Punta Cana
Sun-drenched beaches, lush nature, and easy local flavor
Highlights
Spend unhurried hours on soft Caribbean sand steps from your hotel.
Explore calm lagoons, eco parks, and palm groves without long hikes.
Taste Dominican classics like mofongo, fresh seafood, and rum cocktails.
Sail to postcard-perfect Saona Island for turquoise water and white sand.
Glide past sugarcane fields and visit a historic basilica in Higüey.
Enjoy late sunsets, beach bars, and unhurried dinners made for two.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana
Modern, light-toned all-inclusive resort with clean lines, multiple pools, and a long stretch of Bávaro Beach right out front.
Occidental Punta Cana
Simple contemporary rooms, palm-lined beach, and several dining options in a compact, easy-to-navigate all-inclusive property.
Vista Sol Punta Cana Beach Resort & Spa
Budget-friendly all-inclusive with updated minimalist-style rooms in some buildings and direct access to El Cortecito Beach.
Where to Eat
13 picks
La Palapa by Eden Roc
Seafood-forward restaurant with clean, modern decor and wide ocean views; try the grilled catch of the day or seafood risotto.
La Yola Restaurant
Over-the-water restaurant with a sleek nautical design; order fresh ceviche, grilled octopus, or a shared seafood platter.
Dalia by Landshut
Bright, minimal café with good coffee, smoothie bowls, and egg dishes; try an avocado toast or shakshuka.
Mamma Luisa
Contemporary Italian spot with a minimalist interior; order fresh pasta or a wood-fired pizza and share a tiramisu.
Countryside Tour Included Lunch
Buffet-style Dominican lunch with options like rice, beans, stewed meats, fried plantains, and salads, plus a welcome drink.
La Delicasa Restaurante & Lounge
Cozy but modern restaurant offering Dominican and international dishes; try mofongo with shrimp or grilled chicken with tostones.
Jellyfish Restaurant
Airy beachside restaurant with a white, minimalist design; order grilled fish with coconut sauce or a fresh ceviche.
Kat’s Corner
Casual spot near the beach with simple, unfussy decor; enjoy burgers, tacos, or Dominican dishes and a cold beer or cocktail.
Saona Island Tour Beach Lunch
Buffet-style beach barbecue with grilled meats, rice, salads, and fruit, usually served under palm trees with plastic tables and chairs.
Restaurante La Cava Kitchen & Bar
Modern, softly lit restaurant with a minimalist feel; choose from steaks, seafood, and inventive cocktails.
Aroma’s Café
Simple, neat café with good coffee, fresh juices, and light fare like omelets, sandwiches, and pastries.
Playa Blanca Restaurant
Beachfront restaurant with a clean, white aesthetic and a mix of international and Caribbean dishes; go for fish tacos or grilled mahi-mahi.
Sweet Front Loop Café
Small, cute spot with simple, clean decor; offers sandwiches, salads, coffee, and desserts.
What to Do
13 picks
Cap Cana Marina Stroll
Walk along the modern marina boardwalk, watch yachts come and go, and enjoy the calm, upscale waterfront atmosphere.
Cap Cana Beach Time
Relax on the nearby white-sand beach; swim, read, or just nap in the shade of palms or umbrellas.
Punta Cana Village Wandering
Explore a compact, modern neighborhood with small shops, cafés, and a local supermarket where you can pick up snacks and sunscreen.
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve
Follow shaded trails through a private reserve to a series of freshwater lagoons, where you can swim in designated spots.
Dominican Countryside, Culture and Beach Escape Tour
Full-day guided tour with hotel pick-up, local delicacy tastings, a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, countryside views, and a relaxed beach stop with lunch.
Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia
Striking modern basilica and important pilgrimage site; dress modestly and take time to quietly walk the interior.
Resort Beach Morning
Sleep in, then spend a late morning on the beach at your resort—swim, people-watch, or try a short kayak or paddleboard session if offered.
Walk Bávaro Beach Strip
Stroll the shoreline to see different resorts, beach bars, and vendors; stop for a drink or just enjoy the scenery.
Saona Island Day Trip (Catamaran + Beach)
Full-day excursion with bus transfer to Bayahibe, then a catamaran or speedboat ride to Saona Island for swimming, photos, and a beach barbecue lunch.
Los Corales Beach Swim & Lounge
Spend a few hours at this public-access stretch of beach; rent loungers from a beach club or just lay out on your towels.
Punta Cana Lagoon Tour with Boat Cruise
Half-day lagoon and boat tour that often includes time at scenic spots and an open bar while you cruise along calm waters.
Resort Pool & Spa Time
Spend your final morning between the pool, maybe a spa treatment, and packing at a relaxed pace.
El Cortecito Souvenir Browsing
Walk the small beachfront strip to pick up last-minute souvenirs like coffee, cacao, rum, or simple crafts.
Good to Know
8 picks
Getting Around Punta Cana
Most visitors rely on hotel-arranged shuttles, taxis, and excursion pick-ups rather than public transport. Ask your hotel to call trusted taxis, and avoid hopping into unofficial cars on the street.
Tipping Basics
At all-inclusive resorts, tips are appreciated but not mandatory; $1-2 per round of drinks or table service, and $2-5 for housekeeping per day is common. For tours, $5-10 per person for the main guide and a few dollars for the driver is standard if you’re happy with the service.
Money and Payments
Bring a no-foreign-fee credit card and some small USD bills. Many places accept cards, but keep cash for taxis, tips, and tiny shops. ATMs in resort areas are safe but may charge fees; withdraw a bit more at once to minimize charges.
Language and Simple Spanish
Spanish is the main language, but resort staff usually speak English. Handy phrases: “Hola” (hello), “Gracias” (thank you), “Por favor” (please), “La cuenta, por favor” (the bill, please), “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (how much is it?).
Staying Sun-Safe
The UV index is often very high; reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, wear a hat and sunglasses, and take breaks in the shade during midday. Reef-safe sunscreen is better for the coral and often required on eco-tours.
Excursion Booking Strategy
Book big-ticket excursions (like Saona Island and countryside tours) at least a day or two in advance, either through your hotel or reputable platforms. Avoid buying from aggressive beach vendors; stick to clearly identified tour desks and companies with lots of recent reviews.
Dress Code and What to Pack
Daytime is very casual (swimwear with a cover-up), but many resort restaurants ask for “resort casual” at night: long shorts or light pants and closed shoes for men, and casual dresses or nice tops for women. Pack one slightly dressier outfit and a light sweater for air-conditioned spaces.
Safety and Beach Vendors
Resort areas are generally safe, especially inside the property. On the beach, expect friendly but persistent vendors; a simple “No, gracias” and a smile is usually enough if you’re not interested.
Map
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