Things to do in Punta Cana

Punta Cana Adventure Tour with Ojos Indigenas Eco Park

Ready for a non-stop adventure that's both fun and environmentally friendly? Hop in an electric go-kart and speed between a selection of the Dominican Republic's top experiences. Emma, one of our guides, says it's a privilege to lead the tour, ‘I feel more like a tourist than a guide – it's that much of a pleasure to be part of.' You'll visit a local farm to try organic fruit and honey, see exotic animals at a sanctuary, and explore Ojos Indigenas Park – a protected bio-reserve that was sacred to the nation's indigenous tribes. And after a barbecue lunch, it's all topped with a catamaran cruise on the Caribbean Sea.Aboard a nippy little eco-vehicle, you'll speed from one exciting experience to another. Emma says, ‘In a private conservation area, we'll get up-close to iguanas as I explain about the plants and animals that thrive here. We'll see how organic honey is collected and try some, too. And I love visiting the organic plantation. This is where we grow all kinds of local Dominican produce. Taste exotic spices and sample sweet papaya plucked fresh from the tree.'As the day heats up, cool off with a swim stop on Punta Cana beach. Then, go karting along the dirt tracks and trails of Ojos Indigenas Ecological Park. Bask in the beauty and silence of the reserve, once home to the ancient Taino people, and take a dip in the mirror-like lagoon. And after a sizzling barbecue lunch, we round off with a relaxing catamaran cruise complete with an open bar.

Domitai Park Tour

With a host of thrill-pumping activities, Domitai Park tops the leaderboard for an action-packed day out. Experience Dominican culture at the recreated Taino village, take a sensory-fuelled tour of the Aroma Museum and cool off with a dip in a cave. Then, the fun continues after lunch with ziplining, buggy rides, horseback rides and even a trip to the park's chocolate factory.

Punta Cana Evening Buggy Tour with Dominican Dinner

This experience has adventure stamped all over it. Off-road buggy or safari truck rides, traditional Taino ceremonies and swimming in underground pools make for an adrenaline-pumping evening from Punta Cana. Juan, one of our local guides, says ‘Caves and cenotes played an important role in the indigenous Taino culture. Despite looking so tempting with their cool aquamarine water, the Taino people never swam in the cenotes or used the water because of their belief that they were a gateway to the underworld.' Plus, you'll enjoy a Dominican dinner and an open bar followed by live music.To kick off your all-action evening, you'll power through the Dominican countryside, zoom along dirt tracks and watch as the landscape transforms from day to night. Guided by torchlight, you'll continue your journey to take a swim in a natural cave pool, known as a cenote, with atmospheric lighting. And if you choose the safari truck option, you'll also get to visit the eerie depths of Yara Cave.With flaming torches lighting the way, you'll make your way back to base for a well-earned drink and a tasty dinner of local cuisine. The restaurant staff pride themselves on creating classic Dominican dishes, freshly prepared with seasonal produce from the island. Rounding off the evening is a traditional Taino dance show and the chance to join in with a boogie or enjoy the open bar under the stars.

Punta Cana Caribbean pirate cruise

Say ‘ahoy' to your next adventure at sea, which sees you embarking on an epic treasure hunt. You'll snorkel with sharks, interact with stingrays at Shark Island, explore the coral reef and brace for possible attacks from rogue pirates. It's a swashbuckling day of action with a few surprises thrown in just off the coast of Punta Cana.Walk the plank to board the Hispañola where it's time to get stuck in and learn the ropes. You'll cast off into the danger-ridden seas to a place where you can snorkel amongst a colourful coral reef before it's time to get down to work.Back on board, a snack and soft drinks are served, while tensions rise within the crew of old pirates. Nevertheless, the hunt must go on, and the ship will soon reach Shark Island. There, a treasure hunt will take you to swim with nurse sharks and interact with stingrays. But beware – rogue pirates may hinder your quest. Prepare for fierce sword fights, stunts and take part in pirate life. You'll celebrate your victory with a party on the way back.

