Choose from 18 Fun Things to Do in Punta Cana
ShowingFilter 1-18 of 18 listings.
Cocotal Golf and Country Club
Even though it’s just minutes away from pulsing Bávaro Beach, Cocotal Golf and Country Club has a relaxed, casual, and laidback feel away from the coastal crowds. Part of the Melia resort complex, Cocotal is an inland course with wide, approachable fairways, and is comprised of three different nine-hole courses designed by Jose “Pepe” Gancedo—a 6-time Spanish champion. Built in 2000, the course is lined by colorful bougainvillea, coconut palms and homes, which are part of the surrounding country club community where many local business staff have homes away from the beach scene.
Practical Info
Proper golf attire is required and no jeans or metal spikes are allowed. All players are required to use a cart, and there is a putting green, driving, range, restaurant, pro shop, and club rental available. There’s also a shuttle connecting the course to within the surrounding resort area.
Did You Know? The land where Cocotal Golf Course sits was once a former coconut plantation before the modern development.
Address: Cocotal Golf and Country Club, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
From $ 155
Los Haitises National Park
About 12km down a dirt road and tucked into a corner of the Dominican Republic lies one of the country’s most spectacular hidden gems: Los Haitises National Park. Extravagant landscapes and postcard-worthy waters make this place one of the Hispaniola’s most hallowed (and protected) sites. Untouched virgin rainforests house untold pleasures, while the unforgettable waters of shimmering Lorenzo Bay, the petroglyphs of the caverns, and the wilds of the mangrove swamps will deeply impress visitors.
Any trip to Los Haitises is special, but for bird-watchers, the park is a treasure trove of frigate birds, parrots, owls, brown pelicans, and royal terns. Winged wildlife flock by the hundreds around the bay’s transparent waters, and the mangrove swamps provide a safe home for all sorts of small sea creatures. Trails lead into the subtropical forest for 4x4ing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding adventures. In January, the park opens up to whale-watching tourists hoping to spot these oceanic giants mid-migration.
Any trip to Los Haitises is special, but for bird-watchers, the park is a treasure trove of frigate birds, parrots, owls, brown pelicans, and royal terns. Winged wildlife flock by the hundreds around the bay’s transparent waters, and the mangrove swamps provide a safe home for all sorts of small sea creatures. Trails lead into the subtropical forest for 4x4ing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding adventures. In January, the park opens up to whale-watching tourists hoping to spot these oceanic giants mid-migration.
Address: Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic
From $ 75
Scape Park at Cap Cana
Set in the Dominican Republic’s Cap Cana Resort, the Scape Park ecoadventure site draws thrill-seekers and families who come to enjoy the property’s varied outdoor activities. You’ll find more than 247 acres (100 hectares) of limestone topography and jungle, including an active marina and the popular Juanillo Beach.
The Basics
With a variety of available tours, you can focus on just one way of exploring Scape Park, or pack your day with different activities. Go ziplining over the treetops, horseback riding along the beach, or off-roading in an adventure buggy. Scuba diving and snorkeling tours allow you to discover the Caribbean island’s underwater flora and fauna, while catamaran and yacht tours showcase the landscape above sea level, including the scenic Juanillo coastline. Swim in the otherworldly turquoise water of the Hoyo Azul cenote (an underground limestone sinkhole), or opt for kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, fishing, or sailing. Try a cave expedition or lagoon tour for extra adventure. Many combination tours from Punta Cana pair adventurous activities with cultural tours or ecotours, most with transportation included.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Both adults and kids will find activities to enjoy at Scape Park, making this day trip a crowd-pleaser for families.
- Wear clothes you won’t mind sweating in; most tours here involve some level of activity.
- The hot, humid jungle climate makes sunscreen and bug spray necessities.
- Buying tickets ahead of time minimizes the chance you’ll have to wait in line at this popular attraction.
- Scape Park’s rugged terrain makes it unsuitable for wheelchair users or strollers.
How to Get There
Centrally located just seven miles from the Punta Cana airport, Scape Park is located below Farallon Cliff in Cap Cana. If you’re staying at one of the many resorts in Punta Cana, Bavaro, or Bayahibe, you can arrange for a complimentary tour bus to pick you up from your resort.
