Top 12 Things to See in Punta Cana in 2024 – Best Attractions, Popular Tours & Unique Activities

Although the main attraction of Punta Cana is to enjoy the beach in one of its all-inclusive resorts, there is something to notice there. And this part of the country is also home to nature reserves and even a cenote. If you are going to spend a few days there and want to get to know the area a little, beyond the limits of your hotel, here we tell you the essential things to see and do in Punta Cana to make the most of your trip.

If you are planning to travel through the whole country, we recommend to you our free checklist for the Dominican Republic, which contains all the necessary information to organize your journey. Additionally, you can also read our article on the 33 best beaches in the DR.

12 Must-See And Do Things in
Punta Cana this Year

If you’re someone who prefers to explore every corner, Punta Cana is the ideal place for water activities such as kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling, or simply taking a boat trip, whether it’s to party, dive with sharks, journey to another island, or tour the aquamarine coastline. So read on to find out all you can do in Punta Cana besides sunbathing.

1. Visit El Macao Beach

Very close to the tourist Playa Bávaro is Playa El Macao, one of the most beautiful places to see in Punta Cana. It is one of the few virgin beaches in the area, with golden sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for surfing due to the winds that whip it. At the moment there are no hotels on this beach, so there are few tourists.

This public beach is free to access. It has all the services: restaurants, shops, water activities, massages, buggy tours, and catamaran rides, so it is perfect for families. Suppose you are staying at an all-inclusive hotel in Punta Cana. In that case, we recommend a getaway to Playa El Macao to enjoy a virgin beach without any kind of buildings around it.

2. Relax on the Famous Bavaro Beach

Bávaro Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the island and is where most of the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are located. Bavaro’s fine white sand and crystal-clear waters have helped it maintain the exclusivity and elegance that have earned it the title of the best Caribbean beach. UNESCO has declared it one of the best beaches in the world.

The coral reefs, which run directly off the coast, act as natural protection for surfing on Bavaro Beach. There are also many shady coconut palms on this stretch of coast. This is one of the paradises to see in Punta Cana.

3. Swim in Hoyo Azul at Scape Park

Hoyo Azul is a cenote with turquoise waters and 14 meters deep, surrounded by vegetation where swimming is allowed. To get to it, you can go by car until you reach the trails of Scape Park, a nature amusement park where you can also do many other activities. Once there, you will have to do a 1 km trek, cross a hanging bridge, walk through a tropical forest, and go through stairs.

Hoyo Azul is a natural pool formed as a result of the erosion of limestone rocks. Its depth reaches several meters, and it is surrounded by high rocks covered with lush vegetation. The place is ideal for swimming, diving and just relaxing in nature. It is worth at least visiting it during your vacation to Punta Cana!

4. Enjoy the lively nightlife of Punta Cana

One of the most fun things to do and see in Punta Cana is to enjoy its night parties until the early morning hours. The most famous nightclub is the legendary Coco Bongo, which is also located in Cancun. However, if you stay several nights, we recommend you take like a party route through the nightclubs of Punta Cana, where you will thoroughly enjoy the Caribbean night.

Of course, during the day, Punta Cana’s beaches are often the main attraction. However, the real experts get a tan and drink their first cocktails in the sun, and when night falls, they head to the bars and clubs: here, however, you will meet all the tourists in the area. If you want to experience the Dominican night like the locals do, make friends with them and let them guide you. You will certainly not regret it!

5. Take a buggy tour through the jungle

The buggy tour in Punta Cana is an incomparable experience and, without a doubt, the best excursion you can undertake if you are eager to immerse yourself in an exciting adventure that will allow you to explore the paradisiacal landscapes that characterize this amazing region on your trip to the Dominican Republic.

As you move behind the wheel of our buggy or quad, excitement will flow in every curve, dune, and puddle you pass through. The adrenaline will mix with the natural beauty that surrounds you, creating an experience that will not only be unforgettable but will also connect you deeply with the essence of this tropical paradise. Expert guides will provide valuable information about the history and ecology of the area, further enriching your experience.

