If you’re in search of the ultimate beach vacation in an untouched paradise, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, is a postcard dream come true. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this island paradise boats an impressive coastline of pristine beaches that are uncrowded and yours to explore.
If you’ve had your fill of beach days, Punta Cana is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural wonders. Spend some time exploring ancient relics, lush tropical rainforests, and the country’s unique local cuisine.
If you’re planning a visit to this island nation, here are the top things to do in Punta Cana for a well-rounded stay.
1. Rainforest Zip-lining
If you consider yourself a bit of a thrill-seeker, this is the excursion for you. There’s something about sailing through the rainforest on a zipline that allows you to experience it from a different point of view.
There are a plethora of professional ziplining excursion companies to choose from and this way you get to explore inland Punta Cana from a birds-eye-view. One of the most popular ziplining excursions is the Farallon Line which traverses the Cap Cana forests. You can experience stunning views over the lagoon and marvel at the surrounding cliffs that tower over you.
Not only this, but this tour begins with a walk through the forest along eco-trails and suspension bridges that allows you to get an authentic feel for the rugged beauty of this region. Looking for accommodation that can help you organize these types of day excursions? Check out excellence el carmen for more.
2. Offroading Exploration
Punta Cana is an outdoor lover’s paradise, so no visit to this part of the country is complete with a day of offroading exploration. You have a number of excursions to choose from — whether it’s four-wheel driving, taking a dune buggy tour, or an ATV tour.
These well-organized tours are great for thrill-seekers and are one of the best ways to explore lesser-known landscapes of Punta Cana. Opt for a 4×4 tour to the untouched Macao Beach, or lush, tropical trails buried deep within the Oriental Mountains which also boasts a tour of local coffee and banana plantations.
3. Take a Day Trip
With its convenient location, it’s easy to travel to and fro from Punta Cana and explore different regions of the Dominican Republic. For example, a popular day trip worth organizing is a catamaran sailboat up to Saona Island for a beach day straight out of a postcard. Here you can unwind on uncrowded beaches, sip on exotic, local cocktails, and even take a Merengue dance lesson when you’re feeling brave enough!
Another option is to organize a day trip to one of the oldest colonial cities in the country, Santa Domingo, first discovered by Christopher Columbus. Here you can explore museums, the ancient university, fascinating architecture, and more.
A day trip to the iconic Fun Cave is also something worth experiencing, especially if you have younger children. Explore the tunnels, rock art, and the deep underground river that’s made this cave so famous.
4. Punta Cana Parasailing
This is another activity for those that love an adrenaline rush. Parasailing in Punta Cana is an absolute must as it offers unhindered views over the entire region. Most parasailing tours in Punta Cana tend to begin on dry land, meaning you take off and land without having to get wet (if that’s what you prefer!).
A speed boat then pulls you along the stunning coastline where you can marvel at the long stretches of beach, tall swaying palm trees, and the many luxury resorts. There are also tours that combine both parasailing and snorkeling tours if you wanted to combine a day above land and below the ocean for the ultimate Punta Cana experience.
5. Explore via Horseback
One of the best things about horseback riding is that it’s suitable for almost all ages, so this makes it a fantastic family-friendly experience. No matter what your riding level is like, whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro, there are guides to keep you safe and comfortable throughout your excursion.
Choose to ride along the Anamuya River, visit a cigar plantation (demonstration included), or take the Cap Cana route up to a freshwater lagoon deep in the Las Ondas Caves.
6. Cruise/Sail Along the Coastline
If you’re looking for a truly relaxing activity that suits the entire family, sailing along the Punta Cana coastline is an absolute must-do. At catamaranspuntacana.com, you can charter a huge range of boat types, whether it’s a luxury yacht, catamaran, fishing boat, or pontoon boat. A highly popular option is catching a catamaran cruise along the bay toward Saona Island which you can explore for the day. Most boat cruises include snorkeling tours as part of their package, while some also include drinks, food, music, and more. For the more serious underwater lovers, opt for a sea diving cruise that takes you out to Catalina Island and the iconic dive sights called the Wall and Aquarium Dive.
7. Plan a Safari Adventure
The Dominican Republic has so much more to offer than just seaside reverie and relaxation. As mentioned earlier, the tropical landscape makes for plenty of fascinating discoveries. If you’re keen to explore a little more of inland DR, opt for a guided safari tour that offers an amazing insight into the fauna, flora, and landscape of this country.
Most safari tours take you to Monkeyland, the sprawling botanical gardens, and coffee and tobacco plantations where you can meet and interact with local farmers. You’ll also get to explore the Cordillera Oriental Mountain Range and the stunning views from the top of the pass.
Find Things to Do in Punta Cana and More
These are just a handful of the top recommended things to do in Punta Cana when you visit the gorgeous Dominican Republic. If you’re looking for more travel ideas and inspiration, don’t miss out on the rest of this site for your travel fix.
