Where the Atlantic brushes the Caribbean, Punta Cana unfurls 20 miles of blonde sand and swaying palms—the Dominican Republic’s postcard made real. Once quiet sugarcane country, today it’s a hub for beach lovers, divers, golfers, and couples drawn to its sapphire water and relaxed rhythm.

Beyond the all-inclusive resorts, you’ll find Macao’s surf breaks, the emerald lagoons of Ojos Indígenas, and day trips to Saona Island’s glassy shallows. Nights pulse with shows, party boats, and live music; days can be as lazy as a hammock or as adrenalized as an ATV ride through red-earth trails.

Expect tropical heat, quick sunbursts, and gloriously warm seas year-round. Carry pesos for small purchases, use reef-safe sunscreen, and follow beach-flag guidance. The cuisine swings from tostones and sancocho to fresh-caught snapper and elegant marina dining—perfect for a romantic week that won’t break the bank.

Punta Cana

Anchored by Bávaro and Cap Cana, Punta Cana is tailor‑made for a couples’ escape: silky beaches, calm water, and hidden nature pockets minutes from vibrant nightlife. It’s easy to mix a budget-friendly base with one or two special splurges.

• Top sights: Bávaro and Macao beaches, Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve, Cap Cana Marina, Indigenous-inspired Altos de Chavón (day trip), and Saona Island’s natural pool.
• Unique activities: ATV to a cenote-like cave, snorkeling cruises, jet-ski safaris, Monkeyland encounters, and zipline parks in the nearby hills.
• Dining highlights: Beachfront grills (Jellyfish, Playa Blanca), creative Dominican kitchens (La Casita de Yeya), international favorites (Citrus, Balicana, Noah).
• Nightlife & shows: Coco Bongo Show & Disco, Imagine Cave nightclub, Onno’s live music, Pearl Beach Club DJ nights; Hard Rock Live often hosts touring bands and comedians—check schedules when you arrive.
• How to get there: Fly into PUJ (Punta Cana International). From many U.S. East Coast cities, flights run ~2.5–4.5 hours. Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com.
• Where to stay (handpicked): Budget-friendly apartments and condos via VRBO Punta Cana or deals on Hotels.com Punta Cana. For specific stays: Karibo Punta Cana (wallet‑friendly condo suites with pool), The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real (amenities-rich), or the elegant Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana Resort & Club if planning one splurge night.
• Getting around: Resorts and beaches cluster within 10–30 minutes of PUJ. Taxis run ~$25–$45 each way to Bávaro/Cap Cana; for convenience, book a private transfer: Private Punta Cana Airport Transfers Hotels in Dominican Republic.

Day 1: Arrival, Sand Between Your Toes, and a Sunset Toast

Afternoon: Land at PUJ and glide to your hotel (25–30 minutes to Bávaro). For a smooth start, prebook Private Punta Cana Airport Transfers. Drop bags, then wander onto Bávaro Beach near Los Corales—powdery sand, calm water, and kite surfers stitching the horizon.

Evening: Welcome dinner right on the sand at Jellyfish Restaurant (grilled Caribbean lobster, seafood paella; ask for a beachfront table). Budget alternative: Wacamole for zesty tacos, guac, and margaritas. Nightcap with live tunes at Onno’s Bávaro or a slow stroll along the surf.

Day 2: Bávaro Beach Bliss, Couples’ Spa, and Show Night

Morning: Fuel up at Brot Panadería & Café (almond croissants, strong espresso) before a lazy beach session. Rent loungers at Soles Chill Out Bar; order a passionfruit mojito and dip in and out of the turquoise shallows.

Afternoon: Couples’ massage at Flavio Acuña Spa Natura (good value and highly rated). Prefer a resort spa setting? Book the hydrotherapy circuit and a ritual at Six Senses Spa inside Puntacana Resort. Late lunch at La Casita de Yeya—try pollo guisado, moro de guandules, and tostones for an authentic Dominican plate.

Evening: Early dinner at Citrus (tuna tartare, limey ceviches, fresh pastas). Then dress up for Coco Bongo Show & Disco—part concert, part acrobatics, part dance party. Not into big productions? Sip cocktails at Pearl Beach Club with DJ sets and cabana vibes.

Day 3: ATV to a Water Cave and Wild Macao Beach

Morning: Kick up some dust on this half-day ride: ATV Adventure to Water Cave and Macao Beach in Punta Cana (approx. 3.5–4 hours; typical from ~$55–$85 pp). You’ll rumble past farms to a freshwater cave for a dip, then finish at gorgeous Macao Beach for photos.

