travel advice for punta cana

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• Travel Tips
• Dominican Republic

10 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Punta Cana

See recent posts by Megan Wood

Until the 1970s, Punta Borrachon (Drunkard's Point) was about a five-mile stretch of powder-white beaches with sparkling blue water, dense foliage with a few fishing villages, and no modern infrastructure. A group of forward-thinking American developers purchased the land and renamed it Punta Cana , setting off a chain of events and building boom that totally reshaped tourism for the Dominican Republic. Today, Punta Cana encompasses Cap Cana, Macao, Bavaro, El Cortecito, Cabeza de Toro, Arena Gorda, and Uvero Alto -- and is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Caribbean. It still has the idyllic beaches, but it's now also home to five-pearl all-inclusive resorts (one designed by Oscar de la Renta ), an international airport, and epic nightlife. There are a few things to keep in mind before visiting Punta Cana, so that you can make the most of your trip. Read on for our 10 most important tips.

1. Most of the resorts in Punta Cana are all-inclusive.

The grounds and beach at The Level at Melia Caribe Beach

By some estimates, 90 percent of the resorts in Punta Cana are all-inclusive . That means travelers pre-pay for packages that include room rates, food, alcohol, and some entertainment. There are great deals to be found and there’s nothing more relaxing than leaving your wallet in the room safe before a night of eating and drinking. Note that some resorts do have sneaky extra charges for a la carte restaurants or imported alcohol. We love that the rates at Excellence El Carmen cover specialty dining, premium alcohol, lobster, the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit, and a weekly Dominican Beach party. You can even take home the alcohol in your free minibar .

You Might Also Like: What a Week-Long All-Inclusive Vacation Costs in Top Destinations

2. Bring cash for the airport and tips in Punta Cana.

Even if you’ve booked an all-inclusive resort (and you probably did), you’re still going to need some cash. Don’t worry about exchanging U.S. dollars for Dominican pesos, as dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Punta Cana and the exchange rate is close enough if you’re planning on making small purchases like souvenirs. At the airport, Americans are required to purchase a $10 visitor’s card, valid for 30 days. Payment is required in cash, and if you pay with a larger bill, you’ll get your change in U.S. currency. At the resort, expect to tip as you would in the U.S. A few dollars should be given to anyone who handles your bags and to the housekeeping staff. You’re not expected to tip for every bottle of beer at the bar, but do tip at the end of the night, especially if you’re ordering complicated cocktails.

3. Punta Cana’s beaches are legit.

Punta Cana’s beaches are what made the area famous, and everything that’s said about the soft white sand, clear blue water, and coral reefs is absolutely true. There are 10 different beaches in the immediate area, and several different ways to explore them: by foot, horseback, Jeep tours, or getting out on the water with a scuba or snorkel tour. Watch for flags that mark dangerous surf conditions. Lifeguard towers are dispersed along some of the beaches, but not all.

4. Rain in Punta Cana rarely lasts for very long.

For the majority of the year, the weather in Punta Cana is sunny and in the 80s. Temperatures spike slightly in the summer months and hurricane season usually hits in September and October. That said, you can usually expect pleasant weather with a few unexpected and strong rain showers. The rain seems to go as quickly as it comes and adds a little excitement to the pool scene.

5. Discos and nightclubs are everything in Punta Cana.

Dominican culture is serious about music and dancing, so it’s no surprise that resorts usually include a disco that stays open well into the wee hours. Budget-friendly resorts might have little more than a DJ booth and a dance floor, but higher-end counterparts go all out with light and smoke shows and lounge-like setups. Note that music requests can and should be made.

6. Taxis are expensive.

Hiring a taxi is almost prohibitively expensive unless you have a large group to split the costs. The airport is about a 30-minute drive from most of the resorts, so arranging an airport transfer with the hotel is usually the smartest and cheapest option. Many visitors don’t leave their resort once in Punta Cana, since there isn’t a main strip or tourist area like you’ll find in Montego Bay or Cancun. It’s over a two-hour drive to the capital city of Santo Domingo . Uber is not yet available in the Dominican Republic.

7. Don’t overlook the spas at Punta Cana’s resorts.

Spa treatments generally cost extra (even with an all-inclusive plan), but many resorts offer free access or day passes to their hydrotherapy circuits which can include open-air pools, whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas with fresh fruit and tea. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana makes excellent use of the spa’s garden setting and  Majestic Colonial Punta Cana sells a day pass for guests who want to experience the spa’s ice fountain and sensory showers. All guests at Excellence Punta Cana get free access to the gorgeous hydrotherapy circuit in the spa that was remodeled in 2017.

8. Sip some mamajuana.

That’s mamajuana, not marijuana. Mamajuana (sometimes written as mama juana) is a traditionally homemade alcoholic drink with rum, red wine, honey, and local leaves and bark. The flavorful concoction is thought to be an aphrodisiac and is jokingly referred to as liquid Viagra, though it was originally invented in the 1950s as a tonic for cleaning the kidneys and aiding in digestion. Today, you can purchase bottled mamajuana or make it yourself. Excellence Punta Cana has a small weekly workshop with all the materials for guests who want to make their very own souvenir bottle.

9. Nudity is a no in Punta Cana (except your private pool).

The private rooftop pool in the Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suite at the Excellence El Carmen, Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic is mostly a Catholic country and it’s against the law to be nude or topless in public. Of course, you may see a few nipples on the beach or at the adults-only pools at party resorts like Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or Breathless , but it’s best to cover up as a sign of respect. You’re not likely to get in trouble for removing your top, but if you truly want to avoid tan lines, book a room with a private rooftop plunge pool at Excellence El Carmen .

10. Seek out Dominican food.

One of the main complaints of staying at an all-inclusive resort is the lack of local culture, and that can feel like a problem in Punta Cana. Resort restaurants tend to cater to a wide variety of palates and offer international fare like Japanese, French, and Italian. While we’re not complaining about too much variety, we do think it would be a mistake to skip out on Dominican fare, made with a combination of Spanish, indigenous Taíno, and African influences. Many resorts offer Dominican dishes as part of their buffet spread. Look for fried green plantains, rice and beans, and pastelitos (like mini empanadas). Chivo is a rich goat stew. Desserts using tropical fruit and cream are especially popular and Presidente is the local brand of beer.

Our All-Inclusive Hotel Pick in Punta Cana: Le Sivory Punta Cana by PortBlue Boutique

The pool at Le Sivory Punta Cana by PortBlue Boutique

Whether you’re after upscale indulgence at excellent restaurants and bars, a beautiful beachside pool, or a stunning beach, Le Sivory Punta Cana by PortBlue Boutique is easily one of Punta Cana’s best adults-only options. One of our favorites when we last visited the Dominican Republic, this quiet and tranquil all-inclusive resort is the kind of place where you can really unplug. It’s a nice change of pace from the typical area resorts, and the contemporary style is flawless.

Pricing for Le Sivory Punta Cana By PortBlue Boutique

Our Must-Bring Item for Punta Cana: Supergoop!

Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen

Everyone that’s been to Punta Cana knows that the sun down there can be dangerous, even when it feels like you’re not burning at all. Lather on the Supergoop! sunscreen and keep that skin healthy.

You’ll Also Like:

• Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic for Every Budget
• 8 of the Prettiest Beaches in the Dominican Republic
• Amazing Bird’s-Eye Views That Prove Punta Cana is Even More Beautiful From Above

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Dominican Republic Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 6, 2023, dominican republic - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

Country Summary:  Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic. The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo. The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality on the broader scale.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Dominican Republic.

If you decide to travel to the Dominican Republic:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Follow the advice of resort and tour operators regarding local safety and security concerns.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for the Dominican Republic.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

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Punta Cana   Travel Guide

Courtesy of AtanasBozhikovNasko | Getty Images

Why Go To Punta Cana

The sugary sand of a Punta Cana beach is so soft, so perfectly golden that you might think it was synthetic. And in fact, in this easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, it's possible. By definition, Punta Cana is a manufactured Caribbean getaway, completely catering to the needs of sun-seeking vacationers who enjoy  all-inclusive resorts , but care little about venturing away from their hotel – even though there are plenty of hidden gems and adventures waiting for them. Boasting approximately 50,000 hotel rooms at affordable rates, Punta Cana beckons to jet-setters, especially the budget-minded kind.

While this destination is better known for relaxation than adventure, visitors can get their fill of thrills jumping into Scape Park's Hoyo Azul or perfecting their swing at challenging golf courses like  Punta Espada  or La Cana. Overall, this reasonably priced Caribbean hideout is made for travelers of all ages seeking a relaxing turn from the norm.

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Punta Cana Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Punta Cana is from December to April when the dry season in Punta Cana is at its peak. Luckily, the weather is warm year-round, with average highs around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But keep in mind: The Dominican Republic experiences some of the effects of the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30. Punta Cana is often spared from severe tropical storms, but the rainiest months are September and October. Still, this area of the Dominican Republic stays crowded no matter the season. If you're looking for the best time to visit in terms of the lowest prices and decent weather, May, June, November and December (up until Christmas) are the best months.

Weather in Punta Cana

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Expect an international crowd With affordable flights and hotel rates, Punta Cana sees many visitors from Europe and South America. As such, you may see more speedos and thong bikinis than you're used to.

Do visit your doctor Malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A and other diseases are slightly more prevalent in Punta Cana than in the United States. Check out the Center for Disease Control's  website  for its recommendations and make an appointment with your doctor for the proper prescriptions and vaccinations. The CDC also warns pregnant women and their partners that Zika is a risk in the Dominican Republic, even though there is currently no outbreak in the country (nor anywhere else in the world).

Do not drink tap water The local water filtration system is not like that of the U.S., so for your stomach's sake, it's best to drink only bottled water. You won't get sick from brushing your teeth with tap water, but you still can use bottled water to be on the safe side.

How to Save Money in Punta Cana

Consider the package deal  All-inclusive resorts abound in Punta Cana, and most rates cover all meals and drinks (including alcohol) along with water sports activities.

Consider the offseason  From May to June and September to November (usually even until shortly before Christmas), room rates tend to be the cheapest and tourist volume is at its lowest. Beware of hurricane season, which runs from June to November; chances for tropical storms and hurricanes are much lower in June, July and November compared to August, September and October.

Consider bartering  Haggling is a fine art in Punta Cana. Anyone from street vendors to taxi drivers can be reasoned with, so offer 25% to 40% off the original price and stand firm.

Culture & Customs

Most travelers stick close to the resorts to catch up on rest and relaxation at the beach, pool or spa. But, for at least one day, you should venture off your resort to get a sense of the Dominican Republic's history and culture, which is highlighted by tasty local coffee, strong rum and fragrant cigars. Your hotel can help steer you in the right direction, but off-road adventures and boat rides are some of the most common ways to explore outside your resort.

The official language is Spanish; however, tourism is such a large industry here that English-speaking travelers should have no trouble communicating. And though the official currency is the Dominican peso, many of the Punta Cana resorts and excursion vendors accept United States dollars and major credit cards.

What to Eat

Most vacationers choose the cozy and convenient restaurants on their all-inclusive premises. Still, those who venture out can find affordable dining, especially at the area's many beachside bars and grills. The Dominican Republic's staple is a dish of white rice, red beans, meat and fried plantains called La Bandera Dominicana (because the colors are reminiscent of the Dominican's red, white and blue flag). Most of the resort's buffets and restaurant menus will feature some additional traditional dishes, such as fried plantains and fish in coconut sauce. Expect to see a wide variety of tropical fruits too. As for drinks, be sure to try the strong local coffee and the Presidente beer. "Mamajuana" is another popular, celebratory beverage made of tree bark and herbs soaked in rum, red wine and honey; it tastes like a more potent cinnamon Fireball whisky.

Punta Cana is one of the safest vacation spots in the Caribbean. Tourists should feel comfortable traveling outside of the hotel zone. However, petty theft (especially of cell phones, according to some) does sometimes occur, so you should be careful when carrying valuables with you. Plan to travel in a group if you leave your resort, and women should be aware that men in Punta Cana can be overly flirtatious. Hotel security is good, and there's even a special branch of the police department devoted to tourist safety, known as  Politur or Cestur . Police officers are often stationed in the hotels or along the beach. But previous travelers have had other concerns (specifically health issues) when visiting the Dominican Republic: Many say you should avoid drinking Punta Cana's tap water. Always opt for bottled water and drinks with moderate amounts of ice. Usually, ice in Punta Cana can be consumed without any problems as it is always made with purified water, both in resorts and in public restaurants and street food stalls. Zika and Dengue are other health concerns in the Dominican Republic because of the prevalence of mosquitos. Pregnant women and their partners should consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the most up-to-date information on the Zika virus.

Getting Around Punta Cana

The best way to get around Punta Cana is by foot within your all-inclusive resort and the beach and by car if you plan to explore. Buses run along the main strip of hotels, but the irregular schedules and uncomfortable vehicles (be prepared to get squeezed into small minivans) make them a poor choice for getting around. Hotel concierges can easily summon taxis, which are usually pretty expensive. Keep in mind that taxi fares in Punta Cana vary widely, depending on where you're staying, ranging from as little as $20 (even for very short rides) to as much as $80 for a 30- to 40-minute ride. Rental cars are also available at the airport, even though most travelers find that traffic is crazy in the Dominican Republic. If you plan to venture beyond your resort, you'll find that some attractions and most excursions offer shuttle service bundled with the entry fee.

Uber, which was introduced to Punta Cana in 2020, is a great option for traveling around. However, Ubers are not allowed to pick up passengers at the airport or most resort lobbies (exceptions might apply). Therefore, you either have to walk out to the front gate of your resort to get an Uber or rely on the more expensive taxis. For the airport, most travelers find it easiest to pre-book a private airport transfer if it is not included in your holiday package.

Entry & Exit Requirements

All United States citizens must travel with a valid passport to enter the Dominican Republic. If you plan to stay for more than 30 days, you need to extend the tourist visa online or in person with the Immigration Department of the Dominican Republic ("Dirección General de Migración"). For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State's website .

Punta Cana is a quintessential Caribbean vacation spot.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Dominican Republic travel advice

Latest updates: Health - editorial update

Last updated: May 6, 2024 11:11 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, dominican republic - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

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Border closure with Haiti

The Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic from Haiti.

Crime occurs in the Dominican Republic, including violent crime, especially in major cities. However, most incidents are opportunistic crime which is the most significant threat for tourists.

Petty crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, occurs throughout the country. Tourists are common targets for theft. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods.

Incidents occur:

• at airports
• at bus stations
• on public transportation

Theft also occurs from all-inclusive hotel rooms and from hotel room safes, as well as from cars, particularly rentals.

Drive-by robberies, where thieves on motorcycles, scooters or bicycles grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, occur frequently. Thieves may even reach into vehicles, including taxis, stopped at red lights to steal belongings.

Theft of items from checked baggage at airports has been reported. These thefts have taken place most frequently when travellers are departing. Money and personal items have also been stolen from carry-on luggage while travellers are going through security checks. All bags are routinely X-rayed upon arrival and departure.

• Be wary of individuals who ask for directions or who try to be too helpful
• Watch out for hustlers selling various wares, particularly in Santo Domingo
• Stay at hotels or resorts with good security
• Be wary of anyone who tries to enter your room
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid carrying your bag slung over your shoulder
• Carry only small amounts of money and avoid showing signs of affluence
• Keep electronic devices like cellphones, tablets, laptops and cameras out of sight
• Keep car doors locked, windows up and your belongings out of sight
• Don’t pack valuables in your checked luggage
• Verify that your luggage has not been tampered with before you check in at the airport

Violent crime against foreigners, including assault, occasionally occurs. Incidents take place mainly in large cities, at night or early morning. Some have been targeted in armed robberies when travelling to the Las Américas International Airport, sometimes in taxis.

• Arrange your arrival to and departure from the Dominican Republic in daylight hours
• Use the taxi service authorized by the airport
• Avoid unmarked taxis, especially in Santo Domingo
• Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially at a traffic light
• Avoid walking alone in unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark
• If threatened by robbers, don’t resist

Security forces are understaffed and underequipped. The police are often unable to respond in a timely manner to calls for assistance.

Criminals impersonating police officers will stop vehicles and ask foreign drivers for payment of fines for made-up offences.

Regulations require police to wear a nametag with their last name. You have the right to ask police for identification.

If Dominican police stop you for a traffic violation:

• request a traffic ticket
• don’t pay the ticket on the spot

Rogue lawyers

Rogue lawyers are a problem in tourist areas, particularly in Punta Cana.

These lawyers stand near the tourist police (CESTUR) station and try to recruit desperate foreigners, brought to the station for detention purposes, as clients. Then, they try to extort excessive amounts of money from them by offering legal representation or assistance getting out of jail.

Credit card and ATM fraud and cloning are significant concerns. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts. In some cases, hotel employees have been implicated.

• Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances
• Be wary of rides or other invitations
• Avoid taking public transportation or walking alone at night

If you are a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy.

You should also file a report with Dominican authorities. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Dominican authorities before departing the country.

Advice for women travellers

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations take place from time to time throughout the country, particularly in Santo Domingo.

Demonstrations have largely been peaceful and have not affected tourist areas, although local travel outside resorts could be affected.

Labour strikes occur frequently in the town of Higuey, near Punta Cana, and may affect hotel service.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Power outages

The power infrastructure is unreliable and lacks maintenance. Power outages are frequent although they mainly occur in poor neighbourhoods of major urban areas.

Recreational activities

Sporting and aquatic equipment may not meet Canadian safety standards.

If engaging in recreational activities:

• ensure that equipment is safe and in good condition
• ensure helmets and life jackets are available
• before undertaking extreme or eco-tourism activities, ensure that businesses offering excursions follow proper safety measures
• avoid excursions that are not offered by tour operators
• avoid participating in any water activities when you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances
• check that your travel insurance covers accidents related to recreational activities

Water safety

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

Water safety abroad

Road safety

The Dominican Republic has one of the highest road accident rates in the world.

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Although major highways connecting cities and tourist areas are generally in good condition, most secondary roads, are poorly maintained and poorly lit. Marked lanes are lacking. There are vehicles travelling in the wrong direction. Traffic is congested due to the significant number of trucks and motorcycles. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way, even at traffic lights.

Drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They often drive at excessive speeds, and are extremely aggressive and reckless. Drinking and driving is prevalent. Many vehicles are in poor condition and don’t have working headlights or mirrors.

Military and police road blocks are common, especially in areas near the Haitian border.

• Don’t drive after dark
• Be especially cautious if you need to drive during holiday periods, such as Christmas or Easter
• Take extra care when walking, particularly in Santo Domingo

The number of moped and scooter accidents involving tourists is increasing.

If renting a scooter or moped:

• be vigilant while driving
• avoid renting from operators who don’t provide a helmet with the rental
• avoid driving on roads in disrepair

Border with Haiti

The security environment is highly unpredictable in the border areas between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, particularly in Dajabón, with regular disturbances and incidents which can lead to violence. Emergency services are often not available near the border. 

If you choose to travel near the border with Haiti:

• exercise caution at all times
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local media to stay informed of the current situation
• follow instructions from local authorities and security forces.

Public transportation

Private companies operate reliable buses between cities.

Avoid public buses and gua-guas – microbuses – which often don’t have doors.

Taxis are not metered. Upon arrival to the Dominican Republic, use the taxi service authorized by the airport.

During your stay:

• use hotel taxis or ride-hailing apps which are generally safe
• avoid unmarked taxis
• avoid using or renting motorcycle taxis (motoconchos)
• avoid route taxis (gua-guas or carros publicos)
• negotiate the fare prior to departure

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of the Dominican Republic. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date of your arrival in the Dominican Republic.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for up to 30 days Work visa: required Student visa: required Residence visa: required

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket.

Electronic ticket for entry and exit

You must complete an electronic form to enter and exit the country in order to share information about your health and your stay with local authorities.

You must fill this form before boarding your flight to the Dominican Republic. This electronic form doesn’t replace the Tourist card.

Electronic ticket for entry and exit – Government of the Dominican Republic

Tourist card

As a tourist, you must obtain a tourist card to enter the Dominican Republic. It is included in all air tickets issued outside the country.

If you enter the Dominican Republic by land or sea, you can obtain the card from the General Directorate of Internal Taxes at your point of entry. It is valid for one year from the issuance date and it can be used for a 30-day stay period.

If you overstay the duration of your tourist card, local authorities could deny you entry, on your next trip, if you don’t have the proper visa, even if you paid a fine when leaving the country.

Dominican tourist card  – Directorate general of internal taxes (in Spanish)

Stay extension

You can apply for a stay extension for a period up to 120 days. You must request your stay extension to the Dominican Directorate General for Migration once you are in Dominican Republic, before your tourist card expires.

If you wish to stay in the Dominican Republic for more than 120 days, you must obtain a resident visa from the Dominican authorities in Canada prior to your departure.   

If you overstay the period for which you have been authorized to stay, you will have to pay fine to immigration authorities when leaving the country.  You may also need to apply for a visa the next time you wish to return to the Dominican Republic.

Local authorities could deny you entry in the country if you don’t have the proper visa.

Stay extension  - Dominican Directorate General for Migration

Identification

Immigration officials may conduct random ID checks.

You must carry photo identification and a copy of your entry stamp with you at all times.

• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated
• Cooperate with authorities if they question you

As a foreign national, you will be required to provide biometrics to enter the Dominican Republic. For instance, authorities will take your fingerprints and a photograph.

Drug screening

The Dominican Republic is actively working to fight drug trafficking.

You may be subjected to drug screening measures by authorities upon departure from the country. They may search your luggage and ask you to sign a form, in Spanish, stating that the search was performed within procedural requirements.

In some cases, they may ask you to undergo an X-ray.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever  is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if arriving from some states in Brazil, including travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in those same states.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Good health care is generally available only in major cities.

Private hospitals and clinics are better equipped than public ones. However, there are reports of overcharging for medical services, variable pricing and unnecessary overnight hospital stays at private facilities.

Beware of aggressive sales tactics of in-house resort doctors, who are often contracted out by private hospitals and try to sell you on their facility.

If you go to the hospital:

• inquire about fees prior to undergoing treatment
• let the hospital administrators know if you feel you have been overcharged after a visit
• request assistance in English or French from the hospital’s guest services desk

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medical tourism

Canadian citizens have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for a medical travel:

• make sure you have done your research
• use reputable health-care providers only

Receiving medical care outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

In accordance with Dominican law, a person detained or arrested by the authorities may be held without charges for up to 48 hours before the case is presented to a judge.

Judicial processes may last several years during which accused individuals are normally detained. It could lead to very long prison sentences in harsh conditions.

Overview of the criminal law system in the Dominican Republic

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

The island is used as a drug trafficking hub between South and North America.

The authorities are enforcing strict border controls. Should you be found transporting illegal substances, you will be taken into custody right away.

• Carry only your personal belongings, and don’t leave them unattended
• Don’t agree to carry packages that are not your own

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Reporting crime

Dominican law stipulates that victims of crime, including foreigners, are responsible for reporting incidents to police.

