Sun-warmed trade winds, powder-soft sands, and reef-blue water: Punta Cana has become the Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive superstar for good reason. Built from a sleepy coastal stretch into a resort hub in the 1970s, it’s now a gateway to excellent snorkeling, catamaran sails, and protected nature reserves. You’ll find everything from quiet, couples-only escapes to action-packed family resorts.

Culture is never far away. Merengue and bachata spill from beach bars, while classic dishes—la bandera (rice, beans, stewed meat), tostones, and fresh-caught snapper—anchor menus. Day trips reach postcard islands like Saona and cenote-like lagoons such as Hoyo Azul. Golfers have bucket-list courses, and night owls have theatrical shows and cave nightclubs.

Practical notes: Fly into PUJ (Punta Cana International). U.S. dollars are widely accepted, though the Dominican peso (DOP) is the official currency. Tap water is not potable—stick to bottled. Hurricane season runs June–November; peak dry months are December–April. Most visitors complete a free e-ticket entry form online; check current requirements before departure.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana stretches along Bávaro’s sweeping white sands to elite Cap Cana’s coves and marina. Expect calm, swimmable water, a reef for snorkeling, and a huge choice of all-inclusive resorts—romantic, family-friendly, or adults-only.

• Top sights & experiences: Bávaro Beach, Cap Cana’s Juanillo Beach, Saona Island catamaran, Scape Park (ziplining and Hoyo Azul), Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, Macao Beach surfing.
• Food & drink highlights: Grilled lobster on the sand at Jellyfish, dockside Mediterranean-Dominican plates at La Yola, creative Latin-leaning comfort at Noah, and casual tacos at Wacamole.
• Fun facts: Merengue—fast, festive, and proudly Dominican—has UNESCO recognition. Punta Cana’s coral reef helps keep the water lagoon-calm and that iconic aquamarine.

Where to stay (All-Inclusive Areas): Bávaro Beach (walkable, lively), Cap Cana (upscale, quiet), Uvero Alto (long beaches, a little farther). Browse options on Hotels.com (Punta Cana) or consider spacious condos and villa-resort hybrids on VRBO (Punta Cana). Popular names to search: Cap Cana adults-only enclaves, family-friendly Bávaro favorites, and big-amenity resorts with water parks and kids’ clubs.

Getting there: Fly into PUJ. Search fares on Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com (Flights). From the U.S. East Coast, expect ~3.5–4.5 hours nonstop; Miami is ~2 hours. Airport taxis to Bávaro run ~US$35–45 (15–25 minutes); shared shuttles often US$15–25 per person.

Day 1 – Arrival, Beach Walk, and a Caribbean Welcome

Afternoon: Arrive PUJ and check in. Drop your bags and take a barefoot stroll along Bávaro Beach to reset after the flight. Order your first fria (cold beer) or a passionfruit mojito at the resort’s beach bar—hydrate and savor the breeze.

Evening: Ease into the buffet for a light plate of grilled fish and tropical fruit, then book your à la carte dinners for the week. If you want an off-property first taste, head to Noah Restaurant & Lounge in Punta Cana Village (10–15 minutes; taxi ~US$15–20) for tuna tataki, braised short ribs, and passionfruit cheesecake. Nightcap at the resort’s lobby bar with live merengue.

Day 2 – Settle In: Water Sports, Spa, and Dominican Flavors

Morning: Coffee and omelets at the resort breakfast, then borrow a kayak or paddleboard—most all-inclusives include non-motorized watersports. Snorkel along the reef if conditions are calm; mornings are usually clearest.

Afternoon: Book a 50–80 minute massage or hydrotherapy circuit. If you’d like a local lunch run, Wacamole (Los Corales) does fresh tacos, guac, and margaritas in a colorful open-air space; or try Citrus Restaurant for mahi-mahi with coconut sauce and passionfruit caipirinhas.

Evening: Dine at your resort’s Dominican or seafood à la carte—look for la bandera and crispy tostones. After dinner, consider Coco Bongo Punta Cana (Downtown Punta Cana; show + open bar tickets typically ~US$80–150). Expect acrobatics, DJs, and theatrical mashups—go for spectacle, not quiet conversation.

