The Best of Dominican Republic With This Punta Cana Travel Guide

Day 1: Playa Bavaro

It’s time to hit the beach! And there is no better place for that other than Playa Bavaro. Here, miles of white sand lead to crystal-clear blue, warm water. Bavaro is lined with all-inclusive resorts, which means plenty of options for dining, drinking and water sports including parasailing, snorkeling and paddle boarding. However, along this stretch, you can also make your way to more eclectic spots, if you prefer. Playa EI Cortecito, is a tiny fisherman’s beach that’s famous with backpackers. Here you’ll find Capitan Cook, a laid-back seafood restaurant that’s an amazing option for the fresh picks. If you are adventurous enough, try Bavaro Kite School which is a beachfront outfitter providing lessons and rental equipment for this sport combining elements of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing.

Day 2: Catamaran Thresa Tour

Spend more time on Punta Cana’s pure waters with a famous Catamaran Thresa tour. The boat tours cruise the splendid Bavarocoast, stopping in between to snorkeling at the Cabeza de Toro reef, which is brimming with colorful fish and coral as well as an undeveloped beach adjacent to a natural reserve, the Bavaro Lagoon. The trip will also include a grilled seafood lunch as well as cocktails.

You can finish the day off with dinner at Jellyfish, which is a two-floor, open-air restaurant situated right on the sand at Bavaro Beach.

The ultra-fine linen sheets shields the diners from the sun and sand without even blocking ocean views, and the menu always include the fresh catch that the local fishermen made that particular day. The restaurant is one of the favorites of couples and is the top wedding sites in Punta Cana.

Day 3: Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park

Visit the splendid Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve today. It is advisable to visit here in the morning before the crowds and the sun descend. You’ll discover a series of trails leading to a number of freshwater lagoons begging for swimmers, with such clear waters that you can practically see straight at the bottom. The park is a true habitat to all kinds of reptiles, wildlife, and birds, including the rare and endangered Ridgeway Hawk, only found on the island of Hispaniola. Other attractions of the park include sugarcane exhibit and a petting zoo.

Afterward, you can get in some pampering on the Dr. Fish Ocean Spa excursion, which is a three-hour ride on a double-decker sailing spa boat. This trip will also include massage, a Pirates class, some relaxation time on a floating ‘mattress’ in the boat’s pool, and the signature Dr. Fish pedicure, where small Gara Rufa fish exfoliate your feet naturally by nibbling at them, thus removing dead skin cells and providing you with a light, ticklish sensation.

Later end your trip on a decent note with an amazing dinner at La Yola, which is perched on the water to invoke the feeling of eating on a small fishing boat and offering stunning ocean views. The Caribbean- and Mediterranean-influenced menu has an amazing seafood selection, however offers plenty of options for carnivores and vegetarians, too.

Day 4: Swim with Dolphins at Manati Park’s Dolphin Island

Make friends with the most playful marine mammals in the world on a swim-with-dolphins tour from Punta Cana. Professional dolphin trainers at Manati Park's Dolphin Island will teach you how to get a handshake, a belly ride, or a foot push from these highly intelligent as well as universally loved animals. After you experience swimming with dolphins, you can witness a sea lion show or a traditional folk dance performance by the descendants of indigenous Taino Indians. Golf-lovers can check out the oceanfront and sea-view holes at La Cana Golf Club. You require at least 2 hours for this fun-filled adventure.

Day 5: Bavaro Adventure Park

Day five in Punta Cana is all about leisure. You can try your luck at the casinos of Sirenis Aquagames Punta Cana and Hard Rock Casino Punta Cana. Make merry at the stunning bar Coco Bongo Punta Cana that will simply turn out to be your place to chill at in the evenings. You can also consider spending your afternoons and early evenings at the Punta Espada Golf Course. Playing gold here can be a delightful experience owing to its location just off the seafront. Being one of the three Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, this one really holds a special significance for professional golfers. Since its opening in the year 2006, it has been attracting golfing enthusiasts. This par 72 course, certainly, offers a one of its kind experiences! If an adrenaline rush prompts in these two days, make your way to the striking Bavaro Adventure Park. You can look forward to zip lining, horse riding, trampoline bungee, paintball, mountain biking, and BMX pump track are some exciting activities at this park. Some amazing Segway tours are the highlight of this attraction, for both kids as well as adults. And when you are done make sure to enjoy a splash in the pool which also features a cascading waterfall!