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Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Punta Cana? You’ve come to the right place!
This tropical paradise is packed with adventure, culture, and relaxation. Having visited countless times, I’ve uncovered the absolute best experiences Punta Cana has to offer. From zipping through jungles on ATVs to snorkeling with nurse sharks and stingrays, Punta Cana never disappoints.
To help you plan your trip I’ve created the guide below outlining the top activities that you can’t miss out on while visiting. Whether you’re craving adrenaline or serenity, these top 10 experiences are sure to make your Punta Cana trip unforgettable!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
If there is one tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP, it’s this tour!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Punta Cana was this catamaran cruise and snorkeling adventure! Sailing through the blue Caribbean waters was a bucket list item and we saw so many tropical fish while snorkeling.
Check out the 1,900+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Punta Cana
- 1. Visit a monkey sanctuary and local coffee plantation
- 2. Experience the traditional culture of the Dominican Republic
- 3. Take a catamaran cruise and go snorkeling in the Caribbean
- 4. Visit Saona Island
- 5. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV and water cave tour
- 6. Enjoy a rum tasting and pairing
- 7. Visit the oldest city in the Americas – Santo Domingo
- 8. Go horseback riding on Punta Cana Beach
- 9. Try parasailing and swim with stingrays
- 10. Make the most of your time on a combo adventure tour: ziplines, buggies, and Monkeyland
- Where to Stay in Punta Cana
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Punta Cana
1. Visit a monkey sanctuary and local coffee plantation
- Price: $95 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: Around 7 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Visit a monkey sanctuary to feed and observe squirrel monkeys, see a botanic garden, visit a local coffee and cacao plantation, sample coffee or hot chocolate
- Inclusions: Transportation from your hotel, adventure park entrance fees, local guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 3,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re an animal lover like me, then you can’t miss out on this fun combo tour that brings you deep into the jungles of the Dominican Republic to hang out with squirrel monkeys!
That’s right, you will visit a 5-acre (2-hectare) squirrel monkey sanctuary, where you will get to observe and interact with the monkeys. It was so much fun watching them swinging high up in the trees and running around. I got heaps of photos with the monkeys and even got to feed them some fruit, which was such an unbelievable experience!
But that’s not all, this tour also includes a visit to a local coffee and cacao plantation. Here, you will learn all about their organic farming methods and get to sample some coffee and hot chocolate. To this day, I think it was the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had!
You also get the chance to visit a gorgeous botanical garden, where you will learn all about the lush flora and fauna from your guide. The gardens were so peaceful and I think they really added to this experience, making it the perfect tour for nature and animal lovers.
It is one of the most highly rated tours in Punta Cana with over 2,700 5-star reviews – so you know it’s got to be good!
Check availability and book this popular combo tour here!
2. Experience the traditional culture of the Dominican Republic
- Price: $60 USD
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Riding horseback through the countryside, visiting the local market and sightseeing in Higuey, swimming in the Anamuya River, exploring Macao Beach
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, transportation, Dominican food and snacks, coffee
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking to experience the Dominican Republic beyond the resorts, this half-day cultural tour in Punta Cana is an absolute must! I’ve been on my fair share of excursions, but this one really stands out because it gave me a deeper look into the country’s history, culture, and way of life.
The day starts with a ride to Higuey, a charming town where you’ll horseback ride through the countryside. Then it’s off to marvel at the stunning Basilica of Higuey and visit a local market. There were so many neat handmade goods there and we really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the local’s daily lives.
Next up was my favorite part! You’ll head to the Anamuya River for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. And if you’re feeling adventurous (and I definitely was), there’s a 100-foot natural water slide that you can go down into the river below!
Some other stops include a local art school, a coffee and cacao store, and beautiful Macao Beach. Trust me, this is a tour you don’t want to miss if you’re curious about culture and love exploring off-the-beaten-path spots.
It has a ton of 5-star reviews and is an experience we think the entire family will love. Plus at only $60 USD per adult, it’s one of the most affordable quality tours in the area. Don’t wait too long to book though, this one sells out fast!
Secure you’re spot on this highly-rated tour in advance here!
3. Take a catamaran cruise and go snorkeling in the Caribbean
- Price: $99 USD
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Take a small-group catamaran cruise through the Caribbean, swim & snorkel in a nature reserve, and enjoy unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages onboard and on a sandbar
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, snacks, use of snorkeling equipment, use of stand-up paddle boards
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 2,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Close your eyes and picture yourself on a luxurious boat sailing through the turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean with a cocktail in hand. If that sounds like your kind of day, then you must go on this small-group catamaran cruise!
