Holidays to Punta Caña
Punta Caña highlights
Beach dreams
Most holidays in Punta Caña focus on the beach, and for good reason. The area is dubbed the ‘Coconut Coast’ due to all the palms that stretch along its 48-kilometre coastline. Check out Blue Flag–rated Playa Arena Gorda or Playa Bibijagua, where you’ll find party boats and a shopping plaza, then chase amber sunsets at Playa Bavaro.
Island adventures
Should you ever tire of lying on the sand during your holiday to Punta Caña, consider taking a day trip to Isla Saona. The small island in Cotubanama National Park is protected, virtually uninhabited and featured in the movie ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. To avoid being stuck in a crowd, book a private trip.
Local treasures
Some of the best souvenirs in Punta Caña are found in the beach shacks. Choose from bold Dominican artwork, influenced by Afro-Caribbean, European and Taino cultures. Taino sculptures are made of clay, stone or wood by descendants of the Dominican Republic’s Indigenous inhabitants — the handmade faceless dolls you’ll find are emblematic of the Dominican Republic’s mix of races.
Punta Caña: Know before you go
| Language | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Dominican peso ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (AST) |
| High season | December – February |
| Low season | September – October |
Find the best time to go to Punta Caña
Weather in Punta Caña
May – November: May is your best bet for shoulder season travel. The days are relatively dry, and hot temperatures mean the beach is still an option during the wet season — but expect rain showers during the day. Hurricane season starts in June and lasts through October. Be sure to monitor the weather if you’re travelling during those months.
December – April: The dry season is the high season in Punta Caña. This is the best time for enjoying warm days of uninterrupted sun, perfect for lounging on the beach. The hibiscus plants and bougainvillea will be in full bloom, and temperatures hover in the low to mid-20s°C. So stay in your swimsuit till the sun goes down.
Events in Punta Caña
Day of the Virgin of Altagracia (January): Crowds flock to the grand Basílica Nuestra Señora De La Altagracia in nearby Higüey, about 40 minutes from the city. Join them in celebrating the Virgin Mary on 21 January for one of the island’s most important religious festivals. Services within the ornate cathedral are followed by a procession through the streets.
Carnival (February): Thousands show up to partake in this month-long celebration of Dominican culture. Expect live music, food trucks, parades and elaborate masks and costumes. Every year, a notable Dominican is crowned that year’s Carnival royalty as King or Queen Momo. Past honorees include baseball legend George Bell and fashion designer Oscar de la Renta.
The best neighbourhoods in Punta Caña
Bavaro
One of the best areas to stay in Punta Caña, Bavaro is a beachgoer’s delight. With its thatched beach huts, glitzy resorts and a huge range of activities to enjoy, this is the perfect base for sunbathing, watersports and nightlife. Snorkel in the coral reef, haggle for jewellery, and check out the views from the designer golf courses.
Good for: Beach resorts, golf, watersports
Uvero Alto
The northernmost beach in Punta Caña, Uvero Alto is a quieter area compared to its neighbours. But you’ll still find several all-inclusive resorts here, plus a healthy selection of restaurants and bars. With its rocky shoreline, palm trees and seaweed, Playa Uvero Alto is a beach with character. If you love watersports like bodyboarding and surfing, you’ll find the waves here deliver.
Good for: Watersports, beach walks, bars
Cap Cana
If you’re wondering where to stay in Punta Caña for pampering, head to Cap Cana. Unwind under the palms in an exclusive spa resort, and dress your best for upscale seafood dinners at night. This is also the destination for luxury gift shops and galleries. Juanillo Beach attracts a sporty crowd who come to kitesurf and kayak.
Good for: Luxury resorts, shopping, fine dining
Things to do in Punta Caña
Family-friendly things to do
There are plenty of things to do with family in Punta Caña that don’t involve the beach. Thrill seekers will love Scape Park. You’ll find splash hammocks and ziplines across natural lagoons, plus a gorgeous bathing spot in the turquoise Hoyo Azul cenote, a natural pit. Want to meet the local squirrel monkeys? Book a safari at Monkeyland.
Shopping
It’s easy to browse national and international brands when shopping in Punta Caña — try Blue Mall and Downtown Mall for a huge range of options. Or delve into the bustle of beach shacks for the most unusual finds. Bavaro Beach’s offering contains everything from handmade beach toys to shell necklaces.
Take in the culture
European, African and Taino influences shape the local culture on display at museums in Punta Caña. About an hour’s drive west, the Museo Arqueologico de Altos de Chavon in La Romana documents Taino and pre-Columbian culture from 4000 BC to AD 1492. Or for something completely different, check out the Choco Museum in downtown, which celebrates Dominican chocolate.
Nightlife
The Dominican Republic is big on dance culture — perfect for night owls. Expect the nightlife in Punta Caña to feature live music and merengue marathons fuelled by cheap drinks. Move your feet to endless tunes on the beach, or order a rum punch in a relaxed bar beside the starlit sea.
Places to eat
Eating out in Punta Caña ranges from cheap bites to fine dining, with lots of resort food thrown in. Local cuisine focuses on rice, beans and plantains — look out for ‘La Bandera’, a traditional dish that combines these ingredients with stewed meat. Don’t leave without ordering fresh seafood at open-air restaurants in Punta Caña.
Beaches
The beaches in Punta Caña are downright breathtaking. Head south to Cap Cana, where you’ll find a seemingly endless stretch of white sand. Drive north for about 45 minutes to local favourite Playa Macao for surfing and parasailing. Or make a sunset trip to Playa el Cortecito, which brims with beach bars serving tropical cocktails.
Get ready for Punta Caña
Budget
For a cheap holiday in Punta Caña, aim for the wet season, as there are more deals to be had. May is your best bet for lingering dry season weather. An inexpensive meal in Punta Caña will cost you about 610 Dominican pesos ($). A domestic beer runs about $150, and a cappuccino is close to $155. A short taxi ride will cost you about $675.
Day Trips from Punta Caña
For 360-degree views of the local landscape, drive just over an hour to Montaña Redonda, a viewpoint located high in the Anamuya Mountains. From the top, you can get an Instagram-worthy snap and even ride a zipline. Drive about an hour to see the Cueva de las Maravillas, a stunning cave network decorated with ancient petroglyphs.
Getting Around Punta Caña
Walking is safe and the easiest way to get around Punta Caña. Buses can connect you to the main strip, but they often get crowded. Be sure to carry small change to pay. Uber operates here, and local taxis are easy to book, but fares vary widely, so agree on a price before setting off. Rental cars are available from the airport.
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