If you wish to pursue prosecution or seek compensation, you will have to retain Dominican legal counsel to file a formal complaint to the police and to pursue the case through the justice system.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the Dominican Republic.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Dominican Republic, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the Dominican Republic.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the Dominican Republic, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Dominican court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the Dominican Republic to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Investments

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in the Dominican Republic, seek legal advice in Canada and in the Dominican Republic. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Many tourists have reported financial problems and complications involving time-share arrangements and other property investment activities.

Time-share representatives may be very persistent. They use pressure tactics and offer free tours, meals, gifts or alcoholic beverages. At the airport, they pose as tourist operators and try to force tourists to make property investments.

• Exercise caution whenever approached by time-share representatives
• Provide your credit card only if you are sure you want to make the purchase

Before purchasing a timeshare:

• gather as much information as possible
• review carefully the contract; anything not included in the contract will not be honoured
• ensure that constant vigilance of land will take place, as there have been several instances of disputed land occupation in the absence of the alleged owner
• keep copies of all correspondence

Legal representation

If you are arrested or detained in the Dominican Republic, you have the right to a lawyer, who can be present during any questioning and at any trial or hearing.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the Dominican government can provide you with a public defender.

Marriages legally performed in the Dominican Republic are legally recognized in Canada.

If you wish to marry in the Dominican Republic, you should consult the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Canada for information on documents and procedures.

• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Marriage overseas factsheet

If you are involved in a road accident, you may be detained by police until the circumstances of the accident have been investigated.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (DOP).

U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Canadian dollars are not.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings  - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Seismic activity

The Dominican Republic is located in an active seismic zone. Tremors occur from time to time.

Emergency operations centre  - Dominican Republic government (in Spanish)

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 911.

Tourist police

The tourist police (CESTUR) provide a security presence in tourist areas and first response assistance to tourists.

If in tourist areas, contact CESTUR: 1 809 200 3500

Road assistance

Free road assistance is offered on all major toll highways 24 hours a day.

Dial 1 829 688 1000.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to the Dominican Republic, in Santo Domingo, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Punta Cana Travel Tips: Essential Advice for Your Trip

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I love Punta Cana thanks to the fun, all-inclusive resorts, beautiful beaches, and relaxing atmosphere. But it can be overwhelming to plan a trip there, especially if you need help figuring out what to expect or where to start. I’ve gathered all my top Punta Cana travel tips to save you some of the stress (like I had when I planned my first trip there). 

In this article, you’ll find information on the best time to visit Punta Cana, stay safe as you explore, choose your accommodations, and get around. 

Keep reading to learn more about Punta Cana and make the most out of your tropical getaway, thanks to these travel tips.

Published: May 2, 2024

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Here are more guides to help you plan a fantastic trip to Punta Cana. 

• Punta Cana car rental
• Tips for visiting Punta Cana
• When to visit Punta Cana

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Punta Cana

For you, the ideal time to visit Punta Cana is from December to April. During these months, you’ll experience sunny weather with temperatures averaging in the 80s Fahrenheit and lower humidity levels. Remember, though, that this is when the crowds peak, especially around holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, as well as school breaks.

Alternatively, you may encounter more varied weather conditions from May to November, including occasional rain showers. However, during this period, you’ll find fewer tourists and potentially better deals on accommodations. Just be aware that hurricane season peaks from August to October, so it’s wise to keep an eye on weather forecasts if you plan to visit during these months.

Read more about the best time to visit Punta Cana .

Stay Safe and Secure in Punta Cana

When visiting Punta Cana, staying safe should be a top priority.

While exploring Punta Cana, keeping a close eye on personal belongings is crucial, especially in crowded markets, beaches, or airports. Carrying photocopies of important documents and keeping them separate from the originals can help in case of loss or theft. When using ATMs, opt for those inside banks or shopping centers and shield your PIN when entering it.

Another step you can take to stay safe is to pre-book transportation through a reputable service. You can avoid potential risks associated with unlicensed taxis or unreliable transportation options and make sure you pay a fair price for where you are going. 

Additionally, it’s essential to choose accommodations wisely by selecting hotels with a good reputation, as indicated by reviews from previous guests. Even though you should feel safe at the resorts and hotels in Punta Cana, you should still lock up with valuables in the hotel safe.

After dark, stay in well-lit areas and travel in groups to enhance personal safety. Knowing emergency contact information, including the contact details for your country’s embassy and local emergency services (dial 911 in the Dominican Republic), is essential in emergencies. 

Furthermore, avoid tap water and opt for bottled water to stay hydrated and help prevent waterborne illnesses.

Finally, get travel insurance covering medical emergencies, as it’s always better to be prepared. 

I recommend SafetyWing for travel insurance. Read more about what SafetyWing travel insurance covers , or get a quote now. 

By following these safety precautions and travel tips, you can enjoy your visit to Punta Cana with peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken steps to mitigate potential risks.

Choosing Accommodation in Punta Cana

When it comes to accommodation in Punta Cana, you’ve got options to suit every taste and budget.

One of the most popular choices is an all-inclusive resort. These resorts offer comprehensive packages, including accommodations, meals, drinks, and various activities. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking an adults-only retreat, or planning a romantic getaway, you’ll find all-inclusive resorts tailored to the trip you’re planning.

If you want more flexibility in your dining and activity choices, there are also hotels in Punta Cana that are not all-inclusive. These hotels typically offer a range of dining options onsite or nearby, allowing you to explore the local culinary scene. While you may need to budget separately for meals and activities, you can tailor your activities and meals to suit your preferences.

Another option to consider is renting a vacation home or villa. Rental homes can offer more space and privacy than traditional hotel accommodations, making them ideal for larger groups or extended stays. While rental homes are often the most budget-friendly option, remember that they typically do not include meals or drinks and may not be within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and other attractions. 

Renting a car can be helpful if you choose a rental home or a non-all-inclusive hotel, as it provides flexibility for exploring the area at your own pace. I’ll go more into transportation in Punta Cana in the next section.

When selecting accommodation in Punta Cana, consider your preferences for amenities, dining options, and budget to find the perfect fit for your vacation needs.

Here is a map with some popular accommodations in Punta Cana.

Navigating Punta Cana: Transportation Tips

Navigating Punta Cana is relatively straightforward, with various transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets.

One of the most convenient ways to get around is by utilizing shuttle services provided by hotels and resorts. These shuttles offer transportation to and from the airport, as well as to popular attractions and nearby towns.

Taxis are readily available throughout Punta Cana for those looking for more flexibility in their travel itinerary. Negotiating fares upfront or ensuring the cab has a functioning meter is essential to avoid misunderstandings. You can also book transportation in advance through sites like Viator . Booking in advance ensures you will have a ride when needed, and you will know how much you are paying in advance. 

Here are some of the top transportation services in Punta Cana:

Renting a car is a popular choice if you prefer exploring at your own pace. Many international car rental companies operate in Punta Cana, offering a range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. A rental car lets you explore the region’s attractions independently and venture off the beaten path.

I highly recommend DiscoverCars, which lets you compare car rental prices across companies. Get prices now:

Lastly, if you are staying at all-inclusive resorts or hotels with comprehensive amenities, you may have little need for transportation beyond the resort grounds. Many resorts offer a wide range of activities and entertainment options onsite, allowing you to relax and unwind without leaving the resort.

No matter which transportation option you choose, exploring Punta Cana’s stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes will be an unforgettable experience.

Recap: Essential Tips for Your Punta Cana Adventure

Here is a recap of the essential Punta Cana travel tips to help you have a great trip:

• December to April offers optimal weather with sunny days and lower humidity.
• Peak tourist season coincides with holidays and school breaks.
• Exercise caution in crowded areas and use hotel safes for valuables.
• Stay vigilant when using ATMs and avoid poorly lit areas after dark.
• All-inclusive resorts offer comprehensive packages for various budgets and preferences.
• Non-all-inclusive hotels provide flexibility in dining and activities.
• Rental homes offer affordability but require separate arrangements for meals and drinks.
• Shuttle services, taxis, and car rentals are convenient options.
• Rental cars provide flexibility for independent exploration.

With these travel tips, you can plan a memorable and enjoyable trip to Punta Cana, soaking up its sun, sand, and vibrant culture.

Ready to start planning your trip to Punta Cana? Here are some of my favorite travel planning resources:

• Top travel credit cards
• SafetyWing for travel insurance
• Daily Drop for daily travel tips and tricks in one fun, short newsletter
• Booking.com for a huge variety of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more
• HostelWorld for the best hostels around the world
• Vrbo for vacation homes and rentals
• FareDrop and Going for cheap flight alerts
• Skyscanner for the cheapest flights
• Amazon for travel and packing must-haves
• Priority Pass for airport lounge access
• TripAdvisor for the top hotels around the world

Click for the top hotel deals!

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Punta Cana 101: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Punta Cana is a stunning tropical paradise on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, and serves as the ideal destination for travelers seeking a relaxing getaway.

With its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush palm tree-lined shores, it’s no wonder Punta Cana has become a favorite vacation spot for millions of tourists each year.

In this article, I’ll share the ultimate travel guide to help you make the most of your visit to this tourist destination. I’ll explore the top attractions, best beaches, best resorts, things to do, nightlife, adventure activities, and more.

Join me as we dive into the wonders of Punta Cana, so you can plan your dream vacation to this Caribbean paradise.

Table of Contents

Brief History of the Destination

Punta Cana, located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, has transformed itself into a world-renowned tourism destination over the years.

The history of Punta Cana as a tourist hotspot can be traced back to the visionary efforts of Frank Rainieri, a Dominican entrepreneur and businessman. In the early 1970s, Rainieri recognized the immense potential of the area’s pristine beaches and stunning natural beauty.

Teaming up with Theodore Kheel, an American lawyer and labor mediator, Rainieri founded Grupo Punta Cana and embarked on a mission to develop the region as a premier vacation spot.

One of the pivotal moments in the history of Punta Cana came in 1984 with the inauguration of the Punta Cana International Airport. Built by Rainieri’s Grupo Punta Cana, the airport opened up direct air access to the region, making it easier for tourists worldwide to visit this tropical paradise.

The airport’s modern infrastructure and facilities, coupled with its strategic location, facilitated the rapid growth of tourism in the destination. With convenient connections to major cities in North and South America, Europe, and the Caribbean, Punta Cana became an accessible and sought-after destination for travelers.

The success of Punta Cana as a tourism hub continued to soar in the following decades. Frank Rainieri’s vision extended beyond just pristine beaches and luxury resorts. He focused on creating a sustainable tourism model that respected the environment and preserved the area’s natural beauty. His commitment to environmental conservation and the development of high-quality resorts, golf courses, and recreational amenities attracted a steady influx of tourists.

Today, Punta Cana is recognized as one of the Caribbean’s top destinations , boasting a wide range of luxury resorts, championship golf courses, water sports activities, and breathtaking landscapes that continue to captivate visitors from around the globe.

Where is Punta Cana located?

Punta Cana is located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, in the Caribbean Sea.

Here is where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, from the northern tip at Uvero Alto to the southern at Cap Cana, all-inclusive resorts and boutique hideaways offer all the whims and comforts of modern beachfront living.

Families enjoy entertainment centers and amusement parks like the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resort Punta Cana.

From north to south, the main beaches are Uvero Alto, Macao , Arena Gorda, Bávaro, El Cortecito, Los Corales, and Cabeza de Toro, all north of the cape; and Cabo Engaño, Punta Cana, and Juanillo south of the cape.

Do I need a passport to visit Punta Cana?

Yes, you will need a valid passport to enter Punta Cana or any international airport in the Dominican Republic.

Do I need a visa to travel to Punta Cana?

Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic.

For the rest of the countries, check back with the nearest Dominican Republic embassy from your country.

Customs regulations in Punta Cana

When travelling to Punta Cana, it is important to be aware of the customs regulations.

Travelers are allowed to bring up to $10,000 USD worth of goods into the country duty-free.

You also need to fill out an electronic ticket to arrive and departure the country.

Related – How to fill out the E-Ticket for the Dominican Republic

What should I pack for Punta Cana?

The clothing that you should pack for Punta Cana depends on the time of year that you are visiting.

Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes and shoes. You’ll also need a swimsuit if you plan on spending time at the beach or pool.

Guests can enjoy the nightly entertainment, hop into a casino, or taste the fine dining service with either jeans, a bermuda, a poloshirt or a rolled long-sleeve shirt.

Make sure to confirm the dress code at the site you are visiting in advance, just in case.

If you are travelling during the winter months (November to April), it is recommended that you pack light sweaters or jackets as the evenings can be cool. During the summer months (May to October), it is hot during the day and warm in the evening, so shorts and t-shirts are sufficient.

Most hotels and resorts have at least one pool, a many have a fitness center located within their facilities, so make sure you bring your gym clothes to get an early workout.

Also, drinks at hotels are included in the daily rate (additional cost for premium brands), and mini-bars in guest rooms are restocked daily with snacks, juice, soft drinks, and beer, so you don’t have to worry about that if you booked an all- inclusive resort.

What is the currency in Punta Cana?

The currency in Punta Cana is the Dominican Peso (DOP).

US dollars are also widely accepted, although you will usually get a better rate if you pay in pesos.

ATMs can be found at the airport, shopping malls, at your Punta Cana resort, in the local community, the hotel, and banks.

What language is spoken in Punta Cana?

The official language in Punta Cana is Spanish, just like in the Dominican Republic, however English is also widely spoken.

Other languages spoken by hotel staff are French and German.

What is the weather like in Punta Cana?

The weather in Punta Cana is warm and sunny year-round, with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.

The rainy season runs from May to October, but even during this time there are plenty of sunny days to make the perfect Caribbean escape.

On land, you can go horseback riding, hiking, zip-lining or play a round of golf at one of the many world-class golf courses.

In the water, you can go scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding, or take a boat tour to see the coastline from a different perspective, at an additional charge.

What is the hottest and coldest month in Punta Cana?

The hottest month in Punta Cana is August, when the average temperature is 31 degrees Celsius. The coldest month in Punta Cana is January, when the average temperature is 26 degrees Celsius.

Are there mosquitoes in Punta Cana?

Mosquitoes are not usually a problem, but it is always best to be prepared. If you are worried about getting bitten, it is a good idea to bring bug spray to Punta Cana.

What is the rainy season in Punta Cana?

The rainy season in Punta Cana runs from May to October. During this time, the average rainfall is 14 inches.

What should I do if I get sick while in Punta Cana?

If you get sick while in Punta Cana, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. There are a number of hospitals and clinics located around the spot and a lot of resorts have first-aid clinics inside.

It is also a good idea to have travel insurance.

Is Punta Cana safe?

Punta Cana is generally safe for travelers. However, as with any destination, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

When exploring the town or beaches, it is best to stick to well-lit and populated areas. It is also advisable to carry cash and valuables in a hidden pouch.

When swimming in the ocean, be aware of rip currents and only swim at beaches where there are lifeguards on duty.

If you go to a club, try to go with a local guide and don’t drink and drive.

Can I drink the tap water in Punta Cana?

No, the tap water in Punta Cana is nOT safe to drink. Visitors prefer to stick to bottled water, which is widely available and cheap.

Is it safe to rent a car in Punta Cana?

Yes, it is safe to rent a car in Punta Cana. However, it is important to be aware of the local traffic laws, drive defensively, and get insurance.

What is the voltage in Punta Cana?

The standard voltage in Punta Cana is 110 volts.

If your devices use a different voltage, you will need to bring a power converter with you.

Is Punta Cana a weddings destination?

Punta Cana is a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons.

Yes, Punta Cana is a popular destination for weddings. Punta Cana is a resort town located in the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. It is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts, making it an ideal location for couples seeking a destination wedding.

Many resorts in Punta Cana offer wedding packages and have on-site wedding coordinators to assist with planning and organizing the ceremony and reception. These packages often include services such as venue decoration, catering, photography, and even assistance with legal requirements.

There are a number of wedding planners in Punta Cana that can help you with all the details, from finding the perfect venue to arranging transportation and accommodation for your guests.

The natural beauty of Punta Cana, with its palm-fringed beaches and stunning sunsets, provides a picturesque backdrop for wedding ceremonies and photo shoots. Couples can have their ceremony on the beach, in a garden, or one of the resort’s designated wedding venues.

Punta Cana also offers a wide range of activities and amenities for wedding guests, such as water sports, golf courses, spa facilities, and vibrant nightlife. It’s one reason it is an attractive destination for the wedding couple and friends and family attending the celebration.

Overall, Punta Cana has become popular for couples seeking a romantic and tropical setting to exchange their vows, contributing to its reputation as a wedding destination.

Top Attractions in Punta Cana

There are countless attractions to explore in Punta Cana, and I highly recommend visiting as many as possible during your stay. Some of my personal favorites include:

• Hoyo Azul: This natural, crystal-clear blue cenote is an absolute must-visit. The breathtaking beauty of this hidden gem is truly awe-inspiring, and the refreshing waters are perfect for a swim.
• Scape Park: This eco-adventure park offers many thrilling activities for the entire family. From ziplining through the jungle to exploring ancient caves, there’s something for everyone at Scape Park.
• Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve: This beautiful park and nature reserve is home to numerous species of plants, birds, and reptiles. The well-maintained trails make it easy to explore the lush surroundings, and the crystal-clear lagoons are perfect for a refreshing swim.

Best Time to Visit Punta Cana

The best time to visit Punta Cana depends on your preferences and priorities. The peak tourist season runs from December to April when the weather is at its best. You can expect sunny days, warm temperatures, and little rainfall during this time. However, prices for accommodations and activities tend to be higher, and popular attractions may be more crowded.

If you prefer a less crowded experience and are willing to take a chance on the weather, consider visiting during the off-peak season, which spans from May to November. While rain is more likely during these months, you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. Additionally, prices for accommodations and activities are generally lower during the off-peak season.

Best Beaches in Punta Cana

Punta Cana is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and no trip to this tropical paradise would be complete without spending some quality time soaking up the sun on these pristine shores.

Some of the best beaches in Punta Cana include:

• Bávaro Beach: This stunning, white-sand beach is lined with swaying palm trees and offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Macao Beach: This picturesque beach is popular with surfers and boogie boarders, thanks to its consistent waves. It’s also an excellent spot for a beachside picnic or a stroll along the shore.
• Playa Juanillo: This secluded, tranquil beach is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the more crowded beaches in Punta Cana. The powdery white sand and gentle waves make it an idyllic relaxing spot.

Best Resorts in Punta Cana

Punta Cana is home to a wide variety of luxury resorts and accommodations, catering to all tastes and budgets.

Some of the best resorts in Punta Cana include:

• Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana: This elegant, all-inclusive resort offers a serene, luxurious experience with its lush gardens, oceanfront suites, and top-notch amenities.
• Excellence Punta Cana: This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. You won’t be disappointed with its exquisite dining options, beautiful pools, and stunning beachfront location.
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana: This lively, all-inclusive resort is perfect for those seeking excitement and entertainment. With its Vegas-style casino, numerous restaurants and bars, and extensive pool complex, there’s never a dull moment at the Hard Rock.

Top Things to Do in Punta Cana

In addition to lounging on the beach and enjoying the amenities at your resort, there are countless activities and adventures to be had in Punta Cana. Some of the top things to do include:

• Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: The crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life of Punta Cana make it an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Tour operators offer excursions to nearby coral reefs and shipwrecks, providing unforgettable underwater experiences.
• Golfing: Punta Cana has several world-class golf courses designed by architects such as Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio. With stunning oceanfront and lush tropical settings, these courses are a golfer’s dream come true.
• Whale Watching: Between January and March, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off the coast of Samaná to mate and give birth. This incredible natural spectacle can be witnessed on a whale-watching tour, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Waterparks in Punta Cana

While there aren’t any standalone water parks in Punta Cana, many of the resorts in the area offer excellent water park facilities and attractions for their guests.

Here are some resorts in Punta Cana that feature water parks or extensive water attractions:

• Sirenis Punta Cana Resort Casino & Aquagames: This resort features a large water park called “Aquagames” with thrilling water slides, splash areas, and pools suitable for both children and adults.
• Memories Splash Punta Cana: Connected to the Grand Memories Punta Cana resort, this property offers a fantastic water park called “Splash World” with various water slides, a lazy river, splash pads, and pools.
• Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana: This family-friendly resort boasts a water park known as “Aqua Nick,” where you can enjoy water slides, lazy rivers, splash pads, and a multi-level play structure.
• Bavaro Adventure Park: While not a traditional water park, Bavaro Adventure Park offers a range of adventurous activities, including ziplining, bungee jumping, and a unique water attraction called “Dino World.” It features inflatable water obstacles, slides, and more.
• Barcelo Bavaro Palace: This all-inclusive resort features a large pool complex called “Barcy Water Park” with multiple interconnected pools, slides, and splash areas suitable for families.

Please note that availability and specific features of water parks may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check with the resort you plan to stay at for the most up-to-date information.

Getting around: Transportation Tips

Several transportation options are available in Punta Cana, making it easy to get around and explore the area. Some popular options include:

• Rental Cars: Renting a car provides the most freedom and flexibility to explore Punta Cana and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Many international and local car rental companies operate in Punta Cana, offering a wide selection of vehicles.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout Punta Cana and can be a convenient way to get around, especially for short trips. It’s essential to agree on a fare with the driver before starting your journey, as most taxis in Punta Cana do not have meters.
• Public Transportation: For a more budget-friendly option, consider using the public transportation system in Punta Cana. The local buses, known as “guaguas,” are an affordable way to get around and offer a glimpse into the daily life of the Dominican people.

Punta Cana Food and Restaurants

The culinary scene in Punta Cana is diverse and delicious, with various options to suit all tastes and budgets. From traditional Dominican dishes to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Some of my favorite dining options in Punta Cana include:

• La Yola Restaurant: This open-air, beachfront restaurant offers stunning ocean views and serves a delicious menu of fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
• Jellyfish Beach Restaurant: Located on the beautiful Bávaro Beach, this stylish restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its fusion of Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors.
• Toc Beach Bar & Restaurant: This laid-back beach bar and restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a tasty meal while taking in the stunning views of Playa Juanillo.

Nightlife in Punta Cana

When the sun goes down, the fun continues in Punta Cana with a variety of nightlife options to suit all tastes. From lively beach bars to elegant lounges and pulsating nightclubs, there’s no shortage of places to dance the night away or enjoy a cocktail with friends. Some popular nightlife spots in Punta Cana include:

• Coco Bongo: This energetic nightclub offers a unique entertainment experience with captivating performances, lively music, and impressive special effects.
• Imagine Punta Cana: Set within a series of interconnected caves, this one-of-a-kind nightclub offers a truly unforgettable night out, complete with world-class DJs and incredible acoustics.
• Oro Nightclub: Located within the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Oro is an upscale nightclub that offers a luxurious setting and top-notch entertainment, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists.

Diving in Punta Cana

With its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, Punta Cana is a fantastic destination for scuba diving enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Numerous dive centers and tour operators in the area offer everything from beginner courses to advanced certification programs.

Can I go scuba diving while I visit Punta Cana?

There are a number of dive centers that offer scuba diving courses and day trips to the best dive sites.

