Best things to do in Punta Cana in 2025

Catalina Island is a popular destination for a day trip from Punta Cana. Its vibrant marine life, abundance of fish and colorful coral reefs make it the perfect spot to go snorkeling or scuba diving.

This tropical island (also known as Isla Saona) is only a short distance away from the mainland and is part of the Cotubanamá National Park. It’s often used as a deserted island for movie settings like in the Bounty chocolate advert. Its rich wildlife makes it a popular spot for day trips.

You will find the white sand beach by a quaint fisherman village. This beach town is considered as Bavaro-Punta Cana's downtown area. There are plenty of place to buy some small gifts or enjoy a cocktail at a beachside bar.

The summit if Montaña Redonda offers a jaw-dropping 360° view to the countryside of Punta Cana. It’s a new hotspot of visitors, the highway leading to the site was built only two years ago. Buckle up for a bumpy ride to experience how locals live away from the touristy areas.

Parque Nacional Cotubanamá is one of the most notable national parks of the Dominican Republic with its abundant wildlife and more than 500 flora species. The picture-perfect beaches are ideal for snorkeling, while the caves and freshwater springs can be explored by a hike around the park.

This well-known cave is home to many species of shrimp, worms and fish. There are several guided tours in Bavaro that take you on a diving or swimming tour in the cave. Diving gear can usually be rented from the tour organizer.

The cave of Cueva de Berna is located in the Cotubanamá National Park in the fishing village of Boca de Yuma. It’s famous for the many petroglyphs featuring Taino faces inside the cave. These ancient pieces of art offer a great insight into the history of the area.

This natural theme park located in the heart of the Cap Cana resort features both adrenaline-pumping activities and cultural experiences. Explore multiple caves, caverns and natural lagoons, admire the spectacular views from the Farallon cliffs and go zip lining above the lush forest for a truly unforgettable experience.

This natural theme park offers a full day of adventures: horseback riding, ziplining, safaris, driving a buggy through the muddy terrain, trying quick jumping and many more. They offer a pickup from your hotel before you embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Meet the adorable squirrel monkeys of Punta Cana at Monkeyland and feed them with a bowl of fruit in your hands. This 5-acre land is home to many monkey families who love posing for your camera. Make sure to watch your belongings and enjoy a tour through their homeland.

An hour drive away from Punta Cana you can find the village of Boca de Yuma famous for boat trips and fishing. This secluded paradise is surrounded by spectacular beaches. It’s also home for many great outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing, hiking and biking. Boca de Yuma hosts Cave Bernard that features impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

A breathtaking ocean setting combined with world-class golf courses with the finest designs featuring ocean holes made Punta Cana a popular golfing destination. Some of the prestigious golf clubs host important international tournaments such as the PGA Tour as well.

The shipwreck of Enriquillo RM-22 lies off the coast of Playa Blanca. This 44-meter (143 feet) long boat was once donated to the Navy of the DR by the U.S. Today it sits 18 meters below sea level and it’s a popular scuba diving site among experienced divers because it gives home to large schools of horse mackerel, sea breams and turtles among others.

This Roman Catholic basilica guards an important piece of Punta Cana’s history: the legend of a little girl who asked for a picture of the Virgin Mary from her father. Before the sun came up every morning the picture was found outside the house and had to be brought inside. This sight has become sacred and the basilica was built on it.

The ecotourism center of Yucayeke offers a travel back in time for its visitors. A model of a Taino village has been created on a farm in Macao that hosts several dance performances, traditional food tastings and displays everyday life items, offering a sneak peek into the country’s indigenous culture and rich history.