The eastern tip of the Dominican Republic is all sun‑splashed shoreline and swaying palms, but Punta Cana also tells a modern island story: sugar estates gave way to eco‑parks, local fishing villages meet world‑class marinas, and Afro‑Taino rhythms drift from bars after dark. Bávaro’s long reef shelters calm, swimmable water, while nearby Cap Cana hides jungle cenotes, dramatic limestone cliffs, and clear‑as‑glass lagoons.

Beyond the beach, the region serves up adventure—zipline parks, snorkeling catamarans, and ATV rides to wild Macao Beach—plus day trips to Saona Island’s chalk‑white sand. Food ranges from seaside grills serving just‑caught snapper to contemporary Dominican kitchens where mofongo, sancocho, and tostones shine.

Practical notes: Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) sits 15–30 minutes from most hotels by taxi. Cards are widely accepted, but keep small cash for beach vendors and tips. Dress is resort‑casual; bring reef‑safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket (for brief tropical showers), and water shoes for cenotes.

Punta Cana

Think powdery beaches, reef‑protected lagoons, and trade‑wind breezes. Bávaro and El Cortecito are your lively, walkable hubs; Cap Cana brings upscale calm and access to Scape Park’s jungle thrills; Macao remains wild and wave‑kissed, loved by surfers and beach shacks grilling lobster to order.

• Top sights: Bávaro Beach, Juanillo Beach (Cap Cana), Scape Park’s Hoyo Azul lagoon, Macao Beach, Punta Cana Marina boardwalk.
• Great for: Snorkeling, ziplining, catamaran cruises, cenote swims, beach horseback riding, rum and cacao tastings, live merengue/bachata.
• Dining snapshot: From grilled dorado on the sand to contemporary Dominican at Jalao Cap Cana, plus international favorites in Punta Cana Village and Los Corales.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Beachfront luxury: Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana Resort & Club — elegant Oscar de la Renta–designed villas with a calm private beach and golf access. Check Tortuga Bay availability
• Great value near Bávaro: Karibo Punta Cana — condo‑style units with kitchenettes close to El Cortecito’s eateries; good for longer stays. See Karibo Punta Cana
• Resort with family amenities: The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real — spacious suites, kids’ activities, and an easy stroll to Bávaro Beach. Explore The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real
• Browse more stays: Hotels from boutique to all‑inclusive on Hotels.com (Punta Cana) or villas/condos on VRBO (Punta Cana).

How to get there: Fly into PUJ. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop time from Miami ~2.5 hrs; NYC ~4 hrs; many West Coast routes connect via MIA/ATL (7–9 hrs total). Round‑trip prices often range $280–$750 depending on season.

On arrival: PUJ to Bávaro is 20–30 minutes by licensed taxi (~US$25–45), 15 minutes to Cap Cana (~US$20–35), and 45–60 minutes to Uvero Alto (~US$60–80). Many resorts offer pre‑booked shuttles; confirm your pickup point outside customs.

Day 1 — Touchdown, First Dip, and a Seaside Welcome

Morning: Fly to PUJ. Use Trip.com or Kiwi.com to snag a morning arrival so you still catch the beach before sunset. Keep swimsuits in your carry‑on for an easy change.

Afternoon: Check in and wander to Bávaro Beach; the calm water is perfect for a decompression swim. Grab a late lunch at Jellyfish (grilled lobster, coconut shrimp, and a breezy deck steps from the sand) or Captain Cook (Dominican‑style fried fish and tostones; casual, feet‑in‑the‑sand vibe).

Evening: Celebrate your first night at La Yola (over‑water deck at the marina; Caribbean–Mediterranean plates like octopus carpaccio and line‑caught snapper). Prefer casual? Noah Restaurant & Lounge near Downtown Punta Cana does reliably good ceviches, churrasco, and passion‑fruit cocktails. Nightcap at Onno’s Bávaro for beachy tunes.

Day 2 — Bávaro Beach Morning + Small‑Group Snorkeling Catamaran

Morning: Coffee and pastries at Dalia’s Café & Bakery (try a guava‑cheese croissant or the Dominican “tres golpes”: mangú with fried cheese, salami, and egg). Stroll El Cortecito’s beachfront—vendors sell fresh coconuts and colorful crafts. If you like a quiet cove, walk toward Los Corales.

Afternoon: Set sail on a small‑group catamaran to snorkel the reef, with light snacks and an open bar. Expect reef fish, a sandbar stop, and easy ladder entries—ideal for first‑timers. Book: Small Group Snorkeling Cruise with Open Bar and Light Snacks. From ~$75–$110.

Evening: Freshen up and go seaside at Kukua Beach Club for seafood paella and grilled octopus under twinkly lights; or Citrus (Los Corales) for tuna tartare, Caribbean curry, and good mocktails. For music, pop into Drink Point Bávaro—a local favorite for merengue and bachata.