Some popular dive sites in Punta Cana include:

• Astron Wreck: This sunken Russian freighter lies just off the coast of Bávaro Beach and offers an exciting dive experience for both beginners and experienced divers.
• Catalina Island: This small island, located about an hour’s boat ride from Punta Cana, is home to several excellent dive sites, including the famous “Wall.”
• El Acuario: This shallow, protected reef is perfect for beginners and offers abundant colorful marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles.

I’m not a certified diver. Can I still go diving in Punta Cana?

Yes, most dive centers offer intro dives for non-certified divers. These require no previous experience and provide an introduction to scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.

Is there snorkeling in Punta Cana?

Yes, there are a number of great snorkeling spots in Punta Cana. Some of the best include the reef at Playa Blanca, the Catalinas Islands and Saona Island.

Snorkeling is a great way to see the colorful marine life that Punta Cana has to offer, without having to dive too deep.

Can I go deep sea fishing in Punta Cana?

Yes, you can go deep sea fishing in Punta Cana. There are a number of companies that offer this service.

Adventure Activities and Excursions

For those seeking a bit more excitement during their vacation, Punta Cana offers a variety of adventure activities and excursions to keep adrenaline levels high.

Some popular options include:

• Ziplining: Soar through the treetops on a thrilling zipline adventure, offering breathtaking views of the lush jungle and stunning coastline.
• Dune Buggy Adventures: Explore the beautiful beaches, countryside, and hidden gems of Punta Cana on a fun-filled dune buggy tour.
• Horseback Riding: Saddle up for a scenic horseback ride along the beach or through the lush, tropical surroundings of Punta Cana.

Shopping in Punta Cana

Punta Cana offers a variety of shopping options for those looking to pick up some souvenirs or indulge in some retail therapy. From local markets to high-end boutiques, there’s something for everyone. Some popular shopping spots in Punta Cana include:

• Palma Real Shopping Village: This upscale shopping center offers a variety of international brands, as well as local boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• San Juan Shopping Center: This modern shopping mall has many stores, including well-known international brands, a supermarket, and a movie theater.
• Local Markets: For a more authentic shopping experience, visit one of the local markets in Punta Cana, where you can find a variety of handmade crafts, artwork, and souvenirs.

Safety Tips for Travelers

While Punta Cana is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings is always essential. Some safety tips to keep in mind during your visit include:

• Be cautious with your belongings: Keep your valuables secure and avoid publicly displaying expensive items, such as jewelry and electronics.
• Stay within designated tourist areas: While exploring Punta Cana, it’s best to stick to the well-known tourist areas and avoid venturing off the beaten path.
• Use reputable transportation providers: When arranging transportation, it’s important to use reputable providers, such as registered taxis or established tour operators.

Tips for Planning Your Vacation

To make the most of your Punta Cana vacation, keep these tips in mind as you plan your trip:

• Book early: To secure the best accommodations and activities deals, booking your vacation as early as possible is a good idea.
• Research your options: Take the time to research the various attractions, activities, and accommodations in Punta Cana to ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful destination.
• Pack accordingly: Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreens, lightweight clothing, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. It’s also a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your adventures.

Wrapping Up

Punta Cana is a true Caribbean paradise, offering something for everyone. From its stunning beaches and luxurious resorts to its rich history and vibrant nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this tropical haven.

This ultimate travel guide will help you make the most of your Punta Cana vacation and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Our Punta Cana expert answers your most pressing travel questions

Crystal clear water, sugary white-sand, beachfront resorts… That’s our kind of vacation. And the Dominican Republic has all of it and more. Take a look at our Punta Cana forum and you’ll see tons of info on the area from Sly (AKA Slyguy23 ). He’s been taking an annual retreat to the DR for the past 30 years, and although he’s been around the whole island, he keeps returning to Punta Cana. “It blew me away—the people, the climate, the beaches, the energy, everything.”

Now, he’s answered your top questions—everything from the best adults-only resorts to the secret beaches of your castaway dreams. Read on for his expert Punta Cana tips and tricks.

TRIPADVISOR: “I’m planning a five-night girls’ trip. We’re in our late 30s and want an adults-only resort on the beach. It doesn't have to be extremely fancy or quiet, but we’d like to avoid spring break parties.”

SLY : There are 150 resorts in Punta Cana, 20 of which are adults-only . I’ve stayed at around 25 resorts and 10 adults-only ones. My favorite is Royalton CHIC (where I'm going again in two weeks). It’s a smaller (330-room) adults-only resort in Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Everything is top-notch and the amenities are excellent. Set on a tranquil beach, you’ll find Bali beds and lounge areas in the sand. It’s not a party place, but it does have classy entertainment options that lend a fun vibe. The events are very interactive (think: DJs, live bands, dance sessions.) That’s much more interesting than just sitting in a theater and watching a show. But it’s the food that makes CHIC special. Although there are only four restaurants, each has an extensive menu (you don’t see that at any other resort). For example, the Italian restaurant, Vespa , has 12 pastas, 10 pizzas, and a handful of entrees. The best part? CHIC isn’t as expensive as larger resorts like Secrets and Excellence, but the quality is equally as high. Live Aqua is a gorgeous second choice, if CHIC doesn’t have availability.

TRIPADVISOR: “We are a family looking for an upscale resort. It should have a kids club but also nice adults-only areas for my husband and I when our children are busy.”

SLY : Last Christmas, I went to Dreams Onyx , which shares amenities with Breathless, right next door. Dreams is a fantastic new family resort. The kids will love the large water park, lazy river, and lagoon pool. There is a kids’ club, a teens’ club, and activities all day. For very young kids, they've even got a saltwater wading pool on the beach. Meanwhile, Breathless is an 18+ resort, so some parents drop their kids off at Dreams and hop over to Breathless , which is very lively—I call it spring break for adults. Especially in the evening, there’s always something happening at Breathless: performances, music, bars, etc.

TRIPADVISOR: “I would love to find a quiet, under-the-radar beach. Clear water, soft sand, and few vendors. I’m renting a car, so it doesn’t have to be attached to a resort.”

SLY : Juanillo Beach is one of the nicest in Cap Cana. Secrets , the two Hyatts, Margaritaville , and Sanctuary are located on that beach. ( Cap Cana is a gated community, but it’s still open to the public, so you can visit even if you’re not staying there.) Macao is an isolated beach further north, about 25 minutes from the airport. Dreams Macao Beach is the only resort and there’s a surf camp. Otherwise, it’s pretty deserted and you can have the whole beach to yourself. So that’s another area like Cap Cana where you're not going to have a lot of foot traffic or vendors.

TRIPADVISOR: “We want to spend a day at a beach bar with bungalows. We’d heard about Eden Rock Beach Club in Cap Cana, but wouldn’t mind trying a few of them.”

SLY : Surprisingly, there aren’t a lot of beach clubs. Helios and Zoho are near Secrets Royal Beach, and they’ve been recommended (though I haven’t visited myself). All the beach clubs in Punta Cana are between Bávaro , El Cortecito , and Los Corales . These are the three main areas due to the number of Airbnbs, restaurants, bars, and shops.

TRIPADVISOR: “I want to treat myself and bliss out at a spa. Which are the best ones?”

SLY : The new all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara (adults-only) in Cap Cana certainly come to mind when you're talking about high-end resorts with beautiful spas. Although, if it were me, I’d go to a local spa because the prices are half that. Flavio Acuna Spa offers massages on the beach (try the moonlight couples massage). Up the coast, Tropical Treasure does massages on a deck almost over the water, so you can hear the waves. It’s about a 10-minute walk up the beach from Dreams Onyx, and it’s only $35 for an hour-long, full-body relaxing massage.

TRIPADVISOR: “What are some unique excursions you recommend for a group?”

SLY : My friend Mike is a Canadian expat from Toronto. He runs smaller, private tours in the area with his company Punta Cana Mike . I think he's been doing it for nearly 20 years now. It's certainly not your standard large bus tour. He takes six to 10 people to places that aren’t tourist traps (you might go to a school or local restaurant). This way, he provides a realistic view of the culture in the Dominican Republic. Others that come to mind are Mike Fisher for deep-sea fishing expeditions and small-group boat trips, as well as Xtreme Buggy , which will take you down back roads to little villages and Macao Beach for a swim.

The Essential Guide to Punta Cana

With white-sand beaches, warm atlantic water, and nearly perfect weather year-round, it’s easy to see why punta cana attracts nearly two thirds of all visitors to the dominican republic. guests flock to the region for its exclusive resorts, world-class shopping, lively clubs, and vegas-style shows—as well as its relative convenience. you can fly nonstop from several u.s. cities to punta cana international, and most hotels are a quick drive from the airport..

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3, 5 & 7 Days In Punta Cana Itinerary (Best Things To Do!)

By Jessie Festa. My trip to Punta Cana was sponsored by BeachBound and also contains affiliate links to trusted partners. I only recommend experiences I truly think you’ll love!

Looking for an unforgettable Punta Cana itinerary ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Located in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a tropical paradise known for its azure waters, all-inclusive resorts, and stunning stretch of connected beaches lined with palm trees.

While it’s a top spot for an unforgettable beach vacation, it can be challenging to plan the perfect trip with so many options available.

Luckily, I’ve done the work for you and created an itinerary for 7 days in Punta Cana — with options for shorter 3- and 5-day trips — based on my own experience in the destination.

Keep reading this Punta Cana travel blog to learn about the top things to do in Punta Cana along with important travel tips and recommendations for where to stay, excursions, and the perfect schedule.

🌞 Don’t forget to pack sun protection! Along with sunscreen and a hat, a few other recommendations include polarized floating sunglasses and rashguard clothing . 🏖️ Other beach essentials include a waterproof fanny pack , a quick-dry towel with hidden pocket , and a waterproof phone case . 😍 And if you’re looking for stylish beach cover-ups, I’m obsessed with these Kenny Flowers kimonos and sarongs !

Table of Contents

Booking A Punta Cana Beach Vacation With BeachBound

If you’re looking to book a trip to Punta Cana — or another beach destination — check out the recommended properties and vacation packages on BeachBound .

BeachBound is a company that curates unforgettable beach vacation experiences from over 70 seaside destinations, which you book right on their site.

In fact, you can search for beach getaways based specifically on your interests, whether that be adventure, cultural immersion, rejuvenation, romance, or something else.

A few other reasons to book your beach vacation with BeachBound:

• They price match with other US-based travel websites — and then offer an additional $25 off
• They offer a variety of ways to pay — including a payment plan where you can pay your trip off over 24 months, including after you’re already back from lounging in the sand
• With their Travel Protection Plus plans you can cancel for any reason — and receive either a 75% refund or 100% back in a future travel credit
• They work directly with Amstar DMC in many destinations — meaning there is no need to worry about transportation to and from the airport or excursions

Click here for beach vacation inspiration and deals for your next trip !

You can also see their Punta Cana vacation packages here .

Where Is Punta Cana? + Map

Punta Cana is located right where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet on the eastern shore of the Dominican Republic. For many who plan a trip to the Dominican Republic, this is their first stop.

Note that the Dominican Republic isn’t an island, but a nation located on the island of Hispaniola in the West Indies. Haiti is also on this island.

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map of Punta Cana:

You can click here for a Punta Cana map in Google map form .

Getting To Punta Cana

Most travelers to Punta Cana arrive by air and fly into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). It’s about a 20-minute drive to Bavaro Beach, which is the area of Punta Cana we’ll be focusing on in this travel guide.

It’s recommended to pre-book your transportation to and from your resort. As stated, BeachBound works directly with Amstar DMC for this.

After using Amstar DMC’s services myself I highly recommend them as they’re reliable and professional. My driver was easy to find and was waiting for me with welcome sign after baggage claim.

Note: If you’re flying from New York City like I did, I suggest checking out JetBlue. Not only did they have the cheapest flights, but also a number of direct options In fact, if you’re wondering “how long does it take to get to the Dominican Republic?” my flight from JFK to PUJ was only about 3.5 hours!

Getting Around Punta Cana

Walking & biking around punta cana.

Many Punta Cana visitors don’t leave the resort area, which is completely walkable — especially since the beach connects all of the different properties. Off the beach, you can also bike around if you’d prefer.

In my opinion, this is one of the reasons Punta Cana is great for groups as well as those enjoying solo travel in the Caribbean .

Booking Tours In Punta Cana

If you’d like to explore beyond the Punta Cana resorts, booking a guided tour is typically your best option. This will generally be more affordable than hiring a taxi, too. You can book tours directly through BeachBound .

Renting A Car In Punta Cana

If you just plan to explore your resort, hang on the beach, and book a few Punta Cana excursions, you won’t need a car.

However, if you plan to do some Punta Cana day trips without a tour guide, renting a vehicle will typically be your most budget-friendly option.

When To Visit Punta Cana

Wondering when it is the best time to visit Punta Cana?

Punta Cana is a year-round destination, though peak tourist season is January to March. The average temperature in Punta Cana in January is a sunny and comfortable 70°F to 84°F.

In terms of Punta Cana weather, June and July are the hottest and driest months, and October tends to be the rainiest month.

Don’t let that scare you from traveling in fall though! I actually visited Punta Cana in October and it barely rained. When it did, it was only for an hour or so and was a nice break from the heat. So, you can definitely plan a trip to Punta Cana outside the peak season.

How Many Days To Spend In Punta Cana

Especially when traveling the Caribbean, I personally never get sick of swimming in the warm azure waters or playing in the sand.

That being said, I realize that for most people life doesn’t allow for unlimited beach vacation time.

But, hey, wouldn’t that be nice?

So, back to the question, “How many days do you need in Punta Cana?”

If you just want to relax at an all-inclusive resort, you can absolutely have a great weekend in Punta Cana. That being said, allowing for at least 5 days in Punta Cana can really help you get into vacation mode and experience the many resort activities and fun day trips.

Spending more than one week in Punta Cana?

You might consider doing a Dominican Republic road trip and also exploring some of the other great destinations in this island country like Puerto Plata, Barahona, Jaragua National Park, Paraíso, and Cabarete (where you can visit Ocoa Bay , a sustainable winery).

Where To Stay In Punta Cana

When researching Punta Cana hotels, know that the best way to experience this tropical paradise is through an all-inclusive resort.

For my trip to Punta Cana, BeachBound set me up with a stay at the upscale yet affordable Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort , an adults-only all-inclusive located on the stunning Bavaro Beach.

Specifically I stayed at The Level at Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort , a section of the resort that includes exclusive spaces and premium services like private beach and pool areas, preferential restaurant reservations, private rooftop access, included spa treatments and wellness rituals, and more.⁠

The property offers a nice mix of experiences. You can enjoy wellness and active exploration by day, or lounge by the pool or beach. At night, you might dance to live music, party at a silent disco, or savor a quiet dinner and drinks in a beautiful space.

A few highlights of my stay included:

• Spacious room with a balcony and rain shower⁠ (with sumptuous amenities included)
• Rooftop chef’s tasting dinner under the stars (every Tuesday)⁠
• Yoga, swimming, and sunbathing on Bavaro Beach⁠ (gorgeous)
• Daily pool parties, aquatic classes⁠, and wellness experiences (you’ll get a schedule of offerings at check-in)
• Sauna, steam room, hot tub, plunge pool, and hydromassage at Yhi Spa⁠ (which also offers healing treatments)
• Cocktails and nightly dance parties in the lobby (possibly the prettiest hotel lobby I’ve ever seen)

The location of this Punta Cana all inclusive hotel on Bavaro Beach — one of the most stunning beaches in Punta Cana — also makes it worthwhile as you can really just arrive to the resort without a plan and enjoy all-inclusive food, drinks, activities, and beach time in a beautiful place.

Surprisingly, T he Level is affordable, too, which is another reason why I think this is one of the best places to stay in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Click here to see current rates and deals for the property .

7 Days In Punta Cana Itinerary

Okay, now let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Punta Cana .

I’ve laid out an itinerary for a 7 day all-inclusive Punta Cana vacation, though of course feel free to swap in other activities based on your interests. There are some options for alternative Punta Cana experiences below, too. As stated above, your tours can be booked right through BeachBound .

Additionally, I’ve included suggestions for shorter vacations below, including 3 days in Punta Cana and 5 days in Punta Cana.

On that note, let’s dive into your one week itinerary for Punta Cana.

Remember, too, that when staying at the Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort there is an endless schedule of activities to take part in, like beach yoga, bike tours, Zumba, pool aerobics, rum tasting, and more.

In fact, here is a look at the morning schedule of events from when I stayed there. And this doesn’t even include the afternoon activities and evening nightlife!

Day #1: Explore Your All Inclusive Punta Cana Resort

It’s a travel day, so it’s best not to over-extend yourself by booking activities or holding yourself to a timeline.

Instead, explore your resort, grab a cocktail, relax by the pool, lay in a hammock, hit the beach, or simply wander the grounds.

Again, if you’re staying at the Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort , you can opt for some sunset beach yoga, a guided rum tasting, a pole dancing class in the pool, or dance the night away at a silent disco.

Day #2: Have Fun On Bavaro Beach

One of the best beaches in Punta Cana is Bavaro Beach (Playa Bávaro), known for its beauty as well as for being one of the longest white sand beaches in the Caribbean at 30 miles.

In my opinion, this should be included in any Dominican Republic itinerary, and no Punta Cana visit would be complete without spending at least a few hours here.

The Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort sits right on Bavaro Beach, so you can simply throw on a swimsuit and walk over when you’re ready — no car required!

If you don’t mind waking up early, get up to watch a beautiful sunrise. It’s a magical experience to watch the silhouette of the palm trees turn bright with colors as the waves gently lap up against the shore.

Personally, I loved staying in the resort’s exclusive Level accommodations as you also get a private area of the beach to relax on. The lounge chairs all have towels and you can find shade under umbrellas that looks like t hatched roofs.

The Caribbean waters are warm and inviting, and you can spend hours swimming or enjoying the complimentary water sports provided by the resort like standup paddle boarding and kayaking.

There are also loads of tour operators on the beach offering paid experiences like parasailing — a fun adventure travel excursion that allows you to get incredible views of the beach from up high!

After an all-inclusive lunch — I loved the salads and ceviche at Quimera at The Level — play a round of beach volleyball or go freshen up for a happy hour cocktail — preferably at Quimera Rooftop, which has a great view, or in the stunning Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort lobby.

You have many options for dinner — from Italian to Vietnamese to regional cuisine and beyond. You really can’t go wrong, though one must-have experience is the chef’s tasting dinner on Tuesdays at the Quimera Rooftop .

Along with an appetizer, homemade sangria, and dessert, there are eight creative tastings. The entire experience is paired with live music as well as your choice of drinks.

Day #3: Punta Cana Day Trip To Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve

There are many unforgettable day trips from Punta Cana, though one to get on your radar is Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve (Reserva Ecológica Ojos Indígenas) — a beautiful place to explore Punta Cana nature .

This 1,500-acre private reserve showcases wildlife like birds and turtles as well as a network of interpretive and connected trails leading to 12 freshwater lagoons, a few of which you can swim in, like Guamá Lagoon, the deepest at 26 feet. You’ll find a diving platform here, too!

Interestingly, the Indigenous Taíno Indians were said to have called these lagoons “eyes” — or “ojos” — due to their unusual shape.

You can visit the reserve on your own by calling a taxi or through a guided tour.

It’s truly one of the most unique things to do in Punta Cana!

Interested in adding another activity to your day or doing something else all together? A few other fun Punta Cana day trips include:

Los Haitises National Park. Meaning “highlands” in the Indigenous Taíno language, Los Haitises National Park is about 2.5 hours from Punta Cana and features rainforest, caverns, beaches with soft sand and emerald waters, interesting rock formations, and mangrove forests — not to mention over 200 bird species!

You may also spot dolphins and manatees in the water.

It’s the perfect place for hiking, bird-watching, and just enjoying the beauty of the Caribbean.

Saona Island. Encompassing about 42.5 square miles, Saona Island is part of East National Park. The tropical island showcases mangroves, beautiful palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, and attractions like the Cave of Cotubanamá, which is home to pre-Columbian rock art.

Typically, an excursion to Saona Island takes about 8 to 10 hours.

Cueva de las Maravillas. Located about an hour from Punta Cana, Cueva de las Maravillas is a large cave system featuring incredible Taíno pictographs and petroglyphs that date back thousands of years. It’s both an impressive and important site to visit!

Adventure activities. Beyond interesting Dominican Republic places to visit, there are also an array of bookable adventure experiences, whether you want to ATV Punta Cana, go horseback riding, zip-line, off-road in 4×4 buggies, or something else.

Again, you can book these excursions through BeachBound !

Day #4: Go Hiking In Punta Cana

Dominican Republic hiking can be a really fun experience. While I’ve already mentioned exploring the trails of local Punta Cana attractions like Los Haitises National Park and Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, these are far from your only options.

One fun hike about an hour from Punta Cana is Montaña Redonda .

While this Punta Cana hike involves a tough climb of 800 feet, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing 360-degree view of the surrounding Cordillera Oriental (part of the Colombian Andes), the ocean, and lush vegetation.

Moreover, the hike showcases fun swings and hammocks at the top, which make for epic photos.

Looking for something on the easier side?

Walking the length of the Bavaro Beach area is considered a top choice for hiking in the Dominican Republic. What is neat is the scenery changes frequently as you walk. At one point, I even arrived at a spot full of birds diving into the water for food!

Day #5: Day Trip From Punta Cana To Santo Domingo

Depending on how you’re feeling, you can absolutely enjoy another day on Bavaro Beach, chill by the pool, or partake in the many classes offered by the Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort .

However, if you’re up for another Punta Cana day trip, Santo Domingo — the capital of the Dominican Republic — is only about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Punta Cana.

Spending even one day in Santo Domingo introduces you to many interesting experiences:

-Exploring the Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial) and seeing the beautiful architecture. Here you can walk the colorful José Reyes Street — the perfect spot for vibrant photos — as well as see the ruins of places like the Hospital of St. Nicolas of Bari , the first hospital in the New World, as well as of the Monasterio de San Francisco , the oldest Franciscan monastery in the New World.

-Visiting Plaza de España , a historic square also located in the colonial district. Along with showcasing bars and restaurants, you can see the Alcázar de Colón , an impressive fortress.

-Watching cigars being hand-rolled at La Leyenda del Cigarro , which sells all kinds of cigars.

-Perusing locally-made products, art, and clothing at Mercado Modelo .

-Spending time at Los Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes) National Park and descending down into the earth — literally. Located just 15 minutes outside of Santo Domingo via car, taxi, or Uber, it’s a magical place showcasing crystal waters, lush subterranean flora, and ancient Indigenous drawings. In my opinion, this should definitely be on your Santo Domingo itinerary.

-Relaxing on the beautiful white sand Boca Chica Beach , located about 40 minutes outside of Santo Domingo.

To visit Santo Domingo from Punta Cana, you can rent a car from Discover Cars or book a tour.

Day #6: Swim & Snorkel In The Caribbean Sea + Hit The Spa

You spent the last few days doing day trips from Punta Cana, so now it’s time to take it easy and enjoy the Caribbean beauty that surrounds you.

Spend your day enjoying beach activities, strolling up the shoreline, or just relaxing in a lounge chair with a fruity drink.