With a maximum of just 16 guests, this cruise is all about good vibes, stunning views, and plenty of space to relax. You also get the chance to swim and snorkel in a natural reserve, surrounded by hundreds of colorful tropical fish – how cool is that?
But wait, it gets better. After snorkeling for a while, we anchored at a sandbar where the water was waist-deep and super warm. The crew set up a floating bar, where the drinks were served right in the water! We relaxed on the powdery white sand, but some others went out on the stand-up paddle boards and had a great time.
When we got on the boat to head back, the drinks were flowing, music was pumping, and smiles were all around – it was such a great day!
If you’re craving a fun and luxurious way to soak in Punta Cana’s beauty, this tour is it. It was hands-down my favorite tour in Punta Cana and I know I’m not alone, just look at the 1,900+ 5-star reviews. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and underwater camera!
Learn more about my favorite Punta Cana tour and reserve your spot here!
4. Visit Saona Island
- Price: $165 USD
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: Visit a turtle conservation area, sail to a secret beach for a swim, enjoy a buffet lunch on the beach, spend free time at Abanico Beach
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, breakfast, lunch, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, transportation
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Did you know that there is a stunning island paradise located along the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic that you can visit on this day trip from Punta Cana?
That’s right, Saona Island is one of those places that looks like it belongs on a computer screensaver. In fact, it was used to film parts of Pirates of the Caribbean! But it’s more than just white-sand beaches, it’s also home to quaint villages and local wildlife (did somebody say turtles?!)
This full-day island adventure starts by boarding a boat and heading over to the village of Mano Juan, where you will learn all about their heartwarming turtle conservation project. After breakfast, you’ll head off to a “secret beach”. I don’t want to tell you its name and ruin the surprise – but trust me, it’s spectacular!
Next up, is Abanico Beach for a delicious buffet lunch right on the sand, followed by plenty of free time to soak up the sun with a rum cocktail in hand. The day wraps up at Palmilla Beach, where you can wade through turquoise shallows and spot starfish galore. I even saw a turtle here so keep your eyes peeled!
This tour had me feeling like I was living my best Captain Jack Sparrow life the entire day (all that was missing was some buried treasure!). It costs $165 USD per adult, which includes all of your food, drinks, and activities, so it’s actually quite a good deal for a full day of adventure. If you need any more convincing, check out the hundreds of amazing reviews here!
Don’t miss out on this slice of paradise, book your day trip here!
5. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV and water cave tour
- Price: $65 – $115 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 12 pm
- Highlights: ATV through rugged terrain, visit a cave and underground river, swim at Macao Beach, taste local chocolate, rum, and coffee
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, roundtrip transportation, tastings
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 3,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for an adventurous way to experience the Dominican Republic, this half-day ATV adventure tour is a must-do!
We love ATVing and have done it all over the world, but this experience from Punta Cana really stands out as one of the most fun and unique ATV tours we’ve ever been on. Not only did we get to ATV through the jungle, but we also got to visit a local farm, swim in a natural cave, and chill on a postcard-perfect beach all in one trip!
Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden an ATV before, because the guide provides a thorough lesson to make sure everyone is comfortable before taking off. You also have the chance to choose between a single or a double ATV – so if you aren’t comfortable driving but you’re traveling with someone who is, you can just enjoy the views as a passenger (that’s what I always do!).
We love that this tour stops at an organic farm to taste freshly brewed coffee, chocolate, and rum. Fun fact: the Dominican Republic is one of the top cocoa exporters, so the chocolate here is next-level!
We also visited a stunning underground cave (aka cenote) with crystal-clear waters that you can swim in during most times of the year. Then the adventure wraps up at Macao Beach, one of Punta Cana’s most spectacular shorelines. Swimming and relaxing here was the perfect way to end the action-packed day!
This half-day experience’s price varies depending on whether you choose a single or a double ATV. But whichever option you are in for a treat because this tour has thousands of 5-star reviews!
Check availability for this popular adventure tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Enjoy a rum tasting and pairing
- Price: $49 USD
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Try a selection of premium rums such as Punta Cana XOX, learn about rum production, taste sugar cane, pair the rum with some snacks
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, beverages, bottled water, food tasting, professional guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re a rum enthusiast (or just rum-curious), then this premium rum-tasting tour is for you! Rum is one of the Dominican Republic’s most iconic exports, so learning about it (and tasting it!), was high on my list of things to do last time we went to Punta Cana.
