Punta Cana
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Punta Cana - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Basilica de Higüey Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia
Religious Building/Site/ShrineHigüey's concrete basilica was completed in 1972, and is characterized by its representations of oranges, symbolic of the nearby orange grove...
Higüey's concrete basilica was completed in 1972, and is characterized by its representations of oranges, symbolic of the nearby orange grove, where a vision of the Virgin Mary has become legend. There's a shrine depicting an orange tree and stained-glass windows with cutouts shaped like oranges inside the cathedral. The pinched arches of the facade stretch 250 feet (76 meters) high (many visitors comment that it looks like the McDonald's arch). The basilica is the site of annual pilgrimages on January 21 and August 16. If you want to go to mass, call first as the hours are subject to change. New is a museum on the grounds of the cathedral that chronicles the history of religion in the D.R. as far back as the 1700s. The cathedral is best seen on a guided tour of Higüey.
Agustin Guerrero 66, Salvaleón de Higüey, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic809-554–4541Sight Details
Rate Includes: Church free; museum RD$40 -
2. Dolphin Island Park
Zoo/AquariumThe adventure starts with a short boat ride as you sail away from beautiful Bávaro to an offshore island that offers interaction programs with...
The adventure starts with a short boat ride as you sail away from beautiful Bávaro to an offshore island that offers interaction programs with both dolphins and sea lions. The main program includes instruction, a show, and a 25-minute swim with snorkel gear in calm, protected waters with your choice of sea creatures. Snorkeling gear and a flotation vest are provided. It's an expensive excursion, but packages include free transportation (and require a reservation at least 24 hours in advance). Your day will include a stop at Manati Park, a tropical garden with Caribbean flora and fauna, dolphins, crocodiles, sea lions, exotic birds, and entertaining shows. Its Seaquarium Park features an underwater experience surrounded by tropical fish and coral reefs and the submerged wreck of a submarine. At the end of a memorable sea adventure all participants are invited to a party in the natural ocean pools. Children must be at least eight years old to swim, and no pregnant women are allowed.
Av. Estados Unidos, Bávaro, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic809-221–9444Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $80 -
3. Playa Punta Cana
BeachThis long stretch of sandy coastline on the Caribbean side of the peninsula is where tourism first began in Punta Cana. This undulating beach...
This long stretch of sandy coastline on the Caribbean side of the peninsula is where tourism first began in Punta Cana. This undulating beach with powdery white sand is shaded by lilting coconut palms. Much of it still looks like virgin beach, since there is not the proliferation of all-inclusive hotels you find farther north in Bávaro. The beach extends south to Playa Juanillo, which is similarly incredible and now the site of the Cap Cana development. The waters are generally calm, with more wave action in the winter and during hurricane season. Seaweed has become more of a problem in recent years, and resorts have crews that gather it and rake their stretch of sand. Coral rock can make areas difficult to walk in the water, which is often shallow close to shore; however, the reefs are super for snorkeling and one can walk or swim from shore. The Westin Punta Cana has fresh contemporary food offerings at their beachside restaurant, Playa Blanca, a delightful seafood restaurant adjacent to the Kite-Club and Club Med. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: kitesurfing; snorkeling; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
Playa Punta Cana, Punta Cana, San Juan, Dominican Republic -
4. Playa Bávaro
BeachBávaro is the most developed stretch of the 35 miles (56 km) of white-sand beach in the Punta Cana area, which is lined with both midsized and...
Bávaro is the most developed stretch of the 35 miles (56 km) of white-sand beach in the Punta Cana area, which is lined with both midsized and mega-sized all-inclusive resorts. Although it encompasses many smaller towns, the main area, which is past Cabeza de Toro, is thought to begin with the massive Barcelo Bávaro Beach Resort and extend to the funky, fun fishermen's beach, Playa El Cortecito, known for the landmark restaurant Capitán Cook’s. The water is characteristically warm and fairly shallow, with seaweed kept in check by hotels. Each resort has its own designated area with its chaise longues lined up in neat rows. Although there are stretches that are idyllically quiet, for the most part it is nonstop action. Boats and water sports provide the entertainment, wandering beach vendors the aggravation. In several areas there are designated, makeshift markets. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: walking; swimming; windsurfing.
View Tours and ActivitiesPlaya Bávaro, Bávaro, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic -
5. Playa Uvero Alto
BeachThis beach is actually part of the 35-mile (56-km) stretch of glorious coastline known as Punta Cana. The road here was unbearably bad, little...
This beach is actually part of the 35-mile (56-km) stretch of glorious coastline known as Punta Cana. The road here was unbearably bad, little more than a widened cow path, so it was the last region to be developed. The new paved road is a nice ride, albeit still a long one, some 45 minutes from the airport. Much of the beach, which fronts some fine resorts, has nearly white sand, while in other locations it changes to more of a taupe color, with wave action more frequent, like at the beaches fronted by Zoetry Aqua Resort and Sivory Punta Cana. The natural beauty of this beach is that many areas are still virgin territory for long distances. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: solitude; sunset; surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
Playa Uvero Alto, Uvero Alto, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic -
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6. Puntacana Ecological Foundation
Educational InstitutionThis ecoreserve is on a 1,500-acre private tract in Puntacana Resort that encompasses tropical forest, natural lagoons, cold water springs,...
This ecoreserve is on a 1,500-acre private tract in Puntacana Resort that encompasses tropical forest, natural lagoons, cold water springs, gardens, a petting zoo, and an iguana habitat. This nonprofit foundation's mission is to promote sustainable development throughout the country by fostering cooperation between economic development and environmental protection, as well as involving the community. Projects include sustainable tourism, particularly in coastal areas, zero waste, and sustainable agriculture. Inquire about volunteerism that benefits the local environment and community. There’s also an organic vegetable garden that supplies the resort's restaurants. Guided tours of the reserve are available by appointment, with proceeds benefiting the foundation.
Puntacana Resort & Club, Punta Cana, San Juan, Dominican Republic809-959–9221Sight Details
Rate Includes: $20 for non-hotel guests -
7. Scape Park at Cap Cana
City ParkLike Xcaret near Cancún, this complex in Cap Cana combines beautiful natural scenery with plenty of fun activities for a full day; it can only...
Like Xcaret near Cancún, this complex in Cap Cana combines beautiful natural scenery with plenty of fun activities for a full day; it can only be visited as part of a daylong tour. The Hoyo Azul combines a tour of the bush with a refreshing swim in a natural cave pool. Another option is the Cenote Indigena Las Ondes, which ends in a swim in a natural sinkhole. The park also has a zip line, a mountain bike trail, horseback riding, and a cruise; zip-line ecoadventure; mountain bike ecotrail; Scape Ranch for horseback riding; and the Sunshine Cruise (a booze and snorkeling cruise). Packages can be as short as a half day or as long as a full day, and you have your pick of tours and fun. Lunch, which is a good barbecue meal, can be added but can be a bit busy. Nevertheless, everything is well organized and fun. For the best prices, book through the Park, and you'll be picked up from your Punta Cana, Bávaro, or Uvero Alto resort.
Cap Cana, Santo Domingo, Nacional, Dominican Republic809-469–7484Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $109
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