Dominican Republic Travel Guide: PUNTA CANA
Lucky me, I visited Punta Cana Dominican Republic for my 31st birthday and I couldn’t have chosen a better destination. A trip to the Dominican Republic is one that everyone should take at least once. From horseback to ATV rides in the jungle, Punta Cana has a lot to offer.
In this guide, I’ll share tips on planning a relaxing vacation mixed with adventure.
Must Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit– The ideal time to visit Punta Cana is during the winter (December-April) as the weather is the driest. The spring and summer periods are mostly rainy. I visited Punta Cana in February 2024; I would say it’s an all-year-round destination.
Visa and Entry Requirements – If you have a US/Canada/UK passport, you do not need a visa. Also, permanent residents from Canada do not require a visa. If you are flying in from a different country, be sure to check here (link) for all the visa requirements.
Getting To Punta Cana – Punta Cana International Airport is the main point of entry into the city. Most major cities offer direct flights into Punta Cana. I took a 4hrs direct flight from Hamilton, Ontario and upon arrival, my airport shuttle was ready to pick me up to the resort. You can check here (Link) for airport transfer.
Currency – The local currency is the Dominican Pesos however, US dollars is widely accepted. It’s advisable to carry a combination of USD and credit cards. However, if you plan to go outside the resort, then I would recommend changing some money to pesos before arriving to avoid high exchange rates.
Language – The spoken language in Punta Cana is Spanish. Most of the resort staff can communicate in English, so if you plan to stay in the resort throughout your trip, you will not have a problem with the language barrier. I also found that most tour operators speak English as well, so you shouldn’t have any issues. Be sure to download a language translation app on your phone in case you encounter situations where you are required to communicate in Spanish.
Safety – Safety is an important topic when it comes to traveling. I never felt unsafe while in Punta Cana. I was mostly at the resort or with a tour company. Always take the necessary precautions and trust your gut.
Where to Stay in Punta Cana.
Where to stay in Punta Cana can be a very difficult decision, as you will be overwhelmed with all the resort choices. After much research, I finally went with Occidental Punta Cana. Occidental is located on the Playa Bavaro Beah and offers spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and activities for all ages. Bear in mind this is a family-friendly resort as well. We booked this on Expedia, and we got a perfect base for all our Punta Cana adventures.
Things to do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Activities to do in Punta Cana can vary from traveler to traveler as there is a wide range of activities to choose from. My trip was a mix of relaxation and adventure, thus I only did 3 main tours which I recommend.
Horse Back Riding
Talking about first experiences, this was my first time riding a horse. Try imagining riding a horse and feeling the breeze of the ocean across your face. That was what this experience felt like. I had a great time. I booked this tour with Punta Cana adventures.
Coco Bongo Show
Looking for a nightlife experience you will never forget? Then the Coco Bongo show should be on your itinerary when you visit Punta Cana. The show features an electrifying atmosphere, live performances, music, dance, and unlimited drinks. I booked this experience on Viator and chose the skip-the-line options. This included a round-trip from my hotel and back, skipping the line at the entrance, and unlimited drinks.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the line or buy the skip-the-line ticket
Scape Park
If you are looking to spice up your trip with some adventure, then you need to visit here. From ziplining through the jungle to exploring caves, waterfalls and dune buggy rides, there is something for all adventure levels.
Tip – Bring water shoes, towels, sunscreen and cash or credit card for lockers.
My Punta Cana Itinerary
Day one – Arrival.
Day two – Half-day Horseback Riding, Evening Coco Bongo Show.
Day three – Full day at the resort. Spend time at the beach.
Day Four – Scape Park experience.
Day Five – Spa Day at the resort
Day Six – Departure
Cost of My Trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Flight + Hotel + Airport Transfer = $1300 CAD – booked on Expedia
Activities = $443 CAD
Miscellaneous = $45 CAD
Total = $1788 CAD
Conclusion
The Dominican Republic is a very beautiful country with breathtaking beaches and exciting activities, and I was glad I celebrated my birthday here. Punta Cana promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. I hope this guide helps you in planning your trip to this tropical paradise.
Enjoy!
Naa Norley