Have you already booked your accommodation and flights to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic? Lucky you, you’re about to step into paradise. Punta Cana, located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, is famous for its endless stretches of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Whether you’re a spontaneous traveler or someone who likes having a plan, this curated list of 35 amazing things to do in Punta Cana, excursions, tours, sightseeing, and more, will help you explore far beyond the hotel pool and beach.
Grab your favorite tropical drink (Pina Colada for me, please!) and get ready to make the most of your Punta Cana vacation.
1. Enjoy Sunset Horseback Riding

Whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete beginner, sunset horseback riding along Uvero Alto Beach is pure magic. Feel the ocean breeze in your hair, watch the sun dip into the horizon, and connect with your horse while surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
Who Will Enjoy This? The perfect excursion for animal lovers and adventure seekers
2. Explore Bavaro Lagoon

This protected natural reserve is a hidden gem for eco-travelers. Laguna Bávaro is home to reptiles, birds, amphibians, and more than 200 plant species. Rent a kayak, go snorkeling, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Who Will Enjoy This? A happy day out for ecotourists with a particular interest in wildlife.
3. Visit Saona Island

Saona Island (Isla Saona), a classic Dominican excursion! Board a catamaran or speedboat, swim in starfish-filled natural pools, and relax on pristine beaches with soft white sand. Lunch and drinks are included, and if you feel like it, loosen up with some merengue dancing.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anyone looking to experience the top things to do in Punta Cana.
4. Tour Monkeyland in Punta Cana

Head to Monkeyland, located at Anamuya, which is about an hour from Punta Cana, to meet friendly squirrel monkeys. Beforehand, visit a traditional Dominican home, where you can taste fresh fruit, coffee, and cocoa, and learn about local life.
Who Will Enjoy This? Kiddos and adult animal lovers, as well as those looking to learn a little something about the local way of life.
5. Visit Hoyo Claro

For off-the-beaten-path explorers, Hoyo Claro is a refreshing natural lagoon hidden in the forest. A short hike brings you to this crystal-clear swimming spot, a real treasure for just 150 pesos (about $3 USD).
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody who likes to find things off the beaten path enjoys extraordinary Punta Cana excursions on a budget.
6. Find Adventure at Scape Park

Located in Cap Cana, Scape Park is an eco-adventure park offering ziplines, caves, waterfalls, and even a private beach club. From adrenaline-pumping activities to cultural experiences, it has something for everyone.
Who Will Enjoy This? Fun for the whole family, Hoyo Azul & Scape Park allows you to choose your own adventure, whether the more exhilarating or the more cultural route.
7. Get on a Punta Cana ATV Tour

Hop on a four-wheeler and explore Punta Cana like Indiana Jones. Ride through jungle trails, visit mountain lookouts, and splash through rivers on this action-packed ATV adventure.
Who Will Enjoy This? Strictly for adventurous spirits who like to live life to its fullest and enjoy driving straight through a river in style.
8. Visit Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve

This 1,500-acre private Indigenous Eyes Ecological reserve features 12 freshwater lagoons, known as “ojos” by the Taíno people for their eye-like shape. A peaceful escape to connect with Dominican nature.
Who Will Enjoy This? Lovers of nature, animals, and protective ecotourism.
9. Board a Party Boat and Go Snorkeling

Combine music, cocktails, snorkeling, and dancing on a catamaran party boat. With lively vibes, tropical drinks, and Caribbean views, it’s one of the best social excursions in Punta Cana.
Thinking about booking this activity? Book it here!
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody who loves good music, friendly people, yummy tropical drinks, snorkeling, and making new friends!
10. Take a Cultural Safari Tour

Punta Cana is all about its stunning beaches, but the Dominican Republic’s village culture is just as fascinating. On this Safari Cultural Tour-Style jeep tour, you’ll explore the countryside like a local.
First, visit Higüey, where you can stroll the lively streets and admire the Basilica of La Altagracia, the country’s most important church. Afterwards, explore a sugar cane plantation and learn how indigenous people once worked the land. You’ll even see a colonial-era wheel grinder in action.
Moreover, you’ll meet master craftspeople who’ll teach you how the island’s famous cigars are made.
Who Will Enjoy This? Those who wish to learn and take in the culture of this fantastic place we call home.
11. Visit Santo Domingo City