This experience takes you to Oliver and Oliver, an iconic rum house known for its premium liquors. Guided by expert romeliers (yes, that’s a real job!), you’ll sip on an exclusive lineup of rums aged 25 years or more, including crowd favorites like Cubaney Centenario and Punta Cana XOX.
We also learned all about rum history and production. I never knew about the Solera distilling method before, which involves stacking barrels on top of one another to blend different ages of rum. It’s what gives the rum its balanced and smooth flavor!
During the tour, we also had the opportunity to try sugar cane and to pair the rums with different foods. Up until this, I had only thought of pairing wine with food, so this was a really neat experience for me!
I definitely left this tasting with a new appreciation for rum (and with a few bottles in hand for souvenirs!). The experience only lasts 1.25 hours, making it super easy to fit into your travel itinerary. Plus, everything is included with the $49 USD price tag, so you really can’t go wrong!
Book this premium rum tasting here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
7. Visit the oldest city in the Americas – Santo Domingo
- Price: $95 USD
- Duration: 10-12 hours
- Time: Around 6 to 7 am
- Highlights: Explore Santo Domingo on a walking tour with a local guide, visit historic 15th-century monuments and iconic landmarks, enjoy a traditional lunch
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional guide, bottled water, lunch, entrance fees
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 3,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Attention all history lovers! Did you know that 2 hours away from Punta Cana lies one of the oldest cities in the Americas? Santo Domingo is packed with history, charm, and enough sights to keep you busy all day. Plus, it’s super easy to visit on this full-day tour!
The day kicks off with a scenic drive from Punta Cana to the Dominican Republic’s capital city in an air-conditioned vehicle (because let’s face it, it’s hot out there!).
Once in Santo Domingo, you’ll go on a walking tour to see many historic sights such as Calle Las Damas, the first paved street in the New World, and the Alcazar de Colon, where Christopher Columbus’s son resided.
We also visited the breathtaking Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor (the first cathedral in the Americas) and the enchanting Colonial Zone. This vibrant neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and walking the streets felt like stepping back in time! There was also the National Palace of the Dominican Republic which is quite grandiose.
We think this tour is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the Dominican Republic and is craving a change from the typical beach scene. It provides a full day of exploring for only $95 USD, which includes all entrance fees and a delicious Dominican lunch – the perfect way to refuel between sightseeing stops!
Read all of the 5-star reviews and reserve your spot on this Santo Domingo day trip here!
8. Go horseback riding on Punta Cana Beach
- Price: $58 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am, 11:30 am, or 3:30 pm
- Highlights: Horseback ride along the stunning Dominican coastline, view the mouth of the Maimon River, stop to take photos and videos
- Inclusions: Professional guide, safety equipment, bottled water, hotel pick-up/drop-off
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding horseback along a tropical beach, this Punta Cana tour will make your dreams come true!
I personally didn’t go on this one due to horse allergies, but my friends went last time we were in Punta Cana and they had nothing but great things to say about the entire experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or it’s your first time on a horse, the guides on this tour will make sure you feel comfortable. They provide detailed instructions and even match you up with a horse based on your experience level.
Once you’re all geared up and ready to go, you’ll follow the guide along a stunning trail through lush coconut groves and pristine shorelines. One of the highlights is reaching the Maimón River, where you can see the fresh water from the river rushing into the sea.
Along the way, your guide will share tidbits about the area, and there’s even time for a little galloping if you’re up for it (if not, that’s ok too, it’s your tour!). You’ll also have plenty of time for photos. My friends’ guide must have been a photographer in their spare time because the photos they took of them were gorgeous!
Whether you’re looking for a romantic outing or a unique adventure with friends, this tour provides the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural scenery. And with over 600 5-star reviews, you know it’s going to be an experience you’ll never forget!
Reserve your spot on this popular horseback riding experience in advance here!
9. Try parasailing and swim with stingrays
- Price: $159 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 12 pm
- Highlights: Go parasailing above the Dominican coastline, swim and snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks, enjoy open bar beverages and snacks
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, professional guide and photographer, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, snacks, onboard entertainment
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 380+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you have an adventurous side (like us!), then you can’t miss out on this parasailing and marine life encounter tour!
