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Paradisus Palma Real Golf&Spa Resort All Inclusive, Punta Cana

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Punta Cana

Updated 1 October 2026 · 12 things to do

Pictured: Paradisus Palma Real Golf&Spa Resort All Inclusive

Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic's beach coast: mile after mile of white sand and coconut palms on the eastern tip of the island, with the Atlantic on one side and the Caribbean on the other. Most people come to switch off in an all-inclusive, and that's a perfectly good plan. The sea is warm, the sand is soft and the resorts are very good at doing nothing well.

But a few days in, you'll want to see something else. The good news is that the best days out are close: a catamaran to Saona Island, a freshwater cave pool at Hoyo Azul, a bachata night at the beach bar, or a trip to the Mediterranean-style village of Altos de Chavón. Pick two or three and leave the rest of the week for the sunbed.

Don't miss

  1. 1Bávaro Beach
  2. 2Macao Beach
  3. 3Saona Island
  4. 4Hoyo Azul
  5. 5Altos de Chavón

The beaches

It is called the Coconut Coast for a reason.

  1. Bávaro Beach

    Beach

    The white sand and palms of Bávaro Beach in Punta Cana
    Photo: Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The beach that put Punta Cana on the map: a long, gently curving strip of pale sand, shaded by leaning palms and lapped by calm, shallow, bath-warm water. The big resorts line the back of it, but there's room for everyone, and the water sports shacks will rent you a kayak or paddleboard.

    Tip: Walk a little way from your resort for a quieter patch of sand. Beach vendors will come to you, so decide in advance how much you want to buy.

  2. Macao Beach

    Beach

    The shore at Playa Macao on the east coast of the Dominican Republic
    Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bogdix/, CC BY 2.0

    A public beach at the northern end of the coast, with golden sand, bigger waves than Bávaro and a more local feel. Dominican families come at the weekend, there's a row of simple seafood places behind the sand, and surfers sometimes catch a break offshore.

    Tip: Go on a weekday for space. The currents can be stronger here, so take care when swimming.

  3. Juanillo Beach

    Beach

    A small, crescent-shaped cove in the Cap Cana development, with soft white sand, clear water and sheltered swimming. It's quieter and more polished than Bávaro, and a favourite for couples and for anyone staying at the upmarket resorts nearby.

Days out by boat and road

  1. Saona Island

    Day trip

    The shallow natural swimming pool near Bayahibe and Saona Island
    Photo: Danu Widjajanto, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The classic Punta Cana excursion. Most trips combine a coach ride to the south-east coast with a catamaran or speedboat across to Saona Island, part of the Parque Nacional del Este. You stop at a shallow natural pool of clear turquoise water, then have lunch on a palm-fringed beach.

    It's a long day, and most tours follow the same route, so choose an early departure and expect company on the sand.

    Tip: Bring reef-safe sun cream, a hat and a towel. Shade is scarce.

  2. Catalina Island

    Day trip

    The coastline of Catalina Island off La Romana
    Photo: Mstyslav Chernov, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A small, uninhabited island off La Romana, with a ring of white sand and good snorkelling over coral reefs just offshore. Tours leave from the south coast, so it's a longer outing than Saona, but it's an easier, quieter day.

  3. Altos de Chavón

    Day trip

    Altos de Chavón above the Chavón River near La Romana
    Photo: Dr. Eugen Lehle, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Built in the 1970s above the Chavón River near La Romana, this is a Mediterranean-style artists' village of cobbled lanes, stone houses and a Greek-style amphitheatre. It looks like a hill town in Tuscany, and the river views are lovely. Galleries, craft shops and cafés fill the lanes.

    Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for softer light, and stay for dinner.

Nature and adventure

  1. Hoyo Azul

    Nature

    Hoyo Azul, the blue freshwater sinkhole pool at Cap Cana
    Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/asw909/, CC BY 2.0

    A deep, blue freshwater sinkhole pool at the foot of a limestone cliff in Cap Cana, reached on a guided walk through Scape Park. The water is clear, cool and a startling blue. It's a lovely place for a swim after the walk in the heat.

    Tip: Book ahead in high season. Wear shoes you can walk in.

  2. Indigenous Eyes

    Nature

    Ojos Indígenas is an ecological reserve inside the Puntacana Resort, a patch of tropical forest with a string of freshwater lagoons connected by paths. You can swim in some of them, and the shade is welcome after a day on the beach.

  3. Marina Cap Cana

    Landmark

    Boats moored in the marina at Cap Cana
    Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/uira/, CC BY-SA 2.0

    The harbour at Cap Cana is lined with white yachts, waterfront restaurants and smart shops, and makes a fine spot for sunset drinks. It's also where many deep-sea fishing and boat charters set off.

Eat, drink and dance

  1. Sancocho

    Food

    A bowl of Dominican sancocho stew
    Photo: LittleT889, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Dominican one-pot stew: root vegetables, plantain, corn and several kinds of meat in a thick, savoury broth, served with white rice and avocado. It's a Sunday dish, and the one to order if you leave your resort for lunch.

  2. Dominican rum and Presidente beer

    Food

    Rum is the local spirit, and the Dominican Republic is famous for its smooth, aged bottles. Pair a glass of añejo, sipped neat or on ice, with a cold Presidente, the national beer, at a beach bar. Bottles are good to take home.

  3. Bachata and merengue nights

    Nightlife

    Merengue and bachata are the sounds of the Dominican Republic, and you'll hear them everywhere, from beach bars to resort shows. Many resorts run dance lessons, and bars in Bávaro and Punta Cana town put on live music in the evenings.

Where to stay in Punta Cana

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Punta Cana →

Getting around

Most visitors transfer from Punta Cana airport by shuttle or taxi and take organised excursions from their resort. Taxis are easy to find for short trips, but agree the fare first. A hire car is useful if you want to explore beyond the resort strip.

When to go

Punta Cana is warm all year. The driest, most popular months run from around December to April. Summer is hotter and more humid, with a chance of showers and tropical storms, and the late summer and autumn months are the main Atlantic hurricane season.

Questions about visiting Punta Cana

What is Punta Cana best known for?
Long white-sand beaches, palm trees, warm shallow water and big all-inclusive resorts on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.
Is Punta Cana worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a relaxed beach holiday with plenty of choice for all budgets. Day trips to Saona Island, Hoyo Azul and Altos de Chavón add variety.
What is there to do in Punta Cana with kids?
Calm beaches, resort pools and kids clubs, boat trips to Saona Island, and the freshwater lagoons at Indigenous Eyes are popular family days.
How many days do you need in Punta Cana?
A week is the classic stay. It gives you time to relax and fit in two or three excursions. A long weekend works if you only want the beach.
Do you need a car in Punta Cana?
No. Airport transfers, taxis and organised excursions cover most plans. A hire car is helpful if you want to explore independently.

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