When to Get There
Scape Park is open daily from 8am to 6pm. The busiest times to visit the Dominican Republic are from mid-February to mid-June, when many visitors from the northern United States book trips to escape freezing temperatures. The rainy hurricane season lasts from June to November.
Hoyo Azul
One of the most popular attractions in Scape Park is the Hoyo Azul. Meaning “blue hole,” Hoyo Azul is a sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposed groundwater underneath. The Hoyo Azul eco tour involves a descent into the cave where you can walk on boardwalks above the water. Guided commentary talks about the formation of the water feature, plus the flora and fauna that flourish there.
Address: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 129
La Cana Golf Course
La Cana Golf Course in Punta Cana has been called a difficult course — though it's understandably tough to focus when 14 holes out of 27 have views of the Caribbean Sea. Regarded as one of the Dominican Republic's most exclusive and scenic courses, La Cana has sand dunes, fairways, and tees that are close enough to the turquoise water that you would think you were golfing at the beach.
When you first step up to the manicured tee box and take a look down the fairway, it's nearly impossible to tee off your ball without stopping to snap a photo.
Practical Info
The golf course is located about 10 minutes by car from the Punta Cana Airport and 30 minutes from Bávaro Beach. Caddies and club rentals are available, and visitors will also find a putting green, a driving range, and a bar and restaurant on site.
Address: La Cana Golf Course, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
From $ 79
CoCo Bongo Punta Cana
Travelers looking to dance the night away while sipping strong tropical cocktails under flashing lights with thumping beats will love the classic island party experience at CoCo Bongo Punta Cana.
This lively disco combines the best of a Las Vegas stage show with the music and dance floor of a contemporary club. Every night feels like Saturday night at CoCo Bongo, and guests can opt for VIP packages that include prime seating and skip-the-line options. Whether it’s the first stop of the night, or the last stop in Dominican Republic, CoCo Bongo guarantees a fun, memorable and entertaining night out!
Practical Info
CoCo Bongo Punta Cana is located in the Commercial Center of Downtown Punta Cana near Dolphin Discovery at the corner of Avenida Barcelo and Carretera Higuey-Miches.
Address: Avenida Barcelo and Carretera Higuey-Miches, Punta Cana, Dominican Repulic, Dominican Republic
Admission: Pricing varies
From $ 65
Imagine Punta Cana
By day Punta Cana is a place to relax, go golfing, snorkeling, or sailing, but by night Punta Cana is a place to party—especially at Imagine Disco. After all, when was the last time you partied underground, inside of a natural cave? Or visited a bar where the drinks were conveniently included in entry to the club? At this sprawling, multi-cave, Punta Cana hot spot, multiple DJs spin different genres of thumping musical rhythms, and you can choose the room that fits your mood and the music you want to hear. With VIP entry you not only receive transport both to and from your resort, but also dedicated bottle service of premium labels at comfortable tables before heading back to the dance floor.
Insider's Tip: Occasionally shows are held in the Universe Cave, which has a dance floor with a maximum capacity of 3,000 people. Check the local event calendar to see if a show is coming to town during your stay in Punta Cana.
Practical Info
Additional rooms are opened in the club depending on the size of the crowds. Fridays and Saturdays are considerably busier than Thursday and Sunday nights, and because many Dominicans stay out late, the club doesn’t usually really get going until 2am or later.
Address: Avenida Estados Unidos, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hours: 11pm-4am Thursday-Sunday
From $ 65
Fun Fun Cave
Set within the dramatic landscape of the Dominican Republic’s Los Haitises National Park, Fun Fun Cave (Cueva Fun Fun) lives up to its name by offering horseback riding, cave exploring, and rappelling. Fun Fun Cave shakes up your beach routine and provides the perfect adventure-packed day trip from Punta Cana fit for an active family.
The Basics
Fun Fun Cave is composed of a system of tunnels that wind 65 feet (20 meters) below ground. After rappelling down into the cavern, you can see massive stalagmite and stalactite mounds, encounter the insects and animals that call the caves home, and swim in the cave’s underground rivers. Tour guides ensure your safety and lead you through the labyrinthine caverns to see the site’s relics of West Indian paintings and petroglyphs dating back hundreds of years, offering insight into the Dominican Republic’s early inhabitants. Simply accessing Fun Fun Cave is part of the adventure, as most tours hike or ride horseback through the beautiful scenery of Los Haitises National Park to reach the cave entrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Fun Fun Cave tour is a must for adventure seekers visiting the Dominican Republic.