Full-day Punta Cana Ecological Reserve ATV and water bike tour

Buckle up for a full-day adventure at Punta Cana Ecological Reserve on this guided tour. You'll kick things off with an ATV tour, tackling twisting trails while your guide tells you about its history. The first inhabitants of this area were the Taino people, who lived here from around 1200 AD until the early 1500s. Afterwards, switch gears and get behind the controls of a water bike and head out into the Caribbean Sea, where you might be able to spot turtles and maybe even manta rays in their natural habitat.

Full-day tour in Punta Cana with buggy ride and catamaran cruise

Buckle up for an adrenaline-pumping off-road adventure on this full-day tour, featuring buggy and catamaran rides. You'll start your journey zooming through a deserted mine on your buggy, before heading into a Dominican village. Here, you'll refuel with a traditional lunch, then set out towards a waterfall pool – the perfect spot to unwind and find your zen. Next, you'll hop aboard a catamaran and sail along Punta Cana's coast, with unlimited drinks, tasty snacks and onboard entertainment all thrown in for good measure.

Full-day catamaran cruise with snorkelling and a beachside lunch

Hop aboard a double-decker catamaran on this full-day cruise. You'll sail along Cap Cana's coastline, drop anchor for a snorkelling session at Buccaneers Reef, and then stop at a shallow sandbar – perfect for lounging in the refreshing water. On board the boat, you can make the most of the open bar, and sip free-flowing drinks as you relax on deck. Then, tuck into lunch at Juanillo Beach Club, followed by free time on the sand. To wrap things up, you'll journey into the jungle to a hidden cenote for a dip.

Sunset cruise to Bavaro Beach with surf ‘n’ turf dinner

Set sail on this evening dinner cruise and see the sunset over the Caribbean. As the sun goes down, glide over the waves on your way to the white sands of Bavaro Beach, where an expert chef will prepare your surf 'n' turf meal, which will be served alongside your favourite drink. To top it off, there'll be live music performances as you dine by the sea.

4x4 jungle adventure at Bavaro Adventure Park

This evening at the Bavaro Adventure Park is one to remember. To start, you'll hop in a 4x4 buggy after dark and head into the jungle to one of the park's natural pools, following moonlit trails that weave through the greenery. You'll arrive at cocktail hour, where you can take your pick of a range of drinks as live music and dance performances hit the stage. Next comes dinner, which is a surf-and-turf affair that comes with unlimited drinks. Then, the party under the stars kicks off, so get ready for plenty of dancing.

Full-day tour of Dominican’s El Limon with horse ride and 4x4

Your day starts with a scenic drive to a traditional village, where you'll taste local coffee, chocolate and tropical fruits at Doña Ana's house. Then slip on your lifejacket for a boat ride across Laguna El Limón, followed by horse-riding on a secluded beach. For lunch, there's a flavour-packed Dominican lunch on the menu, served at a countryside ranch. And the adventure doesn't stop there, as you hit Playa El Limón on a thrilling 4x4 buggy drive before finishing your day by unwinding on the beach with a refreshing coconut in hand.

Full-day guided tour to Catalina Island with snorkelling and Altos de Chavon visit

can be much shorter] Sail to Catalina Island on this full-day tour, stopping to snorkel at La Pared, AKA The Wall, a national park home to a bunch of corals and sea life, like parrotfish, angelfish and sea turtles. Then, you'll continue to Catalina Island itself for a typical Dominican lunch on the beach. Afterwards, you'll head back to La Romana to visit Altos de Chavon, a replica 16th-century Mediterranean village – you'll find a Roman-style amphitheatre, art galleries and a lively art scene here.

Catalina Island boat tour with snorkelling and Dominican lunch

Hop aboard for a full-day boat trip to Catalina Island, a stone's throw from the south coast of the mainland. You'll drop anchor to snorkel around one of the Dominican Republic's most bustling coral reefs, La Pared, where you can spot a colourful carpet of live corals, crabs and tropical fish. Then, you'll head to dry land, where you can enjoy some beach time and tuck into lunch, Dominican-style. Think fresh grilled meats, rice and salads served with your choice of beer, rum, or soft drinks.