Tour or activity
Coco Bongo Punta Cana with Open Bar and Hotel or Resort Pickup
4.0 / 5 · 25 reviews · 4 hours
From $99.00View experience →
Region
Caribbean · Dominican Republic
Best time to go
Warm all year, with the driest and least humid weather from about December through April. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest risk in late summer and fall.
Getting there
Nonstop flights from many East Coast and major US hubs into Punta Cana International; connections from other cities.
Why go to Punta Cana
Punta Cana is the resort region on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, with long beaches of pale sand, warm water, and many large all-inclusive resorts. Most trips center on beach and pool time, with boat trips to Saona Island and a few cultural outings to round out the week.
Things to do in Punta Cana
Where to stay in Punta Cana
BavaroCentral, busy, classic beach resortBavaro is the core of the Punta Cana area, with the longest stretch of resorts, plus shops, restaurants, and services nearby. It offers the widest choice of hotels and is about 20 to 30 minutes from the airport. It suits first-time visitors, families, and groups who want everything close by.
Cap CanaGated, upscale, marina and golfCap Cana is a large gated development south of the airport with a marina, golf courses, and calmer beaches such as Juanillo. It feels polished and private, but it is quieter and farther from Bavaro's shops and nightlife. It suits couples, golfers, and travelers wanting a calmer stay.Punta Cana and Cabeza de ToroClose to airport, relaxedThe original Punta Cana area and the nearby Cabeza de Toro beaches sit closest to the airport, with resorts along reef-protected water. Transfers are short and the beaches tend to be calm. It suits travelers on shorter trips and families with small children.
Arena GordaLong beach, large resortsArena Gorda sits just north of Bavaro and is lined with large resort complexes along a wide beach. It has a self-contained feel, with most guests staying on property, and the sea can be livelier than at Bavaro. It suits all-inclusive travelers who plan to stay put.
Uvero AltoSecluded, rugged, quietUvero Alto is the northernmost stretch of the resort coast, with fewer, larger properties and more wild beaches. It is peaceful but about 45 minutes or more from the airport, and the surf can be stronger. It suits honeymooners and travelers who want quiet over convenience.When to go
Dry high season
Mid-December to April
- Weather
- Warm, sunny, and less humid, with steady trade winds
- Crowds
- Busiest period, especially around Christmas, New Year, and spring break
- Value
- Highest rates of the year
Shoulder season
May to June
- Weather
- Hot, more humid, with occasional short showers
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Value
- Usually better value than winter
Summer and hurricane season
July to November
- Weather
- Hot and humid with passing storms; hurricane risk peaks from August through October
- Crowds
- Lighter, apart from US summer school holidays
- Value
- Usually the lowest rates, especially September to early November
Getting the best value
Rates are usually highest from mid-December through April, with the holidays and spring break costing the most. May, June, and parts of early summer often offer better value with good weather. Late August through early November is usually the least expensive time, but it overlaps with the peak of hurricane season.
Check tour datesGetting there and around
Getting there
- Fly into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), which sits close to most resort areas.
- Nonstop flights run from many East Coast and major US hubs, and West Coast travelers usually connect through a hub, though some seasonal nonstops exist.
- US citizens need a valid passport, and the Dominican Republic requires an online entry and exit form. Check current entry rules before booking.
- Most travelers use pre-arranged resort shuttles or private transfers; licensed taxis wait at the airport, and many resorts are about 15 to 45 minutes away.
Getting around
- A rental car is optional and many visitors skip it, since driving habits and road conditions can be challenging and resorts are spread out.
- Taxis are available at resorts and usually charge set fares by zone; confirm the price before leaving.
- Local minibuses called guaguas run along the main roads and are inexpensive, but they are crowded and best for confident travelers.
- Most excursions include hotel pickup, which is the easiest way to reach Saona Island, Higuey, or Altos de Chavon.