6. Take a helicopter ride – one of the best things to do in Punta Cana

If you fancy seeing the paradisiacal beaches of Punta Cana from a bird’s eye view, you can’t miss this helicopter ride. You can book a flight from 10 to 1 hour (depending on the excursion), where you will be shown different landscapes of Punta Cana, Saona Island, La Jalda Waterfall, and many other places. The pilot will explain everything you see. An unforgettable experience!

7. Do some water activities

Explore the seabed of Punta Cana! Board a catamaran and enjoy a day of snorkeling among tropical fish and rays. You can also do parasailing, take a diving course, drive a speedboat, go on a catamaran ride. And they are only some of the things among water activities you can do in Punta Cana.

8. See the beauty of Saona Island

In the Cotubanamá National Park, opposite Bayahibe, you’ll find Saona Island, the largest island in the DR and one of the things that almost everyone tries to see during their vacation to Punta Cana. This 110 km² island is a true paradise. Its jungle is surrounded by idyllic beaches of fine white sand and turquoise waters. Numerous excursions to Saona Island depart from Punta Cana, to visit its beaches in one day.

The most beautiful parts of the island are located away from the tourist area. The boats all arrive at the same beach, where people swim and there are some restaurants. However, if you like adventure, take provisions for a couple of days and go into the jungle in search of uninhabited areas. Under the waters surrounding Saona Island, life is an explosion of colors. Don’t forget your goggles to dive among the corals.

9. Take a day trip to Santo Domingo

The capital of the country, Santo Domingo, is a colonial city that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In its old town, you will find many places of interest such as the Alcázar de Colón, the Catedral Primada de América, the Casa del Cordón, the Monastery of San Francisco or the Fortaleza Ozama.

The Colonial City is the oldest permanent European settlement in the New World. Wander through its cobblestone streets, admire its Spanish colonial architecture, and visit historic landmarks like the Alcázar de Colón and the Cathedral Basilica Santa María. If you are staying in Punta Cana, we definitely recommend taking this day trip to Santo Domingo!

10. Enjoy the beauty of Samana Peninsula

The Samaná Peninsula is located north of Punta Cana. It is more than 300 km by road, a trip that can be shortened by flying in a small plane. You can also get there by sea. The reward is worth it. The Samaná Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic. A vast expanse of jungle, paradisiacal beaches, islets, waterfalls, lagoons and a very diverse flora and fauna await you.

The best beaches here are Frontón, Rincón, Madama, Las Flechas and Bonita. Don’t miss the islet of Cayo Levantado or the waterfall of El Limón. If you fancy living in luxury, you can choose to stay in the most exclusive resorts in the country, such as the Luxury Bahía Príncipe, or in an ocean-view private apartment like Balcones del Atlantico.

11. See the arts of Altos de Chavón

The village of Altos de Chavón was born in a truly peculiar way. In 1976, a mountain had to be blown up to build a road. Charles Bludhorn, president of one of the American companies operating in the area, decided to use the stone from the mountain to recreate a 16th century Mediterranean village. The work was designed and carried out by Italian filmmaker Roberto Coppa and Dominican architect José Antonio Caro, and the result was so satisfactory that it receives thousands of visitors every day, becoming one of the attractions you must see during holidays in Punta Cana.

Altos de Chavón – with beautiful views of the river of the same name and the Caribbean Sea – is a cultural centre that houses artistic workshops (pottery, weaving, silk-screen printing), shops, art galleries, a renowned design school (affiliated with the Parsons School of Design in New York), an archaeological museum on the history of the area, the church of San Estanislao and a large Greek-style amphitheater with a capacity for 5,000 people.

12. Visit the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve is one of those places in Punta Cana that leaves you speechless because of the color of its waters. This protected natural reserve is a subtropical forest with 14 lagoons, but swimming is only allowed in 4 of them. More than 500 plant species live within the reserve, 36% of which are endemic to the Dominican Republic.

The park is within the Puntacana Resort & Club complex and admission fee is $40 US for guests staying at one of the hotels in the complex or $80 US for external visitors (please, double-check this info, because the prices are subject to change any time!).