- You must be physically fit for this rugged, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
- A swimsuit is recommended.
- For the safest and most convenient excursion, look for tours that include all transportation and meals.
- One of the most adventurous activities available from Punta Cana, admission to Fun Fun Cave tends to sell out early. If you want to guarantee a chance to go on this unforgettable adventure, be sure to book a tour in advance.
How to Get There
Fun Fun Cave is located in the Dominican Republic’s remote northeast corner and is best accessed as part of a guided tour. It is roughly a 2.5-hour drive inland from Punta Cana.
When to Get There
Visiting Fun Fun Cave from Punta Cana takes a full day, making it unsuitable for short shore excursions. Plan to visit when you have a few days in the Dominican Republic, which experiences a peak in tourism during July and August, and then again between December and March. It’s best to avoid the Caribbean’s hurricane season, August through October.
Address: Dominican Republic
Admission: Varies
From $ 145
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve
The Indigenous Eyes (Ojos Indígenas) Ecological Park and Reserve is designed to protect the natural habitats of the Dominican Republic’s plants and animals. Formerly called the Punta Cana Ecological Reserve, it was renamed for the 12 freshwater lagoons found here, which the native Taino people called eyes because of their distinctive shape.
The Basics
Popular for its beautiful lagoons (five of which are swimmable) and surroundings, the protected 1,500-acre (600-hectare) Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park lies in the south end of Punta Cana. You can walk through the forest paths to a quiet beach, or jump in and cool off in the swimming holes. Thanks to the clear, deep turquoise waters, taking photos here is another popular activity. While you can visit independently (there are also guided walking tours available), many people come as part of a half- or full-day guided tour that may also include a catamaran cruise or off-road adventure.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park is ideal for nature lovers.
- Access to the reserve is via paid ticket.
- There are on-site restrooms, lockers, and a stall selling drinks.
- Remember to bring a swimsuit and towel if you’re planning to swim in the lagoons.
How to Get There
The Ojos Indígenas reserve is located in Punta Cana close to the Cap Cana Marina. It is easily accessible by car and as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
The reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Afternoons are the busiest time, so plan to visit early in the morning for a quieter experience. High season in the Dominican Republic is from December to March, while rain and high winds are possible from June to November.
Stroll Around Cap Cana Marina
With room for 150 boats, Cap Cana Marina is a fun spot to visit on a trip to Punta Cana. You can marvel at the yachts, stroll along the quayside, and enjoy a drink, lunch, or dinner at one of the restaurants inside this upscale resort community.
Address: Cap Cana, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Admission: Varies
From $ 139
La Hacienda Park
This popular Bavaro and Punta Cana attraction is perfect for the entire family and blends plenty of tropical wonder with outdoor excitement and Dominican culture and tradition.
Travelers who venture out on this wilderness adventure will have the chance to horseback ride on rugged trails that wind through tropical forests, past scenic rivers and towering mountains. A high-speed buggy ride offers up the ideal adventure for thrill seeking adventurers and an island safari showcases the best of this Caribbean destination’s biodiversity. Travelers will learn about the history of farming in the region from their expert guide, as well as the importance of coffee and cocoa plantations that produce some of Dominican Republic’s most-famous exports. The safari even includes a stop at La Hacienda’s own village for a look at local life.
After working up an appetite in the great outdoors, visitors can tuck into a hearty buffet filled with traditional Dominican favorites, including rice, beans, chicken and plantains—served with a jungle view!
Practical Info
La Hacienda Park is open Tuesday through Saturday and a US$99 entry fee includes horseback riding, a safari trip, dune buggy ride, and traditional Dominican food.
Air-conditioned shuttles are available for travelers staying in select Bavaro, Uvero Alto and Punta Cana hotels.