Founded in 1496, Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the New World and the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic.
During the day, explore the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobblestone streets and historic architecture feel like stepping back in time. By night, the city comes alive with electrifying nightlife and world-class gastronomy. Don’t miss trying some fresh fried fish!
Who Will Enjoy This? The amount of variety found in Santa Domingo makes it a perfect spot for anybody from the most avid museum fan to the gourmet traveler.
Book the Santo Domingo City tour from Punta Cana.
12. Altos de Chavon in La Romana – A great thing to do while in Punta Cana

Ever dreamed of walking through a 16th-century Mediterranean village? Altos de Chavón, perched 300 feet above the Chavón River in La Romana, offers exactly that.
This stone-carved architectural wonder is both picturesque and cultural. Additionally, its amphitheater hosts international performances year-round, so you might catch a big-name artist while you’re there.
Who Will Enjoy This? Altos de Chavon is a family-friendly place full of iconic sights for anybody to explore and make memories at.
13. Dune Buggies and Cave Swim, Macao Beach

Unleash your inner adventurer as you speed across rugged terrain in a dune buggy. The 3-hour ride takes you through lush forests and local villages before ending with a refreshing swim in a hidden cave.
Be prepared to get muddy, and love every second of it. Don’t forget your swimwear and a change of clothes.
Who Will Enjoy This? Adrenaline junkies, off-road enthusiasts, and nature lovers can’t leave Punta Cana without experiencing it behind the wheel of a dune buggy.
Schedule the Dune Buggies tour from any resort in Punta Cana
14. Try Snorkeling at Catalina Island

Board a catamaran to Catalina Island, where you’ll snorkel along “The Wall,” one of the Dominican Republic’s best underwater sites. The reef is teeming with tropical fish, making it unforgettable for beginners and pros alike.
Afterward, enjoy lunch prepared by a local chef and relax with cocktails by the shore.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody who wants to experience something out of the ordinary under the water’s surface. You’ve found a favorite among all the things to do in Punta Cana with your family.
Book the tour to Catalina Island from Punta Cana
15. Things to do in Punta Cana: Shop at Local Supermarkets

Want to feel like a local? Visit Super Pola at San Juan Shopping Center in Bávaro. Here you’ll discover new flavors, fresh tropical fruits, Dominican cheeses, and affordable souvenirs to take home.
Furthermore, cooking your own Dominican-inspired meal at your Airbnb is a great way to immerse yourself in local life.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody who enjoys a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of at-home supermarkets and likes to find the very best deals.
16. Experience the Longest Zip Line in the Caribbean

If you crave adventure, the 12-line zipline course in Punta Cana will get your heart racing. Fly over lush landscapes, clipped safely to double lines.
The highlight? A jaw-dropping 800-meter-long zipline, the longest in the Caribbean, offering spectacular views of the jungle canopy.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody who wants to face their fears or enjoys getting their blood pumping. Come as a family, or enjoy getting closer as a couple!
Book the Zip Line Punta Cana Adventure
17. Visit Beautiful Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana

If paradise had a picture, it would look like Juanillo Beach. Miles of powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, and plenty of space to unwind await you here.
Additionally, beachfront bars and restaurants serve delicious meals and cocktails, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody who likes to take it easy, coupled with opportunities for beach volleyball and culinary delights.
18. Have Dinner at the Jellyfish Restaurant

For a romantic dining experience, head to Jellyfish Beach Restaurant. Just steps from the ocean, this spot offers luxury dining with fresh, locally sourced seafood and an extensive wine list.
To ensure the best experience, make a reservation in advance.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody who likes a unique selection of wines and refreshing hand-crafted cocktails alongside fresh seafood. You may want to leave the kids with a sitter and listen to the waves crash while you chat the night away.
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19. Wander Through Boca de Yuma

For a peaceful escape, visit Boca de Yuma, a charming fishing village. Stroll through town, take a boat ride along the river, and imagine the pirates who once roamed the Taino caverns nearby.
This slower-paced destination is ideal after several action-packed excursions.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody who desires a slower-paced day after other action-packed activities. The perfect place to let your soul have a rest. We know you need it.
20. Play at Punta Espada Golf Club

Golf lovers, this one’s for you. Ranked by GolfWeek as the #1 course in the Caribbean and Mexico, Punta Espada Golf Club offers breathtaking ocean views on eight of its holes.
Beyond golf, the club’s restaurant serves exquisite Dominican cuisine, ensuring the day ends on a high note.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anyone who enjoys the more refined, more luxurious things in life and wants to work on their golf game in the Caribbean climate. Remember the sunscreen, or you may come home with a sunburn as well as an improved golf swing.
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21. Explore the Chocolate Museum

