Discovering Paradise
Punta Cana
Discover Punta Cana, the jewel of the Dominican Republic with pristine white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
☀️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)
Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic's flagship destination and the most visited spot in the entire Caribbean — and the beach is the reason. The coastline here is almost surreal in its perfection: fine white sand, warm turquoise water, and coconut palms as far as the eye can see.
The area has evolved far beyond its original beach-and-resort formula. World-class golf courses (including Corales, host of a PGA Tour event), luxury marina communities at Cap Cana, adventure parks, cultural experiences, and a growing independent restaurant scene give visitors reasons to leave the lounger.
For all-inclusive vacations, Punta Cana has no equal in the Caribbean. The sheer variety of resorts — from budget-friendly family properties to ultra-luxury adults-only retreats — means there's a perfect match for every traveler and budget. And with the most connected airport in the Caribbean, getting here is effortless from almost anywhere.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
22° — 30°
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Aug
24° — 32°
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Dec
21° — 29°
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Feb
21° — 29°
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Jan
21° — 29°
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Jul
24° — 32°
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Jun
24° — 32°
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Mar
21° — 30°
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May
23° — 31°
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Nov
22° — 30°
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Oct
23° — 31°
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Sep
24° — 32°
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Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
By Air
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the busiest airport in the Caribbean with direct flights from over 100 cities worldwide. It's a modern, efficient airport with a thatched-roof terminal that sets the vacation mood immediately.
Airport Transfer
Most resorts offer shuttle transfers (often included). Independent visitors can book private transfers (US$25-40 one way), take a taxi, or arrange through their hotel. The resort zone is 15-40 minutes from the airport depending on location.
From Santo Domingo
About 2.5 hours east on the autopista del Este. Express buses run from Santo Domingo (RD$500-600). However, given PUJ's connectivity, most visitors fly in directly.
Getting Around
Within the resort zone, most visitors use hotel shuttles, taxis, or Uber. If you want to explore independently (highly recommended for at least one day), rent a car or hire a private driver.
Punta Cana has the highest concentration of hotel rooms in the Caribbean. The key is matching the right zone and property to your travel style.
Bávaro Beach Zone
The longest stretch of beach with the most resorts. Barceló, Iberostar, Meliá, and RIU dominate. Great for families and first-timers. All-inclusive rates from US$120-300/person/night.
Cap Cana
The luxury end — gated marina community with properties like Hyatt Zilara/Ziva, Sanctuary, and private villas. World-class golf at Punta Espada. Rates from US$250-800+/night.
Uvero Alto
North of Bávaro, this quieter zone has more secluded properties like Excellence El Carmen and Breathless. Slightly more remote but less crowded beaches.
Adults-Only
For couples and honeymooners: Excellence, Secrets, Zoetry, and Sanctuary offer premium adults-only experiences with gourmet dining and spa services.
Budget
Downtown Bávaro and Verón have independent hotels and apartments from US$40-70/night without the all-inclusive structure. You'll save money eating at local restaurants.
The Beach
It sounds simple, but Punta Cana's beach genuinely deserves a full day. The water stays shallow and warm for hundreds of meters out, the sand is powder-fine, and the palm trees provide natural shade. Most resorts have excellent beach service.
Isla Saona
A full-day catamaran excursion to this paradise island is the most popular tour. Includes the iconic shallow "natural pool" sandbar, beach barbecue, and rum punch. US$60-90 per person.
Scape Park & Hoyo Azul
At Cap Cana, this adventure park offers cenote swimming at the stunning Hoyo Azul (a blue sinkhole), zip-lining, cave exploration, and dune buggies. Full-day passes US$120-160.
Golf
Punta Cana has more championship courses than any Caribbean destination. Corales (PGA Tour venue), Punta Espada (Jack Nicklaus design with ocean holes), La Cana, and Cocotal are the standouts.
Deep-Sea Fishing
The waters off Punta Cana are among the best in the Caribbean for marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi. Half-day charters from US$400 for up to 4 people.
Dominican Culture Experiences
Chocomuseo for chocolate-making workshops, cigar factory tours, Mamajuana tastings, and cooking classes at several resorts. These offer a taste of Dominican culture without leaving the resort area.
- Leave the resort at least once. Downtown Bávaro and the Boulevard Turístico have authentic Dominican restaurants, shops, and nightlife at a fraction of resort prices.
- Uber works and is cheap. A ride from downtown to the hotel zone costs US$3-5 vs. US$15-20 by hotel taxi. Use it.
- Book excursions through local operators rather than the resort desk. Same trips, 30-50% less. Your hotel's independent staff can recommend operators.
- Seaweed season (March-August) can affect some beaches. Resorts clean their beach sections daily, but it's worth noting. Bávaro is generally less affected than Uvero Alto.