Address: La Hacienda Park, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday
Admission: $99 entry fee
From $ 75
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (Parque Ojos Indigenas)
The privately run Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (or Parque Ojos Indigenas) preserves 45 acres (18 hectares) of tropical paradise, part of the larger 1,500-acre (600-hectare) Punta Cana Ecological Park. The park is named for the crystal-clear freshwater lagoons (called ‘eyes’) that run underground and emerge here near the sea.
Trails lead around the park, and guided tours are available. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast, while the option to take an unforgettable swim in one of the dozen lagoons is also available.
Trails lead around the park, and guided tours are available. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast, while the option to take an unforgettable swim in one of the dozen lagoons is also available.
Practical Info
The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park runs along the coast, half a mile (600 meters) south of Punta Cana Resort.
Address: Cap Cana, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Admission: Must be a guest at Puntacana Resort & Club or make arrangements with Puntacana Ecological Foundation
From $ 55
Corales Golf Course
With six holes running right along the ocean and tee shots that shoot over cliffs, Corales Golf Course in Punta Cana is often considered amongst the Caribbean’s most exclusive and scenic courses. Designed by Tom Fazio, Corales Golf Course is famously known for its final trio of holes, which collectively are known as “the Devil’s Elbow” and require shooting up over the bluffs past waves that crash on the coast. Compared to the surrounding courses in the area, Corales is arguably the most scenic but also the most user friendly, which makes it accessible to a wider range of visiting golfers and travelers. Need to warm up before teeing off? A putting green and driving range are both available for use.
Practical Info
Corales Golf Course is a 18- hole, par 72 course that offers 7,650 yards of exceptional golf. There is a restaurant on site as well as cart service, and advance reservations are essential for play—especially when visiting in the high season.
Did You Know? Caddies are mandatory at Corales Golf Course, but aside from offering advice on the course they can also offer inside info on surrounding attractions and sights.
Address: Punta Cana Resort and Golf Club, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Admission: $395 for non-resort guests
From $ 395
Juanillo Beach (Playa Juanillo)
A former fishing village on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, Juanillo Beach is today one of the region's most desirable stretches of white-sand beach. Wide open, powdery soft, and lined with palm trees, this stretch of sand runs from Cap Cana Marina to the Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa Resort. While open to the public, the beach is only accessible through Cap Cana Resort, making it a calm and quiet place to soak up some rays.
The Basics
A hidden gem in Punta Cana, Juanillo Beach is far less frequented that more popular stretches of shore in the area, meaning it's a nice spot to avoid the crowds. Travelers based in Punta Cana without a rental car can visit this sleepy beach on a full-day catamaran cruise, which includes a chance to swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of one of the nation's hidden cenotes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This beach is a must-visit for sun seekers and families.
- Remember to bring your ID; you might need it when entering Cap Cana Resort.
- Cabanas and loungers are available for rent along the beach.
- Public restrooms are not available on the beach.
How to Get There
Juanillo Beach is located in Cap Cana, about 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport by road. The easiest way to reach the beach is by taxi or on a catamaran ride from Punta Cana.
When to Get There
There isn't really a bad time to visit Juanillo Beach, though it can get lively when special events are taking place, usually on the weekends. The weather is warm and beach-worthy year-round, though hurricanes are somewhat of a threat in the Caribbean between June and November.
Things to Do at Juanillo Beach
Warm, shallow, blue waters create a natural swimming pool at this beautiful beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It's also a destination for windsurfing when the weather allows. If you plan to windsurf, snorkel, or partake in any other water sport, be sure to join a guided excursion or bring your own equipment, as rentals are not available on the beach.
Address: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
From $ 169
Marinarium
The marine life of the Dominican Republic’s prized offshore reefs is preserved and exhibited at the Marinarium marine park in Cabeza de Toro, equidistant from Punta Cana and Bavaro. The ecotourism attraction is dedicated to creating a model of sustainable ecological conservation for local marine life.
The Basics
Marinarium tours and excursions enable you to experience the area’s coral reef and marine life. Activities include a Marinarium snorkeling cruise, during which you snorkel in the waist-deep waters of the Caribbean among nurse sharks and tropical fish. Meanwhile, the Reef Explorer provides all the facilities of a mini island at sea, including a snorkeling excursion, the unique opportunity for a shark and ray experience, kayaking, sunbathing, and snacks and drinks aboard the explorer.
