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 Arena Gorda Beach 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$600 per night from 1 July to 2 July
NZ$600
1 July - 2 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! (5,494 reviews)
"My wife and I really liked this resort. We've been to the DR 8 times, and I would say that this place ranks in the top 3. Check in was smooth. We had a 3rd floor room in building 9 which was a very convenient place to be. There are 2 main pools. We spent our time at the one closest to the beach. ..."

Reviewed on 28 June 2026

Ocean Blue & Sand Beach Resort - 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
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$731 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$731
12 July - 13 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 helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very good! (5,678 reviews)
"I am extremely disappointed with my stay. The biggest issue was the Wi-Fi, which did not work for four out of the five days of my stay. I missed three important work meetings because of it. Every time I asked for help, I was simply told to go to the lobby. That is not a reasonable solution when you ..."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Barceló Bávaro Palace - 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$838 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$838
28 July - 29 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 helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (7,101 reviews)
"Our family had a wonderful stay at Lopesan! The resort itself is beautiful, and we especially loved the main property, the variety of daily activities, and the pools. The à la carte restaurants offered excellent food and service, and we really enjoyed the unique concept of having a shopping boulevard ..."

Reviewed on 28 June 2026

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - 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! (312 reviews)
"When traveling to the dominican, and using the Punta Cana Airport, usually spend the first and last night of the stay at Reserva. Price point is excellent, hotel is very clean, staff are very friendly, and there are four large pools to use. Restaurant, Pizzeria, and Cafe located on site For the most ..."

Reviewed on 27 June 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! (397 reviews)
"More Coffee options or.machine"

Reviewed on 14 June 2026

Costa Love Hotel Aeropuerto
BRISAS TROPICAL playa LOS CORALES

BRISAS TROPICAL playa LOS CORALES

4.5 out of 5
area playa Los Corales Punta Cana La Altagracia Province
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Bavaro Beach and Arena Gorda Beach are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (77 reviews)
"Breakfast had a nice variety of fresh food. The coffee was great, and the dining area was pleasant. We would book it again."

Reviewed on 22 June 2026

BRISAS TROPICAL playa LOS CORALES
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.

Stay near popular Punta Cana attractions

Activities

Cities near Punta Cana

Other places like Punta Cana

Explore a world of travel with Expedia