Situated at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana’s 30 miles of white-sand beaches border on the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, where a coral reef creates calm, clear waters. Together Punta Cana and Bávaro form La Costa del Coco, or the Coconut Coast, an area boasting lavish, all-inclusive resorts. Visitors enjoy snorkeling, diving, zip lining, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and golfing as well as national parks, local music, exquisite seafood and lively nightclubs.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Punta Cana International Airport receives flights from 26 countries, including direct flights from several U.S. gateways. Arriving travelers must purchase a 30-day tourist card ($10 in cash only). Rental car services and taxis are available; taxis charge flat rates which vary by destination. The best way to get around Punta Cana is on foot, if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, and by car if you plan to explore beyond. Traffic in Punta Cana is at constant gridlock; consider calling for a taxi or Uber, a relatively new service on the island.
LODGING
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
Relax and recharge at this full-service hotel featuring modern guestrooms and suites with deluxe bedding, a 24-hour fitness center/health club, outdoor pool and on-site restaurant. Flexible venue spaces can host meetings, weddings or special events. Free airport shuttle for guests.
Boulevard 1ero de Noviembre, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
tel 809 959 4444
marriott.com
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
The all-inclusive resort invites rockers of all ages to indulge in luxury. Expect spacious guestrooms with private balconies, hydro spa tub, plush bathrobes and slippers. Indulge in delectable dining, refresh in the spa and enjoy nightly entertainment.
Blvd. Turístico del Este, Km. 28, No. 74, Macao, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
tel 809 687 0000
hardrockhotels.com
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
The luxurious, all-inclusive, all-ages resort features floating swim-up suites, infinity pools, a water park, six restaurants, and seven bars and lounges. If you can tear yourself away from this bit of paradise, golf courses, deep-sea fishing and eco-parks lie minutes away.
Playa Juanillo, Blvd. Zona Hotelera, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
tel 809 469 7090
resortsbyhyatt.com
DINING
Castaways Restaurant & Bar
It’s a tropical getaway dream come true: Listening to calming ocean waves while sipping a cocktail and sampling fresh seafood crafted with Dominican flair. For a special night, arrange a romantic beach dinner featuring a menu of your own design.
1 Andi Las Vegas Blvd., Uvero Alto at Playa Palmera, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
tel 809 455 9499
castaways-restaurant.com
Citrus Fusion Cuisine
A diverse menu of dishes from the Caribbean, Asia and Italy highlights locally sourced fare, from ceviche and sushi to lobster dishes and fried fish with local seasonings. At night, enjoy delicious cocktails and music in a lively tropical ambience.
Avenue Alemania, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
tel 809 455 2026
Jellyfish Restaurant
The freshest locally sourced flavors combine in an eclectic menu of Caribbean, American and European dishes accompanied by handcrafted cocktails and noteworthy wines, all in a breathtaking and relaxing seaside destination.
Calle Chicago, Playa Bávaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
tel 809 552 6110
jellyfishrestaurant.com
ATTRACTIONS
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve
Discover the impressive biodiversity of this private reserve on a guided walking tour while learning about the Taínos, first inhabitants of the island. Immerse in an unforgettable experience in freshwater eyes (lagoons) formed by upwellings of an underground river.
Grupo Puntacana Fundación, Dominican Republic
tel 809 959 9221
puntacana.org
Saona Island
Board a speedboat for a daytrip to secluded Saona Island, stopping at a natural swimming pool filled with starfish. Walk the white-sand beach, swim and snorkel in azure waters, and relax with lunch and an open bar. Round-trip transport from your Punta Cana hotel included.
viator.com
Zip Lining
Experience the exhilaration of one of the longest zip lines in the Caribbean, boasting 18 platforms and 12 lines. A five-hour tour with ACCT-certified Runners Adventures takes you gliding up to half a mile above the lush landscapes of Anamuya Mountain and includes equipment, training, expert canopy guides and round-trip hotel transfer.
Runners Adventures, Bávaro Km. 2-1/2, Carretera, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
tel 829 599 7444
runnersadventures.com
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