Eat and drink
La bandera dominicanaThe national lunch of rice, red beans, and stewed meat, often with salad and fried plantains. Look for it at small local eateries in Bavaro or Higuey for a taste beyond the resort buffet.ManguMangu is mashed green plantain, usually eaten at breakfast with fried cheese, salami, eggs, and pickled red onions. Many resorts offer it, but it is even better at a local cafeteria.SancochoSancocho is a hearty stew of several meats, root vegetables, and plantain, served with rice and avocado. It is a celebration and Sunday dish across the country.Fried fish on the beachAt Macao and other public beaches, small stands fry whole fresh fish served with tostones, the twice-fried green plantain slices. Ask for the fish of the day and expect a relaxed wait.MamajuanaMamajuana is a local drink made by soaking bark, herbs, and roots in rum, red wine, and honey. It is strong, so sip a small glass, and a bottle with the dry mix makes a common souvenir.Rum, coffee, and cacaoThe Dominican Republic produces well-regarded rum, coffee, and cacao, and tastings show up on many excursions. They are easy gifts to bring home, but check customs limits for alcohol.
Day trips from Punta Cana
Sample itineraries
5 days in Punta Cana
- Day 1Arrive, settle into your resort, and take a sunset walk on Bavaro Beach.
- Day 2Spend a full beach and pool day, with a morning catamaran snorkel trip if you want some activity.
- Day 3Take a full-day boat trip to Saona Island, including the natural pool stop.
- Day 4Swim in the lagoons at the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, then spend the afternoon at Juanillo Beach.
- Day 5Visit Macao Beach for a surf lesson or fried fish lunch before heading to the airport.
7 days in Punta Cana and the east
- Day 1Arrive, check in, and walk Bavaro Beach at sunset.
- Day 2Enjoy a slow beach day and try a local lunch of la bandera dominicana.
- Day 3Sail to Saona Island for the day, with a stop at the natural pool.
- Day 4Visit the Hoyo Azul cenote in Cap Cana in the morning, then relax at Juanillo Beach.
- Day 5Drive to La Romana to see Altos de Chavon and snorkel at Catalina Island.
- Day 6Visit the Basilica in Higuey in the morning, then ride horses near Macao in the late afternoon.
- Day 7Have a last swim and beach lunch before your transfer to the airport.
Good to know
- US dollars are widely accepted in the resort areas, but carry some Dominican pesos for local shops, guaguas, and beach stands.
- Tipping is appreciated even at all-inclusive resorts: small cash tips for bartenders, housekeeping, and guides go a long way. Restaurants often add a service charge, so check your bill.
- Drink bottled or purified water rather than tap water, including when brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply often; the sun is strong year round and reflects off the pale sand.
- Seaweed called sargassum can wash up on some beaches, mostly in warmer months, so ask your resort about current beach conditions.
- Book excursions through your resort or another established provider, and confirm pickup times, what is included, and life jacket availability.
Questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Punta Cana?
December through April usually has the driest and least humid weather. May and June are often a good balance of weather and value.
How many days do I need?
Five days works for a beach break with one excursion. A week gives time for Saona Island, a cultural day, and plenty of rest.
Is Punta Cana safe?
The resort areas are generally considered safe for tourists. Use normal precautions, avoid isolated areas at night, use licensed taxis, and check the current US State Department advisory.
Do I need a rental car?
Most visitors do not. Resort transfers, taxis, and excursions with hotel pickup cover the usual trip.
What currency is used?
The Dominican peso. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, though change is often given in pesos.
Is Punta Cana good for families?
Yes. Many resorts have kids clubs, shallow pools, and calm beaches, and catamaran trips and Saona Island are popular with children.
Make a day of it
Tours and activities in Punta Cana
Tour or activity
ATV & Buggy adventure in Punta Cana + Water Cave + Macao Beach
4.8 / 5 · 2,485 reviews · 4 hours
From $32.00View experience →
Tour or activity
Punta Cana Buggy or ATV Tour with Macao Beach, Cave and Tastings
4.9 / 5 · 2,069 reviews · 4 hours
From $24.65View experience →
Tour or activity
Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar
4.3 / 5 · 3,325 reviews · 9 hours
From $82.00View experience →
Tour or activity
Punta Cana Airport Private Transfers to Hotels
4.9 / 5 · 4,653 reviews · 0.3 hours
From $22.50View experience →
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