Day 3 — Scape Park Cap Cana: Ziplines, Caves, and Hoyo Azul (Full‑Day)

Spend a full day at Scape Park—ride cliffside ziplines, swim in sapphire‑blue Hoyo Azul, and float through limestone caverns. Bring water shoes and a dry bag; lockers are available on site. Book: Punta Cana Scape Park and Blue Hole Full Day Admission Ticket. From ~$129–$159.

Post‑park dinner in Cap Cana: Jalao Cap Cana brings live music and Dominican hits like chivo guisado (goat stew) and tostones with crab; or choose La Palapa by Eden Roc for refined seafood with marina views.

Day 4 — Culture in Higüey, Market Bites, and a Spa Sunset

Morning: Fuel up at Caffeina in Punta Cana Village (iced lattes, ham‑and‑cheese croissants), then taxi ~45 minutes inland to Higüey to visit the soaring Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, a modernist pilgrimage site completed in 1971. Nearby markets sell tropical fruit, fresh cacao, and local cheeses—great for light snacks.

Afternoon: Head back toward the coast. If you’re curious about chocolate and rum, stop at the ChocoMuseo in Bávaro for tastings and cacao history. Then unwind at your resort pool or book a late‑day massage (resort spas often discount mid‑week afternoons).

Evening: Dinner at La Casita de Yeya (homey Dominican plates—try mofongo with shrimp or a hearty sancocho). Craving pasta? Mamma Luisa in Punta Cana Village serves handmade ravioli and a good Chianti list. For a calm drink, SBG Punta Cana offers lounge seating by the water with a solid spritz.

Day 5 — ATV to Macao Beach, Surf Vibes, and Cave Club Nightlife

Morning: Go off‑road through the countryside, splash into a water cave, and rumble to wild Macao Beach on a guided ATV. Expect muddy trails—wear clothes that can get dirty. Book: ATV Adventure to Water Cave and Macao Beach in Punta Cana. From ~$60–$85.

Afternoon: Linger on Macao’s broad bay—waves are great for beginner surf lessons, and simple shacks grill lobster and dorado to order. Back in Bávaro, grab a late lunch at Wacamole (al pastor tacos, guac with mango, cold cervezas).

Evening: If you want a big night out, Coco Bongo delivers a high‑energy variety show before the dance floor takes over; or head to Imagine Punta Cana, a nightclub built into natural caves—memorable acoustics and themed rooms.

Day 6 — Saona Island: Natural Pools, Starfish, and Sugar‑White Sand (Full‑Day)

Day‑trip to Saona Island for the classic Caribbean dream: gin‑clear water, shallow sandbars, and palm‑lined beaches. Small‑group boats often stop at Mano Juan (a sleepy fishing village) and the Natural Pool for starfish spotting. Pack a hat and extra SPF. Book: Small Group: Saona Island Full Day Tour. From ~$130–$165.

Back ashore, keep dinner light: Playa Blanca does grilled catch of the day and plantains on a lantern‑lit deck, perfect after a salty, sun‑drenched outing.

Day 7 — Last Swim, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Sunrise walk and final swim at Bávaro. Brunch at Balicana (Los Corales)—their Thai curries and mango salads hit the spot—or opt for smoothie bowls and eggs at Dalia’s if you prefer sweet and simple.

Afternoon: Pick up cacao nibs, Dominican coffee, and larimar jewelry at BlueMall Punta Cana or Galerías Punta Cana. Aim for the airport 3 hours before international flights; taxis are readily available (~US$25–$35 from Bávaro).

Evening: If you have a late departure, book a “day‑use” slot at your hotel’s beach or grab an early dinner at Pranama (butter chicken, garlic naan) before heading to PUJ. Otherwise—buen viaje!

Practical Tips and Local Intel

• Getting around: Resort taxis are fixed‑rate; agree on fares before departing. Distances are short but traffic can thicken near Downtown Punta Cana around 5–7 pm.
• Beach etiquette: Reefs are fragile—use reef‑safe sunscreen and avoid standing on coral. Jellyfish are rare but watch for flags and lifeguard signs.
• Dining costs: Casual beach grills run ~$12–$25 per main; mid‑range restaurants ~$18–$35; fine dining $35+ (seafood and imported steaks highest).
• Weather: Expect 77–86°F (25–30°C) year‑round; brief showers pass quickly. Trade winds can make evenings breezy—bring a light layer.

Optional Add‑Ons (If You Extend)

• Monkey encounters: Families love Monkeyland’s guided interactions; or combine with ziplines for a full day.
• Beach horseback riding: Sunrise or golden‑hour rides along a quiet stretch of sand are unforgettable for couples.

Handpicked Experiences Featured in This Itinerary

• Small Group Snorkeling Cruise with Open Bar and Light Snacks

  

• Punta Cana Scape Park and Blue Hole Full Day Admission Ticket

  

• ATV Adventure to Water Cave and Macao Beach in Punta Cana

  

• Small Group: Saona Island Full Day Tour

  

Seven days in Punta Cana pairs lazy beach mornings with just‑right thrills—reef snorkeling, jungle ziplines, an ATV to wild Macao, and a dreamy Saona escape. With great dining and easy logistics, this is a Caribbean week you’ll talk about long after the sand is out of your shoes.