Known for its glorious beaches, glitz and glamour, the Punta Cana area is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. From chilling out on tropical beaches to dancing until dawn, hitting the trails in stunning nature parks or diving under the waves, there's plenty to see and do on your holiday to Punta Cana. We've put together some of our favourites to help you choose some of the best things to do in Punta Cana:
1. Relax on Punta Cana's beaches
This area has miles of pristine sandy beaches, many of which are overlooked by luxury hotels with sea-view pool terraces. Go snorkelling or scuba diving and see the Caribbean's flourishing marine life, or soak up the sun on the sands and dive into a book. Treat yourself to a delicious cocktail at one of Punta Cana's beach bars, order some fantastic seafood or a meat stew, or enjoy an ice-cold fresh tropical fruit juice. In the evening, dance the night away at Punta Cana's luxurious nightclubs, where you may even spot a celebrity or two.
2. Visit the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park
One of the most exciting Punta Cana things to do is to visit this unique tropical park, famous for its eye-shaped lagoons where the water seems almost unnaturally clear! Go on a guided or self-guided tour and see the exotic birds and other wildlife that flourish here. It's a great alternative to the busy bars of Punta Cana.
3. Go on a day trip to Catalina Island
Head out to this breathtaking island for some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the Caribbean. With some organised tours, you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch inbetween long snorkelling and swimming sessions, when you'll see the colourful marine life and coral reefs that the Dominican Republic is famed for. Catalina Island is just 1.5 miles from the mainland and has regular boat trips, although you can also book a direct excursion to the island from Punta Cana once a week. One place you definitely need to put on your list of things to do in Punta Cana.
4 Visit Altos de Chavón
For something different to the beach and the swimming pool, head over to Altos de Chavó 'n Mediterranean village replica near La Romana, less than an hour from Punta Cana by car. Opened in 1982, it has charming cobblestone streets, an art gallery showcasing the work of local and international artists, and shops and boutiques where you can find some great gifts to take home with you. The attraction also has an impressive 5,000-seat amphitheatre that holds world-class concerts, and offers superb views of the coast and the Chavó 'n River. With so much natural beauty, culture and opportunities for simple relaxation, there's no shortage of fun Punta Cana things to do.