Afternoon: Stay on Macao Beach for a simple, delicious lunch—order fried fish with lime and tostones at the local shacks. Swim (watch the surf, it’s livelier here than Bávaro), then head back for a pool siesta.

Evening: Dinner at Citrus if you missed it, or go pan-Asian in a lantern-lit garden at Balicana (pad thai, sushi rolls, Thai curries). Night owls can descend into the stalactite rooms of Imagine Cave for a one-of-a-kind nightclub setting.

Day 4: Full-Day Saona Island—Turquoise Dreams

Set out on the classic Punta Cana day trip: Saona Island Tour from Punta Cana – All Inclusive Full Day (about 9–10 hours door-to-door; often ~$70–$110 pp). Expect a lively catamaran or speedboat ride, an “in-sea” natural pool stop, and long strands of powder sand fringed by palms. Lunch and open bar included; bring a hat, reef‑safe sunscreen, and a dry bag for your phone.

Back in Bávaro by evening, keep dinner light—try La Cava Kitchen & Bar for tapas, or gelato at Punto Italia if you’re happily sun‑tired.

Day 5: Ojos Indígenas Lagoons, Jet Skis, and a Marina Stroll

Morning: Breakfast at Dalia’s Café & Bakery (arepas, fresh juices), then explore Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve. Walk jungle trails to swim in crystalline lagoons—romantic and refreshing. Allow 2–3 hours including photos and swims.

Afternoon: Head to Cabeza de Toro or Bávaro for a guided jet‑ski session (operators run 30–60‑minute safaris; expect ~$70–$120 per jet ski, weather‑dependent). Late lunch at Playa Blanca—grilled mahi, coconut shrimp, and an unbeatable toes‑in‑the‑sand setting.

Evening: Dine bayside at Noah Restaurant & Lounge (octopus carpaccio, churrasco with chimichurri; good cocktails). If shows are your thing, check the week’s lineup at Hard Rock Live—touring bands and occasional comedy nights pop up regularly.

Day 6: Small-Group Snorkeling and a Sunset Party Boat

Morning: Join a limited-capacity sail for reef time without the crowds: Small Group Snorkeling Cruise with Open Bar and Light Snacks (about 3 hours; often ~$75–$110 pp). You’ll drift over coral gardens, then anchor in a shallow natural pool for floating and rum punch.

Afternoon: Pool time and a couples’ hydrotherapy circuit—if you saved your splurge, book the sunset slot at Six Senses Spa. Snack stop: AmaLuna Vegan Restaurant & Lab for fresh juices and plant‑based bowls.

Evening: Turn up the fun with an adults‑only cruise: Hip Hop adult only Party Boat with Unlimited drinks & sand‑bar (~3 hours; typically ~$60–$95 pp). Expect DJ sets, snorkel time, and a lively sandbar party—great for couples who like their sunsets with a soundtrack.

Day 7: Slow Brunch, Last Dip, and Departure

Morning: Brunch back at Dalia’s or Brot, then souvenir shopping in Punta Cana Village or BlueMall (coffee, cacao, and local art make great gifts). Take one last swim at Bávaro or a quiet beach walk in Cap Cana if time allows.

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to PUJ. If you prefer a reserved ride back, use the same Private Punta Cana Airport Transfers. Safe travels!

Optional/Alternative Activities You Can Swap In

Prefer wildlife to parties? Trade a nightlife slot for Monkeyland and Plantation Safari Tour to hand‑feed squirrel monkeys and learn about local crops (family-friendly and memorable). Want even more adrenaline? Zipline, chairlift, horses, and ATVs in one mega‑day at La Hacienda’s “7 Tours” park.

Where to Book & Practical Notes

• Flights: Compare prices and times on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Aim for morning arrivals to maximize Day 1 beach time.
• Stays: For your 31/100 budget, mix a wallet‑friendly base like Karibo Punta Cana or a VRBO condo with one special‑occasion dinner or spa session. If celebrating, consider a night at Tortuga Bay.
• Tours to prebook (aligning with your interests):
  - ATV to Macao & water cave
  - Saona Island all‑inclusive
  - Small‑group snorkel cruise
  - Adults‑only party boat
• Money & tips: Cards widely accepted; keep small pesos for taxis and beach shacks. 10% tip is appreciated at restaurants if not included.
• Safety & sea: Observe beach flags, watch currents at Macao, and use biodegradable sunscreen to protect reefs.