Punta Cana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A marina with a white boat named 'Achina' docked, surrounded by palm trees and a building with a green roof.
An outdoor amphitheater with stone steps and a stage, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.
A beach with palm trees and people walking along the shore.
A beach with palm trees, a boat, and people relaxing.
Two people sitting on a bench at a sports field, one wearing a red shirt and the other a blue shirt with a number on the back.

Enjoy long stretches of white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts and sunshine in abundance at one of the largest tourist destinations in the Caribbean region.

Punta Cana, on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, is renowned for its miles of white-sand beaches lined by coconut palms and aquamarine waters. The name Punta Cana is often used when referring to the region that encompasses areas such as Cabeza de Toro, Arena Gorda and Uvero Alto.

Punta Cana is primarily made up of large all-inclusive resorts that cater for families and couples. Many have their own private stretches of beach and are designed to provide guests with everything they need for their stay, including restaurants, nightclubs and sporting activities.

The main attractions of Punta Cana are, of course, the sand and the sea. The unforgettable beaches of this region are sheltered by an immense offshore reef, 18 miles (29 kilometres) in length. The shallow water makes it a good divingor snorkelingenvironment for beginners. Most of the all-inclusive resorts have their own dive schools and equipment shops. There are also other water activities on offer such as surfing, sailingand parasailing.

Outside the resorts, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the Dominican Republic’s other attractions. See the replica Mediterranean village built on a cliff at Altos de Chavónand explore the world’s first underwater museum atBayahibe. Visit Higüey and its Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a large cathedral built to honour the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Take a guided tour of the jungle at the Punta Cana Ecological Reserve.

There are a number of ways to get around Punta Cana. For the majority of visitors, who spend their time either in their resorts or at beaches nearby, the simplest way is on foot. Local buses known as ”guaguas” are the cheapest options if you plan to travel further afield. Taxis and car rentals are also available.

Blue skies and sunshine are fixtures for most of the year in Punta Cana. In summer the temperature is an average of 88 F (31 C).

Our guide on where to stay in Punta Cana

Find the best Punta Cana areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Punta Cana
Learn more about Punta Cana

Bávaro

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Bávaro. Make a stop by Bavaro Beach or Cocotal Golf and Country Club while you're exploring the area.

Cap Cana Marina

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cap Cana Marina. Make a stop by top sights like Punta Cana Beach while you're exploring the area.

Uvero Alto

You'll love the stunning beaches in Uvero Alto, and you might want to stick around to check out Sirenis Aquagames Water Park, a top place to visit.

Playa Bibijagua

Playa Bibijagua is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Bavaro Beach and Los Corales Beach.

Ocean Blue & Sand Beach Resort - All Inclusive

Ocean Blue & Sand Beach Resort - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Car. Arena Gorda Punta Cana La Altagracia
The price is NZ$594 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$594
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,602 reviews)
"I would give this hotel 3–4 stars. The property itself is beautiful, very clean, and the customer service from the staff was friendly and professional. However, there are several areas that need improvement. The beach closes at 6:00 PM, even though it is still daylight outside, and the pool closes ..."

Reviewed on 8 July 2026

Ocean Blue & Sand Beach Resort - All Inclusive
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Playas de Bavaro Punta Cana La Altagracia
The price is NZ$857 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
NZ$857
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (7,204 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and facilities are beautiful. Staff was friendly at the restaurants and by the pool. It would just be great to have more guidance on how everything works. The food was acceptable but not great. Be ready to put some steps on !"

Reviewed on 9 July 2026

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive
Barceló Bávaro Palace - All Inclusive

Barceló Bávaro Palace - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Bávaro Km. 1 Punta Cana La Altagracia
The price is NZ$669 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$669
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very good! (5,774 reviews)
"Beautiful resort and very well maintained. Adding easier access to the entrance and expanding vegetarian options would make the stay even better."

Reviewed on 9 July 2026

Barceló Bávaro Palace - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Reserva Real by Harper

Reserva Real by Harper

4.5 out of 5
Avenida Alemania Punta Cana La Altagracia
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Bavaro Beach and Arena Gorda Beach are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (317 reviews)
"Rooms were a little dirty not bad. Water didn’t get hot had to take cold Showers but other than that was a nice hotel."

Reviewed on 8 July 2026

Reserva Real by Harper
Costa Love Hotel Aeropuerto

Costa Love Hotel Aeropuerto

4 out of 5
Av. Pastor Domingo de la Cruz Punta Cana La Altagracia
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (398 reviews)
"They were friendly, had good sushi and made me feel comfortable during my stay"

Reviewed on 8 July 2026

Costa Love Hotel Aeropuerto
Playa Palmera Beach Resort

Playa Palmera Beach Resort

2.5 out of 5
Blvrd Andi Las Vegas Numero 1 Uvero Alto Punta Cana La Altagracia
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (343 reviews)
"Everything is excellent and clean and perfect the apartment and also I wanna recommend for the service at great service and the front ARON deck they have an excellent service too Nataly bartenderMaribel the best massage in the world I recommend for everybody Maribel,Ariel de los Santo the bartender ..."

Reviewed on 3 May 2026

Playa Palmera Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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