas, beauty centers, excursions, and all kinds of activities.

PUNTA CANA

This Caribbean's premier golf and beach resort destination, located in the unspoiled habitat of Punta Cana, offers a top-notch vacation experience and accommodations. Fifty years ago​, Puntacana was envisioned by Frank Rainieri, the chairman and founder of Grupo Puntacana, as the ultimate beach and golfing experience in the country. With three miles of magnificent white sand beaches, 45 holes of championship golf, he got it right – making it a ​golf mecca​ set on 15,000 acres of land. The area is also home to Six Senses Spa, two championship golf courses, an ecological reserve with 15 natural springs, a full-service marina, several restaurants, a shopping village with the modern Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The astounding beachfront oasis, Villa Tartaruga is the flagship residence of the Punta Cana luxury resort grounds that boldly reinvents 21st century luxury living. Far reaching sea vistas meet the world class golf links, while a whopping 26,000 sq.ft of elite living space burst with world-class amenities.

CAP CANA

Cap Cana is in the heart of the Caribbean, on the eastern shores of the Dominican Republic. This exclusive real estate and hotel tourist enclave is recognized as among the best in the Caribbean. The neighborhood is home to luxury properties, such as Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana, and AlSol Tiara Cap Cana. The area, spanning more than 6,000 acres, also shelters the ritzy Punta Espada Golf Course, its marina, equestrian center and eco-park. However, the epicenter of Cap Cana is its state-of-the-art marina. A perfect place to begin your day of adventures – to go sailing on your yacht, tour the beautiful shores of the Dominican, fish and explore the treasures of the DR. The Cap Cana Marina has more than 150 slips, accommodating up to 150-foot yachts, with complete services for captains and crew. Its coastlines are considered by the Billfish Report to be the No. 1 spot in the world for fishing and deep-water diving. The marina has been the scene of world-famous fishing tournaments and has become a popular destination among those who enjoy record-breaking fishing.

Beaches in Punta Cana offer true tropical paradises with sand and surf extending forever; tropical environs, clean seashores, palm trees and all the relaxation you need. Punta Cana encompasses more than 40 miles of coastline with a range of pristine beaches waiting to be enjoyed. Here you can relax on powder-soft white sands, swim and surf in crystal clear turquoise water, and escape from the stress of your daily life. Whether you're into amenities like local restaurants, a surf scene, or you just want to catch some rays in the sun, there's a beach for you.

PLAYA ESMERALDA

Playa Esmeralda is a true hidden gem in the extended area of Punta Cana, in Miches. Until recently, it was one of the most remote beaches in the country, but it got better accessibility with Club Med luxury all-inclusive eco-resort, which opened in 2021. It is still a gorgeous stretch of beach, resembling what you would imagine is like being stranded on a deserted island. When you visit, you will most likely be on your own, so enjoy having this paradise all to yourself. On your way to Playa Esmeralda, you can make a stop at Montaña Redonda, a hill with spectacular photo opportunities, thanks to its giant swings right at the edge of the mountain.

MACAO BEACH

Easily one of the Dominican Republic’s top-five most stunning beaches, the mega-wide, brilliant blonde, palm-tree studded Playa Macao is a surfer’s favorite. The beach is on the northern end of the Punta Cana region and is known for its swells and trade winds. On-site surfing classes of all levels are available year-round, particularly on weekends. Macao Beach made it to the “_Best Beaches in the Caribbean 2020” _list by TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Best of the Best. Sink your toes into the fine-grain sands, dip your feet into the clear, tepid water and if you work up an appetite in the waves, pick up a snack at one of the local food stalls; the freshly caught fish or lobster are prepared right in front of you while you wait. The main beach of the area, Playa Macao, gets praises for its natural beauty, remaining mostly wild and free of development. UNESCO declared it one of the top beaches in the Caribbean.

