Punta Cana is not a town so much as a coastline. The name covers a string of resort areas on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic: Cap Cana and Punta Cana itself near the airport, Bávaro in the middle with the longest beach and most hotels, and Macao and Uvero Alto to the north. Most visitors stay in an all-inclusive, and the art of a good trip is choosing the few excursions that are worth leaving the resort for. Here is how to put a first visit together.
Arriving
Nearly everyone flies into Punta Cana International Airport, which sits close to the resorts rather than in a city, so transfers are short by Caribbean standards: about 25 minutes to Bávaro or Macao and about 45 minutes to Uvero Alto. Many all-inclusive packages include a shared shuttle; a private transfer costs more but skips the stops at other hotels, which is worth it after a long flight. Arrive with a little cash in small bills for porters and drivers.
How many days
Five nights is the minimum to unwind and still fit in one big excursion. A week is the sweet spot: enough for two full-day trips, a half-day activity or two, and plenty of beach time in between. With ten days or more, add Los Haitises or a night in Santo Domingo.
What to book ahead
The small-group trips sell out first. The Saona Island small-group tour and the Happy Fish catamaran are usually booked a few weeks in advance, so reserve them as soon as your dates are fixed. The Santo Domingo day trip, Monkeyland and Bavaro Adventure Park can normally be booked a few days out, and Coco Bongo the week of your visit, though the Gold Member seats go faster at busy times. Almost all of these offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so there is little risk in booking early.
Getting around
Most excursions include pickup from your resort, which is the easiest way to travel. For independent trips, taxis wait outside every resort, so agree the fare before you get in. Distances are bigger than they look: Uvero Alto is about 45 minutes from the airport, and Santo Domingo is a drive of two and a half to three hours.
Where the headline sights fit
Think of the excursions in three groups. Full days: Saona Island, the Santo Domingo Colonial Zone and Los Haitises, each with an early start and a late return, so follow each one with a lazy beach day. Half days: the catamaran cruise, Hoyo Azul at Scape Park, Monkeyland, Bavaro Adventure Park and the Indigenous Eyes reserve. Free and easy: Bávaro Beach itself, best for a long walk at sunrise or late afternoon. Evenings belong to the resort, with one big night out at Coco Bongo.
A sample week
Day one: settle in and walk Bávaro Beach. Day two: the small-group Saona Island trip. Day three: pool and spa. Day four: the catamaran cruise in the morning and Coco Bongo at night. Day five: Hoyo Azul or Indigenous Eyes for a freshwater swim. Day six: Santo Domingo. Day seven: a final beach day before the flight.
Practical tips
The US dollar is widely accepted in tourist areas, but carry small bills for tips, which are appreciated even at all-inclusives. Use reef-safe sunscreen, drink bottled water, and pack a light layer for air-conditioned coaches. The drier months from December to April bring the calmest seas, while the late summer and early autumn fall in hurricane season, so consider travel insurance. Sargassum seaweed can wash up in some months, and resorts clear it early each day. Finally, cover shoulders and knees for the cathedral in Santo Domingo.
