« CARIBBEAN • Discover the Caribbean • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Punta Cana
Discover magical Punta Cana
Punta Cana is shorthand for the region as a whole, but it's actually something of a misnomer. The majority of resorts are scattered around the beaches of Bavaro, really nothing more than a series of small commercial plazas, and Cortecito, a short strip of shops along a "town beach." Punta Cana (Grey-Haired Point), the easternmost tip of the country and where the airport is located, has some of the more luxurious resorts and Caribbean-hugging golf courses.
• Destination Punta Cana & Surrounds
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
» Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro)
The unrivaled beaches of Punta Cana focus on Bavaro, the home of resort vacations in the Dominican Republic. Most of Punta Cana's resort hotels cluster around the long stretch of white sand Bavaro Beach (or Playa Bavaro) and its small collection of shopping plazas. Along with its aquamarine waters and sandy beaches, Bavaro has world-class golf courses and offshore reef diving sites …
» Dolphin Island
Dolphin Island Punta Cana is a destination island attraction aimed at giving visitors what they want - an experience swimming with man's most beloved sea mammal - the dolphin. Jump into these amazing creatures' natural habitat and begin your experience swimming, playing, and being propelled through the azure water with these fantastic soul-touching animals. Watch them jump a clean five feet out of the Caribbean, spin, twirl, ride waves, dance and shake …
» Fun Fun Cave
Adventure in the tropical forests of the Dominican Republic is just a quick ride away to the magnificent underground tunnels of Fun Fun Cave. Nestled in the Los Haitises National Park, these landmark treasures wind 65 feet underground and make some of the best exploring in the region (hence the name). Filled with West Indian rock art and the requisite cavernous stalagmite and stalactite mounds, an eerie repel to the base, a day spent learning about the history of the region …
» Hoyo Azul
The natural beauty of this scenic lagoon has made it one of Dominican Republic's top travel destinations. Just a few minutes from Punta Cana International Airport in peaceful Scape Park, Hoya Azul is simply the best of what this country has to offer. A rugged trail weaves through towering forests of indigenous trees and rare plants, ending at this 37-meter deep turquoise escape. Visitors can take a calming dip to cool off, or dive in from one of the towering cliff's rocky edges for a real adrenaline rush …
» Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (Parque Ojos Indigenas)
The privately run Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (or Parque Ojos Indigenas) preserves 45 acres (18 hectares) of tropical paradise, part of the larger 1,500 acre (600 hectare) Punta Cana Ecological Park. The park is named for the crystal-clear freshwater lagoons (called 'eyes') that run underground to emerge here near the sea. Trails lead around the park, or you can take a guided tour. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast …
» Isla Catalina
This tiny island just 1.5 miles off the mainland provides a peaceful respite for those looking to escape the hustle of Dominican Republic's busier city streets. Most hotels offer shuttle buses to boat docks. A reasonable ride delivers passengers to the sand dunes, mangroves and coral reefs that make this island a destination for visitors. Avid divers will enjoy weaving in and out of the numerous reefs that surround Isla Cantina. Stingrays and tropical fish are a near guarantee here …
» Isla Saona
The national park-protected Saona Island (or Isla Saona) lies just off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic. Lovely beaches fringe this remote slice of heaven, with the best swimming at Mano Juan and Punta Gorda. It's an ideal beach getaway for a day's excursion by catamaran. The population numbers little more than 300 lucky souls, and beach and eco-touring activities are the main drawcards, along with the island's lagoons, caves and offshore snorkeling …
» Lemon Lagoon Bay
The palm tree-lined sand and turquoise-blue water await you in Lemon Lagoon Bay. Known for dreamy water , beautiful coastline and one of the best beaches in all of the Domincan Republic, Lemon Lagoon Bay is a paradisaical escape into the virgin sun. Underwater coral reefs house abundant tropical wildlife and so Lemon Lagoon Bay is a popular place to spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, lounging by the beach, or even romping through the sand on a bumbling dune buggy …
» Macao Beach
Clear blue waters and white sandy beaches make Macao an ideal spot to experience the real Caribbean. Because it's public, this beach attracts both far-off travelers and close-to-home locals. Visitors won't have to worry about aggressive vendors or crowded shores, either, making this an ideal spot for a peaceful morning stroll or an active outdoor afternoon. Travelers can lounge in the sand, boogie board or learn to surf near Macao Beach's bigger breakers …
» Manati Park
Dolphins, parrots and tropical orchids are the star attractions at the Manati theme park, inland from the coast at Punta Cana. You'll have the chance to swim with dolphins, watch a sea lion show, witness Taino dancing and horseback-riding skills, or see performing parrots! The other wildlife on show at this family-friendly theme park includes snakes, iguanas, flamingos and multicolored macaws. The park also has on-site dining and souvenir shops …
» Marinarium
The marine life of the Dominican Republic's prized offshore reefs is preserved and exhibited at the Marinarium marine park. Marinarium snorkel cruises head out to the reef, and the Reef Explorer provides all the facilities of a mini island at sea. Arrange a stingray encounter, kayak across the waves, sunbathe on flotation mats, and enjoy snacks and drinks on-board the explorer …
» Parque Nacional del Este
The sandy beaches of Saona island are a highlight of a visit to Parque Nacional del Este, along with the tropical moist forest and limestone karst landscape of the mainland. The range of biodiversity preserved in this park is incredible, including more than 570 species of plants and 163 species of birds. Much of this habitat is found in the mangroves fringing the peninsula and the sea grasses wafting in the water. The offshore coral reefs are popular with divers …
» Punta Cana Ecological Reserve
The privately run 1,500 acre (600 hectare) Punta Cana Ecological Park protects coastal and inland habitats. Around 80 species of birds live here, along with more than 500 types of plants. Within the park is the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, named for the crystal-clear freshwater lagoons (called 'eyes') that run underground to emerge near the sea. Trails lead around the park, or you can take a guided tour. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast …
» Scape Park at Cap Cana
Scape Park is an eco-adventure park located in Cap Cana on the gorgeous Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic. Centrally located just seven miles from the Punta Cana airport, Scape Park is easy to get to and provides entertainment for adventure minded travelers. At Scape Park, you can go ziplining over the treetops, horseback riding along the beach, off-roading in an adventure buggy plus go scuba diving and snorkeling to discover underwater sea life …
« CARIBBEAN • Discover the Caribbean • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Punta Cana