Calling all chocolate lovers! At ChocoMuseo, you’ll learn how world-renowned Dominican cacao goes from bean to bar. Best of all, the tour of this artisanal chocolate factory is completely free.
Moreover, visitors can join hands-on workshops to create their own chocolate, the perfect sweet souvenir to take home.
Who Will Enjoy This? Chocolate connoisseurs and kiddos who want a lesson on how deliciousness ends up in their bellies. Oh, and anybody who likes to eat, of course.
22. Visit Los Haitises National Park and Montaña Redonda

For an unforgettable ecotourism adventure, head to Los Haitises National Park, where you’ll explore limestone caves, lush mangroves, and incredible wildlife.
Afterward, visit Montaña Redonda, a mountaintop nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. The sweeping 360° panoramic views will leave you speechless, and your photos stunning.
Who Will Enjoy This? Los Haitises National Park is the ideal excursion for nature enthusiasts and first-time visitors to the Dominican Republic.
Book this activity: Los Haitises National Park & Montana Redonda Tour from Punta Cana.
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23. Take a Helicopter Ride over Punta Cana

Want to feel like a VIP? A short helicopter ride over Punta Cana might be more affordable than you think. Soar above palm trees, turquoise waters, and endless beaches.
And here’s a tip: if you’re planning a proposal, this is the ultimate way to make it unforgettable.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody who enjoys getting high above and enjoying the sights.
24. Seize the Chance of a Parasailing Tour

If you’re craving adrenaline, parasailing is a must. A speedboat lifts you high into the sky while you glide over Punta Cana’s beaches and turquoise waters.
Don’t worry, expert guides will keep you safe while you enjoy the thrill of flying.
Who Will Enjoy This? People who love to feel the adrenaline coursing through their veins. Go on, let out those screams of excitement you’ve been holding in.
25. Caribbean Pirates Punta Cana Experience

Yo-ho-ho! Step aboard the Hispaniola pirate ship for a family-friendly adventure. Go snorkeling on a natural reef, hunt for treasure, and enjoy thrilling pirate shows.
Finally, end the day with a hearty feast as you sail the Caribbean Sea like a true buccaneer.
Who Will Enjoy This? Anybody with a flair for the dramatic and a love for Caribbean pirate adventures of the past. You may want to keep your husband from deciding to permanently sail the high seas on a hunt for treasure.
Book the Caribbean Pirates excursion from Punta Cana
26. Whale Watching tour from Punta Cana

Between January and March, Samaná Bay becomes a sanctuary for humpback whales. Adults can reach 52 feet and weigh up to 30 tons, making this a spectacular sight.
In addition, you might spot newborn calves alongside their mothers, as the warm Caribbean waters are their favorite breeding grounds.
Who Will Enjoy This? Fans of Blue Planet and anybody who likes to see incredible wildlife up close and personal. You may have a budding marine biologist on your hands.
Book the Whale Watching & Cayo Levantado Tour from Punta Cana
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27. Exclusive Resort Playa Esmeralda

Looking for luxury? The Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is an all-inclusive eco-resort offering four unique boutique villages: family-friendly Explorer Cove, active Caribbean Paradise, wellness-focused Emerald Jungle, and romantic Archipelago.
From treetop yoga to secret chocolate rooms, this is where relaxation and exclusivity meet.
Who Will Enjoy This? Visitors to the Dominican Republic who want the all-inclusive luxury experience and are willing to accept that they may need to permanently move onto the resort to keep that zen feeling for life.
28. Pay a Visit to Altos de Chavon Regional Museum of Archeology

Located near the Chavón River, this museum showcases thousands of artifacts from the Taíno people and the pre-colonial era.
In addition, visitors can admire artistic interpretations of Taíno life by Dominican artist Boris de la Santos. It’s both cultural and educational.
Who Will Enjoy This? People curious about the pre-colonial era who wish to inform themselves about the past without shying away from the complex parts of history.
29. Dolphin Swim Adventure in Punta Cana

Make a dream come true by swimming with dolphins in Punta Cana. Interact with these intelligent, playful mammals as they show off their acrobatics and charm.
It’s an unforgettable experience, especially for families and kids.
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30. Paradise Perfected Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana

