Discovering Paradise
Bavaro
Bavaro is a stunning coastal paradise in the Dominican Republic known for its pristine white-sand beaches and luxurious all-inclusive resorts.
☀️December to April
🌡️28°C (82°F)
✈️Punta Cana International (PUJ)
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
28°C (82°F)
☀️
Best Months
December to April
✈️
Nearest Airport
Punta Cana International (PUJ)
Bávaro is the heart of the Dominican Republic's tourism engine — and for good reason. The beach here is a postcard come to life: 30+ kilometers of powdery white sand lined with coconut palms and lapped by warm, impossibly blue water.
While it's part of the greater Punta Cana resort area, Bávaro has developed its own identity with shopping plazas, restaurants, nightlife, and activities that extend well beyond the all-inclusive wristband. It's where the resort world meets real Dominican life.
For first-time visitors to the DR, Bávaro offers the easiest entry point — direct flights, seamless transfers, and everything you need within arm's reach. For repeat visitors, it's the launchpad for day trips to Saona Island, Scape Park, and the Anamuya Mountains.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
22° — 30°
💧💧
Aug
24° — 32°
💧💧
Dec
21° — 29°
💧💧
Feb
21° — 29°
💧💧
Jan
21° — 29°
💧💧
Jul
24° — 32°
💧💧
Jun
24° — 32°
💧💧
Mar
21° — 30°
💧💧
May
23° — 31°
💧💧💧
Nov
22° — 30°
💧💧
Oct
23° — 31°
💧💧💧
Sep
24° — 32°
💧💧💧
Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
Bávaro is served by Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), the busiest airport in the Caribbean. Direct flights arrive from virtually every major North American and European city.
Airport Transfer
The airport is just 20-30 minutes from most Bávaro hotels. Most resorts offer shuttle transfers included in your package. Independent travelers can book private transfers (US$25-35 one way) or take a taxi from the airport stand.
From Santo Domingo
If flying into SDQ, the drive to Bávaro takes about 2.5 hours on the autopista del Este. Expreso Bávaro runs buses from Santo Domingo's main terminal (RD$500-600 / US$9-11).
Getting Around Bávaro
Most visitors stay within their resort, but if you want to explore, taxis and Uber are available. The main strip along Boulevard Turístico has restaurants, shops, and nightlife within walking distance of many hotels.
Bávaro is synonymous with all-inclusive resorts, but options range from massive family complexes to intimate adults-only boutiques.
Beachfront All-Inclusive
The main hotel zone stretches along Playa Bávaro. Major brands like Barceló, Hard Rock, Iberostar, and Meliá dominate here. Expect multiple pools, buffets, beach service, and nightly entertainment. Rates range from US$150-500+ per person per night.
Adults-Only
For a quieter experience, adults-only properties like Excellence Punta Cana and Secrets Royal Beach offer premium service with fewer crowds. These tend to have better restaurants and more personalized attention.
Independent Hotels & Apartments
Along the Boulevard Turístico and in downtown Bávaro, apartment-style accommodations offer kitchen facilities and independence. A good option if you want to eat at local restaurants and save money. Nightly rates start around US$50-80.
Beyond the beach lounger, Bávaro offers more activities than almost anywhere else in the DR.
Water Activities
Snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, kiteboarding, glass-bottom boats, and deep-sea fishing are all available right off the beach. Most resorts include non-motorized water sports; motorized activities cost extra.
Saona Island Day Trip
The most popular excursion: a catamaran ride to Isla Saona through turquoise shallows with a stop at the "natural pool" sandbar. Book through your resort or local operators for US$60-90 per person including lunch and drinks.
Scape Park at Cap Cana
Zip-lining over cenotes, swimming in Hoyo Azul (a stunning natural sinkhole), cave exploration, and dune buggy tours. Full-day passes run US$120-160.
Downtown Bávaro
Leave the resort and walk the Boulevard Turístico. You'll find Dominican restaurants, cigar shops, rum tasting at the Brugal stand, and live merengue music at local bars. Prices are 40-60% less than inside resorts.
Golf
World-class courses at Corales Golf Club (site of the PGA's Corales Championship), Punta Espada, and Cocotal Golf & Country Club.
- Eat outside the resort. Restaurants along the Boulevard Turístico serve authentic Dominican food at a third of resort prices. Try "La Bandera" — rice, beans, and meat — for under US$5.
- Book excursions locally rather than through your resort. You'll pay 30-50% less for the same trips. Ask your hotel's independent staff for recommendations.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The coral reefs off Bávaro are alive and worth protecting. Some excursion operators now require it.
