Playa de Punta Cana con palmeras

What to do in Punta Cana

Things to do in Punta Cana

Located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana immensely rewards all who dare to cross the Atlantic, with direct flights from Madrid, and experience its charm at first hand. The clearness of its waters and its beautiful stretches of beaches are well-known worldwide. No less than 20 miles of wide white beaches in which to relish in unbeatable weather and even engage in water sports. Wondering what to do in Punta Cana? We've got you covered! 

Excursions in Punta Cana

Punta Cana has many places to discover that you cannot miss if you travel there. One of the most popular ways to get around is by buggy, an off-road vehicle that can take you to the most unexpected of corners!  

Among the many possibilities are safaris, rural schools, muddy rainforest trails, visits to cenotes, fishing expeditions, and much more! And if you also want to get to know other well-kept secrets of the region, you can always rent a catamaran to visit the islands nearby, such as Catalina or Saona. You'll encounter marvellous quiet beaches in which to sunbathe away from crowds, and coral reefs that will delight scuba divers and snorkelling aficionados. The beauty of nature here is limitless! 

One of the excursions in Punta Cana that is practically mandatory is going to Los Haitises National Park (Samaná Bay). By visiting this park, you will discover the lush landscape of Punta Cana as if tourism were nonexistent in the country. The vast majority of excursions to Los Haitises National Park include boat trips through the mangroves and guided tours to the many caves found in the area. A unique experience that you should not miss. 

But there are many more things to do in Punta Cana. For instance, take a day off from the beach to visit Santo Domingo, the colourful Dominican capital. Or go out and enjoy the nightlife at internationally reputed clubs such as Imagine or Coco Bongo. Other options include visiting the charming Mediterranean-styled town of Altos de Chavón, or the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, with a total of 600 hectares of natural forests and 12 freshwater lagoons. 

Embarcadero en playa tropical en Punta Cana

The best beaches in Punta Cana

If you've decided to travel more than 3,000 miles to reach the shores of the Caribbean Sea, you have undoubtedly heard about the amazing beaches that await you. If that's the case, there's no need to wonder what to do while in Punta Cana. Once you're surrounded by its fine white sand, tall palm trees and its crystal clear waters, all you'll want to do is lie down in the sun and wish time would stop! 

Bávaro is probably the most famous beach of all, surely due to the fact that it is the maximum exponent of what is expected from a Caribbean beach. Transparent waters, fine sand, palm trees and, of course, numerous tourist complexes, activities and all kinds of amenities.  

Arena Gorda is right next to Bávaro, and is another favourite among travellers and locals alike. Don’t be fooled by its name, however, which means fat sand in Spanish! There are many theories about its origin, but the truth is that the sand here is as fine as anywhere else on the Punta Cana coast. The difference lies in its somewhat more hectic waters, which make it the perfect spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, among other water sports.  

El Cortecito is located within an area known as Costa del Coco (meaning Coconut coast in Spanish), which should give you a good idea of what you’ll see there. Imagine getting conked on the head by one of those... Watch out! Although bathed by the Atlantic, waters here remain at a pleasant temperature. But if you'd rather stay on the warmth of the sand, you won't be lacking in activities! Salsa, aerobics or beach volleyball lessons are just a few examples. Join in and participate! 

Barca junto a palmeras en la playa de Punta Cana
Pareja de turistas caminando por la playa de Punta Cana

Water sports in Punta Cana

If you like to relax, but also enjoy a good dose of adrenaline, Punta Cana will not disappoint you! It is, without a doubt, one of the best places to learn any water sport. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, water skiing, parasailing ... You won't get bored of trying new experiences! And of course, don't miss out on the opportunity to go scuba diving or snorkelling. In Punta Cana you will find well-known places to carry out these activities such as La Cueva, a shallow area where you'll encounter a fascinating circuit of caves among sharks and manta rays, or the Mónica, a shipwreck dating back more than 90 years ago, which sank due to a strong tropical storm. 

In addition to coral gardens and passageways, you will also be able to observe nurse sharks and humpback whales, if, of course, they choose to come out and be seen. A genuine natural spectacle! 

Shopping centres in Punta Cana

In Punta Cana, not everything is sea and beach. There is also a wide array of shops and shopping centres in which to spend your afternoons! On Avenida Barceló, in the heart of the city, you will find them almost at every turn: Plaza San Juan, Palma Real, Downtown Mall, Mundo Autentico... The list is endless! You'll need more than one day if you want to visit them all. Fashion stores, ice cream parlours, restaurants, pharmacies, cinemas... Everything you need to complete your day and much more!  

Give yourself the best holidays and book your direct flights to Punta Cana now! Paradise has never been closer.