The day starts with soaring an impressive 500 feet above the stunning Cortesito-Bávaro coastline. The views are absolutely incredible. Turquoise waters, golden beaches, and lush palms stretch out as far as the eye can see. Being high in the sky was such a unique blend of serene relaxation and adrenaline all at the same time!
Once you’re back on solid ground (or, well, boat), it’s time to head to a natural ocean pool for a marine encounter. Here, you’ll get the chance to swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays. I was a bit nervous at first, but don’t worry, they’re gentle giants! And the professional guides are with you the entire time to ensure your safety.
Having the stingrays glide right past me and feeling their silky smooth skin on mine was such an amazing experience that I’ll never forget!
Afterward, we enjoyed an open bar and plenty of snacks and fresh fruit. It was the perfect way to end an exciting day. I mean, it’s not every day you can check parasailing and swimming with sharks off your bucket list all in one trip!
What’s super neat about this tour is that they have a professional photographer taking pictures the entire time. So don’t worry if you don’t have an underwater camera, you can always purchase the professional photos at the end for an additional fee.
Check availability and secure your spot on this tour here!
10. Make the most of your time on a combo adventure tour: ziplines, buggies, and Monkeyland
- Price: $209 – $553 USD
- Duration: 9.5 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Ride an ATV buggy through the mountains, swim in the Anamuya River, go on a 12 cable zipline course, sample organic local products, interact with squirrel monkeys
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, bottled water, snacks, entrance fees
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 8,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Still not sure if any of the above tours are right for you? Don’t worry, because I saved the best for last! This full-day tour combines some of Punta Cana’s best activities into one amazing tour full of adventure and wildlife.
The day kicks off with a buggy ride through the lush mountains of Anamuya, where you’ll hit the trails for a bumpy (but oh-so-fun) ride! You may get a bit muddy, but that’s ok because the next stop is at Anamuya River, where you can dive in for a refreshing swim. Just make sure you remember your bathing suit!
Next up, you’ll soar above the treetops on a 12-line zipline course. The views are absolutely incredible, but the adrenaline rush is even better! This zipline course is the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic and is certified safe, so all you need to do is enjoy the ride.
For the grand finale, this tour brings you to Monkeyland, where you will spend time with adorable squirrel monkeys. These curious little creatures are very friendly and will climb all over you, making for some seriously cute photos.
We also stopped to taste some fresh Caribbean fruits, coconut oil, and cacao – which was icing on the cake for a perfect day.
The price for this experience varies depending on the number of people in your group but can be as low as only $138 USD per person. This is such a good deal considering you get a full day of adventures. If you still don’t believe me, have a look at the 8,000+ 5-star reviews!
Secure your spot on this popular combo tour here before it sells out!
Where to Stay in Punta Cana
Now that you’ve planned the perfect Punta Cana itinerary, you need somewhere comfy to stay! There are a lot of options whether you’re looking for a beachfront luxury resort or a budget stay. To help narrow down your options, I’ve put together three excellent hotel choices to suit any traveler.
Luxury – $$$
The Westin Puntacana Resort is my top pick for a luxury stay! This resort has it all – 8 restaurants, a cigar and wine bar, private beach access, pools, a spa, and perfectly put together rooms. You can get a standard hotel room or a suite, and even opt for a room with an ocean view. This resort is located near the international airport.
Prices vary by season but start around $300 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana is located in the downtown area, so you’re never far from the lively city! This hotel is a top-tier stay at a moderate price point and offers a luxury onsite pool, spa, and restaurant and bar. They offer queen or king rooms, some come with terraces, and all are equipped with amenities for a comfortable stay.
Prices range from about $150 to $250 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Hostal Johnnier Macao Punta Cana is a budget friendly guest house located very close to Macao Beach! Each room has a private bathroom, and some come with a balcony. The rooms are quaint and simple, but perfect if you’re planning on being out and exploring a lot. You can book a room with bunk beds, a queen bed, two queens, or a family sized room.
Rates range from $45 to $135 USD. Check prices and book your room on Booking.com!
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Punta Cana here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Punta Cana is truly a dream vacation – white sand beaches, bright blue water, and lush tropical jungles. We quickly fell in love with this island paradise, and I’m sure you will too! This is such a fun travel destination with so much to do, even if you can only tick off a few of these items you’ll have a fantastic trip.
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel blogs! We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs that will help you plan your next adventure – cheers!
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