Punta Cana is a Caribbean holiday destination par excellence. This privileged enclave in the east of the Dominican Republic sees millions of visitors pass through every year. And this isn’t a recent phenomenon – the area has been popular with travellers for decades. We look at some of the top sights in Punta Cana below.
Saona Island
Located off the coast of the Altagracia province, this area forms part of the Parque Nacional del Este (National Park of the East). It’s an ideal place to enjoy the fantastic flora and fauna the park has to offer, as well as being perfect for diving. A trip up the River Chavón comes highly recommended.
Bávaro Beach
This is one of the most popular spots in the Dominican Republic. With turquoise waters and white sands, it’s an iconic Caribbean beach with a great variety of hotels and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy the best of local gastronomy. UNESCO has named it one of the best beaches in the world on various occasions, and it truly is the jewel in the crown of the Coconut Coast.
Catalina Island
Located to the south of La Romana province, this is a protected park completely devoid of development. The warm waters surrounding it are perfect for diving and snorkelling – if you’re there, check out el Muro (the Wall), a diving spot that’s more than 100m deep and home to many marine species.
The Blue Hole
Located to the far south of Punta Cana, this is one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world, with the formation of the cenote resulting in a spectacular ocean cliff. Organised trips pass by the summit of El Farallón and the Iguabonita Cave, home to various species of bats, and ancient cave drawings.
Altos de Chavón
This is a magnificent villa built overlooking the Chavón River – it serves as a local history centre, as well as the National Archaeological Museum and Ciudad de los Artistas (City of Artists). The Dominican Republic offers more than just sun and sand, and this is the ideal place to get better acquainted with Dominican culture.
Macao Beach
With beautiful, clean sand, this is one of the few public beaches you’ll find on the so-called Coconut Coast. Quad and buggy biking are popular here, as is surfing.
Indigenous Eyes Eco Park
Our final stop is simply unmissable. This is a private, protected area under the management of the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation. The reserve includes lowland subtropical forests and various exhibitions about the natural and geological history of the island. The park also has twelve freshwater pools where you can take a dip.
