If you are looking for a place that offers beautiful and picture-perfect white beaches, turquoise waters, clean natural attractions, whimsical underwater activities and shipwrecks, romantic dates, and a world-class golfing scene, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic should be the island for you. Take the whole family, check in a cheap all-inclusive resort, and have the vacation of your lives! Punta Cana is the Caribbean region’s island with the longest white sand coastlines that feature different exhilarating activities and possess natural attractions. It’s also less than two hours away from Saona Island. Stay in a luxury villa and prepare a packed and organized itinerary before entering the island to make the most out of your vacation, and book your stay at one of the island’s all-inclusive resorts or even a vacation rental. The list below can help you with all the things to do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Interact with monkeys at Monkeyland
One of the best activities in Punta Cana is engaging with the monkeys at Monkey Land! Look and play with the adorable squirrel monkeys that may or may not be just a little bigger than your face. This 5-hour guided tour will also guide to safely feed the monkeys and how to interact with them properly. Set on a five-acre property with beautiful views, the tour will also let you marvel at the beauty of the Eastern mountains and local villages.
Another highlight of this tour is visiting Casa del Coco where you’ll learn the process of producing coconut oil and try local treats such as Caribbean fruits, roasted coffee, and cacao.
2. Join a half-day boat tour aboard a catamaran with drinks and snacks
What better way to enjoy the beautiful blue waters of Punta Cana than getting on a catamaran and having a grand time? This 4-hour experience is definitely a must-do excursion in Punta Cana. Right as you get on the catamaran, you’ll be served drinks, and the party begins! You’ll get to snorkel and be in awe of the area’s rich marine life or enjoy socializing and drinking at the floating bar with waist-deep warm water. Snack and drinks will also be served.
Explore downtown Punta Cana
3. Spend quality time with the family at Scape Park Cap Cana
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One of the best attractions in Punta Cana, especially if you’re an adventurous bunch, is Scape Park Cap Cana. This natural theme park is brimming with adrenaline-pumping attractions such as cliff zip-lining, cavern explorations, underground caves swimming, and so much more! Hoyo Azul, a captivating cenote, is located right here. For an otherworldly experience, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Scape Park. Besides the full admission, you can also purchase additional tours like buggies and catamaran cruises.
Scape Park Cap Cana
Address: Cap Cana, 23000, Dominican Republic
Website: Scape Park Cap Cana
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
4. Unwind at Bávaro Beach
Playa Bávaro is a beach at the La Altagracia province located at the edge of east Dominican Republic. This is one of the popular sandy beaches in Punta Cana, but it is also a town for resort workers that has developed to be the melting pot of culture, wonderful music, fun activities, world-class food, and other tourist attractions you can find to entertain locals and guests. The blue water and fine white sand beaches are to die for when you visit the small town at Punta Cana, because not only is it aesthetically pleasing but bathing in it is also immensely satisfying and de-stressing. Go on a full-day excursion at this destination for tourists soon!
Bávaro Beach
Address: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Opening hours: 24 hours
5. Watch animal shows at Manati Park
A tropical wonderland will not be complete without a natural park where tropical animals are residing and can mingle with people. You can take a seat and watch animals perform in front of a crowd or wear your swimsuit and swim with the friendly dolphins as much as you like. There are different attractions inside with different types of animals but make sure not to miss any authentic experience with the animals inside Manati Park. See the best Punta Cana can offer as they display the diversity and ecology of the large island.
Manati Park
Address: Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Website: Manati Park
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm
Price: 35 USD onwards
6. Plan a picnic with family at Playa Juanillo
Playa Juanillo is a beautiful destination in Punta Cana that used to be a town for fishermen. Now, its azure waters are already one of the most desirable areas and beautiful stretches across the whole island. You will experience the fine white sand at this Punta Cana beach where the tall palm trees line up. Those who love to bathe in the sun and at the same time chill at Cap Cana resort are welcome. Detaching from technology and just spending time beside the pristine beaches with the family is a wonderful gift. The family can also have a picnic at Juanillo Beach.