Along with hanging out on the beach, I highly recommend booking a spa treatment to get really relaxed before it’s time to go home.

At the Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort, they have the YHI Spa, a tranquil space showcasing high ceilings, rope doors, organic light fixtures, plants, and walkways surrounded by water features that make you feel like you’re in nature.

Their spa menu features an array of treatments infusing local ingredients (like moringa!), from massages to facials to wraps to wellbeing rituals that incorporate practices like guided meditation and breathwork.

Make sure to also spend time in their Atabeira Water Emotion complex. Created in honor of Atabey, the Taíno Mother of Water, you’ll have access to a circuit of water experiences like a steam room, dry sauna, warm plunge pool, and Jacuzzi to help promote relaxation and wellness.

Day #7: Relax By The Pool

It’s your last day in Punta Cana! Whether your flight is later today or early tomorrow, spend today relaxing and soaking up the peace of this sunny palm tree-filled destination.

If you’re like me and aren’t good at lounging for too long, take part in some SUP Yoga or Aqua Aerobics or grab a drink and enjoy a pool party.

Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort pools actually have elevated platforms that allow you to stand with the water up to your ankles. These are perfect for dancing or just cooling off.

Alternative Itinerary: 5 Days In Punta Cana

While 7 days in Punta Cana allows for a lot of unscheduled time and day tripping, you’ll need to move things around to maximize time if you don’t have a full week.

So, what does a 5 days in Punta Cana itinerary look like? My suggestion:

• Day 1: Explore the resort, relax by the pool, and partake in some included activities
• Day 2: Relax on the beach and do some water sports
• Day 3: Choose the Punta Cana day trip of your choice
• Day 4: Walk the Bavaro Beach coastline, enjoy some included activities, and book a spa treatment
• Day 5: Spend your last day at the pool or beach

Alternative Itinerary: 3 Days In Punta Cana

Finally, if you only have 3 days in Punta Cana , I recommend forgoing a set itinerary and instead opting to simply enjoy the resort activities, pool, beach, spa, and nightlife.

Again, Punta Cana is a place that naturally helps your stress melt away thanks to its tropical beauty and luxurious all-inclusive resorts.

With just a weekend in Punta Cana, skip packing too much in and instead take advantage of the fact that everything you might want — food, drinks, activities, parties, and more — is included in your room rate.

Especially if you stay at the Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort, you can really customize your day based on your personality.

For instance, if you love just laying on the beach, you can easily do that for three days; however, if you hate sitting still, the plethora of included onsite and beach activities will keep you entertained.

And of course, you might be somewhere in the middle. If this is the case, a typical day might be:

• walking the length of Bavaro Beach in the morning
• getting energized with some beach yoga
• lounging under a palm tree on the beach
• going for a swim in the warm Caribbean waters
• savoring an included lunch with a cocktail
• dancing off those calories at a daytime pool party
• reading on a poolside loung chair
• getting a spa treatment
• having a happy hour cocktail at sunset
• digging into an included dinner
• letting loose at an onsite nightlife experience

The best part? It’s all included! This helps to make this Caribbean trip even more stress-free.

Tips For Visiting Punta Cana

Now that we’ve gone over what to do in Punta Cana and a few suggested itineraries for Punta Cana, let’s discuss some important tips.

Check the latest entry and exit rules for travel in Punta Cana. This goes for general passport, visa, and vaccination requirements, as well as necessary steps due to the pandemic. For instance, at the time of writing, all travelers to and from the Dominican Republic need an E-Ticket .

Moreover, when leaving the Dominican Republic for the United States, I also needed a CDC Declaration Form and a negative antigen test. Both of those were available at my Punta Cana resort.

Taxis are expensive in Punta Cana. Therefore, you’ll want to pre-arrange your airport shuttles beforehand. Again, BeachBound partners with Amstar DMC in Punta Cana, so they can easily help you get that sorted out.

Moreover, consider renting a car or booking an excursion to save costs on sightseeing transportation. Excursions can be booked through BeachBound.

Add a Tuesday to your Punta Cana itinerary. This is when guests of The Level at Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort can attend a multi-course chef tasting at Quimera Rooftop. It’s absolutely delicious and the tastings are creative. Plus, when you factor in the views, live music, and unlimited drinks, it’s totally worth adjusting your trip dates for.

Bring cash for tips. US dollars are widely accepted in Punta Cana, though the local currency is officially the Dominican Peso — and using the latter will typically get you the best rates.

Many all inclusive resorts bake tips and taxes into the room rate, though leaving a little extra for your servers and bartenders is a nice gesture. You should also tip bag handlers and housekeeping.

Try the Mama Juana. Sometimes spelled “Mamajuana”, this tasty alcoholic drink blends rum, red wine, and honey with tree bark and herbs for a sweet and spiced beverage that will warm your insides in the best possible way.

Wear (reef-safe) sunscreen & sunglasses. Punta Cana is a sunny and hot Caribbean destination, so you’ll definitely want to wear sunscreen and sunglasses at all times. To help protect the environment, consider a high SPF reef-safe sunscreen.

Punta Cana Travel Insurance

When visiting Punta Cana—or anywhere else in the world—it’s wise to get travel insurance.

For this, I have two recommendations:

SafetyWing . If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).

Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.

World Nomads . For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Punta Cana

Q) is punta cana in the dominican republic.

Yes, Punta Cana is a resort town in the Dominican Republic.

Q) When is the best time to go to Punta Cana?

January to March are considered the best times to visit Punta Cana.

Q) How many days in Punta Cana do I need?

You need a minimum of 5 days in Punta Cana to have time to relax and do fun activities.

Q) Is Punta Cana worth visiting?

Yes, Punta Cana is worth visiting. It has incredible resorts, beaches, and fun activities for solo and family travelers.

Q) Is Punta Cana safe?

Yes, Punta Cana is a safe destination for travelers. That being said, as you should on every trip, it’s still wise to keep important travel safety tips in mind .

What would you add to this 7 days in Punta Cana itinerary?

Enjoyed this Punta Cana travel guide? Pin it for later!

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The resorts are not my favorite places to go on vacation, but what you say is great. At least to end a trip and relax it seems very good. And you always have the option to go on excursions to other places. I write it down.

By the way, I don’t know how that 360 video is made with tiktok, but it’s awesome.

Greetings and nice future trips!

Thank you so much for the kind words! I actually made the 360-video with the Insta360oneX2 camera + the Insta360 editing software! 🙂

When did you take your trip? Recently? Thanks for all ofnthe great ideas!

Your blog is soooo helpful! My family is planning a trip there over Christmas. There could be 14 of us in total. We need family friendly and all inclusive, ideally. Any suggestions? Our youngest traveler is 13. Thanks for putting this together!

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10 Punta Cana Travel Tips for a Memorable Vacation

Are you looking for the best Punta Cana travel tips? Then look no further because these posts eventually cover all the travel tips you need to know in Punta Cana.

Punta Cana is an area on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.

This Caribbean town has stunning beaches, outstanding resorts, and touristy destinations that attract visitors worldwide all year round.

Significant resorts in Punta Cana include the Bávaro, and Uvero Alto, each with perfect beaches. Also, the airport, located in the area, makes access easy.

So, before you go to Punta Cana , there are some things that you need to know.

Table of Contents

Punta Cana Travel Tips

1. resorts here run the gamut ..

More than 90 percent of the resorts in Punta Cana run the gamut. This allows travelers to pre-pay for their room, food, and alcohol.

There are many great deals available, and it’s so relaxing to leave your wallet at home before you go out for a night of drinking and eating.

Some resorts may charge extra for imported alcohol or a la carte dining.

2. The U.S. Dollars are Accepted here.

Like we always advise travelers, going on any trip, to bring some cash.

If you are worried about how to change the U.S. Dollars into Dominican pesos? Don’t sweat it! It takes just a snap of a finger to be achieved. That is to say, exchanging U.S dollars for Dominican pesos is relatively easy.

In Punta Cana, you can use dollars to make small purchases such as souvenirs, gift accessories, etc. Expect to tip the same in the resort as in the United States. A few dollars to anyone who helps carry your bags and the housekeeping staff aren’t many troubles.

At the bar, a few dollar bills will be in order

3. Expect A Treat from the Beaches

Punta Cana is known for its beautiful beaches. Everything that has been said about the soft white sand, clear blue water, and coral reefs is true. It is quite a beautiful scenery to behold.

Punta Cana currently has ten different beaches with many ways to explore them (by foot, horseback, jeep tours, or getting out on the water with a scuba or snorkel tour).

While at it, watch out for the flags that indicate dangerous weather conditions, and always be security conscious.

you may also like, The Best Washington DC Travel Guide

4. Expect A Sunny Time in Punta Cana

The weather in Punta Cana is sunny and around 80°. Punta Cana always experiences temperature spikes in the summer months and hurricane season (September and October).

However, you can still expect beautiful weather and a few strong rain showers. Rain seems to move as fast as it comes, adding excitement to the pool scene.

Expect unpredictable weather

5. Brace for the Discos/nightclubs

Dominican culture is a serious one. It’s no surprise that accommodation here often includes a disco that stays open until the early hours of the morning.

While budget-friendly resorts may have a DJ booth and a dancefloor, higher-end counterparts offer light and smoke shows and lounge-like settings.

Punta Cana is an excellent place to enjoy discos and nightclubs to the fullest. Have fun!

6. Taxis in Punta Cana are expensive.

Taxis are expensive in Punta Cana. It is prohibitively costly, except you are touring as a group to split the costs.

Most resorts are located about a 30-minute drive away from the airport. It is cost arranging a transfer to the airport from your hotel.

Most visitors stay at their resorts in Punta Cana and don’t venture out of the area, and this isn’t because they don’t like touring around but the cost of their taxes. There isn’t the main strip or tourist area as in Montego Bay or Cancun.

7. There are spas at the resorts.

Spa treatments generally cost extra, but many resorts in Punta Cana offer free access: day passes to their hydrotherapy circuits.

They include open-air pools, whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas with fresh fruit and tea. This is one of the opportunities you will get to enjoy in Punta Cana.

8. Try out some mamajuana.

Hey, it’s mamajuana, not marijuana!

Mamajuana  is an alcoholic beverage made with honey, red wine, rum, and other local ingredients. It’s often written as mama_juana.

This flavorful concoction has been thought to have an aphrodisiac property. Often referred to as the liquid Viagra, it was initially invented in the ’50s as a tonic for cleaning the kidneys and aiding indigestion.

Purchase a bottled mamajuana or make one yourself. There’s fun in that!

9. Modesty in dressing is everything here.

I was wondering why dressing is such an issue here?

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic , is predominantly Catholic, with laws prohibiting nudity or going topless in public. Dressing rascally or indecently might reduce your opportunity in some venues.

So, it’s best to cover up as a sign of respect.

10. Dominican serves delicious cuisine.

One of the disadvantages of staying at an all-inclusive resort is the absence of nearby culture, which could sense like trouble in Punta Cana.

Resorts and restaurants in Punta Cana only cater to various palates and offer international dishes-Japanese, French, and Italian.

Many resorts additionally provide Dominican dishes as a part of their buffet spread. Look for fried green plantains, rice and beans, and pastelitos, like mini empanadas. Try Chivo. It is a rich goat stew which is nice.

FAQ Based On Punta Cana Travel Tips

What is the weather in punta cana.

Weather Average in Punta Cana All Year Round:

Is Punta Cana safe for visitors?

Punta Cana is considered one of the safest places to vacation in the Caribbean. Tourists should feel at ease traveling outside the hotel zone. The hotel security is excellent, and Politur, a particular police section, has been established to ensure tourist safety. Many police officers are stationed at hotels.

The Dominican Republic is the safest and most appealing destination in the winter of 2022-2023.

How Many Days Do I Need In Punta Cana?

You are probably wondering how many days are ideal for your Punta Cana trip. While this will depend on how much time you have and on what you’re interested in.

For someone short on time, three days is enough to explore Punta Cana. If you have time, ten days is enough to see Punta Cana.

Are There Sharks In Punta Cana?

Many vacations include beaches as a major attraction.

Backpackers still dream about the perfect combination of powdery white sand, warm waters, and blue skies.

Punta Cana has many beaches that you should avoid. News reports are often filled with stories about beaches littered with rubbish and pollution. Natural hazards are also common. Some are just annoying, while others can be frightening.

The sea is not the only danger, but beaches can also be dangerous. Water is a natural habitat for jellyfish and sharks.

There are also sharks in Punta Cana.

Plan Your Next Trip Now to Punta Cana

Punta Cana is a fantastic place to visit because of its many attractions that explore parks, museums, and trails.

You can plan a vacation or a business trip to Punta Cana by exploring the attractions and activities.

These Punta Cana travel tips will help you plan your trip better.

I'm not just a traveller, I'm a wanderer. A world explorer. An adventure seeker. I love to discover new things and learn about cultures around the world.

My goal in traveling the world goes beyond merely collecting passport stamps; instead, it is to build connections between various cultures, close gaps between different worlds, and promote a sense of world unity.

Every place I go serves as a new chapter in my lifelong quest to learn more, expand my horizons, and cultivate my profound appreciation for the beauty found in the infinite variety of our world.

I am not constrained by limits or borders when I am exploring; my only constraint is the boundless depth of my own curiosity.

I want to use my travels to paint the world with the brushstrokes of my experiences, highlighting the intricate tapestry of humanity and inviting other travelers to join me on a life-changing odyssey that will forever change us as people.

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15 Tips for Travelling to Punta Cana in 2024

Here are some tips and useful information for everyone who is planning to go to Punta Cana. The Dominican Republic is another country not only in terms of territory and climate, but also in terms of the mentality and the environment.

Before planning a vacation, you should find out what is the best time to visit Punta Cana, its timezone, safe tips and things to do. You should know the best excursions as well as activities here. So then, here are the most useful tips for travelling to Punta Cana in 2024.

Tips for Travelling to Punta Cana

• 1. Dominican time and timezone is GMT-4.

Punta Cana timezone is GMT-4. We also should pay a special attention to a very interesting fact. Perhaps this is due to the close proximity of the Bermuda Triangle, but time here works quite differently than we are accustomed to! If you hate waiting and if you used to plan your day in minutes, then in the Dominican Republic you will have to forget about it!

The favorite word for Dominicans is mañana (Spanish tomorrow). Very often Dominicans promise a solution to some question but they will decide it tomorrow. Being late for 15-30 or even 60 minutes is normal and is not considered critical. It is just the way things go on an island.

• 2. Best time to visit is from December to February.

It is supposed that the months from December to February are the best time to visit Punta Cana. Moreover, in February you can watch whales in Samana Peninsula and Carnival celebrations. The resorts are the most crowded these months. If visiting Punta Cana at this period, we recommend you to make your booking well in advance.

But actually, the weather in is great all year round here. Book a hotel or a comfortable apartment in Punta Cana set right on the beach. Enjoy the warm tropical weather and picturesque landscapes.

• 3. The national currency is the Dominican peso.

The Dominican peso is national currency of the Dominican Republic. US dollars are also accepted, but it is better to change some dollars into pesos. Thus you will have the change. But be aware! The rate is not very profitable at the airport. That’s why we recommend change your money in banks.

• 4. The tourist area has its own rules.

Dominicans are very hospitable and kind people. Despite the luxurious beaches and first-class service, the Dominican Republic is a country with a high poverty level. Thus, do not forget that the tourist area has its own rules. So, if you go outside the hotel or your apartment in Punta Cana, remember the basic rules of tourism security:

• Carefully cross the road.
• Do not wear bright and expensive bags and jewelry.
• Try not to use your mobile phone on the street.
• Do not go with money in your hands. Do not count your money on the street.
• 5. You can not drink the tap water.

This is one of the most important tips for travelling to Punta Cana. You can not drink the tap water in the Dominican Republic, because it is not good and you will get sick. Even local Dominicans do not drink the tap water. Mostly hotels have a bottle of drinking water prepared for its guests. In our apartments in Punta Cana you will find a water dispenser. If you need water you just find a local colmado (a corner store) and order a big jug. You also can buy drinking water in bottle in supermarkets, that are within walking distance of our apartments.

• 6. Discover the Dominican culture.

Do you want more useful tips for travelling to Punta Cana? Well, here it is. Most tourists who come to the Dominican Republic prefer staying at all-inclusive hotels. They really have no desire to leave it. They stand the whole vacation laying at the beach and sipping cocktails. If it is the right thing you are looking for, it is great. But, in case you want to discover the Dominican culture, you should at least go to a restaurant where the Dominican national cuisine is served.

Or rent a car and explore the island, travelling around the Dominican Republic. The nature is so great that you will not regret. Check another beaches in small towns and villages, go to Santo Domingo , the Dominican capital, or have a night party and enjoy the nightlife in Punta Cana.

• 7. Rent ocean view apartment or villa.

Recently, most tourists prefer an independent vacation when renting accommodation. The reasons for this you can read here. Typically, the price of all-inclusive hotels is quite high. Moreover, choosing a hotel, the guest for a number of reasons, prefers to spend all the time in the hotel and not go outside to explore the Dominican culture.

But, we think that your holiday to Punta Cana should be memorable and perfect, so we offer you rent apartments set directly at the beach. It is great to wake up to the sound of the ocean and see the beautiful tropical landscape just opening your eyes, isn’t it? An apartment will cost you cheaper if you do not travel alone. Moreover, you will be independent of the hotel restaurant schedule.

• 8. Visit Saona island and Samana peninsula.

The Dominican Republic is famous for its beaches, that are truly world-class. White sand, crystal clear water of turquoise color, coconut palm trees and smooth waves. But we have to say that all the Dominican beaches are beautiful. That’s why we strongly recommend to visit different parts of the island. Book an excursion to Saona island, Samana peninsula, or just book an apartment in Las Terrenas.

Or rent a car and head to Cap Cana village, Juanillo Beach or Barahona province, famous for its virgin beaches. Everywhere you will be surprised by the beauty of nature and natural beaches. Make a lot of photos and share them with your friends, as well as these tips for travelling to Punta Cana.

• 9. Try the Dominican cuisine.

Do you want some tips for travelling to Punta Cana concerning Punta Cana food? The Dominican national cuisine is not famous for a dish that you will not be able to resist trying. However, being an island, the Dominican Republic is famous for fishermen who bring freshly caught fish and seafood to coastal restaurants.

Do not deny yourself the pleasure of trying fresh oysters or lobster in an ocean view restaurant. However, the Dominican cuisine consists of chicken, beef, yucca, sweet potato, plantains, rice and beans.

• 10. Think about renting a car.

Unfortunately, Uber in Punta Cana and Bavaro is not available yet. If you go to the capital, you can use Uber. It works well there and it is safer and cheaper. In Punta Cana and Bavaro you can get local taxi, but keep in mind that you need to be extremely cautious and negotiate the price before the trip.

It is one of the most important tips for travelling to Punta Cana. Otherwise, you risk being ripped off. There are two types of taxi – cars and motoconcho . Motoconcho is motorcycle taxi. If you plan to travel a lot during your Punta Cana vacation, think about renting a car. This option will be more reasonable and cheaper for you.

• 11. Be careful with the sun.

The climate of Dominican Republic is tropical. The weather in Punta Cana is hot and humid all year round. The temperature is about 27-30°C (80-86°F) the whole year. Be careful with the sun. The Dominican sun is so good that you can roast in the sun without noticing it.

Do not forget to apply sunscreen with high protection every 2 hours no matter where you are. Spend the first days in the shade. We guarantee that even in the shade you will get tanned. The recommended time for tanning is until 11 am and after 4 pm. Note these tips for travelling to Punta Cana.

• 12. Spend your money on excursions.

This is one of the best tips for travelling to Punta Cana. In the Dominican Republic there is a large number of places where you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes, first-class beaches. Book a trip to Saona Island, Samana peninsula, go to Scape Park, try snorkeling and diving. But it is worth noting that among the best excursions in Punta Cana you can also find adventures, safari tour, very informative trip to the capital. Have many positive emotions and good feelings!

• 13. Try to offer the seller a price several times lower.

Dominican coffee, cigars, larimar, amber, mamajuana… Have you decided to visit a shop with souvenirs and buy something for memory? But the prices are so high that they seem completely unrealistic? Try to offer the seller a price several times lower, and you will see how the final price will fall by half.

And remember that when you haggle, you do not offend the Dominican. For Dominicans this is a kind of entertainment. Read a more detailed information of what to bring from Punta Cana .

• 14. Be careful with Sankie Pankies and Chapiadoras.

Most likely you will meet a handsome guy or beautiful girl at the beach. There may be any relationship or feelings, but be careful. Sankie Pankies and Chapiadoras are Dominican guys and girls who are looking for a foreigner. For them you can be a lucky ticket to a better life. The only thing they are seeking is to get a visa or your money.

• 15. Write down Emergency and Embassy numbers.

We strongly suggest you remember or write down the emergency number in the Dominican Republic. It is 911. Also you can note the address of your country’s embassy. If you have the EU citizenship, you can contact any EU country’s embassy for assistance. Below you will find sites of some embassies in the Dominican Republic.

• Canadian embassy
• British embassy
• German embassy

We hope you will take note of our tips for travelling to Punta Cana. Relax and enjoy this brilliant place! See you in the Dominican Republic!

Updated on: 2024-05-08 . Author: Konstantin Ro

Tags: Punta Cana Tips for travelling

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Travelers’ Top Tips to Pack Smart for Your Trip to Punta Cana

• Last updated on: 2022-07-28

Travel light by packing light

If you can get by with just a carry-on, go for it. Take half of what you need and twice as much money. Making the purchase of a few new products a joyful aspect of the experience is possible.

Empty baggage space can be used to your advantage. Instead of folding your clothing, roll them. Socks, underpants, and other accessories should be stuffed into shoes. There should be no unused space. Bring earplugs and a sleep mask. On a plane, train, or in a hotel room, these can come in helpful.

Capitalize on empty suitcase space. Roll your clothes, instead of folding them. Stuff socks, underwear, and accessories inside of shoes. Leave no space unused. Keep a sarong or pashmina in your carry-on. They can be used as a blanket on the plane, a scarf if it’s cold or a shawl on an evening out.

Pack light to travel light. If you can manage with a carry-on, do it. Try taking half of the things you need and twice the money. You can make buying a few new items a fun part of the adventure.

Pre-book your Punta Cana Excursions

Do your research online and don’t make last-minute decisions. Prebooking allows you to plan and have control of your time.

Skip airport snacks and bring your own.

You can save yourself a bit of money and keep your hunger at bay in case you have a delayed flight. Create compartments. Two words: packing cube. If you are visiting more than one city during your trip, packing cubes will keep your suitcase organized and save you from having to pack and unpack.

Share your packing space.

Traveling as a couple? Split your clothes between two suitcases on the off chance one of them gets lost during the flight. Bring a multi-socket extension cord . Although newer hotels have USB ports in rooms, it’s best to have an extra outlet to charge all of your electronics at once.

Make photocopies before leaving home.

If you’re traveling out of the country, make two photocopies of your passport. Use your smartphone to take pictures of your car in the airport’s parking garage and do the same for your luggage and its contents in case it gets lost.

