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Punta Cana
Long palm-lined beaches on the Dominican Republic’s eastern tip, with island trips nearby
Long palm-lined beaches on the Dominican Republic’s eastern tip, with island trips nearby
Kilometres of soft sand, shallow water and palms run in front of the resorts. Public access is allowed along the beach.
Photo: Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0
Part of Cotubanamá (East) National Park, Saona is reached on catamaran or speedboat tours that often stop at a shallow sandbank with starfish.
Do not lift starfish out of the water.
Photo: Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0
South of the airport, this upscale development has a marina, golf courses and Juanillo beach.
Photo: Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try la bandera (rice, beans and meat), mofongo (mashed plantain), fresh fish and tostones.
Local restaurants in Bávaro and Friusa are cheaper than resort à la carte venues.
Punta Cana International Airport has many direct flights from North America and Europe. Most resorts are 15–40 minutes away. All air travellers must complete the free online e-ticket form before check-in. The US$20 departure tax is included in airfares.
Use resort shuttles, licensed taxis or rental cars; agree taxi fares before you ride.
The Dominican Republic uses the peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but paying in pesos is usually cheaper. Many visitors stay at all-inclusive resorts.
Prices are approximate; check current rates.
Beach and islands.
Relax on Bávaro beach.
Take a catamaran trip to Saona Island.
Visit the lagoons of the Indigenous Eyes reserve or surf at Macao.
From mid-January to March, take a whale-watching trip to Samaná Bay; otherwise visit Altos de Chavón.
Seaweed can wash up from spring to autumn; resorts clear it, but conditions vary.
Hurricane season runs from June to November.
Complete the online e-ticket before your flight.
Agree fares before you ride.
Quick answers for planning time in Punta Cana.
Yes, all air travellers must complete the free online e-ticket form before check-in.
Seaweed can arrive in warmer months; it varies year to year.
Tours take most of a day, with transfers to Bayahibe and a boat ride.
Yes, on long day trips to Samaná Bay from mid-January to March.
December to April.
Planning a wider trip? Our Dominican Republic travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.