Things to Know When Traveling
to Punta Cana in 2024

Punta Cana features enough stores and pharmacies for you to find almost everything you might need for a great vacation. So, it is not necessary to bring repellents, sunscreen and shampoo if you want to travel with a light-weighted luggage. However, if you take some medication on a regular basis, make sure you put it in your luggage: it is hard and may be even impossible to find in the Dominican Republic some pills produced abroad. Don’t forget your ID, passport, and a driver’s license if you are planning to rent a car. A travel adapter will be necessary if your devices are for European outlets.

All beaches in Punta Cana deserve attention. The best beach for kids is Playa Blanca beach because of its shallow waters and lack of waves. The best beach for surfers and adventure lovers is Macao Beach – a wild beach with large waves and picturesque rocks. The best beach for lovers of luxury and immaculate facilities is Juanillo Beach – enlisted among the top 10 beaches in the world for various years.

Motorcycles in Punta Cana are usually rented in rent-a-car agencies. Some people also rent their motorcycles on an individual basis. Obviously, they are cheaper than cars, but also riskier. If you still want to ride a motorcycle in Punta Cana, make sure you have a helmet, a necessary driver’s license and – what is most important – enough experience to feel confident on Dominican roads with their intense traffic.

The risk of being kidnapped in Punta Cana is the same as in Los Angeles, Moscow, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin… It is really very low.

If you fly from Europe, consider flights from Germany and Belgium. Cheap charters also fly through the U.S. If you fly from the U.S. or Canada, look for charters or last-minute flights to save your budget.

Punta Cana is a lovely touristic destination with white-sand beaches, constantly developing touristic infrastructure, and many attractions in its surroundings. It is the most famous touristic town of the Dominican Republic. Here you can enjoy buggy rides, diving, snorkeling, surfing, zip line, Dominican ranch experience and even more adventures.

Make sure to not only chill out on the beach but also go on at least one excursion! Visit Juanillo and Macao beach and go to Santo Domingo – the capital of the Dominican Republic – if you love history. If you are looking for more extreme activities, opt for a buggy ride to Macao beach. If you are a romantic beach lover, make sure to go to Saona Island – a real tropical paradise in the Caribbean. Check this article for the top 10 places to visit in the Dominican Republic.

Don’t take on you more than $100 in cash. It is better to have a change for tips. Try to use your credit card where possible.

It is not common to have your drink spiked in Punta Cana, but just like everywhere else in the world, pay attention to the smell and taste of the drink. If you have any doubts, better spill than drink.

Punta Cana is more expensive than other regions of the Dominican Republic since it is the most popular touristic zone. Comparing it with other world touristic locations, it is not more expensive than European destinations like Ibiza or Cyprus, for example. At the same time, Punta Cana is cheaper than San Juan of Puerto Rico.

Punta Cana is a secure, quiet, romantic, always hospitable and comfortable touristic destination. It features excellent weather throughout the year, cheerful and hospitable people, various touristic attractions, developed touristic infrastructure, tasty food, many good quality hotels and resorts. Punta Cana boasts idyllic beaches and modern facilities for its visitors. There are not many shopping malls and just a few stores here, but they offer enough things for you to spend a wonderful vacation here!

To avoid any unjustified risks, a tourist had better not use moto taxis (in Spanish “motoconcho”). It is also necessary to be careful with water: do not drink tap water. Use water in bottles to brush your teeth. Do not eat unwashed fruit from fruit stalls. Do not wear original ID documents to the beach or for a walk. Store your IDs in a safe box and have a copy on you. For a complete list of what should not be done in Punta Cana, please read this article.

The weather in Punta Cana is just awesome throughout the year. In December, a high season starts in the Dominican Republic and it is not a coincidence. The weather is the most comfortable from December until April. It is not too hot, and the temperature stays at approximately 23-27 C. It rarely rains in December.

No. Malaria is transmitted by the night-time – dusk to dawn – biting female Anopheles mosquito. Incidents of malaria are rarely reported in the area of Punta Cana. Anyway, use mosquito repellents against mosquito bites.

Ocean water is usually transparent and warm. It may be affected by the seaweed in particular seasons. Sargassum is a natural phenomenon and cannot be prevented. But even when it affects the beaches of Punta Cana, it is quickly removed by maintenance teams, so it won’t spoil your vacation.

The weather in Punta Cana is just awesome throughout the year. In November, before the beginning of a high season in the Dominican Republic, the temperature goes slightly down and the weather is not so hot. The temperature stays at approximately 25-27 C. It sometimes rains in November, but the tropical rain is very short and won’t spoil your stay.

The Dominicans gladly accept tips in both currencies: in Dominican pesos and US dollars. It is really up to you, but any tip is welcome.

The wild fauna of Punta Cana is not varied. You will hardly meet any wild animals here. However, in dolphinariums, parks and on a local ranch, you can communicate with dolphins, rays, monkeys, iguanas, horses and other animals. The only reptile that may visit your hotel room or apartment is a small lizard – they are not dangerous at all!

Many different excursions start from Punta Cana. It is the perfect location to go on different entertaining tours. Try a buggy adventure to Macao beach – a unique experience that will help you discover the way of living of the locals. Go on a trip to the Round Mountain (Montaña Redonda) to take the most impressive pictures and observe the unique view over the Atlantic Ocean. If you want to enjoy different adventures in one place, visit Scape Park located in Cap Cana, in 15-minute ride from Punta Cana. Check our list of excursions to learn more about fun and unique experiences in Punta Cana.