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When planning a vacation to the stunning beach destination of Punta Cana, many travelers often ask us, “Is it safe to leave the resort in Punta Cana?”. The answer is a resounding yes!

Discover affordable all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches and vibrant culture, perfect for budget-friendly vacations.

Dive into the luxurious world of Dreams Resorts in Punta Cana. From family-friendly water adventures at Dreams Macao Beach to the intimate boutique experience of Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa, discover the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and adventure in the Dominican Republic.

Schedule your Excursions & Tours before arriving.

Excursions & Tours in Punta Cana

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Playa Rincon, Samana, and Cayo Levantado Day Trip from Punta Cana

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Choose your own adventure: Where to go and how to save on summer vacations

Revenge travel is so last year.

“It's not necessarily about just getting out of the house anymore,” said Sydney Stanback, Global Insights and Trends lead at Pinterest, which has seen more than 1 billion travel searches and more than 10 billion travel saves over the past year. 

Sure, many of the usual suspects are once again among the most popular destinations across multiple search engines this year, but she said this summer, “It's more so about traveling with intention.” 

According to NerdWallet’s Summer 2024 Travel Report , 45% of Americans plan to take a trip requiring a hotel stay or flight this summer with expenses averaging just under $3,600. A fifth of those travelers expect to go into debt to pay for vacations.

Here’s what to consider when booking a summer trip, including where to go, when to travel and how to save:

Learn more: Best travel insurance

What is the best place to travel in summer? 

The answer is subjective, especially this summer.

“Everyone's kind of choosing their own adventure based off of what their needs are for travel,” Stanback said. 

Pinterest’s Summer 2024 Travel Report found summer travelers are most interested in adventure, exploring mysterious or uncharted destinations, and rest. Searches for “quiet life” jumped 530%, but that doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone.

“My mother actually just took a yoga retreat to Panama,” Stanback said. “That's what she needed to do in order to get the rest that she needed and the well-being that she needed. But for me, when I think of rest and restoration, I simply think about going to a beach spa and just sitting and being by myself.”

Solo travel remains popular. Solo travel searches reached an all-time high in Google in January, but again, not for everyone.

“For Gen Z specifically, that need is to gather and reconnect with their community because they were in isolation for so long and during very meaningful moments in their lives,” Stanback said. She noted group travel and road trips are of keen interest to Gen Z.

“It's not necessarily about traveling and going out and going to restaurants and going to bars and clubs,” she added. “We actually see that a lot with younger generations. They’re kind of stepping away from that and really considering their well-being when they're taking time off.”

Where do most tourists go in summer?

Expedia’s Summer Outlook and Google Flights identified the same cities among their most searched summer 2024 destinations based on flights, though rankings varied by platform.

Top 5 domestic destinations 

◾ Orlando, Florida

◾ Los Angeles

◾ Las Vegas

Top 5 international destinations

◾ Cancun, Mexico

◾ Paris, host of the Summer Olympics

Allianz Partners found slightly different results in their analysis of “more than six million flight itineraries for trips between five and eight days in length for travel booked between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.”

Instead of LA and Vegas, Allianz named Boston and Honolulu among this summer’s top five domestic destinations. Internationally, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; Oranjestad, Aruba; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, made Allianz’s top five, instead of Rome, Paris and Tokyo.

“I am expecting crowds to rival last summer's in popular overseas cities,” Expedia’s travel expert Melanie Fish said, noting how places like Barcelona and Venice are trying to curb overtourism. “They're trying fees and if that's not enough, they're going to have to go even further.”

How can I save on a trip?

Summer trips are already costly for many travelers. “Americans with household income under $100,000 accounted for nearly half (46%) of intended leisure travel spend in summer 2023,” according to Deloitte’s Facing travel’s future report from April.

Expedia’s Fish shared five tips for booking summer 2024 vacations:

◾ Bundle your trip. Booking airfare and a hotel at the same time can earn you deep discounts.

◾ Travel midweek or later in the summer if it's an option. You'll save money and save yourself from fighting crowds. 

• ◾ Fly early in the day … The early bird who takes the first flight of the day will typically get a better price and a lower chance of delays and cancellations. ◾ Book once, earn twice. You can stack rewards from your travel credit card (and) your airline.◾ Just go. Don't pressure yourself to create the trip of a lifetime … Do it in a bite-sized chunk if possible. 

'Expensive in every way': What travelers should expect this summer

How far ahead should I book travel?

“The sweet spot is now,” Fish said. “We're within that 21- to 60-day pre-travel window to save around 15% on airfare, so now is the time to plan. That means ready, set, but maybe wait until August to actually go.”

She said travelers can save an average of $250 on international flights if they wait until the peak summer travel season passes. 

“It's 15% cheaper on average to fly domestically in August versus June, 30% cheaper to fly to Europe in late summer, and 55% cheaper to fly to Mexico and the Caribbean in August,” she said. “Of course, August is peak hurricane season , so that has something to do with that price dip.”

Authentic experiences & recommendations

The 12 best all-inclusive family resorts in Punta Cana 2024 (hand-picked and recommended)

There are hundreds of all-inclusive hotels in the Dominican Republic but not every accommodation is suitable as a family resort in Punta Cana. When you are planning a vacation in Punta Cana with kids it is therefore important to pay attention to the amenities of each resort. What can be overwhelming at the first hand is a breath with the following list of the best family resorts in Punta Cana, which is divided into subcategories to make it even easier for you: the best resort for smaller kids, the best hotels in Punta Cana for teens and the most affordable all-inclusives for families, among others, always taking into consideration key amenities such as family suites, water parks, kids clubs, kid-friendly entertainment or an activity schedule fitting all ages. And the best of this list: those kid-friendly resorts in Punta Cana are not just a random selection – we have visited 90% of them on our own and know all the pros and cons of these family hotels.

• Nickelodeon Resort 

Lopesan Costa Bavaro

Tropical deluxe princess.

If you need information about the best family activities in Punta Cana, have a look at what to do in Punta Cana with kids . If you are not sure which Punta Cana hotel is the right one for you, you can check out here how to find the best all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana .

Completely UPDATED: November 202 3

Quick overview: the best family resorts in Punta Cana

Finding a resort for your family vacation 2024 in Punta Cana might not be easy. There are so many resorts in Punta Cana catering to families that I often read emergency messages from parents who can’t decide on a hotel.

Even if you have only very limited time, I highly recommend you to read the full article as this is not just another random list of the best family resorts for your Dominican Republic vacation. You’ll rather find a hand-picked selection of the best resorts for every kind of traveler, which is exclusively based on all our own experiences we made throughout the years visiting all theses hotels and resorts. Therefore, we can also give you the best amenities and advantages for each one of the family hotels, which are outlined in each section. Still, if you’re just looking for a quick overview, here are the best Punta Cana all-inclusive family resorts at a glance, depending on what exactly you’re looking for:

The best Punta Cana family resort for teens: Dreams Macao Beach ( check current promotions here *) The best Punta Cana family resort for kids: Finest Punta Cana ( check current promotions here *) The best Punta Cana family resort for toddlers: Nickelodeon Punta Cana ( check current promotions here *) The best affordable family resort in Punta Cana: Royalton Splash ( check current promotions here *) The best upscale family resort in Punta Cana: Hyatt Ziva ( check current promotions here *) The best Punta Cana family resort with a large water park: Royalton Punta Cana ( check current promotions here *) The best Punta Cana family resort with the best family suites: Finest Punta Cana ( check current promotions here *) The best Punta Cana family resort with swim-out suites: Princess Family Club ( check current promotions here *) The Punta Cana family resort with the best beach: Lopesan Costa Bavaro ( check current promotions here *) The newest Punta Cana family resort: Sunscape Coco Punta Cana ( check current promotions here *)

All of these Punta Cana family all-inclusive resorts are explained in detail further below – except for Sunscape Coco, which is only about to open at the end of 2023 or latest in January 2024. Therefore, we can’t share our own experiences for this specific hotel yet, but knowing the Sunscape brand it is for sure that Sunscape Coco Punta Cana will be a great family all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic, especially for those who are looking for an affordable resort in Punta Cana .

The best Punta Cana all-inclusive family resorts for kids (approx. 3-12 years)

Princess family club bavaro.

  Princess Family Club Bavaro is one of the few Punta Cana all-inclusive family resorts which is fully dedicated to families, without any exception. The resort features a contemporary design as it was completely renovated in 2019 – in fact, it feels like a brand-new family hotel in Punta Cana. It is the sister property of Grand Bavaro Princess , which was also completely renovated and amazed us with its outstanding price-value ratio and the creative and well-elaborated restaurants and dishes. When you book your family vacation at Princess Family Club Bavaro, you enjoy full access to Grand Bavaro Princess incl. its 10 restaurants.

Princess Family Club Bavaro is one of the best kids resorts in Punta Cana as there are so many family-friendly amenities. From the design of the suites, the maximum room occupancy (perfect for families of 5), the Punta Cana water park for kids or the family restaurants, everything is prepared for relaxed and convenient holidays with kids in the Dominican Republic. The family resort is particularly catering to kids, as the water park, the teens club, the ice cream food trucks or the family activities are especially suitable for kids between the ages of 4 and 12.

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Another great feature of Princess Family Club is its small size. The suites, the water park, the kids club, the family pool, the lobby and most of the restaurants are reachable with a 2-minute walk or less, which makes it pretty easy to stick together as a family. 

 But it is not only the family amenities that make Princess Family Club Bavaro one of the best Punta Cana kids resorts, also adults will enjoy an excellent time here. As mentioned, you have full access to Grand Bavaro Princess , which features various delicious dining options (including one of the best Indian restaurants in Punta Cana), a super huge buffet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy dishes, a large selection of international premium spirits and access to Bavaro Beach (reachable by the free in-resort trolley train in 3 minutes), one of the most beautiful beaches in Punta Cana . The resort also counts with a mangrove area, hiking trails and a lot of wildlife, which is another plus for the kids. They will be enchanted when they spot the flamingos, ducks or giant iguanas.    

 For further information and our full experiences at this family all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, have a look at the full Princess Family Club Bavaro review . 

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – completely renovated and spacious suites with bunk beds for up to 5 guests, incl. 4 children – various family amenities in the rooms, such as childrens’ bathrobes, little sweets, colorful glasses or sand and pool toys – strollers for rent including designated stroller parking areas – a newly-built water park with a family snack restaurant right next to it – one of the few dedicated family resorts in Punta Cana with swim-out suites

Kids club hours   (subject to change without further notice):  9 am to 6 pm (kids club, 4-12 years) Typical room occupancy:  3 adults + 2 children (up to 12 years) (or 2 adults + 3 children or 1 adult + 4 children), for example in the Family Club Junior Suite ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy:  3 adults + 2 children (up to 12 years) (or 2 adults + 3 children or 1 adult + 4 children), for example in the Family Club Junior Suite Swimout ( check room details *) Further information:  – Princess Family Club Bavaro – a comprehensive review for this Punta Cana family all-inclusive resort – Grand Bavaro Princess – a comprehensive review for this Punta Cana all-inclusive resort

Grand Sirenis Punta Cana

  Grand Sirenis Punta Cana was one of the first family all-inclusive resorts we visited – and it is still one we love. The resort got completely renovated in 2018 and therefore offers contemporary suites and a fresh design throughout the resort. Grand Sirenis offers an outstanding price-value ratio, particularly considering the modern and spacious rooms (incl. their family suites) and well-elaborated dishes and menus. 

 However, the reason why Grand Sirenis Punta Cana is one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana is the on-site water park, Sirenis Aquagames. This famous Punta Cana water park features 7 different slides for older children and teens, a large area with a pirates ship for kids aged 4 to 11 (including 10 mini water slides and 4 splash barrels) and a water playground with different water sprinklers and animal statues for the smallest visitors (2 to 4 years) who love to play in the water. 

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Besides the water park, particularly the kids club is worth mentioning at Grand Sirenis Punta Cana, as it offers much more than the typical kids club at other kid-friendly hotels in Punta Cana. It is divided into different areas, guaranteeing a full day (or week) of fun for children from 4 to 12 years. The areas include a master chef zone, lego zone, craft zone, barbie zone, cinema room, outdoor garden and plant nursery.

Another great amenity for families traveling to Punta Cana is the different types of family rooms, including the regular family suites with a closeable door between the bedroom and the living area with a sofa bed and the connecting suite, which comes with two bedrooms, perfect if you are looking for an all-inclusive resort for teenage families in Punta Cana.

You are looking for further information about this kid-friendly all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana? Continue reading the comprehensive Grand Sirenis Punta Cana review . 

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – home to Sirenis Aquagames, one of the largest resort water parks in Punta Cana – creative and extensive kids club with different areas, among them master chef zone, lego zone, craft zone, barbie zone, cinema room, outdoor garden and plant nursery – affordable family suites with a separate bedroom for more privacy and tranquility – large tropical garden including kid-friendly wildlife, such as ducks or flamingos – family-friendly resort entertainment and activities during the day and the night

Kids club hours   (subject to change without further notice):  10:00 am to 5:00 pm (4-12 years) Typical room occupancy:  3 adults + 1 child (up to 12 years) or 2 adults + 2 children (up to 12 years), for example in a Double Room ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy:  5 adults + 2 children in a Club Premium Presidential Suite 2 Bedrooms ( check room details *) Further information:   Grand Sirenis Punta Cana – a comprehensive guide for this family all-inclusive resort

Nickelodeon Resort 

 Nickelodeon is another top family resort on our list and – as many other hotels from our selection of the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for families – also just opened a few years ago. 2016 marked the beginning of the Nickelodeon story in the Dominican Republic. Since then, the hotel has built up a reputation for being one of the best family all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, especially due to its nearly endless themed amenities and activities, which will let the kids feel as if they are part of one of the famous Nickelodeon series.

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Most unique experience in a small group: Authentic rum tasting * (rating 4.78/5) Best Rated Punta Cana excursion: Isla Saona Premium in small groups * (rating 4.95/5) Most booked through Punta Cana Travel Blog: Small-Group Snorkeling * (rating 4.91/5) Best off-the-beaten-track excursion: Montana Redonda & Costa Esmeralda * (rating 4.79/5) Best excursion for family fun: Jungle Buggies + Zipline Combo * (rating 4.91/5) New and trending for 2024: Evening Buggy Tour with Water Cave and Dancing * Not the right tour for you? Check out the 45 best Punta Cana excursions here at Punta Cana Travel Blog!

When talking about Nickelodeon Resort as one of the best Punta Cana all-inclusive family resorts, we have to mention the several Nickelodeon experiences which are unique compared to other family hotels in Punta Cana. Imagine getting soaked with the typical green slime as a family (and having this moment captured in a foto), eating a giant burger together with your kids (which might be as big as your entire fridge at home), meeting the Nickelodeon characters live with your kids or visiting the water park of this Punta Cana resort – fun and longlasting memories are always guaranteed when visiting this kid-friendly resort in Punta Cana. 

But it’s not only about the kids’ amenities at Nickelodeon Resort. The hotel, in general, offers very high quality, with impeccable service and plenty of dining opportunities. Particularly mentionable is the Spacewalker restaurant, where your kids can enjoy food from another galaxy (including the accordant decoration and Nick characters, of course) and the daytime gourmet option at Fresco, an Italian-inspired place to eat fresh dishes.

Also worth mentioning: this Punta Cana all-inclusive family resort has only 208 suites, hence it is one of the smallest family hotels in Punta Cana. This is particularly important if you are looking for a resort with more personalized services compared to a mega building with 1000 rooms or more.

Last but not least, Nickelodeon is one of the best resorts for toddlers in the Dominican Republic as they offer a toddler inclusive program, which includes strollers, pack-n-play, cribs, bottle sterilizers & warmers, baby bathtubs, baby monitors, portable changing tables, toddler bathrobes, in-room step stool/bench, baby food and booster chairs & highchairs. Furthermore, nannys are available for an extra charge (currently 15 USD per hour as of November 2023) from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm.

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – the chance for the kids to meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters – take a tour or stay at the famous Pineapple Suite – tons of experiences centered around the Nickelodeon characters, such as “get superslimed” – one of the most extensive food and drink menus for kids among all Punta Cana family resorts, including slime smoothies and the family machete burger – one of the best resort in Punta Cana for toddlers, thanks to their “Toddler Inclusive” program

Kids club hours   (subject to change without further notice):  09:00 am to 05:00 pm and 07:00 to 09:00 pm (4-12 years) Typical room occupancy:  2 adults + 3 children (up to 12 years), for example in a Pad Suite ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy:  2 adults + 4 children (up to 12 years) in a Super Pool Villa or the Pineapple Suite ( check room details *)

The best family resorts in Punta Cana for teenagers (approx. 13-17 years)

Dreams macao beach punta cana.

Dreams Macao makes it to this list as it offers a perfect balance for all ages. It definitely can be considered as a kid-friendly hotel in Punta Cana but is very recommendable for teenagers and adults likewise. Dreams Macao Beach is a completely newly-built family hotel, which only opened its doors in 2020. So far, it is the only all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana at Macao Beach , one of the most beautiful beaches in Punta Cana . Even though the beach is stunning and offers marvelous views, it has to be said that sometimes the waves and/or currents might be quite strong, which is why Dreams Macao Beach might not be the best family-friendly hotel in Punta Cana in case your kids love the ocean more than the pool. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming at Macao Beach , as waves and currents are only present occasionally.

So what makes Dreams Macao Beach a perfect all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana for families? Kids aged 3-12 will love the Explorer’s Club, which offers a wide array of included activities, among them a basketball court, trampoline, a kids’ cinema, an indoor game room with TV and video games, weekly campout adventures and big-screen movies on the beach. For teenage families in Punta Cana, it might be the best all-inclusive resort because teens can not only enjoy the teens club with nightly activities, but also the best surf spot in Punta Cana right in front of the hotel, where they can take surf lessons with the renowned Macao surf school * – this is absolutely unique in Punta Cana. And last but not least, adults can enjoy the stunning scenery of Playa Macao , explore a hidden beach close by and immerse themselves into the local culture by exploring the small village of Macao right next to the hotel.

 If this is not enough yet, Dreams Macao is also one of those family all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana with 2 water parks – one for toddlers and one for the kids and teens. Endless fun is guaranteed!

 If you’d like to know more information about this Punta Cana family all-inclusive resort, check out the comprehensive Dreams Macao Beach review here at Punta Cana Travel Blog .

And if you are wondering about all the things you can do when visiting this kid-friendly hotel, check out the best family activities in Punta Cana 2022 .

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – 2 water parks, one for toddlers and one for kids and teens – separate kids club (for ages 3-12) and teens club (for ages 13-17) – all kids club staff members are CPR certified by the Red Cross – Macao Beach is the best surfing spot in Punta Cana, perfect for teens who’d like to get involved in this sport – a lot of different and entertaining activities at the teens club

Kids and teens club hours   (subject to change without further notice):  10 am to 6 pm (kids club, 3-12 years); 6 pm to 10 pm (teens club 13-17 years) Typical room occupancy:  3 adults + 1 child (up to 12 years) in most rooms ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy:  6 adults + 2 children (up to 12 years) in a Preferred Club Two-Bedroom Villa with pool ( check room details *) Further Information:  Dreams Macao Beach – a comprehensive guide for this Punta Cana all-inclusive resort

Dreams Dominicus

If the beach is one of the crucial points when looking for a Punta Cana family all-inclusive resort and you want to make sure to definitely not have any seaweed during your Dominican Republic vacation, Dreams Dominicus is worth a closer look. It is located in the Bayahibe area , less than 1 hour driving away from Punta Cana International Airport on one of the most beautiful stretches of beaches you can find in the east of the Dominican Republic . This Bayahibe resort is particularly one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana when your kids love the beach and you want to make sure your kids can play in a seaweed-free environment , as Bayahibe is overly protected from this natural phenomenon which sometimes occurs in Punta Cana during the summer months.

Note: the sargassum in Punta Cana is not dangerous, just ugly sometimes. Also, note that the seaweed only occupies a small stretch of the beach, there are still plenty of areas to build sandcastles and more. Seaweed sometimes occurs on Punta Canas beaches between April/May and August/September, according to the seaweed season in Punta Cana .

Besides the beach and the turquoise ocean, which is perfectly shallow and therefore also perfect for your kids to hop into the water, Dreams Dominicus is a compact resort built Meditteranean-style with plenty of spacious suites. The smallest rooms have a size of more than 500 square feet, most suites are sized 800 square feet and more. There is a no-reservation policy in all the à-la-carte restaurants, which means you can eat when and as often as you want in all the restaurants. Several pools – including quiet pools, family pools and entertainment pools – will keep your children “hydrated”.

However, what makes Dreams Dominicus one of the best Punta Cana family resorts is its separate family section in the Preferred Club area. It is an area that was only opened in recent years and is focusing completely on families traveling to the Dominican Republic. It features a water splash area, a family restaurant, a fully-stocked bar, a Preferred Club check-in, a games room and many interconnecting family rooms. Talking about the rooms it is important to know that when you’re booking a Family Preferred Club room category, interconnecting rooms are guaranteed.

Additionally, this area features a family buffet for breakfast and lunch and a family pizzeria for lunch. Parents will enjoy the added Preferred Club privileges, such as an extended bar menu with additional premium spirits or the additional breakfast, lunch and dinner options, particularly for eating à-la-carte. There is also a much larger and more spacious beach section when you book the Preferred Club family rooms at Dreams Dominicus .

Another feature children will love at this all-inclusive resort for families is the very extensive schedule and itinerary at the kids club and the teens club. While the kids club hosts activities such as treasure hunts, sandcastle contests, board games, field trips and big screen movies on the beach, the teens club will make older kids happy with weekly bonfires, foam parties, video games and water activities.

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – marvelous beach with a 99% chance of not having seaweed – a separate and newly-constructed family area with a splash park, family restaurants and games room – very shallow ocean – very spacious family suites and – when booking the accordant category – guaranteed interconnecting rooms – super extensive hours until 10 pm respectively midnight for the supervised kids club and teens club

Kids and teens club hours (subject to change without further notice): 9 am to 10 pm (kids club, 3-12 years); 9 am to midnight (teens club 13-17 years) Typical room occupancy: 3 adults + 1 child (up to 12 years) in most rooms ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy: 6 adults + 5 children (up to 12 years) in a Preferred Club Three Bedroom Family Suite Tropical View ( check room details *) Further Information: Dreams Dominicus – a comprehensive review for this Bayahibe all-inclusive resort

Lopesan Costa Bavaro is another one of those family-friendly hotels in Punta Cana offering several amenities for all kinds of travelers – including for teens. The resort was only opened in 2019 and therefore is brand-new – which you can see in nearly every corner. The rooms at Lopesan Costa Bavaro are offering a fantastic Caribbean design with contemporary art elements and frequent use of natural materials. You can also find a completely newly built leisure and shopping area called The Boulevard, which consists of plenty of apparel shops, some of the Lopesan restaurants, a coffee shop, the casino, the theatre, several bars and many other entertainment options, such as the kids’ amenities mentioned below.