Where to Stay in Punta Cana

Choosing accommodation here is the first and one of the most important decisions that will affect your vacation. Most of the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are concentrated on Playa Bávaro, but if you are looking for more exclusive holidays, you will find them in private property.  After all, this is where you will spend most of your time, relaxing from everyday life, so this question has a direct influence on your holidays here.

For so many years of experience, we have already made sure that 90% of travelers are looking for more freedom, silence, solitude. For them, the ideal option is to rent an apartment or a villa. As a rule, they are more spacious and better equipped than hotel rooms, have private pools or even a beach.

Of course, choosing accommodation in Punta Cana is an individual decision that depends on your personal preferences and needs. Hotels, resorts, apartments, villas – each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Carefully weigh all the factors and choose what is right for you.

How to Get to Punta Cana

This paradise on the Caribbean Sea attracts tourists from all over the world. But how to get to this awesome place, Punta Cana, to see all the amazing things? Let’s understand in more detail.

Air flight – the most popular option

Most travelers choose this method, because direct flights from many cities of the world to Punta Cana are made regularly.

• Direct flights. There are charter flights from Canada, the USA and European countries, which are usually cheaper. It is also possible to use connecting flights.
• Choosing an airline. Ticket prices and flight conditions can vary significantly depending on the airline. Compare offers from different carriers to find the best option.
• Booking tickets. It is better to book tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling during the holiday season.

If you are from the USA, we have prepared the article about the approximate time, number of stops, and air carriers needed to get to Punta Cana.

Transfer from the airport

Upon arrival at Punta Cana International Airport or any other airport in the Dominican Republic, there are several transportation options to get you to the place of your accommodation:

• Airport pick-up. Traveling can be exciting, but the journey to your destination can often be stressful. That’s why we offer a convenient and affordable airport pick-up service to ensure your arrival in Punta Cana is as smooth as possible.

• Car rental. Want the freedom to explore Punta Cana at your own pace? Renting a car is a great option for those who want to venture beyond the resort and discover the island. You will be able to explore at your own pace, create your own itinerary, and visit off-the-beaten-path attractions and hidden beaches.

When is the Best Time to Visit Punta Cana?
High and Low Seasons

Punta Cana is a tropical paradise that attracts tourists all year round. However, there are certain periods when rest here will be particularly comfortable and beneficial. It depends on the seasons – high and low. To find out more about the difference between them, we advise you to take a look at the table below.

High VS low season in Punta Cana

Feature	High season (December – April)	Low season (May – November)
Weather	Warm and sunny, minimal rainfall. Ideal for beach vacations and water sports.	Hotter, possible rain, especially in August-September.
Prices	Highest prices for flights and accommodation.	Lowest prices for flights and accommodation.
Number of tourists	The largest number of tourists, especially families with children.	Fewer tourists.
Activities	Beach vacations, water sports, diving, excursions.	Beach vacations, surfing, watching sea turtles.
Advantages	Stable weather, many entertainments, festive events.	Low prices, fewer people, the opportunity to observe nature.
Disadvantages	High prices, many people, it can be noisy.	Possible rain, some establishments may be closed.
Ideal for	Family vacations, celebrating New Year and Christmas.	A quiet vacation, nature lovers, those who want to save money.

It is important to remember that the climate in the tropics can be unpredictable, so even in the high season there can be rain. So, no matter when you decide to visit Punta Cana, don’t forget to bring a raincoat and light clothes.

Conclusion

Water activities, adventure sports, natural parks and even visiting a cenote, these are some of the things to see and do in Punta Cana! It is a real utopia for travelers, offering many opportunities for entertainment and joy. Uncover amazing beaches, try exotic cuisine, get to know the local culture and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re looking for an active vacation or a relaxing beach vacation, Punta Cana is sure to enchant you.

FAQ about things to see
in Punta Cana

Updated on: 2024-09-17. Author: Karina Volf

Tags: Attractions Excursions Outside activities Things to do