PLAYA BAVARO

The most beautiful stretch of beach in the Punta Cana area is undoubtedly Bavaro Beach, just north of Punta Cana. The calm Caribbean waters are perfect for swimming or wading. The color of the water is typical Caribbean turquoise to an aquamarine hue that stretches out well beyond the roped-off swimming area to the protective reef in the distance. The beach stretches for miles, more than perfect for endless beach walks.

PLAYA BLANCA (“WHITE BEACH”)

Part of the Puntacana Resort & Club, Playa Blanca is a water sports hub with good food and beachside relaxation. The beach is available to anyone dining at the famous, on-site Playa Blanca Restaurant. Try your hand at kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or sign up for a diving and snorkeling excursion nearby. Every year, Playa Blanca hosts an annual Kite Fest, when the beach turns into one big celebration with visiting kite surfers from around the country performing impressive stunts.

PLAYA JUANILLO (“JUANILLO BEACH”)

Often ranked as one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, Playa Juanillo offers miles of pristine, powdery white sand beach flanked with gigantic palm trees and turquoise water. The contrast of Caribbean colors is so sharp that the entire scene looks like a billboard commercial. Beach activities such as volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking and kiteboarding are also popular here thanks to excellent wind conditions. Then again, doing nothing except floating on Juanillo’s crystal clear water is also perfectly fine.

A holiday in the Dominican Republic would not be complete without a tour of its fantastic restaurants. From high-class venues run by famous chefs to establishments that focus on Asian, French or Mexican cuisine, the area’s diverse restaurants are not to be missed. These great restaurants include some of the best dining experiences for those wishing to explore. Sample the freshest seafood offerings while basking in the sea breezes, or delve into some delicious local dishes expertly prepared and presented.

LA CAVA KITCHEN & BAR | FUSION, ECLECTIC

La Cava Kitchen and Bar is the heart of Galerías Puntacana. For more than 14 years, this has been the place where friends and family come together to share and celebrate important events accompanied by excellent food, drinks and music. The restaurant’s fusion of local flavors with international ingredients showcases the vibrant energy of the island's Creole cuisine.

MONSERRAT MANOR | AMERICAN

This fine dining establishment was named after the island of Montserrat in the west Caribbean. The island was the home of the music studio where Rock and Roll history was made in the 70s and 80s. This modern American steakhouse offers the highest prime meat brought in directly from Chicago, hand-selected and wet-aged for 21 days. Of course, the specialty is local fish caught daily and lobsters. You will be treated to a mouthwatering meal and fine beverages.

LA PALAPA BY EDEN ROC | MEDITERRANEAN

Breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea; fresh, local ingredients; and globally inspired cuisine are La Palapa by Eden Roc’s recipe for a truly memorable dining experience. At La Palapa, the freshest fish and seafood is expertly prepared and can be enjoyed as sushi, savored as ceviche or paired with sumptuous handmade gnocchi and homemade pasta. A sophisticated fusion approach blending Mediterranean favorites with traditional Caribbean cuisine rounds out the restaurant’s refined offerings. Surroundings provide a chic ambiance, making the most of the beachside location, with seating available over the water and in an open-sided pavilion complete with a namesake palapa roof.

THE STEAKHOUSE AT SANCTUARY | CLASSIC AMERICAN

The Steakhouse at Sanctuary Cap Cana is designed as a traditional Argentinean Grill, complete with a cast iron and brick oven that uses wood and charcoal to achieve perfect flavor. Steaks are brought to the table sizzling on a slab of hot stone. The selection of cuts is wide and pleases even the most demanding palate.

BAMBOO RESTAURANT | ASIAN

For an extraordinary dining experience, visit the exclusive Tortuga Bay’s AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Bamboo Restaurant. The unique menu blends locally sourced food with Mediterranean influences for various innovative fusion dishes in a cozy, graceful setting designed by Oscar de la Renta. Vegetables served at Bamboo are grown in the restaurant’s organic gardens.

