2019 was a record-breaking year for the Dominican Republic, which welcomed a huge 6.5 million tourists. Most of those arrived via Punta Cana International airport, seeking the perfect summer vacation.
Punta Cana is on La Costa del Coco (coconut coast), famous for stunning all-inclusive resorts, white sands, and crystal clear waters. But there are tons of exciting Punta Cana attractions, too, that will get you off your sun lounger, into the sea, and out of your comfort zone.
Ready to create your dream trip to the Caribbean this year? This easy guide will help you build your itinerary when visiting Punta Cana.
Punta Cana Transportation: How To Get Around
If you want to enjoy all the amazing attractions, you will need to know about Punta Cana’s transportation. Not only around the area but figuring out airport transport to the Punta Cana resorts, too. This airport guide will help, but it is straightforward to navigate.
There are tons of shuttle services, like GO Airport Shuttle, which offer hotel transport from $12 upward. Depending on your resort, the journey is around 30-45 minutes, so it is an affordable option.
Taxis are very expensive in this part of the Dominican Republic so avoid them as much as you can. Uber is only available, at the moment, in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata.
Most tourists staying at the Punta Cana resorts do not need transportation for the majority of their vacation. Most of the resorts are right next to the beach so that they can get around on foot. Some might hire a car for a day or two if they want to explore the local side of the Dominican Republic.
There are buses up and down the main strip if you want to rest your feet, but you should note that they are infrequent.
Top Punta Cana Attractions
The best Punta Cana attractions are its unbeatable natural beauty and prime coastal location. But it has plenty more to offer. Whether you are looking for excitement, to relax, or both, Punta Cana has something for you.
Relax on the Best Beaches
You cannot visit Punta Cana without checking out several of their white sand, pristine beaches.
The number one beach to visit has to be Bavaro beach. It is over 12 miles long and incorporates smaller beaches named Corales, Arena Gorda, and Cortecito. Bavaro is the quintessential Caribbean beach offering calm, turquoise waters and beach bars shaded by palm trees.
If you would prefer a more local beach experience, head north to Macao beach. It is a little far from the resorts but is easy to reach with a rental car or taxi. Macao beach is far quieter than Bavaro, but the waves are bigger, and the drinks are cheaper.
Fancy a spot of celebrity watching? Head to Cap Cana beach. This area of Punta Cana has the most expensive, high-end resorts, and so this is where all the VIPs hang out.
Cap Cana is also near the popular Scape Park, Punta Espada Golf Course, shops, restaurants, and other amenities.
Try All the Water Activities Under the Sun
Always wanted to sail on a catamaran? Or go scuba diving? No matter what water sport appeals to you, the opportunity is there in Punta Cana. Here is a list of all the sea activities on offer:
- Surfing
- Yacht chartering
- Whale watching
- Snorkeling
- Windsurfing
- Swimming
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Jet Skiing
- Parasailing
- … And so much more!
Some beaches are calm, while others boast huge waves, which is why Punta Cana is the place for any water activity. You can book activities through your resort or by walking along the beach and pricing up the different vendors.
Book an Exciting Excursion
If scuba diving and surfing aren’t exciting enough for you, there are plenty of excursions you can book to explore Punta Cana and beyond.
Ziplining is a popular activity because the scenery in this beautiful country is best viewed from above. And it is surprising how affordable it is at around $50-$60 per person. Or, if you wanted a different adrenaline rush and a better view, you could book a helicopter excursion so you can explore the entire region.
For those who prefer staying a little closer to sea level but love adventure, why not try a dune buggy or ATV tour of the region? Costing around $40 per person for a few hours, it’s one of the cheapest excursions in Punta Cana.
Enjoy the Epic Nightlife
Many visitors to this part of the Dominican Republic don’t leave their all-inclusive resort. So, they never experience how great the bars are in Punta Cana.
Don’t make that mistake! It’s one of the best Punta Cana attractions if you want to experience the local side of the region. Here are some fantastic bars you should check out:
- Drink Point Bavaro
- Onno’s Punta Cana
- Imagine Night Club
- Yopo Tiki Bar
The bar scenes in Avenida España and Corales are the best. But if you want to venture further out, book a hotel transfer to Coco Bongo for a wild night, which you will hope you’ll never forget.
Discover Punta Cana’s Natural Beauty
Aside from the beaches and the sea, Punta Cana also has some beautiful hiking trails. If that’s your kind of thing, check out the trails in the Anamuya Mountains or Montaña Redonda.
The latter, in particular, has very Instagrammable photo ops with swings and hammocks placed on the edge of the mountain. It is quite a steep climb but short and so worth it. Few tourists see this part of Punta Cana, so it is still untouched.
Don’t Miss These Punta Cana Attractions on Your Trip
Vacations in Punta Cana often only involve relaxing, relaxing, and more relaxing. But it would be a shame to miss out on all the great Punta Cana attractions when there are so many to choose from. Step out of your comfort zone, try something exciting, and your vacation will be all the more memorable for it.
Need destination inspiration or travel guides for your next trip? Check out our other articles for more helpful tips and tricks!