Punta Cana is ideal for leaving your luggage at a resort and staying put. The following is arranged into four sections: 'Beach Day – Boat Trip Day – Hiking Day – Departure Day,' with no need to switch hotels daily.
Arrive at PUJ Airport in the afternoon, with resort shuttles taking about 20–40 minutes directly to your hotel. After check-in, watch the sunset at Bávaro Beach, then familiarize yourself with the resort’s restaurant and activity schedules, and book your boat trip and spa for the next day.
Take a catamaran or speedboat for snorkeling. Common routes include stops at natural swimming pool sandbars, photo ops at champagne-colored shallows, and a lobster lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy panoramic views of Bávaro Beach on the return trip. Those sensitive to sun should choose a boat with a canopy.
Choose one of three options: First, a half-day at Eco Park IEO, featuring zip-lining on horse tails and waterfall jumps; second, a one-day trip to the 27 Waterfalls in Puerto Plata, where you slide and jump down limestone steps (requires some fitness); third, a half-day of golf — Punta Cana’s courses are consistently ranked among the Caribbean’s top ten.
Take a morning stroll on the beach and a final swim. Check out after lunch, and allow at least three hours before your flight to get to the airport. Pick up last-minute rum, cigars, and coffee in the duty-free zone.
Reserve an all-inclusive resort 1–2 months in advance to often get early-bird rates. Prices in the rainy season can be over 30% lower than peak season. You can book boat trips and hikes either through the resort or compare prices at legitimate beach vendors — price differences for similar tours can reach 20%. Families with seniors or kids should opt for slower catamaran routes, while more active young travelers might try the 27 Waterfalls. On departure day, allow plenty of time for the airport, as check-in queues can be long during peak seasons.
Besides swimsuits and sunscreen, these items will come in handy: non-slip water shoes (for hiking), motion sickness pills (for boat trips), waterproof phone pouches, and a small amount of US dollar cash. Resorts provide towels and snorkeling masks, but those with higher equipment standards may prefer bringing their own mask and stinger suit for a better experience.