LA YOLA | MEDITERRANEAN

On the list of the best restaurants in Punta Cana is La Yola, yet another of Oscar de la Renta’s interior design endeavors, a mix of teak and bamboo with a thatched roof. Set beside the marina, dining here makes you feel like you’re on a fishing boat with views, smells and sounds of the sea. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine. On the menu, and always dexterously prepared, are the grouper, salmon, octopus and lobster. The restaurant serves great ceviche and crème brûlée, too. If you follow a gluten-free diet, La Yola will accommodate your needs.

Punta Cana buzzes by day on the beach, but the beat continues at night. Some of the most modern, uniquely designed nightclubs and live music venues are here. Dance inside a cave turned disco at Imagine, with multiple chambers echoing with tunes from house music to merengue. For more late nights, Oro Nightclub, inside the Hard Rock Punta Cana, is the dance spot for the young and restless. For Dominican and Latin sounds, head to Bachata Rosa – a restaurant and pop music bar venue inside Blue Mall Punta Cana, co-owned by multiple Grammy Award-winning Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra. Near Juanillo beach, Sanctuary Town offers guests a night filled with options, boasting cafes and bars, including a traditional English pub. The cigar clubs and tapas lounges in this area rank among the most upscale in the DR, and you’ll find additional over-the-water hotel bars with panoramic sea views.

ORO NIGHTCLUB

After its launch in November 2011, ORO Nightclub Punta Cana became the gem of the Caribbean and in moments, ranked as the Best Nightclub in the Dominican Republic. Located inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, ORO is modeled to rival Las Vegas and Miami’s finest nightclubs. It was designed by Francois Frossard, who drew inspiration from the sensuality of the Dominican Republic. ORO Nightclub Punta Cana maximizes the nightclub experience and creates a state of euphoria. The nightclub has been the scene of great DJs such as Steve Angelo, Erick Morillo, Bob Sinclar, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and world-renowned artists such as Inna, Akon, Daddy Yankee, Snoop Dogg, aka Snoop Lion, among many others.

PUNTA CANA CASINOS

Most Punta Cana’s resorts – from Bavaro to Punta Cana and Uvero Alto – offer modern, lively casino facilities that stay open all night long. The largest is the award-winning Hard Rock Casino, with 40 gaming tables and 400 slots. Inside the Bavaro Princess Hotel, the Princess Casino also attracts its fair share of custom with its Texas Hold 'em poker, roulette, blackjack, and live music. If casinos are your scene, check out the ones in Punta Cana.

COCO BONGO

Considered one of the best nightspots in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and now in Punta Cana, Coco Bongo has a unique show production, an extraordinary musical mix, and the latest in audio-video entertainment. Its multi-level seating allows every spectator to enjoy every show and performance from any spot.

IMAGINE

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Imagine Punta Cana. A few million years ago, the Caribbean Sea had started a process of naturally carving out the breathtaking system of caves and caverns in the solid rock. When the ocean receded, it revealed the most unique and spectacular locations on the island. The mission of this Dominican cave-castle-turned disco is to make sure you‘ll have an unforgettable night! A new concept of unique experiences with live shows and theme parties.

RIVA BAR

Cap Cana Harbor & Marina is home to Riva at Eden Roc Cap Cana, an old-world glamor lounge offering cocktails and classical music. Inspired by the exquisitely crafted Riva Aquarama pleasure boat, the symbol of glamor in 1960s Monte Carlo, Antibes and Portofino, the bar exudes vintage charm. It is built to celebrate the good life with mahogany, chrome, and exotic leather details. Live piano music and views of the stunning main pool and lush gardens enhance the spirit of carefree days spent along the Côte d’Azur. As in bygone days, Riva continues to inspire legendary evenings.

Visitors can uncover culture, excitement, and fun every year through the Dominican Republic’s festivals and events. The Carnival is a magical festival if you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation experience. The warmth of the people, the rhythm of the music and its unique landscape make celebrations in the DR impressive and authentic.

