Punta Cana and Bavaro

Why Choose Punta Cana as Your Vacation Destination?
Punta Cana as a whole destination is made up of a lot of little areas and towns, from a south to north direction here are their names:- Cap Cana (Juanillo), Punta Cana, Cabeza de Toro, Bavaro, El Cortecito, Arena Gorda, Macao and Uvero Alto.

Most people when booking a holiday to Punta Cana will stay in the east coast area, which is made up of beautiful white sands and palm laden beach fronts providing the perfect back drop for some well earned rest and relaxation.

It has to be said that Punta Cana is a place for simply vegging out…miles of powder white sand, amazingly deserted beaches and the continual lapping of the Caribbean Sea.  Don’t come to Punta Cana expecting a lot of sight seeing opportunities right on your doorstep or shopping opportunities, they are there, but just not nearby and you would need to either rent a jeep or car, or take an excursion to see the sights.

The main vacation area of Punta Cana is made up of very large all inclusive hotel resorts and you will find that it is mainly couples, families, wedding parties, honey moon couples taking their vacations here.  Most of the resorts focus on family entertainment and offer a lot of clubs, activities for children of varying age ranges.  Some of the hotels are more action based and sports themed, some hotels are for couples only. 

The only exception in the time of year when your tranquility bubble may burst is at Spring Break time, when a lot of the Punta Cana area is invaded by groups of University kids and students coming down from the States and Canada, they will however focus on some of the larger hotel resorts, especially the hotels featuring twenty four hour bars, on site nightclubs and casino’s etc., .so pick accordingly yourselves.

Hotel Accommodations
There are roughly around 25,000 hotel rooms in the East coast of Punta Cana/Bavaro (more being built as this article is written!) which do sound the same appearing to offer much of the same thing.  Check though with your agent or booking source as there are in fact quite a few differences between the hotels and really find out what is “included” in your holiday package. 

Not all hotels for example will include “premium liquors”. Some hotels really are better for families with children offering numerous kids clubs and child orientated activities on proper schedules, other hotels offer a far better night life selection (mainly the larger hotels) which is important for singles travelling or people wishing to mix and make friends on their vacation.  Smaller hotel units can be quieter and more tranquil offering sanctuary, hammocks, great spots for reading etc.

Other hotels have swimming pool areas just for adults or kids too, if you are booked into a larger hotel then you might not want your room next to the club/disco or the swimming pool areas as they can get noisy at times with different games and activities going on and there is no way you’ll be able to catch your afternoon siesta, ask your agent or booking source to put in a request that you are located away from those areas.

The Paradisus Palma Real Hotel and the Paradisus Punta Cana Hotel owned by the Sol Melia Group stand out as exceptional hotels in the Punta Cana/Bavaro region, not only because of their first class service but because they have now included new and innovative "life enriching" workshop activities to enjoy whilst on vacation.  Guests can now enjoy candle making, cooking, massage and aromatherpay workshops.  Also guests can choose to upgrade to their Royal Service offering a pillow menu, free high speed internet in suites and rooms, a concierge/butler service, mini bar top up everyday, private terrace/balcony, daily newspaper, coffee maker, beach massage, private jacuzzi...the list goes on and is impressive!

The Majestic Colonial Hotel Group also go the extra length for their hotel guests and want their guests to  realise all their vacation dreams and aspirations, so if clients/guests have a special occasion or want to celebrate something or just make their holiday a little bit different, then clients are encouraged to upgrade thier hotel rooms, ask for private dinner in their rooms, candle lit suppers on the beach, have a rose petal bath drawn for them, little luxuries that go a long way in making a memorable and beautiful holiday. 

There is a lot of variety in Punta Cana so pick carefully. Confused? Then click here for a great list and offers for PuntaCana/Bavaro Hotel Cheap Deals and see our Hotel list.

What is nearby?
If you feel like a wander there is an area called El Cortecito.  This little village is located between Punta Cana/Bavaro and Macao and is worth the walk as it is a pretty beach front location.  With a supermarket, beach huts on the shore line selling local handy crafts, and two superb beach front fish restaurants for lunch or a star lit dinner bring your camera as the setting is totally Caribbean and memorable.  Also nearby is Manatee Park which is a wild life ecological/adventure park and the house of Ponce de Leon in Boca de Yuma.

How to Get There/Port of Entry
Punta Cana International Airport is the best airport in which to land, it is a 10-40 minute drive/transfer time to most of the East Coast Hotels.  Punta Cana International Airport offers scheduled services from the departing countries:-

United States: American Airlines (New York, Miami), United Airlines (Chicago), US Airways (Philadelphia & Charlotte, NC), Continental (Newark).

Canada: Air Canada (Calgary, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg), Air Transat (Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg).

Caribbean: American Eagle (San Juan, Puerto Rico).