Boat tours are available during the day or at sunset, and typically include a stop at Bavaro’s Natural Pool, a sand bar where you can wade in the shallow waters and sip a cocktail from the swim-up bar. On both daytime and evening cruises, a tour guide educates visitors on the biology and behavior of the local marine life; evening cruises have more of a party boat atmosphere.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Marinarium is a perfect excursion for nature and wildlife buffs.
- Bring a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment is provided.
- Photos and DVDs are available for purchase post-excursion, so bring cash if you'd like to purchase.
- Activities offered at Marinarium are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
Marinarium offers pickup and drop-off from Bavaro and Punta Cana hotels. Pickup times are advised upon booking.
When to Get There
Marinarium is open from 8:30am to 6pm; pickup and drop-off times will be advised according to the particular excursion booked.
Conservation Efforts at the Marinarium
The Marinarium is recognized worldwide for its dedication to ecotourism and the responsible interaction with the coral reef and marine life in the Dominican Republic. Part of the revenue from tours and excursions is used to support environmental conservation and educational activities.
Address: Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 106
Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro)
In Punta Cana, an idyllic resort town on the Dominican Republic’s east coast, all roads lead to Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro). Visitors flock to this beach not just for its aquamarine waters, white-sand strip, and coconut palm forest, but also for its abundance of fun—from water activities to watering holes.
The Basics
The roughly seven-mile (14-kilometer) stretch of Bavaro Beach offers much more than just sunbathing and sipping piña coladas—although these are excellent options. Take advantage of Bavaro’s popularity and ease of access by sailing the day away on a catamaran tour or booze cruise, snorkeling at offshore coral reefs, or parasailing or windsurfing over the crystal-clear water. Those looking to stay dry can opt for a dune buggy adventure along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, play a few rounds at a beachfront golf course, or take in the views from a helicopter tour over the Dominican Republic’s southeastern tip. Nearby attractions such as Macao Beach and Catalina Island make for easy and popular day tours from Bavaro as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bavaro Beach tends to attract large crowds, but its long expanse makes it easy to spread out.
- Bavaro hosts the most visitor amenities, resorts, and restaurants of all the beaches in Punta Cana.
- Most accommodations and services are located only a few blocks—at most—from the water.
How to Get There
Bavaro Beach is a 20-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport; book an airport arrival transfer for peace of mind, or hop on a shuttle. Those arriving from Santo Domingo can choose to make the three-hour drive themselves, hire a local driver, or take a bus. Taxis within and around Bavaro are plentiful, and the beach itself is free and accessible to the public, although large portions are reserved for resort guests.
When to Get There
High season runs from December to March and from July to August, but to avoid the spring break and summer crowds, consider visiting between April and June or between September and December. Budget travelers will like Bavaro beach during these times due to the plentiful deals on accommodations and activities. Warm weather year-round means that the beach is always available.
Where to Stay
Luxury hotels and resorts flood the Punta Cana area, and Bavaro Beach is no exception. Opt for an all-inclusive resort for guaranteed entertainment in the form of night clubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, restaurants, and recreational facilities, all in the same place. Budget options such as vacation home rentals and B&Bs are ideal for those who want to experience local culture and explore all that the town of Bavaro has to offer.
Address: Plaza Bavaro, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Admission: Free
From $ 49
Hoyo Azul
Don’t let the name fool you: Hoyo Azul, or Blue Hole, has more to offer than its simple moniker belies. This famous turquoise-water cenote (natural pool) in Punta Cana, whose unexpected existence at the base of a 200-foot (61-meter) cliff surprises and delights visitors, is one of the Dominican Republic’s top destinations for the swimming, ziplining, nature tours, and other activities based around it.
The Basics
Hoyo Azul is located in Scape Park, which itself is in Cap Cana Resort. To reach the cenote, take a guided hike through the park—learning about the native bromeliads, orchids, and ferns at endemic plant stations along the way—and reward yourself with a much-needed dip at the end. Zipline tours through Cap Cana Resort typically stop at Hoyo Azul, as well, and feature stunning views of the lush landscape, El Farallon cliff, and the Caribbean Sea. Those with an interest in nature can get a better understanding of the Cap Cana ecosystem on a full-day ecotour that combines suspension bridges, ziplines, and hiking with a trip to Hoyo Azul. Full-day tours from Punta Cana, including catamaran cruises and guided transportation, are also available for an easy day trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cap Cana Resort offers a variety of tour packages that include a trip to Hoyo Azul.