Playa Juanillo
Address: Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Website: Playa Juanillo
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm
7. Play golf at Cocotal Golf and Country Club
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Who said you cannot have gold at Punta Cana? Well, there is a chance for you to do world-class golf in a perfect destination within the stretch of the island that is near Bávaro Beach. Well, if you think that the golf course is as busy as the bustling Bávaro Beach, you are wrong. Cocotal Golf and Country Club can provide you with an ambience where you can find peace, relaxation, and luxury while you are in the middle of playing your favourite sport. For more golfing spots in Punta Cana, check out Cana Bay Beach Club & Golf Resort.
Cocotal Golf and Country Club
Address: Punta Cana 23301, Dominican Republic
Website: Cocotal Golf and Country Club
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm
8. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Island Park
Up for more fun activities on your holiday? Dolphin Island Park is one of the best places to swim with dolphins in Punta Cana to enjoy a wonderful marine experience only a few get the chance to engage in. You will enjoy the experience of swimming with the dolphins and see them perform and make jokes with you. Have yourself surrounded by your loved ones and your friends. Dolphin Island Park makes Punta Cana an island that has it all from natural theme parks to outdoor activities, having a park where dolphins are waiting to play with you is just a unique activity you can enjoy while you are at the wonderful island on the Dominican Republic.
Dolphin Island Park
Address: Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Website: Dolphin Island Park
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm
Price: 120 USD onwards
9. Take a stroll through Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
Ready for one of the best catamaran tours and buggy excursions? Get a good look and immerse in the whimsical Eyes Ecological Reserve that is subject to research, conservation, and recreation within a wide subtropical forest. Privately owned and managed by Puntacana Ecological Foundation, this ecological park is protected and safely kept by the foundation. The attractions that this place boasts include 12 mesmerizing lagoons. However, if you stroll around, there are only five lagoons tourists and visitors can swim in but it is for sure that the guests of the reserve will enjoy every bit of the experience.
10. Enjoy paintball and zip lines at Bavaro Adventure Park
If you are into outdoor activities from the mild ones to the extremes, Punta Cana also offers a variety of outdoor activities at the Bavaro Adventure Park. Guests of the island can go to the adventure park and do amazing things with the squad or with the whole family. Guests and visitors like you will definitely enjoy a match of paintball together and ziplining activities at Bavaro Adventure Park. These activities are what most people are looking for especially if they want something more than just a chill and relaxing vacation. Most of all, there will be a wonderful outdoor experience people will be talking about even after the vacation.
Book Tours : Bavaro Adventure Park
11. Explore the Marinarium Excursions
Explore the Marinarium Excursions and be amazed by how many activities you can choose from while you are at Punta Cana island. You can choose your own adventure and activity in this Reef Explorer excursion from Punta Cana. You can dive for some snorkelling with the fishes, paddle-snorkelling, kayaking, lounging, seeing the coral reefs, and other activities that the guest would desire on doing while at the Marinarium Excursions. Convenient and fun, tourists are highly advised to experience these activities under crystal-clear water.
Book Tours : Marinarium Snorkeling Cruise
Enjoy your stay in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is one of the gems the Dominican Republic offers its guests and tourists. It won’t be a complete vacation in the country if you do not spend time on the island of Punta Cana, and maybe explore other islands such as Isla Saona. Enjoy activities and full-day tours, and be surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the fine white sands and beautiful beaches. Sign up for outdoor activities, swim with dolphins, or just spend time with your family and friends while appreciating the wonderful views of the island.
Want to see more of this paradise? Here are the other attractions waiting for you in and near Punta Cana: Uvero Alto, Arena Gorda Beach, Macao Beach, Altos de Chavón, Sirenis Aquagames, RIU Splash Water Park, and Montaña Redonda.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