Europe: Martinair (Amsterdam), Holland Exel (Amsterdam & Brussels), Air France (Paris), Air Plus Comet, Iberworld & Air Pullmantur (Madrid), Condor (Frankfurt), LTU (Dusseldorf & Munich),Aerofly & Lauda Italy (Milan, Lauda Austria (Vienna).

Latin America: Avianca (Bogota), Aeropostal (Caracas), Lanchile (Miami & Santiago de Chile).

The second nearest airport is at La Romana International Airport which is a 11/2 half hour – 2 hour drive/transfer time to Punta Cana/Bavaro area.

Remember though if you land at Santo Domingo’s International airport which is called Las Americas International Airport you will be approx 4 hours away from Punta Cana/Bavaro area. 

If you are an independent traveler and fancy a challenge and have flown into Santo Domingo, then you can always catch the local buses to reach Punta Cana/Bavaro region.  This is the cheapest way and the commuter minibus’s are in relatively good condition. Costing around U$8 from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana/Bavaro isn’t going to break the bank, however it may take you ALL day to reach your destination and there are a lot of bus changes on route.

Getting Around
The majority of tourists arriving in Punta Cana will spend a lot of their time in the hotel resorts.  To discover what else is around, take a stroll along the beach front, this goes on for miles and you can take a look at the other hotel complexes.  There are water taxis from the beach that will take you to El Cortecito village.

Beaches 
Beaches are the number one attraction in Punta Cana/Bavaro providing around 50 kilometers of powder icing sugar sand.  In Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Cabeza de Toro, El Cortecito, Arena Gorda, Macao and Uvero Alto all of the hotels are beach fronted and each hotel has its own beach section right by the ocean front. 

Although hotel access is restricted, you can walk freely along all of the beach fronts for literally miles. The majority of hotel beach fronts are concentrated in the Cortecito, Bavaro and Cabeza de Toro areas which are simply great for walking along.   The beaches are public access to as according to Dominican Law, and if you walk further along to the north towards Macao, this whole area is yet undeveloped and offers beautiful scenery.  However leave your valuables back at the hotel and caution should be taken when you are walking in deserted areas.  Public beach access can be found at El Cortecito and Cabeza de Toro.

For water sports enthusiasts the choice is mind boggling.  Check your all inclusive packages out as to what is freely provided on a daily basis for you to use.  However right on the beach front you are going to see plenty of fabulous boat rides and trips that can be booked and taken, from catamaran tours, party boats, snorkeling trips, restaurant dining at sunset on luxury yachts, sports fishing, diving expeditions, parasailing and glass bottom boats to name but a few amazing and watery delights on offer!!

Other Attractions & Excursions
There is always plenty to see and do in Punta Cana/Bavaro what ever time of year, and there is a large array of excursions to take from exciting jeep safari’s, boat trips, island hopping expeditions and historical city discoveries, here are some of our favorites (all are within a reasonable distance from your hotel accommodation and all the trips pick you up and deliver you back to your hotels):-

Santo Domingo click here for more details
Santo Domingo is a Caribbean metropolis holding together historic gems just waiting for history and culture vultures’ appreciation.  See the oldest cathedral in the New World, walk in the same footsteps as Christopher Columbus, see the light house erected in his honor, visit the beautiful and amazing colonial zone (the oldest part of this unrivalled city in The Americas), visit the Tres Ojos Caves (three eyes!) and much more…

Outback Jeep Safari click here for more details
Join the Outback Team for the day and be Indiana Jones! Driving through some of the Dominican Republic’s most spectacular scenery, discover exotic plants and flowers, pass by rivers and mountain roads, secluded beaches and hillside villages where time has literally stood still for hundreds of years. Get the opportunity to boogie board in the ocean, and for the less adventurous just sit back and relax with the sun on your back and an ice cold drink in your hand and enjoy the enchantment of this beautiful tropical island.

Punta del Rey click here for more details
Far away from the hotel complexes and tourists, spend some well deserved time out on this blissful Robinson Crusoe slice of paradise.  Action too as speedboats whisk you through creepy mangrove swamps then out into an amazing turquoise Lagoon and onto the hidden Playa Esmeralda beach where you can experience snorkeling and marvel at the colors of the living coral reef and tropical fish…

Higuey & La Romana click here for more details
An unforgettable day with plenty of different things to experience here… starting off at a local market and then on to the Basilica (Cathedral) of Higuey, continuing through tropical sugar cane plantations to La Romana where you will spend time and visit the amazing Altos de Chavon.  A picturesque artists village which in fact a replica Italian village complete with life size amphitheatre and many beautiful shops.  Bring your camera for this trip, as afterwards lunch is taken on board the Chavon River on a Mississippi paddle boat!