- The all-inclusive trap: Resort food is convenient but rarely great. Make reservations at the à la carte restaurants early — the best spots fill up. Or eat outside the resort entirely.
- Bring cash for tips. US dollars work everywhere but Dominican pesos get you a better rate. Tip staff who provide good service — it matters more than you think.
Sample Itineraries
Punta Cana Highlights
The essential Punta Cana experience in one day.
🌅 Morning3h
Beach & Water Sports
Spend the morning on the legendary beach. Try parasailing for aerial views or snorkeling on the reef.
Punta Cana Beach
☀️ Afternoon3h
Hoyo Azul Cenote
Visit the stunning blue cenote at Scape Park — swim in impossibly blue water at the base of a cliff covered in tropical vegetation.
Cap Cana
🌙 Evening2.5h
Sunset Catamaran
Board a sunset catamaran cruise along the coast with open bar, snorkeling stop, and music. Pure Caribbean magic.
Punta Cana Marina
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Resort Shuttle(Usually included)
Most resorts include airport transfers. Confirm when booking.
Uber(US$3-8 per ride)
Works in the Bávaro-Punta Cana area. Much cheaper than resort taxis.
Hotel Taxi(US$15-25 per ride)
Available at all resorts with fixed prices.
Expreso Bávaro Bus(RD$500-600 (US$9-11))
Bus from Santo Domingo to Bávaro/Punta Cana.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$100-150 (all-inclusive)
Mid-rangeUS$180-300
LuxuryUS$350-600+
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs
- ✓Book excursions through reputable local operators
- ✓Use Uber instead of unmarked taxis for safety and savings
- ✓Stay hydrated — tropical sun is stronger than it feels
- ✓Keep valuables in your hotel safe
📶 Connectivity
Excellent. All resorts have WiFi. 4G coverage throughout. Local SIM cards at airport (Claro recommended).
💰 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
cottages near coconut trees
an aerial view of a beach with a boat in the water
Beautiful match, sea and sky
aerial view of city near body of water during daytime
An aerial view of a beach with palm trees
aerial view of city near body of water during daytime
On the beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
🇩🇴🇩🇴
infinity pool with bridge
an aerial view of a tropical island with boats
an aerial view of a marina in the middle of the ocean
Taken while on vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Top Attractions
Beautiful Beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I bring?
US dollars are widely accepted at resorts and tourist areas, but you'll get better value with Dominican pesos. ATMs (Banco Popular, BHD León) offer competitive exchange rates. Avoid changing money at hotel front desks — the rates are unfavorable.
How do I save money in Punta Cana?
Book excursions through local operators (30-50% less than resort prices), eat at downtown Bávaro restaurants instead of resort buffets, use Uber instead of hotel taxis, and buy souvenirs/rum at local shops rather than resort gift stores.
Is it safe to leave the resort?
Yes — downtown Bávaro and the Boulevard Turístico are safe and designed for tourists. Exercise normal precautions. The area outside the resort zone has authentic Dominican restaurants, shops, and nightlife at much better prices.
What's the best excursion from Punta Cana?
Isla Saona is the most popular and iconic. Scape Park with Hoyo Azul cenote offers the best adventure. For culture, the Santo Domingo day trip (2.5 hours each way) shows you the other side of the DR. For nature lovers, the Anamuya Mountains ATV tour is excellent.
Which area of Punta Cana is best?
Bávaro Beach for the classic all-inclusive experience with the best beach. Cap Cana for luxury and world-class golf. Uvero Alto for quieter, more secluded properties. Downtown Bávaro for independent travelers wanting to save money.
Is the seaweed a problem?
Sargassum seaweed can affect beaches March-August, though it varies greatly by year and location. All resorts clean their beach sections daily. Bávaro Beach is generally less affected. The water remains swimmable year-round.
What is the best time to visit Punta Cana?
The best time to visit Punta Cana is during the dry season from December to April. The weather is consistently sunny with temperatures around 80°F (27°C). This is high season, so expect more crowds and higher prices. May to November is the rainy season with higher humidity and occasional short tropical showers, but prices are lower and there are fewer tourists.
Are there any safety concerns in Punta Cana?
Punta Cana is generally considered one of the safest tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Most resorts have security, and the tourist areas are well-patrolled. As with any travel destination, use common sense: don't display expensive items, be aware of your surroundings, and stick to well-traveled areas, especially at night.
Do I need to exchange money before going to Punta Cana?
While the official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP), U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and resorts. Major credit cards are also accepted at most establishments. ATMs are available but may charge higher fees. It's a good idea to have some small denominations of local currency for tipping and shopping at local markets.
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Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: Punta Cana International (PUJ)