Why Go to Punta Cana
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean's most popular beach destinations, and for good reason. At the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, it's known for miles of soft, golden-white sand, swaying palms and calm turquoise water, along with dozens of all-inclusive resorts that make vacations easy and affordable.
Many travelers come to relax, and Punta Cana does that beautifully, with resorts for every style, from family-friendly properties with kids' clubs and water parks to adults-only hideaways. But there's adventure here too. Swim in the stunning Hoyo Azul cenote at Scape Park, take a catamaran to Saona Island, go zip-lining or ride a dune buggy through the countryside. Golfers will love championship courses like Punta Espada and Corales, and snorkelers can explore the reefs offshore.
Nonstop flights from many U.S. cities land at Punta Cana International Airport, just minutes from the resorts. I'll match you with the right resort for your family or style and set up the excursions that get you beyond the pool.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, couples, families and resort travelers
BEST MONTHS
December–April
EXPLORE
Bávaro is a major resort corridor; Cap Cana includes upscale coastal developments; Uvero Alto offers a more spread-out resort setting.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Punta Cana
North America › Greater Antilles › Dominican Republic › La Altagracia
Palm-lined beaches and easygoing Caribbean escapes
Island Getaway
Luxury
All-Inclusive
Golf
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Resort beaches are spread along the eastern Dominican coast, so confirm your hotel’s beach area and transfer time.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check your resort's beach access arrangements and daily surf conditions.
Bávaro Beach
Enjoy the broad sandy shoreline of Bávaro, a resort-area beach with Caribbean water views and access to beachfront amenities.
Ocean swell can be strong; follow local swimming advice and choose reputable surf instructors.
Macao Beach
Discover Macao Beach, a more open Atlantic-facing shore popular for surf lessons and beach scenery.
Reserve access where required; stay on marked trails and follow lagoon swimming restrictions.
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
Follow nature trails through tropical forest to freshwater lagoons at the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve.
Confirm boat departure locations, transfer times, weather policies and what the excursion price includes.
Saona Island excursion
Join a full-day excursion toward Saona Island for white-sand beaches, boat travel and turquoise Caribbean waters.
Check activity eligibility, admission packages and reservation requirements before leaving your hotel.
Scape Park Cap Cana
Experience Scape Park in Cap Cana, an adventure venue offering outdoor activities in a limestone landscape.
An upscale villa-style hideaway in the Puntacana resort area for travelers seeking a secluded luxury beach stay. Confirm resort transportation, dining arrangements and what is included.
Tortuga Bay Puntacana
Puntacana Resort & Club
Beach · Family
A family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Cap Cana, well suited to guests who want on-property pools, dining and beach time. Review room categories and age-specific facilities before booking.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Cap Cana / Juanillo Beach Area
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive property designed for couples and adult groups looking for a resort-focused escape. Verify dining reservations and access rules between neighboring properties.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Cap Cana / Juanillo Beach Area
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A luxury resort in Cap Cana offering a boutique-style alternative to larger all-inclusive properties. Compare room locations, beach access and meal-plan inclusions.
Eden Roc Cap Cana
Cap Cana
Beach · Boutique
An adults-only beachfront all-inclusive resort often considered for romantic getaways. Confirm current amenities and the precise benefits attached to the selected room category.
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
Cap Cana / Juanillo Beach Area
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive with swim-up suites on a quiet stretch of beach north of Bávaro.
Excellence Punta Cana
Uvero Alto
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An all-inclusive with a family concierge program and a strong beach on Bávaro.
Paradisus Palma Real
Bávaro
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A family-focused all-inclusive with sports, kids' clubs and a long sandy beach.
Club Med Punta Cana
Cap Cana area
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A huge all-inclusive on one of the region's best beaches, offering solid value for families.
Barceló Bávaro Palace
Bávaro
All-Inclusive · Family · Value · Beach
A beachfront resort within the Puntacana Resort & Club, with golf and family-friendly amenities.
The Westin Puntacana Resort
Puntacana Resort & Club
Beach · Family
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Punta Cana
High 86°F · Low 72°F · Rain 1.7 in
Conditions may improve later in the month, but storms remain possible. Explore beaches, catamaran outings and local cultural excursions. Seasonal highlight: Dominican Carnival celebrations occur during February, with local programming varying. Planning note: hurricane-season weather and marine outings.
December–April. Check the forecast and local opening schedules before committing to outdoor excursions.
Best Times to Visit Punta Cana
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Many visitors dine at their resorts, but off-property options include Dominican specialties and international cuisine around Bávaro; confirm reservations and transportation in advance.
06
Rental Cars and Road Trips
Driving can provide flexibility but signage, traffic and unfamiliar road conditions require care. Check insurance and parking arrangements.
05
Taxis and Approved Excursions
For attractions beyond resort zones, arrange licensed transfers or excursions and confirm pickup, return and inclusions.
04
Hotel and Resort Shuttles
Some properties operate scheduled internal transport or transfers to nearby shopping and beaches. Ask about service coverage and fees.
03
Airport-Hotel Transfers
Most resorts require a road transfer from Punta Cana International Airport. Confirm the resort’s full name and prebook the pickup.
02
Getting Around Locally
Prebook airport transfers; organized excursions or private drivers are simpler than independent cross-region travel.
01
Arriving by Air
Punta Cana International Airport is the main arrival point for the resort region.
Punta Cana International Airport is the main arrival point for the resort region. Prebook airport transfers; organized excursions or private drivers are simpler than independent cross-region travel.
Getting Around Punta Cana