10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Updated 2024

Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 4 min read

Punta Cana is one of the most beautiful islands in the whole of the Caribbean. Known for its beautiful, tropical environment, Punta Cana is a must-visit destination. If a beach vacation is what you’re dreaming of or taking some time off to watch shows or sea animals, or participate in water-related activities, the Dominican Republic does not disappoint. But with so much to do, it’s hard to choose how to best spend your holiday. Here are some of the best non-touristy things to do in Punta Cana, that is guaranteed to give you the vacation you’ve always dreamt of. Read on for more details.

1. Snorkel in the Bavaro coast (from USD 50.0)

Bavaro is a town that developed along with the resorts in Punta Cana. It serves as a centre of services for the tourists and the workers. It is home to the Bavaro beach which boasts of silky sands and clean, beautiful waters. While you are in Punta Cana, make sure you join the snorkelling party cruise that showcases the beauty of the coast. There will be cocktails, drinking, snacks and swimming alongside tropical fishes. Make the most of your time in Punta Cana by joining this group.

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Punta Cana Snorkeling Party Cruise

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

77 reviews

2. Learn surfing at Macao Surf Camp

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Go surfing with Macao Surf Camp whose aim is to ensure that those who have never surfed before gets to learn how to surf and those with some skills gets to improve them. Macao Surf Camp offers personalized training and professional photography to document you in action. Surf with this group and get to build a strong foundation for your new hobby.

Macao Surf Camp

Address: Playa El Macao Punta Cana

Website: Macao Surf Camp

Opening hours: 8.30am -5.30pm

Price: 115 USD onwards

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3. Catch night shows at Coco Bongo

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Coco Bongo is a combination of Cirque du Soleil, a concert, a theatre, a disco etc., that creates the best party on the planet. Dancers, trapeze artists, gymnasts, famous movie scenes, all these and more are showcased at the Coco Bongo show. It is located downtown Punta Cana. Come witness a unique show production of an extraordinary musical mix and the latest in the audio and video entertainment.

Coco Bongo

Address: Centro Commercial Downtown Punta Cana,

Website: Coco Bongo

Opening hours: 10.30pm - 4am

Price: 65 USD onwards

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4. Eat seafood at Jellyfish

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


This is the best spot for lovers to spend their time while in Punta Cana. It is a big restaurant that provides wedding planning, decorations and catering services. Those who need to renew their vows, get married or spend their honeymoon should consider Jellyfish Beach Restaurant as it offers the best services. Make sure you visit the restaurant to enjoy a variety of tasty fish and shellfish dishes.

Jellyfish Beach Restaurant

Address: Jellyfish, Playa Bavaro, Punta Cana 23301, Dominican Republic.

Website: Jellyfish Beach Restaurant

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 31 - 50 USD

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5. Relax by taking a yoga class (from USD 119.0)

After a long day, or when you just need to relax, unwind with this private yoga class in Punta Cana. This is a one-hour class that can take place in your private suite (no charge) or the yoga studio. Choose from Hatha, Vinyasa, Astanga, Yin, restorative and aerial yoga lessons to improve your body and to enhance calmness in your head. The necessary equipment is provided for each student

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Private Yoga, Relaxation and/or Meditation Class

Duration: 1 hour

1 review

6. Take a mat pilates class (from USD 119.0)

These classes achieve clients’ physical and mental agility by using progressive equipment classes and personalized private lessons. Enjoy an hour-long private class either at the studio or in your villa as you seek to enhance your techniques and achieve results. Private classes are unique as they allow students to ask questions, receive instant feedback and correct their movements. The instructors are well trained and they come with the equipment needed for the pilates.

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Private Pilates Class in Punta Cana

Duration: 1 hour

1 review

7. Enjoy whale watching from Punta Cana (from USD 179.0)

Get up close with the giant sea whales during this 12-hour humpback whale-watching excursion on Sámana Bay. Observe thousands of whales that flock to the island as you listen to fascinating insights from your expert whale-watching guide. Relax on the beautiful Cayo Levantado Island as you enjoy a buffet lunch after the whale-watching excursion.

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Samaná Whale Watching and Cayo Levantado Lunch from Punta Cana

Duration: 12 hours

8. Go ziplining in the jungle (from USD 130.0)

If you’re in the Dominican Republic, to get closer to nature and explore the jungle, this is the excursion for you. You’ll have a chance to soar through the trees with a number of different zip lines, high in the Punta Cana canopy. You will be safely attached with climbing gear to the double line cables and after you will start ‘flying’ across a 2-km(1.24 miles) stretch and an 800-metres (2600 feet) high zip line. Sway across the distances as you stay suspended in midair and experience an unrivalled frenzy.

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Monkeyland 12 Ziplines and Coconut House from Punta Cana

Duration: 8 hours

850 reviews

9. Ride a horse along the Anamya River (from USD 129.0)

If you need to get out of your room, make sure you visit this horseback river ride located a short drive from Punta Cana. It is a nice way to explore the Dominican Republic as you will be taken on an adventure along the fresh waters of Anamya River. The scenery here is very stunning and am sure you will enjoy the experience. Your horseback ride goes through a tobacco factory and through a remote village where you can grab a drink, take a dip in the pool or meet the locals. After all this, you can enjoy a Dominican feast prepared for you, back at the ranch. Take pictures and later ride on the zip line as you catch stunning views of the countryside.

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Jungle River Horseback Riding and Zipline Tour Punta Cana

Duration: 7 hours

358 reviews

10. Sail to Saona Paradise Island by speedboat (from USD 95.0)

Join this 10-hour excursion to Saona Island for a mindblowing experience. The visit starts with a trip via a catamaran from Punta Cana. While on the island, explore the natural park, eat a buffet-style lunch, enjoy access to an open bar and during your trip back on a speedboat, pause at a natural swimming hole full of starfish. Both the catamaran and the speedboat is provided for your transportation. Be sure to enjoy!

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Saona Island Tour by Catamaran or Speedboat from Punta Cana

Duration: 10 hours

187 reviews

Fun in Punta Cana

Dominicana-Punta Cana
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Niedźwiadek78 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Punta Cana is an interesting paradise that is worth a visit. Whether you are with your family, better half or friends, Punta Cana has non-touristy things to do for all ages. Get to enjoy these and more!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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In addition to her love for writing and adventurous spirit, Hannah is a dedicated learner, always striving to acquire new knowledge with each passing day.

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