For lively nightlife, visit the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. With over 500 slot machines, 25 table games, live entertainment, and great dining, the fun never stops.
Even if gambling isn’t your thing, the events and rock-and-roll atmosphere make it worth a visit.
Who Will Enjoy This? Those who love the Hard Rock Hotel vibes and who like getting playful Vegas style without leaving Punta Cana. Please do remember to gamble responsibly! You want to be able to enjoy all of Punta Cana with plenty of pocket money.
31. Party at Coco Bongo

Picture this: you’ve been lounging by the pool all day, had a delicious dinner, and still have the energy to dance the night away. The answer is Coco Bongo Punta Cana, the Caribbean’s hottest nightlife spot.
This entertainment hub combines live music, vibrant shows, and dazzling performances inspired by Brazilian Samba, Moulin Rouge, Queen, Mad Max, The Beatles, and even The Mask. Expect spectacular lights, pyrotechnics, and booming music that make every night unforgettable.
Book yourself a table and tickets to avoid disappointment! We recommend getting a Gold Member ticket for the best view of the stage.
Who Will Enjoy This? Responsible adults who like to get on the dance floor as well as like seeing a show come to life with spectacular lights, pyrotechnics, and booming music.
32. Enter Caribbean Lake Park

Looking for something more thrilling than the pool? Head over to Caribbean Lake Park, one of Punta Cana’s most exciting water adventure parks.
Here you can try wakeboarding, flyboarding, long zip lines, water blob jumps, and a floating circuit. There are also pools, chill-out areas, and Batu Restaurant, where global cuisine blends with Caribbean flavors.
And for those who want a party twist, the park also offers Maroca, a unique cenote nightclub experience full of adrenaline and beats.
Who Will Enjoy This? Families, couples, and groups of friends. With so many activities, there’s something for everyone.
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33. Chocolate Master Class in Punta Cana

Discover the secrets of Dominican cacao in this fun and flavorful Chocolate Master Class. Over 1 hour and 20 minutes, you’ll learn alongside a master chocolatier how cacao transforms from beans into rich, smooth chocolate.
The class is more than educational, it’s interactive and lively, featuring contests and entertainment that keep the experience exciting. Held every Saturday and available for anyone over 12, the workshop also includes round-trip transfers from Bávaro and Punta Cana hotels.
Who Will Enjoy This? Chocolate lovers, curious travelers, and anyone looking for a delicious cultural experience.
34. Rum Tasting & Pairing Experience in Punta Cana
Set off on a flavorful journey at the Oliver & Oliver Rum House, where you’ll explore Dominican culture through one of its most iconic products: rum.
Guided by experts, you’ll learn about the rum-making process and sample a variety of rums, each paired with chocolate and cheese to highlight their unique notes.
Who Will Enjoy This? Both rum connoisseurs and beginners are eager to learn, taste, and enjoy the richness of Dominican rum in a fun, educational setting.
35. Scape Park Full Admission & Cliff Hangers Experience
For the ultimate adventure, head to Scape Park Punta Cana, a natural wonderland full of adrenaline and unforgettable experiences.
Here you can:
- Soar on zip lines over cliffs.
- Explore ancient caves.
- Splash into the water with the park’s exclusive water zip lines.
- Relax on the playful splash hammocks.
- Every activity is designed to spark excitement and create lasting memories.
Who Will Enjoy This? Adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone ready for a day of action-packed fun in Punta Cana.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Punta Cana. From breathtaking natural escapes to cultural experiences and thrilling adventures, you could stay busy for an entire month if you tried them all.
But remember, this is your vacation. Balance the adventure with downtime at the beach or pool so you can truly relax and soak up the Caribbean vibes.
Because in Punta Cana, even doing nothing feels like paradise.
About: Punta Cana Adventures
At Punta Cana Adventures, our mission is simple: to help you get the most out of your vacation in the Dominican Republic. We take the stress out of planning so you can focus on what really matters, creating unforgettable memories.
From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring cultural treasures, we make booking your Punta Cana tours and excursions quick and easy. No spreadsheets, no stress, just choose your activity, confirm your reservation, and we’ll handle the rest.
With pickup service from all major Punta Cana resorts, hotels, and Airbnbs, getting started is hassle-free. You pick the adventure, and we’ll pick you up, simple as that!
What are you waiting for? Your next Punta Cana adventure is just a click away. We’re always here to answer your questions and make sure your experience is seamless from start to finish.