Punta Cana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Bayahibe Beach which includes general coastal views
Enjoy long stretches of white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts and sunshine in abundance at one of the largest tourist destinations in the Caribbean region.

Punta Cana, on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, is renowned for its miles of white-sand beaches lined by coconut palms and aquamarine waters. The name Punta Cana is often used when referring to the region that encompasses areas such as Cabeza de Toro, Arena Gorda and Uvero Alto.

Punta Cana is primarily made up of large all-inclusive resorts that cater for families and couples. Many have their own private stretches of beach and are designed to provide guests with everything they need for their stay, including restaurants, nightclubs and sporting activities.

The main attractions of Punta Cana are, of course, the sand and the sea. The unforgettable beaches of this region are sheltered by an immense offshore reef, 18 miles (29 kilometres) in length. The shallow water makes it a good diving or snorkeling environment for beginners. Most of the all-inclusive resorts have their own dive schools and equipment shops. There are also other water activities on offer such as surfing, sailing and parasailing.

Outside the resorts, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the Dominican Republic’s other attractions. See the replica Mediterranean village built on a cliff at Altos de Chavón and explore the world’s first underwater museum at Bayahibe. Visit Higüey and its Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a large cathedral built to honour the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Take a guided tour of the jungle at the Punta Cana Ecological Reserve.  

There are a number of ways to get around Punta Cana. For the majority of visitors, who spend their time either in their resorts or at beaches nearby, the simplest way is on foot. Local buses known as ”guaguas” are the cheapest options if you plan to travel farther afield. Taxis and car rentals are also available.  

Blue skies and sunshine are fixtures for most of the year in Punta Cana. In summer the temperature is an average of 88 F (31 C).

Where to stay in Punta Cana

Cortecito Beach featuring a sandy beach

Bávaro

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Bávaro. Make a stop by Bavaro Beach or Cocotal Golf and Country Club while you're exploring the area.

Bávaro
Uvero Alto which includes a beach as well as a small group of people

Uvero Alto

You'll love the stunning beaches in Uvero Alto, and you might want to stick around to check out Sirenis Aquagames Water Park, a top place to visit.

Uvero Alto
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Cap Cana Marina

4/5(1 area review)

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cap Cana Marina. Make a stop by top sights like Punta Cana Beach while you're exploring the area.

Cap Cana Marina
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El Macao

Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travellers like about El Macao. A stop by Macao Beach is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

El Macao
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Punta Cana Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Punta Cana Village and surrounding area, you can visit Punta Cana Beach and Corales Golf Course.

Punta Cana Village
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Pueblo Bavaro

Visitors to Pueblo Bavaro appreciate its beaches. A visit to Downtown Punta Cana and Bavaro Beach might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Pueblo Bavaro
Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
The price is ฿11,341 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
฿11,341
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,494 reviews)
"An excellent first time in Punta Cana,"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Excellence Punta Cana - Adults Only All Inclusive
Excellence Punta Cana - Adults Only All Inclusive
5 out of 5
Playas Uvero Alto - Punta Cana, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,736 reviews)
"We had a beautiful stay. Entire staff was ver friendly and several staff in the Excellence Club went above and beyond to make our stay special. Beware of the independent tour operators in the lobby. One upsold us a tour were we couldn’t participate in 1/2 the activities due to the location restrictions ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Excellence Punta Cana - Adults Only All Inclusive
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive
5 out of 5
Playas de Bavaro, Higuey, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
The price is ฿16,807 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
฿16,807
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,469 reviews)
"Sonia Pierre was very helpful to make sure we had everything we needed and enjoyed our stay. We love staying at the Lopesan costa Bávaro."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Costa Love Aparta-Hotel
Costa Love Aparta-Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Av. Pastor Domingo de la Cruz, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and private pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (126 reviews)
A cute find!
"It was a quick stay but such a cute place with super friendly staff for a very reasonable rate. Would go back!"

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Costa Love Aparta-Hotel
Playa Palmera Beach Resort
Playa Palmera Beach Resort
5 out of 5
Blvrd Andi Las Vegas Numero 1 Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking and a private beach. Popular attractions Macao Beach and Sirenis Aquagames ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (131 reviews)
"Stay was ok. Loved the transportation provided to get to the beach. Loved the beach chairs and umbrella accommodations as well as the bar on the beach."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Playa Palmera Beach Resort
Cana Brava Residences Rental Apartment
Cana Brava Residences Rental Apartment
5 out of 5
Cana Bay Resort, Punta Cana
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a golf course. Popular attractions Cana Bay Golf Club and Punta Blanca ...
9/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
New Construction, Great Location
"Awesome location away from the party scene (if you don’t want it) and close enough (if you do). Beach Club is A+, make sure you spend 90% of your time there."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Cana Brava Residences Rental Apartment
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do