- Bring your own towel and spending cash for souvenirs and photos.
- Floating devices are available for those who cannot swim.
- Hoyo Azul is not recommended for those with trouble walking on steep or uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
Cap Cana is located just 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. Take an airport transfer, taxi, or shuttle from there for only a few dollars. Many tours of the area stop at Hoyo Azul.
When to Get There
Budget travelers should head to Hoyo Azul during low season—from August to early December—for the best deals on accommodations and activities. Warm weather year-round means that swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities are always an option.
Address: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Admission: $59
From $ 149
Macao Beach
Clear blue waters and white sandy beaches make Macao an ideal spot to experience the real Caribbean. Because it’s public, this beach attracts both far-off travelers and close-to-home locals. Visitors won’t have to worry about aggressive vendors or crowded shores, either, making this an ideal spot for a peaceful morning stroll or an active outdoor afternoon.
Travelers can lounge in the sand, boogie board or learn to surf near Macao Beach’s bigger breakers. And for those who prefer to stay dry on land and keep out of the water, an afternoon horseback ride still offers stunning coastal views and fresh saltwater air, without the hassle of getting wet.
Practical Info
Macao Beach is considered one of Dominican Republic’s most beautiful coastal escapes. Several stands sell cold beers and local snacks along the shore, like fresh-caught fish and lobsters. The beach is located a 20 minute drive from most resorts and accessible by taxi or tour.
Address: Macao Beach, Macao, Dominican Republic
From $ 50
Lemon Lagoon Bay
The palm tree-lined sand and turquoise-blue water await you in Lemon Lagoon Bay. Known for dreamy water , beautiful coastline and one of the best beaches in all of the Domincan Republic, Lemon Lagoon Bay is a paradisiacal escape into the virgin sun. Underwater coral reefs house abundant tropical wildlife and so Lemon Lagoon Bay is a popular place to spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, lounging by the beach, or even romping through the sand on a bumbling dune buggy exploring the beautiful coast.
Address: Dominican Republic
From $ 164
National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este)
The National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este) is one of Dominican Republic’s most biologically diverse land reserves. From the sandy beaches of Saona Island to the tropical forest and limestone landscape of the mainland, the park is home to more than 500 species of plant and hundreds of species of bird, insect, and fish.
The Basics
Venture to this prized park and discover plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Rugged trails loop through the grounds past quiet tide pools and into tropical forests and dark caves ripe for exploring, while offshore coral reefs and beautiful beaches attract divers and day-tripping tourists to the park.
To get the most of your trip to Dominican Republic’s rural tropical landscape, you can visit the National Park of the East on a day tour to Isla Saona from Bayahibe. Tours and shore excursions leave daily from Punta Cana and La Romana, and some include lunch, round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and free time to snorkel or enjoy the white-sand beach and clear-blue Caribbean water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parque del Este is a must for nature lovers, who can get the most information on the local flora and fauna from a guided tour.
- The sun is strong here. Bring sunscreen and a sun hat.
- If visiting via cruise ship, it’s best to book a tour via fast speedboat to ensure you make your departing ship.
- Most tours provide snorkel gear.
How to Get There
The National Park of the East protects coastal and island environments on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The closest towns are Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma. The park has two entrances—Guaraguao and Boca de Yuma, on the east side.
When to Get There
The park is open daily, and the park office is open from 9am to 1pm. As in all Caribbean locations, the summers are hot and autumn is hurricane season. The Dominican Republic’s peak tourist season is November through March, so expect larger crowds and sold-out tours during that time.
Taino Indians
Manantial de La Aleta, Jose Maria Cave, and other cave sites in the park contain archaeological remains and artifacts from the Taino Indians who once inhabited the park’s dry forest. Some special Saona tours focus or touch on cave drawings and artifacts, which illustrate the myths, beliefs, and daily life of the Taino people.
Address: Highway 4, Bayahibe 23000, Dominican Republic
Hours: Open daily; park office: 9am-1pm
Admission: RD$100
From $ 80