Punta Cana Carnival

Culture, Entertainment

Dominican Carnival is the most vibrant celebration of Dominican culture and identity. It’s a time when Dominicans of all ages and from all regions take to the streets, at home or in neighboring carnival cities, to enjoy parades with their families and loved ones.

Every Sunday during the month of February, colorful parades take place in every major city and region around the DR–some extending through the first week of March. Costumes, masks, and mystical characters are distinct to each area and reveal Dominican folkloric traditions and beliefs, as diverse as the country’s population.

Every year in March, a selection of the best of carnival in the Dominican Republic comes to parade in the Punta Cana Village.

Cap Cana Harbor & Marina

Shopping, Culture, Nightlife

Relax at Cap Cana Marina with a cocktail and a panoramic sea view from one of its chic waterfront bars, such as Api Beach Club or Versus. Along the way, shop at a number of high-end boutiques. Experience cigar lounges such as L’Stella–carrying Dominican, Cuban, and even Nicaraguan brands–art galleries, and jewelry with the DR’s amber and larimar gemstones.

Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia

Culture, Religion, Museum

Located in nearby Higüey and inaugurated in 1971, this cathedral ranks among the most important religious sites in the Dominican Republic. Honoring the Virgin of La Altagracia, patron saint of Dominicans, it’s a standout for its 69-meter or 225 feet high arch, with a bronze and gold entrance. The altar holds a framed painting of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 16th century, the centerpiece of devotion. Every January 21, pilgrims from around the country flock here to pay their respects, lining up before the altar and making their requests. La Altagracia Museum features an impressive collection of paintings and gold jewelry dating back to the 17th century and up to the 20th.

Punta Espada Golf Course

Entertainment, Golf

Jack Nicklaus’ first of two signature courses in the Dominican Republic, Punta Espada Golf Club opened in November 2006 and continues to top best golf course lists. Named Golfweek Magazine’s #1 course in the Caribbean and Latin America from 2009 to 2016, Nicklaus’ work of art boasts eight holes playing either alongside or over the Caribbean Sea–including the stunning par-4 17th, which requires a tee shot carry over a bay–and another five with ocean views. The Golden Bear superbly uses and incorporates the area’s bluffs, beaches, lagoons and tropical foliage into the course’s design. Punta Espada also has the distinction of hosting the Official PGA Tour’s Champions Tour–the Cap Cana Championship–in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Holes: 18; Par: 72; Yardage: 7,396; Slope: 137; Rating: 77.

Zipline Adventure

Adventure

The rainforest around Punta Cana offers a spectacular backdrop for a zip-lining adventure. On this tour, tackle a thrilling course of 12 ziplines, including some of the longest ziplines in the Caribbean. Fly through the treetops and enjoy spectacular views over the rainforest, looking out for exotic birds and other wildlife along the way.

Cotubanamá National Park

Adventure, Nature, Beach

Also known as Parque Nacional del Este, this is one of the most cave riddled and adventure-packed national parks in the DR, counting more than 500 flora species, 300 types of birds, and including long stretches of diamond white beaches on Saona and Catalina islands, along with their underwater marine life. Visitors can hike the land portion to explore a handful of the park’s cave and freshwater springs along marked trails of varying difficulty, or go birdwatching. On the coastline, snorkeling and diving sites are numerous along colorful coral reefs, and steep walls teeming with sea life. On the shore of the park’s sparkling beaches, particularly on Saona Island, is the most important turtle-nesting site in the Dominican Republic.

Monkeyland

Entertainment, Nature

Set on five acres in the lush countryside, just outside of Punta Cana, two families of squirrel monkeys greet and charm visitors for up to an hour at a time, posing for cameras and even resting on top of their heads. Expertly trained, the monkeys descend happily from the trees as visitors arrive–they can be safely fed by hand, or photographed as they carry their infants on their backs. Along the way, guides reveal intriguing information on this intelligent species.

Party Boat

Entertainment, Nature, Water Sports

While onboard you’ll enjoy different activities like snorkeling (all equipment is supplied), dancing, and swimming. A bar will be at disposal for you and your friends where you can drink national beverages and enjoy tropical fruits and appetizers.

Enjoy the Beaches

Nature, Relaxation

Playa Uvero Alto – Located on the northernmost end of Punta Cana, this sparkling white to golden beach is long, wide, and boasts wild waves that are perfect for body boarding fun, and surfing in some parts.

Playa Juanillo – Often ranked as one of the best beaches in Dominican Republic, Playa Juanillo offers miles of pristine, powdery white sand beach flanked with gigantic palm trees, and iridescent turquoise waters. Excellent bars and restaurants serve cocktails and meals seated or by your lounger. Beach activities such as volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking and kiteboarding are popular here.

Playa Punta Cana – While the name “Punta Cana” is used to refer to the entire 50-kilometer (30-mile) beachfront destination, the eponymous beach–sandwiched between Playa Los Corales to the north and Playa Blanca to the south–is where the area’s tourism got its jumpstart with the opening of Club Med Punta Cana 1978.

Playa Macao – Easily one of the Dominican Republic’s top-five most stunning beaches, the mega-wide, brilliant blonde, palm-tree studded Playa Macao is a surfer’s favorite. Known for its swells and trade winds, the beach is located on the northern end of the Punta Cana region.

Playa Bávaro – Ranks among the longest, most continuous white sand beaches in the Caribbean. Extending 48 kilometers (30 miles) and surrounded with coral reefs, it’s also the most developed section of this Punta Cana resort area. Beachfront resorts, restaurants, and gift shops line the beach.

Playa Blanca – Part of the Puntacana Resort & Club, Playa Blanca is a hub of water sports, good food, and beachside relaxation. The beach is available to anyone dining at the popular, on site Playa Blanca Restaurant.

Full Day Combo Excursions

Entertainment, Adventure, Nature

Full Safari Zipline, Buggies & Horse Riding – Soar through the air on a series of ziplines. Then, enjoy a relaxing horseback ride before heading out for a thrilling dune buggy ride through the jungle.