- Don't change money at the resort. The exchange rate is terrible. Use local ATMs (Banco Popular, BHD León) or change at the Caribe Express office in town.
- Uber works in Bávaro and is much cheaper than resort taxis. A ride from downtown to the hotel zone costs RD$200-300 (US$3-5) vs. US$15-20 by hotel taxi.
- Visit on a weekday if you want Playa Bávaro to yourself. On weekends, Dominican families from Santo Domingo fill the public beach areas.
Sample Itineraries
Beyond the Resort
Experience the real Bávaro beyond the all-inclusive wristband.
🌅 Morning1.5h
Sunrise Beach Walk
Walk the iconic Bávaro beach at sunrise — the light on the coconut palms is magical. Most guests sleep in, so you'll have the sand to yourself.
Playa Bávaro
Midday2h
Downtown Bávaro
Leave the resort and explore the Boulevard Turístico. Browse local shops, try Dominican street food, and visit the rum tasting stands.
Boulevard Turístico
Tip: Uber from your resort is much cheaper than the hotel taxi.
☀️ Afternoon1.5h
Local Dominican Lunch
Eat La Bandera (rice, beans, and meat) at a local comedor for under US$5 — a fraction of resort restaurant prices.
Downtown Bávaro
🌙 Evening2h
Beach Bar Sunset
Return to the beach for the golden hour. Order a fresh coconut with rum from a beach vendor and watch the sky change colors.
Playa Bávaro
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Resort Shuttle(Usually included)
Most all-inclusive resorts offer airport transfers.
Uber(US$3-8 per ride)
Available in the Bávaro area. Affordable option for short trips.
Taxi(US$15-25 per ride)
Hotel taxis available. Agree on price before departure.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$100-150 (all-inclusive)
Mid-rangeUS$180-300
LuxuryUS$350-600+
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs
- ✓Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach
- ✓Book excursions through reputable local operators
- ✓Use Uber instead of unmarked taxis
- ✓Stay hydrated — tropical sun is intense
📶 Connectivity
Excellent connectivity. All resorts have WiFi (quality varies). 4G coverage throughout. Local SIM at airport shops.
💰 Tipping
10% service charge (propina legal) included in restaurant bills. Tip extra 5-10% for excellent service. Hotel housekeeping: RD$50-100/day. Tour guides: US$5-10/person.
Photo Gallery
Beautiful Beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber available in Bávaro?
Yes, Uber works in the Bávaro-Punta Cana area and is much cheaper than resort taxis. A ride from downtown to the hotel zone costs about US$3-5 vs. US$15-20 by hotel taxi. You'll need a local SIM card or WiFi to use the app.
Is it worth leaving the resort in Bávaro?
Absolutely. Downtown Bávaro along the Boulevard Turístico has authentic Dominican restaurants at 40-60% less than resort prices, rum tasting stands, cigar shops, and local nightlife. Use Uber — it's cheap and reliable.
What's the difference between Bávaro and Punta Cana?
They're part of the same tourist zone. Bávaro is the beach and resort area north of the airport, while Punta Cana technically refers to the area south. In practice, most people use "Punta Cana" for the entire region, but Bávaro Beach is where most hotels are located.
Is Bávaro Beach affected by seaweed?
Sargassum seaweed can affect beaches from March through August, but Bávaro is generally less impacted than beaches further south. All resorts clean their beach sections daily. The water remains swimmable year-round.
How much should I budget for excursions?
Isla Saona day trip: US$50-80. Scape Park full day: US$120-160. Snorkeling trip: US$30-50. Buggy adventure: US$50-70. Book through local operators rather than the resort desk to save 30-50%.
What are the best beaches in Bavaro?
Bavaro Beach is the most famous and stretches for miles along crystal-clear waters. Other excellent beaches include Arena Gorda Beach and Macao Beach, which is popular for surfing.
How do I get around Bavaro?
Most resorts offer shuttle services to popular areas. You can also take taxis, rent a car, or book guided excursions for exploring the region. Many tourists stay within their all-inclusive resorts, which typically provide everything needed for a comfortable stay.
What activities are available in Bavaro besides beaches?
Bavaro offers numerous activities including catamaran cruises, snorkeling, diving, zip-lining, dune buggy adventures, horseback riding, and golf at world-class courses. You can also explore nearby ecological parks like Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.
Is Bavaro safe for tourists?
Bavaro is considered one of the safest areas in the Dominican Republic for tourists. Most resorts have security, though standard travel precautions should be taken, especially when venturing outside resort areas.
Nearby Destinations
Explore more places near Bavaro
Plan Your Bavaro Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: Punta Cana International (PUJ)