What makes Lopesan Costa Bavaro a suitable family all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana is the combination of services and amenities for children (kids & teens). As a kid-friendly all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, the hotel is one of the Punta Cana resorts with a water park , particularly suitable for kids until the age of 10-12. There are no monster slides or spectacular attractions for teens, but a wide array of smaller slides and water games for kids, which will keep them entertained the entire day – particularly considering that the ice cream shop and the kids club are located right next to the water park. On the other side, older teens can enjoy the teens club with a dedicated relax area. They also will love the arcade section and bowling alley, even though they are not included in the price.

Travel resources

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Regarding gastronomy, Lopesan Costa Bavaro also can score as a Punta Cana resort for teens & kids by offering very flexible eating options. While the regular breakfast and lunch buffet, as well as the à-la-carte dinners, have the common opening hours, families can choose between different options throughout the day – compared to other Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts where you usually only have one snack restaurant or buffet outside of the regular opening hours. Lopesan Costa Bavaro offers at least three options – and all of them with a decent food menu, which surpasses the typical snack restaurant: – The Valley, an American à-la-carte restaurant, open 24 hours – Yolo, à-la-carte snack restaurant, open from noon until midnight, located next to the water park – Goldfish Beach Club, buffet restaurant, open from noon until 6 pm, located at the beach

 And for everyone still doubting that Lopesan Costa Bavaro is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, show the ice cream shop to your kids and they will love the hotel.

We have visited this resort for families in Punta Cana not too long ago. For in-depth information, continue reading our comprehensive Lopesan Costa Bavaro review here at Punta Cana Travel Blog .

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – kids and teens club with extended opening hours – two water parks, one for kids and one for toddlers – large leisure area with plenty of arcade games and a four-lane bowling alley (for a surcharge) – several food options during the entire day (snack restaurant, à-la-carte restaurant, beach buffet), perfect when kids don’t want to stick to the regular breakfast, lunch and dinner hours – perfect location of the water park, kids club, teens club, snack restaurant and ice cream shop right next to each other – kids never want to leave this area

Kids and teens club hours   (subject to change without further notice):  11:00am to 01:00pm and 03:00pm to 10:30pm (kids club, 3-12 years); 10:00am to 01:00pm, 03:00pm to 05:00pm and 08:00pm to 09:00pm (teens club, 12-17 years) Typical room occupancy:  3 adults + 1 baby (0-1 years) or 2 adults + 2 children (2-12 years) in a Junior Suite Tropical ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy:  7 adults (incl. children) in a Junior Suite Two-Bedroom ( check room details *) Further information:  Lopesan Costa Bavaro – a comprehensive review of this newly built all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana  

The best upscale Punta Cana family resorts

Finest punta cana.

  Finest Punta Cana is one of the newest additions to the all-inclusive resort family in Punta Cana. It is located in Uvero Alto and belongs to the Excellence Group. Contrary to the other two resorts of this chain, Excellence Punta Cana and Excellence El Carmen which are both adults-only resorts, Finest Punta Cana was particularly designed as a kid-friendly hotel and might be indeed one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana, taking into account its high-end standard as well as some interesting innovations when it comes to taking care of families in Punta Cana.

 Similar to Dreams Macao Beach , Finest Punta Cana is a newly-built resort that was inaugurated only in October 2021, hence everything is brand-new with state-of-the-art design. It definitely is a luxury family resort and offers some of the highest quality you can find among the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for families.

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 What sets Finest Punta Cana apart is that there are just so many well-thought-of details, such as the kids and teens club hours during dinner time, the kid’s spa or the staffed playrooms next to each restaurant, so that the parents can enjoy a relaxed and romantic dinner whenever their little ones feel like playing. The Finest also offers plenty of suites for up to 5 guests – perfect when you are looking for a Punta Cana all-inclusive resort for a family of 5. Some of those room categories also have private pools, which is perfect for older kids and teens who want to use the pool outside of the main pool hours.

Furthermore, teens will love the flipper arcade machines, the pool tables and the table football area, where they can play against other guests. Last but not least, one of the Preferred Clubs the resort has (the Finest Club) is also an exclusive family VIP club.

 But not only the kids will enjoy this Punta Cana family resort, Finest Punta Cana offers the highest standard for adults as well. Parents can enjoy high-quality cuisine, including à-la-carte lunch, lobster dinners or a family-style dinner at the beach (all included), as well as an outstanding wide selection of drinks, including fresh coconuts, many different brands of beer and premium liquors on every bar. There is a spa for adults and their kids. The suites are top-notch with contemporary design, all technical amenities and an amazing room service menu.

 For our most recent experiences at this Punta Cana all-inclusive family resort, check out the comprehensive Finest Punta Cana review here at Punta Cana Travel Blog .

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – a VIP club option exclusively for families – special spa for adults and kids – creative kids menus including family-style dinner menus – staffed kids club rooms next to each restaurant, including for dinner – 5 different room categories which all fit a maximum of 5 guests

Kids club hours   (subject to change without further notice):  10:00 am to 05:00 pm and 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm (3-6 and 7-11 years) Typical room occupancy:  3 adults + 1 child (up to 12 years) or 2 adults + 2 children (up to 12 years), for example a Family Suite ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy:  3 adults + 2 children (up to 12 years) in a Finest Club Imperial Family Suite with pool ( check room details *) Further information:   Finest Punta Cana – a comprehensive review of this newly built all-inclusive resort

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

 With around 1800 rooms, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is one of the biggest resorts in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to its sheer size and its focus on entertainment and music, it is the perfect family resort in Punta Cana for kids and teens who are looking for non-stop fun! Your little rock stars will feel like Elvis or the Rolling Stones here.

  Hard Rock Punta Cana Resort is a world on its own. You can spend days here and won’t have explored it all. Besides the high quantity of rooms, Hard Rock Punta Cana offers 9 top-quality restaurants (all of them are air-conditioned), 23 bars with premium liquors and 13 pools, among them 3 infinity pools. 

 Even though Hard Rock Punta Cana is not catering exclusively to children, kids will love this top family resort in Punta Cana. There is always some entertainment going on, the beach is awesome to play in the sand, the kids’ menus are creative and extensive and compared to other kid-friendly resorts in Punta Cana, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offers one of the most extensive kids club hours in the entire Dominican Republic – from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm, which includes a super varied schedule with activities like crazy games, face paintings, balloon workshops, music activities, ice cream party, dance competitions, kite flying, Zumba, table games, painting workshops and much more. On the other hand, teens will love the extensive array of additional activities, which are unfortunately not included in the price, but unique compared to other Punta Cana all-inclusive family resorts, such as mini-golf, bowling, escape room, laser tag, VR games, arcade games and the FlowRider to practice surfing.

Since summer 2022, Hard Rock is also a family resort with one of the biggest water parks in Punta Cana . 26 slides are expecting you, among them 9 fast and thrilling slides for teenagers and adults, 9 slides for smaller children and 8 further slides somewhere in between. This rounds off the family amenities of Hard Rock Punta Cana even more.

And adults? They can enjoy top-notch cuisine, including one of the few Lebanese restaurants in Punta Cana, an amazing new market concept, a top-class spa and the biggest casino in Punta Cana, besides lots of live acts, shows and musical entertainment.

 For our full experiences at this Punta Cana family all-inclusive resort, have a look at our comprehensive Hard Rock Punta Cana review .

If you are looking for some more exciting stuff to do, check out the best Punta Cana family excursions .

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – non-stop kids club from 10:00 am to 10:45 pm – an extensive array of additional activities (mini-golf, bowling, FlowRider, escape room, water park, etc.) – kids stay free until the age of 17 during certain periods – extensive kids menus at most restaurants – one of the best ice cream shops in Punta Canas’ resorts

Kids club hours   (subject to change without further notice):  10:00 am to 10:30 pm (4-12 years) Typical room occupancy:  4 adults + 1 baby (0-3 years) in a Caribbean Suite ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy:  4 adults + 2 children (up to 17 years) in a Rock Family Suite or up to 12 guests in the Royal Villa ( check room details *) Further information:   Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana – a comprehensive review for this Punta Cana all-inclusive resort

One of the best Dominican Republic all-inclusive family resorts is without a question Hyatt Ziva – particularly considering the amazing reviews it gets everywhere like on Tripadvisor *, Booking.com * or different Facebook groups. And indeed, there is hardly anything you can complain about at Hyatt Ziva – maybe except for the price, which is definitely steep and therefore not affordable for every family. Hyatt Ziva is among the most expensive hotels in Punta Cana, but it definitely pays out to check if there are any promotions running currently.

With just around 375 rooms, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is a very compact resort, where your kids are never far from the next attraction. Among those attractions are of course the family water park with plenty of slides and a lazy river, the water sports centre with complimentary non-motorized water sports or the kids club with supervised games, a Spider Zone and other entertaining activities. Teens will love the teens club with the latest virtual reality stimulators and Formula 1 racing video games. The water park at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is particularly suitable for kids and younger teens, but not so much for those looking for high-adrenaline slides, as there aren’t any monster slides like at the much bigger water parks in Punta Cana , such as Riu Palace Punta Cana or Royalton Punta Cana.

With 1 buffet, 4 à-la-carte restaurants, 1 snack bar and many other bars Hyatt Ziva offers a typical array of resort cuisine – but with a twist and on a particular high level, being on par with the resorts premium approach. Adults also have access to the 6 additional dining options at neighboring Hyatt Zilara, which is the adults-only area of the resort.

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – best reviewed resort in Punta Cana and the No. 1 for many years – kids club and teens club with state-of-the-art technology – highest level of service, comfort and safety for your family – family-friendly live entertainment every day and night – family-friendly beach with shallow ocean and usually no waves

Kids and teens club hours (subject to change without further notice): 9 am to 9 pm (kids club, 4-12 years); 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. (teens club 13-17 years) Typical room occupancy: 2 adults + 3 children (up to 12 years) in most rooms ( check room details *) Hi ghest room occupancy: 2 adults + 3 children (up to 12 years) in various room categories ( check room details *)

The most affordable Punta Cana family all-inclusive resorts

Riu is one of the biggest resort properties in Punta Cana, featuring Riu Palace Punta Cana , Riu Palace Bavaro, Riu Palace Macao , Riu Bambu and Riu Naiboa. Even though the Riu Palace hotels are the highest tier of all those Riu properties, when it comes to the best all-inclusive family resorts in Punta Cana, Riu Bambu is the best choice, especially when traveling with some older kids and teenagers and when looking for a cheap family resorts in the Dominican Republic. The resort offers plenty of activities and entertainment, 7 restaurants and various bars. Riu Bambu is for sure not the most luxurious family-friendly hotel in Punta Cana, but it is, among Grand Sirenis and Serenade , one of the most affordable all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana when looking for a family hotel. 

Furthermore, Riu Bambu is one of the best all-inclusive resorts for teenage families in Punta Cana, particularly considering the very flexible room occupancy. While most Punta Cana family resorts only offer an occupancy of 4 or 5 guests (with a maximum of 2 or 3 adults + children up to 12 years), Riu Bambus rooms’ can host up to 4 adults and 1 teen up to 16 years. Alternatively, you can also stay with 2 adults + 3 children up to 18 years (with at least 1 child 16 years max.). This allows for some pretty cheap family vacations in Punta Cana as you can book your whole family into one room contrary to other Punta Cana all-inclusive family resorts, where you would have to book two rooms.

What makes it even better is the kids stay free program of Riu Bambu, under which 1 child up to 12 years doesn’t have to pay when staying in the room of the parents. Furthermore, teenagers can enjoy the Riu4U club with exclusive activities and a wide array of sports opportunities.

As an additional plus, all Riu guests enjoy free access to the Riu Splash Water World, one of the biggest water parks in Punta Cana with some thrilling slides, incl. a Twister and a Kamikaze slide, and a separate water playground for toddlers and small kids. 

In case the parents would like to party, you also have access to some of the best parties in Punta Cana , which are taking place at the RIU Party venue (adults only) just 2 minutes away from Riu Bambu. The entrance is free for all Riu guests and you should expect some of the best resort parties in Punta Cana, that are taking place 4 times a week.

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – being a club hotel, this family resort offers an extensive activity and entertainment program for all ages – free access to Riu Splash Water World on the property, one of the biggest water parks in Punta Cana – kids stay free program (1 child up to 12 years) – large sports program with windsurfing, kayaking , snorkeling equipment, small catamaran, bodyboard, tennis court and beach volleyball – one of the very few Punta Cana all-inclusive family resorts where you can occupy a room with 5 guests, including children with a maximum age of 16 years (instead of 12 years as with most other kid-friendly hotels)

Kids and teens club hours   (subject to change without further notice):  10 am to noon + 3 pm to 5 pm (kids club, 3-12 years); starting from 10:30am (teens club 13-17 years) Typical room occupancy:  3 adults (incl. children, for example in a Double Standard Room ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy:  4 adults + 1 children (up to 16 years) (or 2 adults + 3 children or 3 adults + 2 children) in a Family Room ( check room details *)

Royalton Splash

Royalton Splash is a very popular Punta Cana all-inclusive family resort, especially thanks to its famous water park, which is one of the biggest ones in the Dominican Republic. This Punta Cana resort for kids offers the best of all worlds: affordable resort prices , attractive services, plenty of restaurants and full access to Royalton Punta Cana (except a few selected restaurants) including their picture-perfect Caribbean beach. 

Kids love this Punta Cana family hotel particularly due to its fun-filled water park. Besides 7 giant water slides, there is a pool with a wave machine, a monster barrel and a separate kids water park for toddlers and small children with even more (small) water slides. Besides the water park, the younger guests enjoy a kids and teens club with various activities and an arcade and games center, which is one of the biggest (and included in the price) of all kid-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. 

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When booking Royalton Splash Punta Cana family resort, you can also consider upgrading to the Diamond Club, as this comes with a particular vast array of additional services, which make your stay in this family-friendly resort in Punta Cana even more enjoyable – still for a very affordable rate. We particularly enjoyed the dedicated Diamond Club beach club area. But also the preferential reservations for à-la-carte dinners, the separate Diamond Club lounge and the access to additional restaurants are well worth it, especially for longer stays at Royalton Splash.

If you’d like to book a room directly at the beach, you can also consider booking the sister property Royalton Punta Cana. You have the same access rights (and a few additional) as from Royalton Splash incl. to the water park, but the rooms are located closer to the beach.

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – one of the most popular water parks in Punta Cana on-site with 7 big water slides – spacious family suites with bunk beds and a maximum occupancy of 5 guests – one of the biggest arcade centers (with most of the games included) among all the family resorts in Punta Cana – full access to neighboring Royalton Punta Cana with additional dining and activity options – teens and kids club for all ages (starting from 4 years) with a diversified activity program

Kids and teens club hours   (subject to change without further notice):  10 am to 5 pm (kids club, 4-12 years); 10 am to 5 pm (teens club 13-17 years) Typical room occupancy:  4 adults (incl. children), for example in a Luxury Room ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy:  4 adults + 1 children (up to 12 years) (or 2 adults + 3 children or 3 adults + 2 children) in a Luxury Family Suite ( check room details *)

If you are looking for a very affordable Punta Cana all-inclusive family resort, Tropical Deluxe Princess might become particularly handy. It is a completely renovated resort in Bavaro which offers an outstanding price-value ratio, especially considering its contemporary rooms, the large selection of restaurants and the huge amount of amenities for children and adults alike. Renovations were only completed in 2021, hence you can enjoy a completely new family resort in Punta Cana without breaking the bank.

But why is Tropical Deluxe Princess, which offers the same amenities as its sister hotel Caribe Deluxe Princess , one of the best kid-friendly resorts in Punta Cana? This has different reasons. The first one is the number of amenities in the resort. There is not only a kids and a teens club available, but also archery, table tennis and water sports equipment. Furthermore, this Punta Cana family hotel is one of the few resorts with a miniature golf course, which the kids will love. Tropical Deluxe Princess is also a water park resort in Punta Cana , as it features a water playground with various smaller slides, particularly suitable for children up to 8-10 years. There is also a large area with video and arcade games, which are, however, not included in your stay, the same as the bowling lanes at the resort.

What truly sets Tropical Deluxe Princess apart in terms of an all-inclusive family resort in Punta Cana are the unique family suites. Compared to many other family rooms in Punta Cana, they have a separate bedroom for the parents AND two bathrooms, which means the kids have their own bathroom and don’t have to pass through the bedroom when they want to pee or take a shower. This adds a lot of privacy to the parents’ vacations in Punta Cana. Furthermore, as the rooms are fully renovated as well, the design is very contemporary, hence you’ll feel delighted to spend your Caribbean holiday here.

Probably the most unique feature of those family suites at Tropical Deluxe Princess Punta Cana is that they absolutely won’t break the bank as we’re still talking about one of the most affordable resorts in Punta Cana . Rates start at as low as 75 USD per person per night with generous child discounts available.

The Top 5 features making this hotel one of the best family resorts in Punta Cana: – spacious, contemporary and affordable family suites with 2 bathrooms – one of the few resorts with a minigolf circuit – separate kids club (for ages 4-12) and teens club (for ages 13-17) – bowling alley available plus a large selection of video and arcade games (not included) – water park and water playground for kids and younger children

Kids and teens club hours (subject to change without further notice): 9 am to 5 pm (kids club, 4-12 years); 9 am to 5 pm (teens club 13-17 years) Typical room occupancy: 3 adults + 1 child (up to 12 years) in most rooms ( check room details *) Highest room occupancy: 2 adults + 3 children (up to 12 years) in a Family Suite ( check room details *) Further Information: Tropical Deluxe Princess and Caribe Deluxe Princess – a comprehensive guide for this fully-renovated all-inclusive resort

The best family activities in Punta Cana

Ok, have you found your favorite Dominican Republic family resort? Among the selection above, there should be something for everyone. But have you thought about what to do in Punta Cana ? Exactly for this question there is a separate article about the best family excursions and activities in Punta Cana . Punta Cana not offers stunning beaches and wonderful resorts, but also a lot of activities for kids. Of course the best activities in Punta Cana for kids depend on the age of your little ones, but in general, the following can be considered as some of the best:

– learning surfing at Macao Beach * (read more about it in our Macao Beach article ) – heading on a family-friendly dune buggy adventure * (read more about it in our buggy article ) – exploring the newly opened Katmandu theme park * (read more about it in our Katmandu Punta Cana article ) – have a blast at Scape Park with the Blue Lagoon and a lot of water fun * (check out our Scape Park Punta Cana review here *) – see giant mammals during a whale-watching excursions (read more about whale-watching in Punta Cana here )

Those 5 experiences are our top 5 highlights for families in Punta Cana . For further options, check out our dedicated article about the best things to do with kids in Punta Cana .

What is your favorite family all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana? Have you stayed in any of those? Do you have questions about these kid-friendly hotels in Punta Cana? Let me know in the comments, I am happy to reply.

 If you need any inspiration for what you can do during your family vacation in the Dominican Republic, you can check out the best things to do in Punta Cana with kids here .

In case you need an individual travel consulting to find the best resort according to your personal preferences, you can also book a travel coaching session with me .

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Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is my home-base here in the country and I’d love to tell you more about how to experience Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track and give you all the advice you want to know for your vacation in Punta Cana.

ALSO WORTH READING:

Princess Family Club Bavaro – a comprehensive review for this Punta Cana family all-inclusive resort

Kayaking in Punta Cana – the best kayaking spots, insider tips and Punta Cana kayak excursions

The 11 best Punta Cana swim up rooms – unique room categories, cool hotels and the best swim-out suites

86 thoughts on “The 12 best all-inclusive family resorts in Punta Cana 2024 (hand-picked and recommended)”

Hi Chris! Just curious if you have an info on the melia caribe? We’re planning a family vacation to punta Cana for July with 12 adults and 6 kids… princess family, serenade and malia caribe is our short list. I’ve read your articles with serenade and family princess but nothing about malia caribe… care to share some thoughts? Thanks in advance

Hi Pam, there is no article about Melía Caribe because we haven’t tested it yet after Covid-19. In general, Melía Caribe is a decent family resort in Punta Cana on an amazing stretch of beach (Bavaro Beach). There are some renovated and modern areas, such as the water park, which is newly built and the biggest one of those 3 resorts mentioned, and there are other parts like the rooms which are a little bit older. Hope this helps! Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hi Chris! Thank you for the great information! I’m a bit overwhelmed with all of the choices! We are traveling in March with our (3) boys–ages 9, 9, and 11. We are looking for a great resort (waterpark would be awesome for 3 active boys but not a deal breaker) that is on the beach (preferably Bavarro), newer (or at least recently remodeled) that would also appeal to my 70 year old parents who will be traveling with us. Thanks for any suggestions!

have you checked out Lopesan Costa Bavaro? It ticks all your boxes and is a great choice for the entire family. You can check out the comprehensive Lopesan Costa Bavaro review here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/lopesan-costa-bavaro-all-inclusive-resort/

Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

This is great information Chris. I am travelling soon with a 20 month old and was wondering if there are any resorts with play areas and food suitable for that age?

Hey Sunaina,

most kids clubs in Punta Cana are starting from 2 or 3 years. However, obviously, you can play with your kid at all the playgrounds or facilities (outside of the kids club) of the resort. Furthermore, nearly all the resorts are offering paid child care from private nannies for kids younger than 2 or 3 years.

Regarding food, it depends on what you expect. The large buffets of the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana have everything you need, starting from unsugared fruits over plain rice to sweet delicacies (just as some examples). If you need hot water or any special equipment to prepare baby food, you usually can ask in the restaurant or the resort.

In general, the more premium your resort is, the more likely it is they can fulfill any extra needs you might have with your 20-months old.

I hope this helps. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hi, I am hoping to travel to Punta Cana in July with mu husband and 4 children (aged 9, 7, 4 and 2). Would there be any resort with a room big enough to fit us all (the youngest will be in a cot)? A water park would be a bonus but not a must.

Hi Helen, you could try Tropical Deluxe Princess, Finest Punta Cana and Royalton Punta Cana/Splash as they all have rooms for 5 people – maybe they would accommodate the 6 of you considering that the smallest one doesn’t “count” as a person. You can find them all above in the list. I hope this helps. Best regards, Chris

Thank you for this list! Any idea which would be the top 3 most affordable options around Christmas and New Years? We are looking for 6 kids ages 3-10 along with 6-9 adults who like a mix of activity and relaxation.

Hi Kristen,

there are two separate articles about cheap and affordable Punta Cana Resorts here on the blog: – the cheapest Punta Cana resorts: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/best-cheap-all-inclusive-resorts-in-punta-cana/ – the most affordable resorts in Punta Cana: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/best-affordable-all-inclusive-resorts-in-punta-cana/

You can also do a price search here and see the most affordable resorts for your travel period: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/expedia/

I hope this helps. Cheers, Chris

Hi Chris! Great web site! All the information is a bit overwhelming! Which could be the best alternative for kids teens 16, 14 and an 11 year old. I want teen activities, a bit more upscale, medium size. Thanks!