THE CARNIVAL

The Punta Cana Carnival is held on the main avenue of Punta Cana Village, in front of the international airport on the second Saturday in March. It is an exceptional occasion for visitors and locals in this area as the streets become a true party. The main attraction is the procession of floats showing off colorful costumes to the sounds of Caribbean music. Many will be in costumes with giant decorated heads simulating demons, known as telephones, typical of the Dominican Republic. In contrast, other outfits will consist of silk fabrics covered in shiny mirrors. Punta Cana Carnival is, without a doubt, a perfect event to discover the most positive side of the Dominican Republic.

FESTIVAL PRESIDENTE

The Festival Presidente, previously known as Festival Presidente de Música Latina, is one of the most important musical events in Latin America and is the largest in the Caribbean region. The festival is arranged by the Cervecería Nacional Dominicana (makers of Presidente beer) and is celebrated every two years for three days during October in the Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez of Santo Domingo.

DOMINICAN BASEBALL LEAGUE

Baseball was first brought to the Dominican Republic by Cubans fleeing the Ten Years' War. The sport’s growing popularity led to the formation of The Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (Spanish: Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana) – a winter professional baseball league consisting of six teams from the Dominican Republic. It is the highest level of professional baseball in the country. Each team plays a 50-game round-robin schedule in mid-October and runs to December. The league's champion advances to the Caribbean Series to play against Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, and Puerto Rico representatives. \

ISLE OF LIGHT

A curation of the world's best indie, rock, pop and electronic music, combined with a great selection of artisan vendors, interactive art installations, and a variety of food for all tastes, comes to the Dominican Republic every spring, thanks to the innovative Isle of Light festival in Santo Domingo. For two action-packed days and nights, Isle of Light attendees enjoy a lineup of international artists in an experience at the level of major world festivals.

Going on vacation is fantastic, but chances are you don't want to stay in the same place for your entire trip. The best remedy for that is to take a day trip. You can find some fantastic places not far from where you've put down vacation roots, but that would merit a visit. You can rent a luxury car and hit the road or have us arrange a private tour for you. Known as the cradle of the Americas, the Dominican Republic is full of iconic sights across its cities and provinces, whereas going on an excursion allows a fulfilling and compelling cultural immersion.

WHALE WATCHING IN SAMANA BAY

The whale watching season 2022 in the Dominican Republic is approaching. Every year, Humpback whales visit the warm waters in search of a comfortable and safe place to mate and give birth to their calves. They start arriving in Samana Bay and Banco de la Plata, in Puerto Plata, from Jan. 15 and stay until the end of March. It is one of the not-to-miss highlights in the entire Dominican Republic. You can book a whale-watching experience as an air tour by plane. The excursion combines the best of both worlds: flying from Punta Cana to Samana in a small propeller airplane and watching gigantic Humpback whales as they mate or give birth. Furthermore, you can spot the whales with a success rate of nearly 100% – and usually, you see not only just one, you see pods.

AIR TOUR TO SAMANA PENINSULA

Not only can you go on helicopter tours, but you can also explore some of the most notable highlights in the Dominican Republic on an airplane excursion from Punta Cana. Experience beautiful views from above over the east coast of the Dominican Republic and the Samana Bay. The air tour to Samana includes beautiful attractions the peninsula offers, like the lush countryside with the picturesque waterfall El Limón and the famous island Cayo Levantado, aka Bacardi Island. The alias originated after a Bacardi commercial filmed here in the 1970s. The small, picturesque island of Cayo Levantado sits just five kilometers (three miles) from Samana Bay and boasts brilliant white sand and palm-fringed beaches. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, kayaking or paddleboarding. If a day is not enough you can also stay overnight at the on-site hotel.

