Punta Cana is a true Caribbean paradise. Its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush tropical landscapes make it one of the most spectacular destinations for creating lasting memories. But there’s more to this corner of the Dominican Republic than rest and relaxation; it offers a wide range of excursions that showcase its nature, history and culture. Here are the best ways to discover Punta Cana and make your trip truly exceptional.
Excursions in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is far more than a beach destination. Set between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this tropical haven offers an extraordinary variety of excursions and experiences, perfect for exploring its natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Its turquoise waters and powdery white sands stretch for more than 32 kilometres, fringed by palm groves, coral reefs and lush vegetation. Along the famous Costa del Coco (which includes the areas of Bávaro and Punta Cana) you’ll find exclusive all-inclusive resorts designed for holidays that linger in the memory.
To experience the Dominican Republic fully, you should also explore its traditional cuisine, rich in fresh local produce from the sea. Savour the flavours, meet its people and discover the most authentic side of Punta Cana.
Beyond sun and sea, the region offers countless excursions that reveal its most surprising corners — from pristine beaches to deep jungle adventures, there’s something here for every traveller.
To make the most of your stay, check with your hotel about curated excursion packages. At Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino, you’ll have access to the very best experiences to discover every facet of this Caribbean paradise.
Here’s our selection of the top excursions in Punta Cana — each one an invitation to explore, connect and enjoy.
The best excursions in Punta Cana
Excursion to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana
One of the most popular and essential excursions from Punta Cana takes you to the capital, Santo Domingo, home to some of the country’s most important historical landmarks. The journey takes around two hours each way, with the full trip lasting about ten hours depending on traffic.
Departures are available from Playa Bávaro, where Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino is located. Travel is by comfortable coach with panoramic windows so you can enjoy the scenery along the route.
Once in Santo Domingo, you’ll explore its Zona Colonial — the old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and still home to many original colonial buildings.
Highlights include the Presidential Palace, the Three Eyes Cave (Los Tres Ojos), the First Cathedral of the Americas, the National Pantheon and the Columbus Lighthouse. The 16th-century Basilica of Santa María la Menor is another standout — a fine example of early colonial architecture in the New World.
You’ll also have free time to enjoy lunch and stroll along the seafront before heading back to your hotel.
Excursion to Saona island from Punta Cana
Saona Island is one of the Dominican Republic’s natural treasures, home to beaches like La Caleta, Los Flamencos and Mano Juan, where giant starfish drift through the shallows.
The day begins with a transfer from your hotel to Bayahibe, about an hour’s drive away. From there, you’ll board a speedboat for the short crossing to the island. Most tours land at Mano Juan, a picturesque fishing village where you can enjoy a fresh seafood lunch and soak up the unhurried island rhythm.
Hoyo Azul and Scape Park Cap Cana
For a day of pure adventure, head to Scape Park in Cap Cana. This 100-hectare eco-park is full of surprises: swim in hidden lagoons, listen to tropical birdsong and admire ancient Taíno cave art. You can even glide through the treetops on thrilling zip lines.
The highlight is Hoyo Azul, a deep turquoise cenote surrounded by lush jungle — the perfect balance of exhilaration and calm.
Buggy adventure in Punta Cana
A buggy tour is one of the most exhilarating ways to discover the rural heart of Punta Cana. The four-hour route starts with hotel pick-up and a visit to local coffee and cocoa plantations, where guides will show you how to handle the vehicle.
Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll follow off-road trails through the countryside to reach Macao Beach — a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for a swim — before continuing to the Indigenous Springs, where you can bathe in a crystal-clear underground pool.
To drive a buggy, you must be over 18, but no licence is required.
Excursion to Catalina Island
Another must-visit destination, especially for diving and snorkelling lovers. Catalina Island rivals Saona in beauty — some say it’s even more striking. While Saona is ideal for relaxation, Catalina is perfect for water sports and exploration.
Accessible by boat from the Costa del Coco, the island offers pristine beaches and vibrant reefs teeming with marine life — a dream for anyone who loves the ocean.
Diving in Punta Cana
Another unmissable activity in Punta Cana is diving. The beaches here are home to an abundance of marine life that can’t be seen from the surface — from reef sharks and stingrays to graceful sea turtles. The best part is that this excursion lets you observe these species in their natural environment.
There are two ways to dive in Punta Cana. If you already have your PADI certification, you can enjoy daytime dives in the Caribbean Sea and marvel at the spectacular underwater world filled with tropical fish and starfish.
If you don’t have certification, no problem. When you book a diving tour, professional instructors will guide you through the basics before the dive, teaching you everything you need to stay safe and confident underwater.
Another option is snorkelling — while it doesn’t take you as deep, it’s still a wonderful way to explore the fascinating life beneath the surface.
Excursion to Los Haitises National Park
There’s no doubt that Los Haitises is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Dominican Republic. This is a full-day excursion, which usually requires an early start to reach its location.
There are plenty of reasons why it’s considered one of the best excursions from Punta Cana. You’ll navigate along the Caño Hondo River, passing the Caves of the Line (Cueva de la Línea) and the Sand Cave (Cueva de la Arena), both home to ancient petroglyphs. You can also swim in the pools of the Jivales River and spot pelicans gliding across the sky.
The trip often ends with a 4×4 climb up Montaña Redonda, where the views are simply breathtaking. You’ll return to your hotel in the afternoon to relax and enjoy dinner.
Excursion to Samaná from Punta Cana
Samaná is one of the largest and most beautiful natural reserves in the country. This excursion is designed to help you discover its most spectacular spots. It’s another early start, as the journey to Santa Bárbara takes around five hours by panoramic coach, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the views along the way.
The highlight of the trip is El Limón waterfall — and taking a dip beneath it is an absolute must. After lunch, the excursion continues by catamaran to Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardí Island, where you can relax on the sand and take in the incredible surroundings.
Excursion to Manatí Park
The last excursion on our list takes you to Manatí Park, a theme park dedicated entirely to the flora and fauna of the Dominican Republic. As its name suggests, the manatees are the true stars of the park.
But they’re not the only animals you’ll meet. You can also watch dolphin shows, have your photo taken with them, and encounter small monkeys and tropical birds up close.
Catamaran party
How about enjoying a cruise along the coast of Punta Cana on a comfortable catamaran with family or friends? Spend the day celebrating at sea, snorkelling over coral reefs, observing marine life and soaking up the most beautiful Caribbean views.
The party comes complete with Caribbean music, entertainment, drinks and fresh fruit as you glide along the Costa del Coco.
In short, these are the ten best excursions in Punta Cana that you can enjoy directly from your hotel. The Dominican Republic is full of spectacular places, and through these experiences, you’ll truly get to know and enjoy it to the fullest.
If you’d like to complete your experience, Playa Bávaro is home to some of the destination’s most outstanding resorts, such as Lopesan Caoba Lagoon, Lopesan Serenity Bay, Lopesan Splash Cove and Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino. Enjoy a truly special stay, with a wide range of services and carefully designed spaces that allow you to make the most of this authentic tropical paradise.