Hi Gabriela, thanks for your comment. My top choice, if you are looking for an upscale family resort for teens, would be Hard Rock Punta Cana: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/hard-rock-hotel-casino-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/

RIU Palace Punta Cana might also be a suitable option: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/riu-palace-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/

You can also find further options in the list of the best Punta Cana resorts with a water park: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/punta-cana-resorts-with-water-park/

Hi Chris, Excellent information. We plan to travel with our kids (6 & 8) and our parents end of June. I have narrow down to either RIU bambu or Dream. I was just wondering why RIU is much more affordable Vs. other resort, is it because lower standard, foods, etc. Also regarding transportation from airport to resort, how much are we expecting to paid ? should we get a taxi or Uber. thanks

RIU Bambu is a hotel with a decent price-value ratio, but obviously, for this price, you can’t expect super-premium quality. Still, for the price you pay, you get a really good deal. However, quality-wise, I would rate Dreams a bit higher than RIU Bambu particularly Dreams Onyx and Dreams Royal Beach. You can also consider RIU Palace Punta Cana if you are looking for a RIU resort, but of higher quality, it shares the water park amenities with RIU Bambu. You can find an extensive review of RIU Palace Punta Cana here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/riu-palace-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/

Regarding airport transfers, I’d recommend prebooking a private airport transfer, this is usually the most convenient option and is perfect for your family. You can find all the options for getting from Punta Cana Airport to your resort here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/airport-transfers-in-punta-cana/

Cheers, Chris

I love your site. So much great info. I will be traveling with a group of 8 adults and 7 kids ranging from 14-1.5 with most being 14-10 years old and then the little ones that are 3.5 and 1.5. Ideally what we are looking for is a luxury experience that has amazing food and yet is still very kid friendly with lots of kids activities and amenities. Right now based on your reviews, I think we are leaning towards the Finest but was wondering if you had any other suggestions based on those parameters?

Thanks for your help!

I was also suggesting Finest when reading about your preferences. As an alternative, you could also check out the following two options, which offer a bit more action for the older kids: Hard Rock Punta Cana – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/hard-rock-hotel-casino-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/ Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/

Thanks so much for the info!

Hola Chris, Estamos planeando viajar en el mes de Julio con mis dos Hijos de 5 y 7 años. Estamos en la duda en cuál de los resort debemos ir ya que hemos reservado en el Finest pero las reviews que leímos no son buenas. Nos han recomendado el Lopesan… La realidad es que estamos mareados y nos sabemos cual es la mejor opción para pasar unas buenas vacaciones familiares con dos niños de las edades que te mencioné. Muchas Gracias por tu ayuda

Hi Eduardo,

thanks for your comment.

Both resorts are great family resorts in Punta Cana, they both have amazing modern rooms and very appealing properties. Finest is a bit better with regards to food and drink quality, Lopesan has the better beach and more entertainment.

In terms of Finest Punta Cana reviews, I am not sure where this information of bad reviews is coming free. Each and every single all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana does have occasional bad reviews, but this is nothing to worry about it. Compared to other resorts, the reviews of Finest Punta Cana are outstanding.

On Tripadvisor, 69% of all Finest Punta Cana reviews are excellent and 15% very good, meaning that 84% of all clients are very satisfied. Lopesan Costa Bavaros’ reviews are 65% excellent and 13% very good, meaning that 78% of all clients are very satisfied.

You can check out the expensive reviews of both hotels here: Lopesan Costa Bavaro – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/lopesan-costa-bavaro-all-inclusive-resort/ Finest Punta Cana – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/finest-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/

Hi, I am looking for a resort in Punta Cana for 1 week in January 2023. We are a family of 9. Parents in their early 60’s. 3 sons, one who is married with 2 kids age 6 and 11. A single 38 yr old and a younger couple 25 and 30. As you can see we need a mix of everything to keep everyone entertained. I would prefer the drive from the airport not to be too long, international drinks, a sports bar, golf close by, nice long walking beach. The kids love a lazy river, newer and updated are preferred. I don’t mind paying a bit more to get what we want just not the most expensive either. Thank you so much in advance for your help Gail

Hi Gail, I feel like Now Onyx or Hard Rock is what you are looking for. Hard Rock is 25 minutes away from the airport, has a golf course next by, endless beach walks and a lot of entertainment for all ages, including a newly opened (April 2022) water park. Now Onyx might be the perfect option if Hard Rock is too expensive, especially considering the beach, the water park and the access for the adults to the social resort next-door with its themed parties, breathless (just no golf there). You can check them out here: Hard Rock – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/hard-rock-hotel-casino-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/ Dreams Onyx – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-now-onyx/ I hope this helps. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

We are looking to go to Punta Cana in June for 7 days. I am looking for an All Inclusive places. It will be me and my boyfriend and my 15 yr old daughter. We are older, so my boyfriend doesn’t want a resort with a lot of little kids. A place that has a focus on teens, as well as, adults. Somewhere that has nightly entertainment, restaurant options and bar options (swim up, beach, pool side are all pluses), and other activities. I know I am asking a lot.

in my opinion, there is not really any all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana which is particularly focused on teens. However, in my opinion, Hard Rock, Lopesan (lots of bars but no swim-up bar though) and Dreams Onyx are great options for you, as they offer a lot of entertainment and restaurants, are catering to a mixed crowd and are not adults-only. You can check out the details here:

Hard Rock – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/hard-rock-hotel-casino-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/ Lopesan – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/lopesan-costa-bavaro-all-inclusive-resort/ Dreams Onyx – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-now-onyx/

Hi Robin, I’m impressed with all the info you pack in your website. When i did my research on family friendly all inclusive hotels i would see Nickelodeon which i saw on your list but i also saw the Bahia Principe but i didn’t see you mention them. In your opinion what are your thoughts on those properties? more specifically the Fantasia?

Hi Talia, Nickelodeon and Bahía Principe Fantasía are hard to compare as they are usually a completely different price range. Both are great family options. There is not a specific reason why Bahía Principe Fantasía is not on the list. To start with, I had to pick ten resorts. If I would extend the list to 15 or 20, Bahía Principe Fantasía might make it to this list of the best family resorts in Punta Cana. Obviously it can’t compete with the quality, luxury and amount of activities Nickelodeon is offering, but it is also much cheaper than Nickelodeon. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hello…great info here…i have a family of 5 (kids are 13, 11, and 6 yrs). We love to swim at a calm beach and are looking for a clean, good quality all inclusive…with great food options. You mentioned Bavaro beach is the nicest but its public so does that mean that there are locals in front of the hotel part on beach? Do you recommend a specific hotel that would have a calmer beach but check off my preferences… im torn between royalton bavaro, grand sirenis…and dreams? pls help us choose for christmas. thank you

Hi Michelle, thanks for your comment. The calmest beaches are the southeastern part of Cabeza de Toro, the southeastern part of Bavaro Beach and Cap Cana (but in general none of the beaches in Punta Cana, maybe except of Macao on some days), are overly wild. On these beaches, you could check out Serenade Punta Cana ( https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/serenade-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/ ), Catalonia Punta Cana ( https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/catalonia-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/ ) or Lopesan Costa Bavaro ( https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/lopesan-costa-bavaro-all-inclusive-resort/ ). I hope this helps. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

We are trying to figure a place to go with our three teenagers. I want a place where there is a great pool, delicious food, great beaches and fun for everyone. We are thinking about Dream Macao, Dream Onyx and Paradissus Real Palma. Please help or do you have any other suggestions.

Hi Sarah, out of these 3, Dreams Onyx would tick most of your boxes, even though Dreams Macao has possibly the most beautiful beach. Paradisus Palma Real is also a great resort (and more upscale than both Dreams), but it is under renovation until autumn hence it would be only an option if you are planning to travel in winter. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hi! I am stuck on deciding on a resort for our family trip. It will be our first trip with children (6/4) out of the states. I am wanting a resort with plenty of water activties for kids such as small slides and water play areas along with ample swimming areas. I also want a family suite style room with a potential of a space for kids to sleep outside of a sofa couch ( that is not a deal breaker) and also either a private pool or swim up. It would be nice to have extras on site such as ice cream places and bowling or mini golf. These are the resorts im torn between ( Lopesan Punta Cana, Finest Punta Cana, or Dreams Macao) Which of these would you most likely recommend or is there others you may recommend? Im at a loss and spinnging in circles with all the options and my wish list

Should also not traveling will be in October

Hi Amanda, I think Finest would tick all your boxes and is also the best out of these three resorts. However, Lopesan is also a very good hotel even though they have mostly only regular rooms/suites with exactly this kind of sofabed. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hi Chris, amazing info. Which one do you think would be the best and most luxurious or upscale one to go with kids 4 and 6 on mid Sept? Thinking of Royalton, Dreams or Paradisus. What do you think? Many Thanks

Hi Ed, out of the 3 resorts you mentioned, it is hard to pick the most luxurious one as there are multiple resorts for each brand (Dreams, Royalton and Paradisus all have various hotels in Punta Cana). But just in case, Paradisus Palma Real is the most luxurious, followed by Royalton Bavaro and Dreams Onyx, in my opinion. In general, if you’re looking for the most upscale family all-inclusive resorts, you can check out Finest Punta Cana and Hyatt Ziva. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hey Chris! Thank you so much for all the info! What would be your recommendation on the most luxurious resorts that aren’t adults only? We’re traveling to Punta Cana in February and have a reservation at the Reserve Paradisus Palma Real. I’m a little concerned that the renovations could get pushed out beyond the end of this year, so I was wanting a back up plan. We have a 3 & 7 year old traveling with us. The kids LOVE the beach and pools, so water parks and kids clubs aren’t super important to us. We want a super tropical feel, luxury, good food and drinks, and great pools and beach. We also like big resorts and will have family with us, so night time entertainment for adults would be a nice perk! Some places I’ve looked into are Majestic Mirage and Iberostar Coral Level at Selection Bavaro..

Hi Simone, I think The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real already ticks a lot of your boxes and I would feel that Majestic Mirage or Iberostar Coral Level are a tiny bit below Paradisus Palma Real quality-wise. I don’t think that the renovations will be ongoing in winter, they will terminate well before high season. Besides those resorts mentioned, you could also check out Finest Punta Cana and Hyatt Ziva as some of the most upscale family resorts. There is an extensive review about Finest Punta Cana here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/finest-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/ Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Coming with extended family, Grandparents(in their 70’s) sister and brother in law (in their 40’s), and my husband and I and our 4 kids ages 8-16. Looking to get the most bang for our buck, we are considering Royalton Splash Punta Cana. Is this a good choice or should we check out others? Traveling the first week of March 2023 and its our first carribean trip.

Hi Stacey, Royalton Splash is a great resort, especially if traveling on a lower budget. However, for better amenities and a closer location to the beach – which might be particularly important for the grandparents – I would rather choose Royalton Punta Cana. You enjoy the same amenities as in Royalton Splash, including the huge water park, but have to walk less during your stay to restaurants and the beach. Just the water park is like a 7-8 minute walk away but I assume that’s ok for the kids. You can check out the best prices for Royalton Punta Cana here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-royalton-punta-cana/ I hope this helps. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hi Chris – thanks for all the great information! We are looking for a resort with the MOST activities for a family with an 8 year old boy and 12 year old girl (not a just a kids club but activities we can do together without going off property). We want as many activities as possible! We are having trouble also finding resorts with two queen beds (my husband is too tall for a double) or a king and a double. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi Christine, I think in this case, Nickelodeon Punta Cana might be your best bet: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-nickelodeon-punta-cana/ They have so many activities, especially thanks to their show characters, you will have a blast there if you don’t want to go off resort. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Thanks learned and know a lot for sharing everything. Its helps a lot. Thank you very much.

You’re welcome. Great if this article was helpful for you. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hi Chris, thanks so much for the very informative website! Based on the current deals, it looks like the Barcelo Bavaro Palace and the Majestic Colonial would be about the same cost as the Serenade for the week we’re looking. Between these three, which do you think would be more enjoyable for a family of two adults and two kids (ages 6 and 8)? We’ll spend most of our time at the pool and beach, and maybe enjoy an excursion or two.

Thanks! Dan

Hi Dan, among those 3, Serenade Punta Cana is usually my favorite (you can read a full Serenade review here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/serenade-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/ ), but if all the 3 mentioned have the same price, I would lean more towards Majestic Colonial as – in my opinion – the quality here is slightly higher than at Serenade Punta Cana. I would also prefer the beach of Majestic and Barcelo over Serenade, even though the water at Serenade is the calmest of all of them. Poolwise, all 3 should be good, also for kids. I hope this helps. Cheers, Chris

Having a very hard time deciding where to go. We have 3 kids – ages 2, 5, 8. We will also be going with another family. We had somewhat narrowed it down to Serenade or Finest, and still trying to decide (Also aren’t opposed to other suggestions). Finest looks beautiful – my only hesitation is that it appears that it’s geared more for little kids and not so much my 8 year old. Is this place potentially a place where my two older kids will end up bored? Is there much for entertainment and do they just have the toddler pool area?

Thanks so much!

Hi Suzanne, in general, Serenade and Finest are two totally different categories as I’d call Serenade Punta Cana a more mid-range resort while Finest Punta Cana is a premium resort in Punta Cana. If both are in the same price range for your travel dates, I would definitely pick Finest. Besides this, I don’t think your kids get bored at Finest. There is a super nice and large kids club with an additional mini water park. Obviously, this water park at Finest Punta Cana is by far not as big as the ones mentioned here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/punta-cana-resorts-with-water-park/ Maybe you find a suitable resort in this list. Cheers, Chris

Trying to plan a week vacation with husband and two kids (4.5yo and 3yo). I’m thinking the Finest would be best for us but concerned there’s not much around the area to do (outside of the resort). How expensive are taxis/UBER’s/etc and car seats? Husband is very much a nature guy and wants to see and explore (I’ve already sent him your “adventures & road trips” link) -is this a good area to explore from? Can kids explore too? Thanks!

Hi Lauren, there is indeed not much around in Uvero Alto where Finest Punta Cana is located. Uber is not available in this particular area and taxis are expensive (minimum 30-40 USD for a ride and more if you want to go to any nature attractions). My recommendation would be to rent a car so you stay flexible with your family. You can check out this article to see if renting a car would be suitable for you: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/shall-i-rent-a-car-in-punta-cana/ Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Gotcha. Thank you. Would you recommend another luxury all-inclusive family resort? The Princess (while renovated) seems a little cheesy(?) – I could be wrong.

Hi Lauren, I would not call Tropical Princess cheesy but compared to Finest Punta Cana it is indeed at least 2 steps down. You can check out Hyatt Ziva ( https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/ ) or Club Med Playa Esmeralda ( https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-club-med-miches/ ) if you’re looking for some other luxury family all-inclusive resorts. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hi Chris – thanks for all the great information! We are looking for a resort with activities for a family with an 17 year old boy 13 year girl and a 10 year old girl .a kids club isnot mandatory but activities we can do together without going off property such as waterpark tennis beach activities . We are having trouble also finding resorts with a family room with two bedrooms swimp up will be the cherry on the cake ( we don’t want to fight for a sunbed 🙂 Any suggestions? Thanks!

most of the large family resort have plenty of activities on offer, hence most of the family hotels mentioned above tick this box (and the vast majority has a kids and teens club as well, even if you don’t necessarily need it).

With regard two two-bedroom suites, that’s indeed quite rare in Punta Canas’ resorts, but most of the family hotels offer it by booking an interconnecting room (which is the same than 2 bedrooms).

Dreams Dominicus for example offer guaranteed interconnecting rooms when booking the accordant category, Dreams Macao Beach (afaik) for a surcharge as well. You can check them out here: Dreams Dominicus – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/dreams-dominicus-la-romana-all-inclusive-resort/ Dreams Macao – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/dreams-macao-beach-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/

Alternatively, you can also have a look at Royalton Resorts, which have afaik two-bedroom suites: Royalton Punta Cana (incl. access to the huge Splash park, one of the biggest water parks in Punta Cana): https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-royalton-punta-cana/ Royalton Bavaro (incl. access to the huge Splash Park if you book a Diamond Club room): https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-royalton-bavaro/

With regard to swim-up rooms, you can check out this article, where you can find the best resorts with swim-out rooms in Punta Cana, including a couple of very recommendable family resorts with swim-out rooms: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/best-punta-cana-swim-up-rooms/ Particularly the family resorts mentioned there with swim-up rooms might be ticking all your boxes when booking two rooms and asking for interconnecting (or neighboring) rooms (not sure if swim-ups have interconnecting rooms neither if a 2-bedroom-swim-up suite is existing in Punta Cana).

Absolutely fantastic site! We had been ready to book at Royalton Bavaro as it looks very nice and wanted access to Splash but not have to be at a full waterpark every day. The reviews recently are pretty rough and with their recent water outage we are looking elsewhere. I have read a lot of your blogs and wanted to get your thoughts. My children are 6 and 9 and I like having a place with slides and activities but I don’t necessarily need one of the ones that is an enormous water park. However, what I am running into is it seems like my 6 year old might get turned away from many of these water slides. We are looking at mid-to-high tier. Lopesan seems like a good option but was also looking at Ziva Cap Cana and Onyx which seem nicer – however both of those appear to require kids to be 48 inches tall to do the slides. I ruled out Finest because there appears to just be a few slides designed more for smaller kids.

Outside of Lopesan, what would you recommend?

Thanks, Kevin

I meant I was looking at Dreams Macao, not Onyx. Onyx has age restrictions of 9 years old for some sections and 12 for others.

usually, resorts are not super picky about age or height restrictions at the slides (usually it is defined by the height, not by the age) as long as it does not impose a security risk for either the child or other users of the slides. However, obviously a 6-year-old kid shouldn’t use water slides which are designed for 12-year-olds or adults.

Apart from that, Lopesan Costa Bavaro indeed seems like a great option as I think that the water park there is perfect for a 6-year-old plus the beach is very child-friendly. Hyatt Ziva is obviously a totally different story and is the best of the best, but I guess that’s also a doubled price tag compared to Lopesan. You could also check out Hard Rock Punta Cana, as they have just opened a new huge water park in summer 2022: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/hard-rock-hotel-casino-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/

You could also check out Nickelodeon Resort, which focus more on activities than a water park and probably would be a blast for your children: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-nickelodeon-punta-cana/

Love this site! Currently booked Royalton Punta Cana with my 13 and 15yo. Booked for the waterpark and beach but recent reviews have me wanting to change due to crowding and other issues. Looking at Lopesan and Hilton La Romana – we like moderate slides but nothing too wild…good food, and ideally a beach we can snorkel at. Thoughts?

Hi Nicole, there is not much snorkeling right off the beach from Punta Canas’ resorts, hence I wouldn’t include this as a crucial point when looking for the perfect resort. If at all, you have the best chances for some average snorkeling at Hilton La Romana. Foodwise, I would rate all three hotels similar, also with slight advantages for Hilton La Romana. For a 13 and 15-year-old, the water park at Royalton Splash and Hilton La Romana are the most appealing ones. For further resorts with a water park in Punta Cana, you can check out this article: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/punta-cana-resorts-with-water-park/ For the best prices of Hilton La Romana you can check this page here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-hilton-la-romana-family/ I hope this helps. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Wow amazing reviews makes it harder to pick what is more amazing you replying to all the comments with detailed suggestions. So I’m travelling with my mother and two kids 6 year old boy and 9 year old girl. I want them to enjoy their time to the max and have some time for myself and my mother without worrying about them. I am looking for something more upscale yet lots of activities for the kids. Like to have nice views and new rooms feel.

All inclusive is nice not necessarily drinks though. Looking for a nice relaxing beach with fine sand.

Will be travelling around Christmas

Was considering Nickelodeon a bit higher price but willing to pay if worth it also read lots of walking which is hard for mom Hard rock isn’t it too much activities all day long I want to relax a bit

Thank you so much!

thanks for your comment. I think Finest Punta Cana ticks all your boxes – upscale, not too big, perfect for kids at the age you mentioned. Nickelodeon Punta Cana is also a great option, similar to Finest in terms of quality and size, obviously with a different approach. Hard Rock Punta Cana is very large and involves lots of walking. Lopesan Costa Bavaro has a perfect beach for kids and a great water park for 6- and 9-years old, but involves some walking (not as much as at Hard Rock) and can’t compete food-wise with Finest or Nickelodeon.

I hope this helps. Cheers, CHris

Hi Chris, Your blog and information has been very helpful. I’m looking to go to Punta Cana in Jan 2023, with my husband and 5 yo. We are considering Nickelodeon but I read some negative reviews and was hoping for your honest opinion on whether or not it was worth it. We want to go somewhere with water slides, kids activities, etc., but also modern vibe and good food. My son is very active and will get bored just sitting. Also looking at Dreams Macao and Tropical Deluxe. Thanks, Melanie

Hi Melanie, I think Nickelodeon will be a great choice for you and your son. It is a very active resort. You’ll find negative reviews at each and every resort. As long as the general opinion is positive, a few negative reviews shouldn’t refrain you from booking. Nickelodeon is a great quality hotel in Punta Cana. It is on the more expensive side, hence it is particularly worth for them who indeed have some links or connections with the Nickelodeon characters. I hope this helps. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

Hi Chris. This article and this blog are amazing. I love how much information you give. I’m planning to do a cross-family reunion of around 13 adults, 5 kids, and 1 teenager. It seems to me that a weekend in an all-inclusive hotel is going to make it a little bit too hard to spend time together and get to know each other. Everything is so big and spread. I think it will be a challenge to find pool chairs together and sit together for dinners, for example. So I was thinking about a very small hotel or a private villa. Do you know any good ones? Thanks!

there are indeed some challenges (the one you mentioned, but nothing is impossible) when visiting an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana with 18 people, but there are also many advantages. It is a particularly great thing that you don’t have to take care of anything in a resort (shopping, organization, logistics, etc.) and the kids for sure will love the amenities and the water parks. Particularly if you’re booking a premium resort with butler service, this could be a good solution as the butler can take care of dinner reservations or daytime areas with enough sunchairs.

On the other hand, there are a couple of villas in Punta Cana that fit 18 people or more and if you hire a chef and a barkeeper, you will also have a great time. You can find some particularly large villas here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/punta-cana-villas-2/ One of my favorite villas for lagre groups without breaking the bank is this one here at Corales beach area: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/long-beach-villa-corales/

Hi! We stayed at the Finest last year and really loved it. Plenty of things to do/pools even though it was compact and the food was great. We are returning to Punta Cana this year but looking to try a new resort. Which one would you recommend or is most similar to Finest? Our children are 1 and 3 and we will be traveling with 3 other families.

Hi Annie, great that you liked Finest Punta Cana. You could try Hyatt Ziva (most upscale family resort and more expensive than Finest), Nickelodeon (I would say the same quality as Finest, but a totally different concept) or Dreams Dominicus (quality-wise a little bit below Finest, but a beautiful beach with shallow water and a different area). For Dreams Dominicus, there is an extensive review here in case you are interested: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/dreams-dominicus-la-romana-all-inclusive-resort/ Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

I’m in the midst of planning a destination wedding. I haven’t narrowed down a specific destination yet, but on the list are DR, Mexico and Jamaica (although this may be outside our price range).

Would you be able to comment on which resort you think would provide the best offerings activities for the kids (ages 3-13), adults ages 40-80, great food, nice setting for a wedding, calm beaches (can you comment on the current situation with the seaweed?), for 5k USD or less?

I don’t know the extent of your experience outside of DR, but even just advice for DR would be helpful!