Marinarium/Caribbean Festival click here for more details
A fun ecological day on board a great boat, that coasts up the glorious eastern shorelines. Learn all about the flora and fauna of the Dominican Republic get a chance to snorkel in the warm Caribbean waters, and if you feel like it, experience feeding live nurse sharks! Sting rays and tropical fish glide underneath you as you snorkel in these amazing warm clear waters. Back on board learn to Merengue dance and Salsa back to shore with lunch, drinks and a Caribbean atmosphere soaking into your soul as the party takes you away…

Restaurants and Dining in Punta Cana/Bavaro
Although Punta Cana is mainly made up of resorts & all-inclusive hotels, dining within the hotels offers a great variety of a la carte and buffet restaurants.  However sometimes you might like to go "off piste" so take a look at our great guide for “outside” restaurants if you fancy getting away from the crowds and experiencing a candle lit lobster dinner on the beach for yourself.  Click here for our Punta Cana restaurant guide.

Nightlife in Punta Cana/Bavaro
Many of the hotels in Punta Cana have staff produced shows in the evening, giving you the guest a chance to relax and watch various productions.  Some nights the themes vary with you being the stars of the show!  Larger hotels have a hotel disco which are generally fairly small, attracting around 40-70 people per night, mostly couples. Take your own cd, as a lot of the smaller discos play current dance music and you can then turn your small hotel disco into your private club for you and your friends!  If you are booked into the Barcelo Hotels then at the Barcelo Beach Resort, their Disco is one of the larger clubs (Barcelo hotels in Punta Cana/Bavaro are in a cluster, there are 5 of them and the Barcelo Beach Resort is the largest hotel)so this place will attract plenty of people from all 5 hotels.  The disco opens at 11.00pm and becomes packed after midnight!
If you fancy venturing out and about to other places that are a short taxi ride away from your hotel, then click here for our recommendations to a hot night out in Punta Cana.

Other Pursuits in Punta Cana/Bavaro

Golf
A golfer’s haven! Many people are now booking purely golf orientated vacations to the Dominican Republic as the choice of top class courses is the largest on offer through out the Caribbean chain.  There are at least 5 golf courses in the immediate Punta Cana/Bavaro region with more slated for opening during 2008/9. 

El Golf de Bavaro 18 holes par 72 at Barcelo Hotels
Cocotal 27 holes par 72 at Melia Hotels
Punta Cana Golf (Club Med, Punta Cana Resort and Club
Cabeza de Toro Golf at Catalonia Resort
White Sands Golf at Blue Ocean Resort
Punta Espada Golf at Cap Cana

Sports Fishing
This part of the Dominican Republic is perfect for adventure sports fisher enthusiasts with big game fish abounding and annual tournaments and competitions being held with regular attendance from neighbors, motoring down from Florida, Puerto Rico and other islands. Fancy catching a blue marlin, dorado or tuna? Take a look at this little lot! Click here for more details on How to Deep Sea Fish in the Dominican Republic.

Shopping
Punta Cana is home to simply the classiest and most elegant shopping plaza in the Caribbean, called the Palma Real Shopping Village.  Offering a great variety of shops, restaurants and branded named retailers and bars, tourists and guests are welcome to wander around the beautiful and tranquil setting of this wonderful new plaza.  Hard Rock Cafe, Tony Roma's, Planeta Fashion, Tosca, Verganti, Monecristo Cafe to name but a few boutiques, shops and restaurants to enjoy.

The shopping center is open daily from 10.00am to 10.00pm with bars and restuarants staying open until midnight from Monday to Thursday and until 2.00am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  The entrance to Palma Real Shopping Village is beside the Melia Caribe Tropical Hotel in Punta Cana and also the Paradisus Palma Real Hotel, Punta Cana.  If you are a guest and are staying in one of  these all-inclusive resorts, then you can enjoy a free shuttle service that will take you from your hotel to the Shopping Village, and then back again with your purchases! 

Bavaro Plaza is another shopping area within the Punta Cana/Bavaro region.  Take a taxi from your hotel, which will generally wait for you and return you back.  Always remember to pay on your return journey! Prices are a little higher in the plaza than in your hotel but always good for a wander if it’s a rainy day.  Most hotels will have local vendors setting up stalls on a nightly basis, the stall holders are rotated allowing different vendors with different handy crafts in during your stay.

Diving
Diving in Punta Cana offers various dive sites from beginners to advanced divers.  If you have never dived before this is a great place to learn as the waters even way far out are relatively shallow.  More advanced divers will probably love the sites at nearby Catalina and Saona Islands. Most of your hotels will offer a diving school. Look out for the Sea Pro divers as they are the best, most established and most experienced on the island and will give you a free dive lesson in your hotel swimming pool. If you want to make sure you are staying in a Hotel where the Sea Pro Divers are, then follow this link to check out where they are in Punta Cana. Click here for Sea Pro Divers. To read further on dive sites in Punta Cana/Bavaro region click here to discover wrecks and a whole underwater world waiting for you and your flippers!