Day 3 – Saona Island Catamaran (Full-Day)

Join a full-day excursion to Isla Saona, famed for turquoise shallows and broad palms. You’ll transfer ~1.5 hours to Bayahíbe, cruise by catamaran with music and open bar, stop at a natural pool to spot starfish, then enjoy beach time and a buffet lunch. Powerboat back cuts travel time. Typical cost: ~US$75–120 per adult including transport. Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, cash for souvenirs, and a dry bag for phones.

Day 4 – Scape Park: Ziplining & Hoyo Azul, Dinner on the Marina

Morning: Head to Scape Park Cap Cana (25–35 minutes; taxi ~US$25–35). Start with zipline circuits over jungle and limestone cliffs—the views are classic Caribbean greens and blues. Day passes usually run ~US$129–149 per adult.

Afternoon: Cool off with a swim at Hoyo Azul, a jewel-toned freshwater cenote-like lagoon at the base of a cliff. Grab a casual burger or bowl onsite before heading back to refresh.

Evening: Book a table at La Yola (Puntacana Resort Marina)—a stilted, open-air spot where boats bob beside your table. Order the catch of the day, octopus carpaccio, and coconut flan. It’s a romantic, special-occasion pick; taxis run ~US$15–25 from most resorts.

Day 5 – Nature & Culture: Indigenous Eyes Reserve, Cigar/Rum Notes, Jellyfish at Sunset

Morning: Visit the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve (Ojos Indígenas), a private 1,500-acre park with 12 freshwater lagoons; several are swimmable. Non-guest adult entry is usually ~US$50. Walk shaded trails, spot birds and butterflies, and plunge into crystal-clear water.

Afternoon: Browse Punta Cana Village for coffee and light bites at Gourmet Market (empanadas, sandwiches, good espresso). If you’re curious about local products, ask your concierge about a short, guided cigar-rolling demonstration or a resort-hosted rum tasting—both are common on-site activities.

Evening: Book Jellyfish Restaurant right on the sand between Bávaro and Punta Cana. Think grilled lobster, garlic shrimp, and a toes-in-the-sand vibe perfect at golden hour. After dinner, stop by the resort’s theater show or try Imagine Punta Cana, a nightclub in a real cave (covers often ~US$25–40).

Day 6 – Macao Beach Surfing, Pool Time, and a Beachfront Private Dinner

Morning: Head to Macao Beach (25–35 minutes). Local surf schools run beginner lessons year-round; typical small-group pricing is ~US$40–60 for 2 hours with board and rashguard. When waves are mellow, it’s ideal for first-timers.

Afternoon: Keep lunch casual at Macao (try fried fish with tostones from a beach shack) or back at your resort. Spend the afternoon around the pool—with a piña colada in hand—and tackle a beach-read while you dry in the sun.

Evening: Arrange a private candlelit dinner on the beach through your resort—usually a multicourse menu with a dedicated server. Not into formalities? Stay relaxed with à la carte Italian or Asian on property, then test your luck at a nearby casino for an hour or two.

Day 7 – Easy Morning, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Sleep in, then one last swim. Pack, check your room safe twice, and set aside tip envelopes for staff who brightened your stay.

Afternoon: If time allows, swing by BlueMall Puntacana for last-minute gifts (Dominican coffee, cacao, mamajuana kits). A relaxed farewell lunch back in Punta Cana Village at Noah works well if you didn’t make it on Day 1. Transfer to PUJ for your flight—search or check-in reminders on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Insider Tips:

• Bring small bills for tips (US$1–5) for bell staff, bartenders, and housekeeping; it goes a long way.
• Book Saona, Scape Park, and Coco Bongo early; prime slots sell out in high season (Dec–Apr).
• For snorkeling, mornings are clearer and calmer; ask your resort for current reef conditions.
• Sun is strong—reef-safe SPF 30+, a rashguard, and a wide-brim hat are your best friends.

In a week you’ll glide from reef-blue water and zipline viewpoints to merengue nights and elegant marina dinners, all with the ease of an all-inclusive base. Punta Cana’s blend of beach, light adventure, and flavor-rich dining makes it a Caribbean classic you’ll happily repeat.