AIR TOUR TO SAMANA PENINSULA

Once you hit the ground on the Samaná Peninsula, a jungle trek on horseback to the Salto El Limon (Lemon Waterfall) is one of DR’s to-do activities/adventures. The Salto El Limon is a 170-foot cascading waterfall ending in a swimming hole. A guide will lead your horses through a sleepy village, up the steep and rocky paths, through dense forest and across a river, and the reward is a refreshing dip in the cool water

INDIGENOUS EYES ECOLOGICAL RESERVE

Located inside the exclusive Puntacana Resort & Club complex, this 1,500-acre nature reserve and ecological park is open to the public to enjoy its enchanting, shaded hiking trails that wind through a lush tropical forest leading towards a series of 12 freshwater lagoons. The most popular lagoon for swimming has a wooden deck and a diving platform for those who wish to leap into the turquoise and emerald fresh waters.

LOS HAITISES NATIONAL PARK

Los Haitises National Park offers a fabulous day out in nature, with sightings of endless mangroves, secluded islands, mystic cloud forests, spectacular views and lush bays. If you watch close enough, you might also spot fantastic wildlife such as frigate birds, manatees and pelicans. Los Haitises is home to two endemic species for passionate birdwatchers, the Ridgeway Hawk and the Ashy-Faced Owl. The national park can be explored as part of guided hiking or bird watching tours, by boat, by kayaking through the mangroves and even (partly) from the air, by ziplining. Certainly among the biggest attractions in Los Haitises are many historic caves where the old native inhabitants, the Taínos, lived and protected themselves many centuries ago.

PLANE EXCURSION TO SANTO DOMINGO

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a bit more than two hours away from Punta Cana by car but a quick 35-minute flight. While the city itself is a chaotic, loud and gigantic Latin American metropolis, it features a particular district, the “Zona Colonial,” awarded UNESCO world heritage site. The historic center of the city with its ancient cobblestone streets, centuries-old colorful buildings, the colonial charm of the architecture of historical importance and creative art scene is a place not to miss in Santo Domingo and one of the top highlights in the entire Dominican Republic. Considering this unique way of experiencing history it is worth the journey from Punta Cana.

EXPLORE BOCA DE YUMA

Less than an hour south of Punta Cana, Boca de Yuma offers a daytime escape to a scenic Dominican fishing village. It has often been compared to an Italian seaside town, where restaurants, bars, and shacks line up above the sea and offer panoramic cliff top views. The pace is slow and charming, and if you stare at the water long enough, you can almost imagine the time when pirates and explorers once roamed Boca de Yuma’s Caribbean coastline. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León had a home in the area, now a museum, and from Yuma River launched his expeditions to the Americas in the 16th century.

COTUBANAMA NATIONAL PARK

Cotubanama National Park, also known as Parque Nacional del Este, is named in honor of a great Taino warrior-chief, Cotubanama, leader of the Cayocoa. It is one of the most cave-riddled and adventure-packed national parks in the DR. It is the natural habitat to more than 500 species of flora, 300 types of birds, and home to a rich marine life. You can hike the land portion, accessible from Bayahibe village, to explore a handful of the park’s caves and fresh water springs along marked trails of varying difficulty or go birdwatching. Snorkeling and diving sites are numerous along colorful coral reefs and steep walls teeming with sea life.

DON LUCAS CIGAR FACTORY VISIT

Founded in 1992, Don Lucas Cigars remains one of the top quality cigar makers in the DR with its small-scale, hand-rolled cigars. It is located in downtown Punta Cana’s Mundo Autentico shopping complex. Before tasting a puro of your choosing, you will witness the making of the finest hand-rolled cigars. Don Lucas’s cigars have won multiple awards over the years and you can pick up a box at an on-site shop to take home.

HELICOPTER TOUR TO ISLA SAONA

Isla Saona is where paradise awaits! It might even be the most picturesque and gorgeous spot in the Dominican Republic. The exciting air excursion from Punta Cana allows you to see the spectacular Isla Saona in the shortest amount of time. Saonas’ beaches are simply awe-inspiring and it is an important turtle-nesting site in the Dominican Republic. Seeing the beaches from above during a helicopter tour from Punta Cana to Isla Saona is like icing on a cake.