Punta Cana
Everything you need to know before you go.
Punta Cana is located at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic in the province of La Altagracia. It is basically a giant tourist resort town with white sandy beaches and shallow ocean waters that feature natural marine pools for bathing. The vibe is heavily centered on tourism, which makes up 100% of the local economy. Because it is a popular spring break spot, it attracts crowds looking for sun and beach time. If you visit between December and April, expect to pay much more for flights and hotels than you would in the summer or early fall.
You will find yourself near areas like Bávaro, El Cortecito, Cabeza de Toro, Cabo Engaño, and Juanillo. A big tip is to be careful with your spending. Prices here are higher than in other parts of the Dominican Republic, and if you buy souvenirs, cigars, or postcards inside a resort, you might pay up to 300% more than you would if you shopped outside. Some resorts try to scare guests away from leaving the property with stories of crime, but most locals are friendly and helpful. Just avoid flashing expensive jewelry or gadgets when you walk around.
The weather is tropical and stays around 26°C on average, though it can hit 32°C between April and November. Since it is flat and doesn't rain much, the summer months get very humid. I recommend packing light with loose cotton clothing. To get there, you will fly into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
Sightseeing Juanillo - A beautiful beach in Cap Cana that is now restricted to property owners and hotel guests. $0, 2h.
Outdoor Nature Corales Golf Course - An 18 hole course with seaside holes designed by Tom Fazio. $195 to $275, 4h. Dolphin Island - A boat ride to a floating platform where you swim with dolphins for 15 minutes. $Price varies, 2h. Marinarium - A water park featuring snorkeling with nurse sharks and stingrays. $Price varies, 3h. Seaquarium - An experience where you wear a diving helmet to walk on the ocean floor. $Price varies, 2h. Ocean Adventures Sailing Adventure - A sailing trip from Playa Corales that includes an Asian lunch buffet and open bar. $Price varies, 4.5h.
Cultural HorsePlay Punta Cana - A combo tour with horseback riding, zip lining, and cocoa and cigar demonstrations. $99, 6h.
Shopping Resort Beachfront Shops - Local shops located along the beach of each resort where you should spend your remaining pesos. $Price varies, 2h.
Day Trips Saona Island - A trip to a natural reserve in Parque Nacional del Este with white sands and dolphins. $Price varies, 8h. Altos de Chavon - An artist village on a cliff overlooking the Chavon River with an archaeological museum and galleries. $Price varies, 5h.
Here are some spots to stay in Punta Cana based on what I know.
Budget
- Punta Cana Guesthouse - Avenida Estados Unidos. $35 to $60/night. It is a home run by Florian and Lila that is close to the guagua station rather than the beach.
- Majestic Elegance Hotel - Playa Bavaro. Around $125/night. A solid option if you want a standard hotel experience in the Bavaro area.
Mid-range
- Westin Punta Cana Resort and Club - Punta Cana. $185/night. A reliable choice for those wanting more amenities.
- Melia Caribe Tropical - Playa de Bávaro. Price varies. This is a family friendly all inclusive resort.
Luxury
- Paradisus Palma Real - Bávaro Beach. Price varies. High end stay right on the beach.
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - Punta Cana. Price varies. A large all inclusive property with a casino.
For food, check these out:
- Capitan Cook (Seafood) - Cortecito. Go here for lobster on the main beach strip, though the service style is a bit unusual.
- Las Leñas II (Bakery/Coffee Shop) - Plaza Friusa. Great for breakfast or desserts in a rustic Spanish style setting.
Fly into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). It is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean and has an open air design with a thatched roof, so keep in mind that very few areas have air conditioning. Major US carriers like JetBlue, American Airlines, Frontier, United, and Delta fly there. While the reference data doesn't list specific flight costs from US cities, you should budget for a USD 10 tourist card before entering immigration, though this is sometimes included in your flight documents.
For ground transport, most people stay at resorts and have airport pickup prearranged. Once you clear customs, look to the right for guides holding signs with your hotel name. Do not just walk out to the buses because they are numbered and you won't know which one is yours; check in at the counters first.
If you aren't with a tour operator, taxis wait just outside the Customs area. They use fixed standard rates, but you should always clarify your destination and price before leaving. You pay when you arrive, and drivers accept dollars, pesos, or euros. Local buses are available for a minimal cost if you want to be adventurous, but they can be crowded and have irregular schedules.
If you are coming from Santo Domingo, it is about a three hour drive. You can take the Expreso Bavaro bus from the terminals in Santo Domingo. These buses are modern and include toilets and movies.
If you are planning a trip to Punta Cana, timing is everything because the prices shift wildly. Here is how I would break down the seasons based on what you need.
Peak Season: December to April This is when the crowds hit and the costs spike. Airfare and hotel rates increase dramatically during these months. The weather is very comfortable, with evening temperatures around 20°C from December to March. It is a great time to visit if you do not mind paying a premium for the best climate.
The Sweet Spot: May to November (excluding the peak of summer) If you want lower prices, look at the summer and early fall. While it is technically the hottest season, with daytime temperatures reaching 32°C, your wallet will thank you because hotel rates drop. Just be aware that the summer months get very warm and humid, so pack light, loose fitting cotton clothing.
Months to Be Cautious Of: July and August These are the peak of the heat and humidity. If you cannot handle heavy humidity, avoid these months. However, if you prioritize a budget over the weather, this is when you will find the cheapest deals on flights and rooms.
Quick Weather Guide The average temperature stays around 26°C year round. Because the landscape is flat, very little rain falls in the area. You will find the ocean is mainly shallow with natural marine pools, which is perfect for bathing regardless of when you go.
Practical Tips for Your Stay Since tourism is 100% of the local economy in La Altagracia, prices here are higher than in other parts of the Dominican Republic. Be especially careful with spending inside resorts. I have seen prices for souvenirs, cigars and postcards marked up to 300% compared to outside.
You might hear resort staff tell scary stories about robberies or murders to keep you from leaving the property. Take those stories with a grain of salt. People are generally friendly and helpful. Just use common sense: do not flash expensive gadgets, jewelry or large amounts of cash when you venture out toward neighborhoods like Bávaro, El Cortecito, Juanillo, Cabeza de Toro or Cabo Engaño.