Punta Cana is a Caribbean paradise that has attracted tourists from around the world each year. It is a perfect getaway for those who like to take advantage of the amenities that all-inclusive resorts offer without having to leave their hotel.
Punta Cana is located in the Dominican Republic and is popular because of its affordable rates and options. Here is everything you need to know before planning your next vacation to Punta Cana:
The Best Beaches In Punta Cana
Punta Cana is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The Playa Juanillo beach is lined with beautiful palm trees and is rarely crowded. This beach started out as a small village which has become a significant Cap Cana project of hotels and restaurants.
Patrons of the Cap Cana hotels can only access Playa Juanillo beach.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is open to the public where you can dine at their restaurant before hitting the homonym beach. The water is crystal clear, and the atmosphere is modern and casual.
Gardens and palm trees line the white sands of the beach. Their international menu has something that everyone can enjoy.
Playa Cabo Engano
This beach can be accessed by 4-wheel-drive along a dirt road and is close to the Punta Cana International Airport. Playa Cabo Engano is one of the more secluded beaches in the area stretching over 2 kilometers.
Cabeza de Toro
Anyone patronizing the Be Live, Natura Park, Catalonia, or Dream Palm Beach resort can enjoy sun-seeking at Cabeza de Toro. It has shallow areas that are excellent for snorkeling and exploring.
Cabeza de Toro is the beach to visit if you appreciate being surrounded by wildlife and beautiful forests.
Bavaro Beach
Bavaro Beach can be accessed through the several restaurants along the beach including Jellyfish, El Cortecito, Plaza Bibijagua, and Los Corales. This is one of the most popular beaches in Punta Cana where you can choose from a variety of boat and catamaran tours.
Bavaro Beach is fun for the entire family, and you will enjoy the coral reefs and abundant marine life of the Caribbean.
What To Do In Punta Cana
Samana Visit By Plane is an excursion that includes a combination of three different activities. You can take an island tour, explore wildlife through the truck safari, and go for a 30 minute horseback ride.
The Discovery Cruise Punta Cana is an 8 1/2 hour long catamaran tour along the coast of Cap Cana. Snacks and an open bar is provided before you explore the natural pools and nearby coral reef.
A fresh seafood lunch is provided after the cruise at one of the restaurants in Cap Cana.
Cap Cana Adventure Buggies allows you to drive your buggy around the terrain of the Dominican Republic. You will drive through Juanillo beach and then up into a cenote called Hoyo Azul.
Adventure Buggies is a fun and exhilarating tour where you can jump off a giant cliff into the gorgeous water.
The Punta Cana Zip Line Adventure tour is one of the most popular tourist activities in Punta Cana. There are 15 platforms and eight cable lines where you will slide through the open valleys across 2,500 feet of cable.
The Best Hotels in Punta Cana
Tortuga Bay Hotel Puntacana Resort & Club is a posh and luxurious 30-room hotel. Some of the exclusive amenities include on-site nature reserve, golf courses, 4-star restaurants on-site, and free car service from the airport.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana is located in the gated community of Cap Cana. Here you can enjoy their Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, tennis courts, a beach club, vacation villas, and the marina.
The Eden Roc resort attracts families and those looking for a quieter experience. Every quest receives a golf cart for leisurely exploration of the resort.
The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real is another family-friendly resort that is luxurious, relaxed, and spacious. Each section of the resort has its own private concierge. It provides up-scale amenities such as yoga, spa services, and restaurants next door.
The Sanctuary Cap Cana by Playa Hotels & Resorts is a remote, adult-only resort located on a cliff. It resembles a Spanish castle town, with stunningly decorated spas, restaurants, and pools along the coast.
Best Months to Visit
The weather in Punta Cana is warm year round, making it difficult to pick a wrong time to visit. The humidity can be high at times. However, the constant ocean breeze makes it enjoyable and relaxing.
The most popular times to travel are February, March, and April when there is less rainfall. The hottest time of the year in Punta Cana is in June and July.
Preparing For Your Trip To Punta Cana
Some diseases could be more prevalent in Punta Cana, so it’s important to visit your physician before your trip. They can recommend and administer vaccinations you may need to keep you protected.
You should avoid drinking the tap water in Punta Cana opting for bottled water instead.
Consider all-inclusive resorts as they usually cover all meals, alcohol and some activities. Since you pre-pay for everything up-front, it takes the guesswork and worries out of the amount you’re spending during your vacation.
The local language is Spanish. However, you shouldn’t have a problem communicating with staff. There is a significant amount of English-speaking travelers that flock to Punta Cana, but it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on your Spanish.
Punta Cana is a safe vacationing spot in the Caribbean even when traveling into town. Police officers are stationed at many of the resorts catering specifically to the safety of their tourists.
You must have a valid passport to enter the Dominican Republic and, depending on your nationality, obtain a travel visa.