Punta Cana Points of Interest and Places to Visit

Clear blue waters and white sandy beaches make Macao an ideal spot to experience the real Caribbean. Because it’s public, this beach attracts both far-off travelers and close-to-home locals. Visitors won’t have to worry about aggressive vendors or crowded shores, either, making this an ideal spot for a peaceful morning stroll or an active outdoor afternoon. Travelers can lounge in the sand, boogie board or learn to surf near Macao Beach’s bigger breakers. And for those who prefer to stay dry on land and keep out of the water, an afternoon horseback ride still offers stunning coastal views and fresh saltwater air, without the hassle of getting wet.

The unrivaled beaches of Punta Cana focus on Bavaro, the home of resort vacations in the Dominican Republic. Most of Punta Cana’s resort hotels cluster around the long stretch of white sand Bavaro Beach (or Playa Bavaro) and its small collection of shopping plazas. Along with its aquamarine waters and sandy beaches, Bavaro has world-class golf courses and offshore reef diving sites.

The privately run Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (or Parque Ojos Indigenas) preserves 45 acres (18 hectares) of tropical paradise, part of the larger 1,500 acre (600 hectare) Punta Cana Ecological Park. The park is named for the crystal-clear freshwater lagoons (called ‘eyes’) that run underground to emerge here near the sea. Trails lead around the park, or you can take a guided tour. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast. You can take an unforgettable swim in just one of the dozen lagoons at this ecologically managed park, which takes its ‘leave no trace’ policy very seriously.

Scape Park is an eco-adventure park located in Cap Cana on the gorgeous Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic. Centrally located just seven miles from the Punta Cana airport, Scape Park is easy to get to and provides entertainment for adventure minded travelers. At Scape Park, you can go ziplining over the treetops, horseback riding along the beach, off-roading in an adventure buggy plus go scuba diving and snorkeling to discover underwater sea life or take a catamaran and yacht tour to see the landscape above sea level. There is also kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding, fishing and sailing, as well as caves and lagoons you can explore. Both adults and children will find activities they enjoy at Scape Park, making it an ideal place to head for a day during vacation, whether you’re traveling as a couple on a romantic getaway or a family traveling with multiple generations.

The natural beauty of this scenic lagoon has made it one of Dominican Republic’s top travel destinations. Just a few minutes from Punta Cana International Airport in peaceful Scape Park, Hoyo Azul is simply the best of what this country has to offer. A rugged trail weaves through towering forests of indigenous trees and rare plants, ending at this 37-meter deep turquoise escape. Visitors can take a calming dip to cool off, or dive in from one of the towering cliff’s rocky edges for a real adrenaline rush.

The palm tree-lined sand and turquoise-blue water await you in Lemon Lagoon Bay. Known for dreamy water , beautiful coastline and one of the best beaches in all of the Domincan Republic, Lemon Lagoon Bay is a paradisaical escape into the virgin sun. Underwater coral reefs house abundant tropical wildlife and so Lemon Lagoon Bay is a popular place to spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, lounging by the beach, or even romping through the sand on a bumbling dune buggy exploring the beautiful coast.

Travelers looking to dance the night away while sipping strong tropical cocktails under flashing lights with thumping beats will love the classic island party experience at CoCo Bongo Punta Cana. This lively disco combines the best of a Las Vegas stage show with the music and dance floor of a contemporary club. Every night feels like Saturday night at CoCo Bongo, and guests can opt for VIP packages that include prime seating and skip-the-line options. Whether it’s the first stop of the night, or the last stop in Dominican Republic, CoCo Bongo guarantees a fun, memorable and entertaining night out!

The privately run 1,500 acre (600 hectare) Punta Cana Ecological Park protects coastal and inland habitats. Around 80 species of birds live here, along with more than 500 types of plants. Within the park is the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, named for the crystal-clear freshwater lagoons (called ‘eyes’) that run underground to emerge near the sea. Trails lead around the park, or you can take a guided tour. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast.

Adventure in the tropical forests of the Dominican Republic is just a quick ride away to the magnificent underground tunnels of Fun Fun Cave. Nestled in the Los Haitises National Park, these landmark treasures wind 65 feet underground and make some of the best exploring in the region (hence the name). Filled with West Indian rock art and the requisite cavernous stalagmite and stalactite mounds, an eerie repel to the base, a day spent learning about the history of the region, and a dip in the accompanying river allow this National Park live up to its name.

This popular Bavaro and Punta Cana attraction is perfect for the entire family and blends plenty of tropical wonder with outdoor excitement and Dominican culture and tradition. Travelers who venture out on this wilderness adventure will have the chance to horseback ride on rugged trails that wind through tropical forests, past scenic rivers and towering mountains. A high-speed buggy ride offers up the ideal adventure for thrill seeking adventurers and an island safari showcases the best of this Caribbean destination’s biodiversity. Travelers will learn about the history of farming in the region from their expert guide, as well as the importance of coffee and cocoa plantations that produce some of Dominican Republic’s most-famous exports. The safari even includes a stop at La Hacienda’s own village for a look at local life.

The sandy beaches of Saona island are a highlight of a visit to Parque Nacional del Este, along with the tropical moist forest and limestone karst landscape of the mainland. The range of biodiversity preserved in this park is incredible, including more than 570 species of plants and 163 species of birds. Much of this habitat is found in the mangroves fringing the peninsula and the sea grasses wafting in the water. The offshore coral reefs are popular with divers.

The marine life of the Dominican Republic’s prized offshore reefs is preserved and exhibited at the Marinarium marine park. Marinarium snorkel cruises head out to the reef, and the Reef Explorer provides all the facilities of a mini island at sea. Arrange a stingray encounter, kayak across the waves, sunbathe on flotation mats, and enjoy snacks and drinks on-board the explorer.

The roughly hewn stone building known as the Casa Ponce de León was the home of 16th century explorer and governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de León. The fortified building looks more like a barn than the home of one of the region’s most famous men, but inside you’ll find fascinating relics from the era. Furnishings, chests and even the explorer’s suit of armor are highlighted on a tour of the interior.

Dolphins, parrots and tropical orchids are the star attractions at the Manati theme park, inland from the coast at Punta Cana. You'll have the chance to swim with dolphins, watch a sea lion show, witness Taino dancing and horseback-riding skills, or see performing parrots! The other wildlife on show at this family-friendly theme park includes snakes, iguanas, flamingos and multicolored macaws. The park also has on-site dining and souvenir shops.