Hi Evelyn, I would particularly look at Dreams Macao Beach, Lopesan Costa Bavaro, Grand Bavaro Princess / Princess Family Club, Riu Palace Punta Cana, Royalton Punta Cana and Dreams Dominicus, as they are all kind of affordable, offer great amenities for multi-generational vacations (=travellers of all ages) and have a great beach with gorgeous wedding locations. If you need help organizing your wedding (incl. hotel booking, travel arrangements, weddings details and event coordination), feel free to send me an email as I worked a long time for a local travel + destination wedding company in the Dominican Republic which is specialized in all-inclusive resort wedding as well. I am happy to connect you if you’re interested. Cheers from Punta Cana Chris

What a great site and sooo many choices. We are looking for a family vacation, we have 2 girls (4&9 years old). We want to be able to do some activities, watch a nice show at night, have a nice waterpark for the kids… Were looking at Lopesan or Nickelodeon.. which one of the 2 would you recommend? Or is there another resort that you would recommend above these two? We will only be there for a week….

Thanks for your help and honest opinion 🙂

Hi Stef, I think both hotels are great even though in my opinion Nickelodeon is geared more towards kids, especially if they are familiar with the Nickelodeon characters. If the budget allows, I would pick Nickelodeon. You can check the current promotions for your travel dates here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-nickelodeon-punta-cana/ Cheers, Chris

Hi Chris, Your blog and information has been very helpful. I’m looking to go to Punta Cana in May 2023, with my wife and 9 month old baby and a 3.5 year old daughter . What will be the best resort, not considering budget, but quality of activities for the kids as well as quality food. I am not expecting to go out of the resort just staying there and chilling while enjoying most of the hotel. It will be great if they have a kids club for both of my kids. Really great full if you can help me.

Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike, if budget is not that much of an issue, your best bet is definitely Hyatt Ziva: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/ It ticks all of your boxes. Best regards Chris

The quality of the Hyatt Ziva vs Finest Punta Cana is a lot of difference? Because the Finest Punta Cuna have a bigger family room.

Well, difficult to say. I would say in general Hyatt offers better quality than Finest, but both are definitely top-premium resorts. Hence I’d say there is a difference in quality, but not super big. You will have a great family vacation at Finest Punta Cana as well.

I’m so happy I found your blog. Thank you for all sharing so much valuable information.

I have been a little overwhelmed with the sheer volume of all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. I will be 18 weeks pregnant when we travel to Punta Cana and we also have a 3.5 year old. This is a babymoon and probably the last vacation we will take as a family of 3. Price is not a criteria for us since it’s a special vacation, we want to find a luxury resort with a mix of family friendly activities, relaxation time for me, beach time, kids club with childcare for our 3.5 year old, high quality food and beach time for our family. What resorts do you recommend?

Thanks, Neeta

Hi Neeta, thanks for your comment. For the preferences you mentioned, I’d say you shall check out Finest Punta Cana – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/finest-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/ and Hyatt Ziva – https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/ They are two of the best family resorts in Punta Cana. Chris

Thank you, Chris! I booked Finest 🙂 looking forward to some downtime before the new baby 🙂

Hi Chris, Thank you for all of this information. I am so overwhelmed. I had a shortlist but I am unsure of it. I wanted something fun for everyone. I am travelling with my 3 kids (20,18,13). I am looking for something fun but not too budget. I had Caribe Deluxe Princess, Iberostar Selection Bavaro and Grand Bavaro Princess. 3 Different sites have 3 different ratings for them, which I think is what is causing more anxiousness. Thanks to your article, I just added Dreams Onyx to my list. I want beautiful, calmer beaches and something that has a lot of fun.

Any suggestions. Carla

Hi Carla, according to the preferences you mention, I would say that Riu Palace (Punta Cana or Bavaro), Royalton Punta Cana (not Royalton Splash), Lopesan Costa Bavaro or Grand Bavaro Princess would be perfect options for you. You can find extensive reviews to all of them (except Royalton Punta Cana) here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/ I hope this helps. Best regards Chris

Hi Chris, Thank you for the valuable information.

I am travelling in August with a 13 yr old.

Looking for a resort that has teen activities lively entertainment. Day and night. A resort with lots of guests

Mid high end resort that has a lot of guests and families with teens would be ideal on a calm beach.

My fear is that I may choose a resort that is not so popular and may be quite empty with no teens for my 13 yr old to socialize with.

I’ve searched so many and undecided

I really don’t want to spent all day at a water park but it would be ideal that the resort has one for this age group.

I viewed Dreams onyx but the beach is too wavy or it’s not as calm from the pics

You mentioned Dreams Macau and the beach looks really nice and calm would the activities not be aimed for teens ? Any other choices ? Grand Bávaro princess. But this resort doesn’t have a water park for teens

Any suggestions of other mid to high end to consider The Iberostar Bávaro is under renovations and I didn’t. See any water slides

Thanks so much

Hey Linda, the Dreams Resorts are generally a great pick for teens as they all have a huge teens club with multiple activities. Great to keep your kid occupied and great for socializing. Hard Rock might also be an interesting choice, they have a lot on offer as well. Riu Palace is another option – it is very big so you will definitely find people. Alternatively, you can also check out these resorts where you find some more amazing family resorts – all of them with a water park: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/punta-cana-resorts-with-water-park/ Cheers, Chris

Thank you for sharing your recommendations.

Any suggestions for resorts in mid high end popular resorts modern preferred that has slides and a nice calm beach with activities for teenagers and great live entertainment day and night

Is Dreams Macau a good option ? Grand palladium would in the lower scale in terms of activities ? There are no slides at all for this age group I’m not looking for a massive park but teens games club and slides to enjoy and good beach location. Planning to go in august hopefully the resort I select has a lot of families If you could provide any resort names Thanks

Hi Linda, please see my answer on the comment above. 🙂 Chris

Graet blog. We’re coming from the UK for a family vacation at the end of August. Brief set of info & requirements:

– 2 adults, 3 boys (11, 13, 15) – hoping for decent amount of activities (swimming, water park, mini golf, bowling etc…) – but don’t want to compromise on the food quality, we would like a high standard a la carte – two bed family suite preferably

We are looking at: – Dreams Macao Beach – Barcelo Bavaro Palace – Dreams Royal Beach – Falcon Resort – Finest Punta Cana

Would you have any advice as to which sounds like a good fit?

Hi Tim, among those, Falcons and Finest would be my top picks. Falcons has more activities, Finest has better food. You can find a full review of Finest here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/finest-punta-cana-all-inclusive-resort/ Cheers, Chris

Thanks for this great list. Looking to book a trip around Christmas break for my wife and 5 year old son, all inclusive, activities especially for the kids during the day, things for all of us to have fun, high end look, quality, and service. Waterpark is a plus, but not a must. Love the idea of shows, good food, getting to have drinks and have fun. Would love your top recommendations for this.

Hi Jeremy, great if this list of family resorts in Punta Cana was helpful for you. My top recommendation for the preferences you mentioned would be Finest Punta Cana, but you can also check out Hyatt Ziva which is one of the top resorts in Punta Cana: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/accommodation-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/ Cheers, Chris

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Dreams Flora Resort & Spa: A great all-inclusive property starting at 17,000 World of Hyatt points

Editor's Note

With each trip I take to the Dominican Republic , I fall more and more in love with the tropical country's beautiful beaches, picturesque palm trees, great weather and friendly people.

I've also fallen in love with a few of its many great all-inclusive resorts , which range from family-friendly spots to adults-only properties and even resort-within-a-resort experiences where you can get the best of both worlds.

On a recent trip to the Dominican Republic, I had the chance to check out one of Hyatt's most recent additions to the country, the family-friendly Dreams Flora Resorts & Spa in the greater Punta Cana area, where all-inclusive resorts of all shapes and sizes can be found lining the beaches for miles and miles.

Related: The best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for every type of traveler

As a travel expert who has spent a lot of time at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and in the Caribbean, I usually have a pretty good idea of what to expect from these types of resorts — but this one surprised me for the better in some ways most other properties haven't, particularly when it comes to design and amenities.

Here's my review of the Dreams Flora Resort & Spa — and what you should know before booking a stay there.

What is Dreams Flora Resort & Spa?

Situated in Cabeza de Toro, about a 25-minute drive from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), Dreams Flora Resort & Spa is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort that participates in World of Hyatt , meaning that members can earn or burn points at the property. Formerly the Natura Park Beach Eco Resort & Spa, the resort underwent a dramatic transformation and reopened with a fresh and contemporary design scheme under the Dreams umbrella in early 2023. Today the resort has 520 tech-forward and modern suites, all with balconies or terraces, alongside multiple pools, eight restaurants, thirteen bars and lounges, day and night entertainment, a spa and even a small water park.

How to book Dreams Flora Resort & Spa

In Punta Cana, you can find all-inclusive resorts that range from bare-bones budget to high-end luxury. Dreams Flora falls somewhere in the middle, with advertised rates starting at $160 per person, per night or $320 per night for double occupancy. It's a pretty good deal, I'd say, but it's important to remember that rates can fluctuate significantly throughout the year, and the busy winter season is likely to be more expensive.

Preferred Club-level rooms have advertised rates starting at $208.50 per person, per night or $417 per night for double occupancy. Club-level rooms come with access to a private check-in area in the chic Preferred Club Lounge, which offers drinks and food throughout the day, exclusive pools (including an adults-only option), an exclusive a la carte restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, suites in premium locations, upgraded bath amenities (more on that later), a pillow menu and a concierge who can assist with making reservations and any other need via WhatsApp.

For World of Hyatt members, booking an award stay at Dreams Flora can be a great use of points as it's a Category B property on Hyatt's all-inclusive award chart, meaning that award nights can be found starting at 17,000 points per night, based on double occupancy. However, finding award availability can be tough, so try to book as early as possible.

When booking the Dreams Flora Resort & Spa, you'll want to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Hyatt stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic World of Hyatt elite status for value-added benefits. These include:

• World of Hyatt Credit Card : Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status, and five elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card : Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status, and five elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

A chic and modern suite

For my two-night stay, I was placed in a Preferred Club Junior Suite on the ground floor with huge glass floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to our private terrace and one of the pools with a swim-up bar. Walking in, I was immediately taken with the contemporary feel of the suite, which featured a pale blue and green color scheme that reflected the tropical plants and ocean outside, all mixed with modern wooden touches and furniture.

At 582 square feet, the suite was quite large, with lots of space for my partner and me to spread out. The backside of the room had a small couch to enjoy looking out at those lush views, though I do have to say the pathway in front of the outdoor lounge chairs was rather busy.

The front of the room had an efficient bar space with outlets and USB ports, which felt very practical for getting some work done, plus a coffee maker, the minibar and some shelving space. Working remotely one day, I used the table as my vacation office until I decided to WFB (work from beach) later in the day. Right by the door, a small bench served as a great place to drop anything that might be sandy without tracking it into the room.

Like most all-inclusive resorts, the minibar offered standard drinks and snacks like Coke, Coke Zero, Fanta, Sprite, juices, bottled water, Presidente beers, M&Ms and a Milky Way.

I really enjoyed the leafy, plant-inspired wallpaper design above the sleek headboard, and accent lighting made the space around the bed feel even more contemporary. The bed itself was comfortable, and I slept like a baby both nights of my stay. I slept even better knowing that the headboard was fitted with standard USB and new USB charging ports, plus standard power outlets, so all of my devices were charging within arm's reach.

I was a big fan of the large TV on a swivel wall mount because you could easily position it to watch from the couch or the bed. And — best of all — the TV had modern streaming capabilities, so I was able to cast a show from my iPad instead of having to scroll through channels aimlessly looking for something to watch.

The bathroom was wonderful, thanks to lots of counter and shelf space, a huge mirror and double sinks, so two people could be getting ready simultaneously. The rainfall shower had incredible pressure, and the frosted glass window in the shower provided some natural light without sacrificing any privacy (because, you know, it's a shower!).

What surprised me the most about the bathroom was the wide and varied array of amenities. On the sink, you had all of your standard goods, but also Gillette razors and shaving creams, Venus razors and even Bulgari soaps and lotions. Inside the shower, there was even more, including Dove Men+Care body wash, Dove Deep Moisture body wash (which feels amazing on your skin after hours in the sun) and Silicon mix shampoo and hair treatment.

The toilet was in a separate room, and had a small candle sitting on top of it, which was a unique touch. I love candles, but my immediate reaction was to think that perhaps in-room candles at a resort with free-flowing alcohol isn't the smartest idea ... hopefully, guests are cautious!

Wrapping the room tour, a closet with sliding doors had a safe, luggage rack, steamer (hotels, please add more steamers!), a safe, a beach bag, extra bedding and, most conveniently, a can of bug spray that ended up being very useful when some annoying flying critters decided to hang out with us on the beach.

My only complaint about the room was that our suite had a connecting door to another suite, which would be great for families or groups who need more space. But that wasn't the case for my stay, and the door wasn't very soundproof, so when afternoon nap time for the baby staying next door coincided with the time I returned to work in my room, the sound of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" also started putting me to sleep.

Design-forward restaurants and so-so food

Food at all-inclusive resorts has been improving over the years, and while the food at Dreams Flora wasn't necessarily anything to write home about, the restaurants we enjoyed were, for the most part, attractive and pleasant experiences overall. Across the resort, there are eight restaurants and 13 bars, spanning the core cuisine themes: Italian, Mexican, Asian and French — plus a 24-hour coffee shop and a buffet.

Here's a quick rundown of my experiences at a few:

For dinner one night, we dressed up and went to the French restaurant Bordeaux. We were actually personally delivered to the restaurant by our incredible butler, Mariel, who arranged the reservation and escorted us there right before our 8 p.m. seating.

Pictures of Bordeaux online made it seem like a chic affair — and it delivered. We sat at a secluded table in a small room made of attractive white curtains, which made for quite a romantic evening for my fiancé and me.

Over the course of the evening, we enjoyed a smattering of French plates like the smoked salmon roll stuffed with cream cheese; the salad niçoise made of tuna, potato, lettuce, tomato and hard-boiled eggs; a mouthwatering scallop covered with bechamel (called coquilles St. Jacques, on the menu); and the Roquefort chicken that was, sadly, pretty dry and very thick. Next time, I'd enjoy more of the small plates because they were all delicious.

For another dinner, we made reservations through Mariel (who was also hilarious and generally great to spend time with) at the Mexican restaurant El Patio, which had indoor seating and tables on a patio near the lobby. Though the interior of the restaurant was really stunning, we opted to sit outside to catch some entertainment that was happening nearby.

For this meal, we enjoyed a hearty bowl of tortilla soup (yes, even in the tropical heat!); a light but bland order of shrimp aguachile Nayarit style, made with shrimp, lemon, serrano chiles, cucumber and red onions; and an order of steak fajitas that were not really memorable.

Barefoot Grill

My favorite place at any all-inclusive resort is the standard beach grill — and this one was no exception. Without fail — for me at least — the combination of the sun, the heat and the alcohol make me ravenous, and on this trip, Barefoot Grill and its mix-match selection of burgers, pizza, hot dogs, salads and light sides, like a pasta salad, just hit the spot.

Seaside Grill

Our very first meal was at the Seaside Grill, a steakhouse-style restaurant open for three meals daily but exclusive to Preferred Club guests for breakfast and lunch. We were escorted here after checking in to eat lunch beachside until our room was ready, and enjoyed a simple but refreshing meal of ceviche in tiger milk and coconut fish with green plantain tostones.

A variety of bars

Like other all-inclusive resorts, Dreams Flora has many different bars, including this beautiful swim-up bar in a pool that was right outside my suite. Others included a lively pool bar (that hosted a family-friendly foam one day), a swim-up pool bar in the main pool (different from what is pictured above), an open-air lobby bar, a big theater bar by the stage where the live shows happen (where you can watch the show as well) and more.

While you can get basically any type of drink you want at these bars, from fruity and sugar-filled cocktails to beer, wine, sodas and nonalcoholic drinks, I tend to stick to my favorites that are hard to mess up, like a margarita or Diet Coke with coconut rum. I never found the drinks here watered down or below par, but don't expect craft cocktails, either.

If you're looking for a lively bar, you'll want to head to Desires, a sports bar during the day that turns into a nightclub in the evenings once all of the live entertainment in the lobby area winds down. The first night we went after being advised by the entertainment staff — and I'm so glad we did. The space isn't huge, but there's plenty of room to dance and everyone was having a great time and vibing with the music played by the DJ. The second night was even better, as a wedding party took over the space and encouraged everyone to dance with them. There's also an area with games and a pool table.

The other bar worth mentioning is the Preferred Club Lounge, a bright and airy space where you can get coffee, top-shelf drinks and snacks throughout the day if you book a club-level room. There's indoor and outdoor seating in the modern lounge, and it could be a great spot to work on your computer or relax with a drink in a casual setting.

Pool and beach areas

One thing that I loved about this resort is that you're never too far away from a pool, and there is a handful to choose from, including exclusive Prefered Club pools (even an adults-only pool), a large main pool, a zero-entry pool for kids and then lots of long stretches of water that ebb and flow around the resort like a river. Seating seemed to be snatched up early, so be prepared to claim a chair (but only if you plan on actually using it!).

I've long been a fan of the beaches around Punta Cana, and this one was no exception. There were many chairs to choose from across an expansive stretch of sand, including many chairs in the shade. The area is also known for having people selling excursions and souvenirs up and down the beach, which can be a little annoying, but the vendors are usually very nice and a simple "no thank you" will see them off.

There are also cabanas, daybeds and elevated lounge chairs available to rent for an additional fee. I was fine with the beach chairs we were able to snag, but you've got to admit these (pictured above) look like a nice place to spend a day reading and taking in the views.

One afternoon the resort's entertainment set up this inflatable play space on the beach and hosted a foam party, something I'd always heard about at all-inclusive resorts but never had actually seen myself. Mostly, it was just kids running around while parents and other adults watched from the sides, but after a while more and more people joined in on the experience.

The water park

Waterslides have always been my secret joy in life, and Dreams Flora happens to have a small on-property water park that's made up of a few really fun slides for people to enjoy, as well as a great splash pad area for smaller kids. Though the slides aren't the fastest or the tallest, they are really fun, so be sure to stop by for some adrenaline-fueled adventures.

Other entertainment

Throughout a stay at Dreams Flora, guests can expect a variety of live entertainment each night, including shows in the amphitheater-like space off the lobby, often followed by a fun dance party by the lobby bar. I thoroughly enjoyed it all, especially just sitting back and people-watching and joining in on fun party songs like the "Cha Cha Slide."

I'm not sure why, but I've often seen Queen tribute shows in the Dominican Republic — and I've heard "Bohemian Rhapsody" at so many all-inclusive resorts, this one included. Our second night's show was a pop variety experience with many performers, singers and dancers covering different genres of music, but a cover of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" stole the show that night.

Outside the live performances and parties, guests can also enjoy activities throughout the resort, like movies on the beach, kayaking, non-motorized water sports, beach games and even tennis. Kids ages 3 to 12 can spend time at Explorer's Club, while 13- to 17-year-olds can hang out together at the Core Zone Teens Club, which has a teen "bar" serving age-appropriate drinks and mocktails.

Spa and beauty treatments are available at the Spa By Pevonia. The on-site fitness center offers strength training machines, cross trainers, Nordic tracks, stationary bicycles and free weights.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, finding accessibility information at Dreams Flora is quite challenging and a disservice to people looking to book accessible accommodations. By talking to an AI chatbot on the Hyatt website, I learned that "the property is wheelchair friendly" and that there are "three fully accessible rooms" with roll-in showers. But that is all I learned. There is no information about beach wheelchairs, pool lifts or any other accessibility features for people with hearing or vision impairments.

Having spent two days at the resort and thinking about how my dad, who uses a wheelchair, would fare, I left thinking this might not be the most practical resort for him. But as always, I recommend calling a speaking with a reservation specialist as well as someone on the property to get answers to specific questions you might have about accessibility before booking.

Checking out

My two days at Dreams Flora flew by — and I've got to say that I really enjoyed it. The buildings and grounds were well-kept, pretty and modern, and the suite felt contemporary and very livable. While the food at this resort was forgettable, the experiences were lots of fun, and, ultimately, I was able to sit back, relax and enjoy a really great stay.

And while the nearby Hyatt Ziva/Zilara dual-combo property is probably one of the best Hyatt all-inclusive resorts in the portfolio, this one packs a big punch for way less money. The Hyatt Ziva , which will soon move up an Award Category, costs a minimum of 42,000 points per night for two guests, while Dreams Flora starts at just 17,000 World of Hyatt points. At that price, I would return to this contemporary resort in a heartbeat.

Related reading:

• The most award-friendly hotel program: Everything you need to know about World of Hyatt
• 7 things to know before booking a stay at Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana
• 7 things to know before booking a stay at the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
• The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world

GOBankingRates

The 7 Best New and Affordable Places To Travel in 2024

Posted: March 16, 2024 | Last updated: March 16, 2024

Planning your 2024 vacation? If your wanderlust has you eager to go where you've never been, consider one of these new and affordable destinations for 2024.

Find Out: 8 Tips to Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy Read More: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Most safari vacations offer rustic accommodations, and a stay at Angama Amboseli does mean you'll be sleeping in a tent. But you'll also be able to gaze on the majesty of African elephants in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. The resort celebrates the local indigenous community in its architecture and its culinary offerings.

For You: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That are a Waste of Money Try This: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

Busan, South Korea

While the K-pop stars BTS may have put Busan on the map, an influx of new resorts keeps it there. A new Windham property joins many beachfront resorts on the Sea of Japan. Foodies will want to consider Busan as it will welcome a new Michelin guide this year.

Check Out: I'm a Luxury Travel Agent: 10 Destinations My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ocean views and a thriving maritime economy have long been associated with Nova Scotia, but this seaport now boasts an emerging technology industry. The newly redeveloped waterfront area features the Queen's Marque, with restaurants, art galleries and a five-star hotel.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

This Australian destination has rebuilt much of its lost in bushfires in 2020, and several new resorts will open this year. Cabn X is an affordable option, with small homes with a modern feel, and Southern Ocean Lodge, destroyed in the fires, has been rebuilt and is now open.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The DR has long been known as an affordable Caribbean destination, but it is now being recognized for luxury as well. Several new resorts in Punta Cana will open this year, including the St. Regis Cap Cana, the Sanctuary Cap Cana, and a new W hotel. Many resorts are all-inclusive, and some only welcome adults.

Find Out: 7 Cheap, Beautiful Places for a Winter Vacation

Quito, Ecuador

Most travelers visit Quito on their way to the Galapagos Islands, but the Ecuadorian capital has undergone a recent renaissance that makes it a destination in and of itself. An expanded subway has reduced traffic congestion and made it easier for non-locals to get around. New shops, galleries and restaurants have much to offer visitors, and its weather is mild year-round.

Transylvania, Romania

Beautiful castles and a rich history will prove that Transylvania is known for more than just vampires. Try Bethlen Estates near many historical sites, including Dracula's Bran Castle, for luxury. For a retreat experience, Matca offers walking safaris and praying with monks, all with views of the Carpathian Mountains.

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