Things to Do
Fun Things to do in Punta Cana
Parasailing near Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana
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Go all-out this summer and take Punta Cana by Storm!
When it comes to activities in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is the number one destination for entertainment and excursions in the region. So, aside from lounging poolside, or on the beach, we’ve put together 11 things to do in Punta Cana for you to get your tan-on, and create some awesome memories to tell your jealous friends back home at the same time.
Plus, we also added some additional info for you to link to, and learn more about these Punta Cana activities.
Scuba diving lesson in Punta Cana
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Diving and Snorkeling
Pro, or aficionado, Punta Cana is a world of pure Caribbean and coraline shores that you simply wouldn’t resist. Whichever of the best beaches in Punta Cana you wish to visit, the experience is sure to be a pleasurable one, as the reefs are extensive, and full of diverse marine life species that decorate the sea bottom with vibrant oceanic colors.
Thinking about diving this season? Our Guide to Diving in the DR will give you the basics to get started.
Party boat in Punta Cana
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Party boating
The name says it all, and with the call of the ocean and rum cocktails in your system, there's really only one place to be, and that’s on the party boat Punta Cana excursions. Dance to the sound of tropical Dominican hits as you sail through the Caribbean waters, stopping off at natural pools full of beautiful fish species to cool off with a quick dip.
Buggy ATV adventures in Punta Cana
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ATV
Get those 4-wheelers revving up this season for that little dose of adrenaline that you just gotta have. This all terrain experience will take you treading over sand, dirt, and mangroves for a tropical adventure that'll have you laughing the whole way through.
Forest lake at Ojos indígenas park in Punta Cana
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Ojos indígenas
Get drawn in by these gorgeous “Indigenous Eyes,” the naturally clear fresh water pools in Punta Cana that keeps celebrities like Kim Kardashian returning for more bikini photoshoots. You’ll walk through ancient forested areas that bear medicinal plant species and fruit trees once used by the Taino indigenous people themselves - not to mention the cute native animals you can touch along the way. Definitely one of the most enjoyable things to do in Punta Cana.
Get more info with our piece on the Ojos Indigenas Ecological Reserve!
Hoyo Azul caves, Punta Cana
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Hoyo Azul
Take a plunge into the striking Blue Hole ‘Hoyo Azul,’ at Scape Park, an impactful cenote that stands out intensely from its dry surroundings. This fresh source of water gets its strong indigo blue color from the different layers of density in the water, each layer varying slightly from the other to form this natural hotspot.
Coastline of Saona Island
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Saona Island
Ah yes, Saona! If there were ever a beauty pageant for islands in the DR, Saona Island would be crowned Queen. Located off the coast of the highly significant Cotubanama National Park, Saona is just heaven at best. The lively reefs, the pure crystal water, and the wildly diverse tropical terrain makes the island a cause for national pride among the Dominican People.
Fascinated by marine life? Check out our article on Wildlife in the Dominican Republic. You’ll love it.
Horseback riding on the beach in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana
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Horseback at dusk
Let’s show these wonderful creatures some love and bond with horses like never before with the awesome Caribbean sea as your backdrop. Once the sun begins to set, the semi-clouded sky lights up with intense pinks, reds, and oranges, making for the perfect finale to a trail well-traveled.
Catamaran in the ocean near Punta Cana
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Boating
Zoom through the historic southeastern Dominican coastline on a speedboat or jet ski to get a real kick, or even rent out a catamaran with a licensed captain, for a crazy all-day tour. You can even get your own chef to cook something up, or you can just pack a couple of coolers with your favorite drinks and snacks for a more personal touch.
Parasailing at Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana
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Parasailing
Aside from riding ATVs and gliding over jungle on ziplines, Parasailing has got to be one of the most daring activities in Punta Cana yet, and thousands profess it to be an unforgettable time. It’s as simple as taking a deep breath, tucking in your legs, and letting a speedboat traveling at 40 km/h pull you up to 500 feet above sea level, for a magnificent 360-degree view of Punta Cana’s coastline.
Zip-lining in Punta Cana
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Monkey land Zip-lining Adventure
That’s right primate lovers, Monkeyland is open for business with a band of the most adorable Squirrel monkeys that attack you with nothing but cuteness. Apart from an exciting trip, it’s also a great learning experience for travelers of all ages. Here you’ll get a quick masterclass on Dominican culture and heritage.
Cacao plantation near Punta Cana
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Chocolate Museum
Discover the secrets to making the best organic Dominican chocolate from pure cacao fruit. They’ll show you the entire process, from the history of its cultivation, to the modern refinement which allows for a wider range of textures and purities. The best part is that you’ll be making it yourself, which gives you plenty of time to munch on the samples while you’re there.
Movie theater
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Movie Theater
Not quite what you would expect to do on your Caribbean vacay, but nothing says ‘family time’ like going to see the latest major motion picture in Spanish!. You never know when there might be a rainy day and your excursion gets canceled, so instead of being trapped in your resort, or hotel room, check out the latest flicks to see at Caribbean Cinemas in the Plaza San Juan shopping center Punta Cana.
Talking about movies, see which Hollywood blockbusters were Filmed in the DR!
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Alcázar de Colón: Dominican History Lives Here
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Hike to the Salto de Jimenoa Uno Waterfall
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Set Sail for Saona Island
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