There are many attractions in Punta Cana and its environs that will help dilute a measured beach holiday with a rich program. The attractions are mostly natural – parks, lagoons, islands, waterfalls and coral reefs.
The first thing to do is to go to the reserve “Indigenus Ice”. This is an ecological park in which the Dominicans managed to preserve the virgin rainforest in its original form. There are more than 500 species of endangered plants and about 100 species of birds. Lianas, bright large flowers and hundred-year-old trees create an unusual atmosphere. It is worth taking your bathing accessories with you – lagoons with clear water are hidden in the shade of the forest, and sea turtles lay their future offspring on the white sand.
For historical and architectural sights, it is worth visiting the neighboring Salvaleón de Higuey. Many monuments and religious buildings of the colonial era have been preserved here, among which the most interesting are the Church of the Holy Virgin of La Altagracia, the well of the Holy Virgin and the Cross of Forgiveness. In addition to idle tourists, they attract Catholic pilgrims from different countries.
The beaches of Punta Cana
Beaches are the main attraction of Punta Cana. Most of them are public and admission is free. For a secluded holiday, it is best to go to Macau. This is one of the most environmentally friendly corners of the east coast. There are no umbrellas, sun loungers and water attractions, but there are also few people. In addition, there are good waves that attract surfers.
Many Punta Cana beaches are suitable for a quiet family holiday with children. The coast is covered with clean sand, the entrance to the water is gentle, and the swimming area is separated from the open sea by coral reefs, so it is quite safe here. The infrastructure is not very well developed – there are water activities and sunbeds with umbrellas (from 50 DOP), but there are no toilets and changing rooms, and fresh water in showers.
Buying anything edible on the beaches is not recommended – it can be dangerous.
Bavaro is the busiest beach in Punta Cana. Bars and discos work here, during spring break they are filled with Canadian and American youth. Divers will be interested in coral reefs, underwater caves and sunken ships.
Diving in Punta Cana
Punta Cana has everything you need for exciting dives – the warm Caribbean Sea with colorful corals, bright tropical fish, underwater grottoes and sunken ships, and diving centers and schools on the shore.
There are many dive sites along the coast, some of them so close to the coast that you don’t have to swim anywhere. For beginners, there will be enough impressions in shallow water, for experienced ones there are zones up to 30 m deep, while visibility remains within 15-25 m. Of the most interesting objects in terms of diving, there is the largest reef in the Dominican Republic, 3 sunken ships that have been chosen by marine life and a small cave. Prices depend on the specific club and the qualifications of the diver.
Those who want to see the underwater kingdom in all its glory should dive in the Caribbean Sea – there is not much to see in the waters of the Atlantic.
When the region itself has already been explored, you can get out on an excursion to the nearby islets. The most popular is Catalinita, which attracts tourists with its rich underwater world. People come here for diving, snorkeling and water safari. And for lunch it is proposed to taste the inhabitants of coastal waters.
4 things to do in Punta Cana
- Stroke a sea stingray or other peaceful inhabitant of coastal waters.
- Find the most unusual banana dish.
- Arm yourself with flippers and a mask and explore the coral reef.
- Find the most deserted beach in the area and feel like the only person on a tropical desert island.
Punta Cana for kids
Holidays with children in Punta Cana are easy and safe. Most hotels are equipped with play areas, animators work, some have pools with slides. Water attractions are installed on many beaches.
The cultural program must include a visit to two parks – the natural “Manati” (off. site in English) and the marine “Marinarium” (off. site in English). The first is a large entertainment complex, on the territory of which there is a lush garden with orchids and other tropical plants and a zoo inhabited by snakes, iguanas, parrots and other representatives of the local fauna. And the dolphinarium will definitely not leave young travelers indifferent. In addition, the village of the ancient Taino tribe is recreated here, and there is an exhibition of clothing and household items of the natives.
Marinarium is a park on the open sea where you can admire the inhabitants of the coral reef and even make friends with them. You can also snorkel, pet a real stingray, ride a glass-bottomed boat along the reef or go diving.
With children under 13 years old, it will not be possible to get on an excursion to the Marinarium.
Weather in Punta Cana
Punta Cana has comfortable hot weather almost all year round without sudden changes. The average annual temperature is +30 °C, from May to October the thermometer can rise to +35 °C. See citypopulationreview.com for weather in the capital of Dominican Republic.
From May to July, the resort has a rainy season with heavy but short showers. In autumn, the hurricane season begins in the region, but they usually attack the island of Haiti from the western side, and by the time they reach the resorts of the Dominican Republic, they subside. From November to March the temperature is around +20°C.
