Punta Cana activities: The top 5 to enjoy now

There are many Punta Cana activities to enjoy, but be sure to discover the cultural side of the island and uncover the must do things to see in Punta Cana.

The best things to do around Punta Cana can be found outside the resorts.
Table of contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

There is something so attractive about a luxury, all inclusive holiday. Especially when it involves a trip to the sandy shores of Punta Cana. But, instead of joining the world in the hunt for the best spot beside the pool, uncover the Punta Cana activities available near you. However, to truly understand the culture of this Caribbean paradise, be sure to venture away from the resorts. Read on to discover some incredibly fun things to do in Punta Cana and book some off-resort adventures. You won’t regret it!

The best time of year to enjoy Punta Cana day trips:

Plan ahead to get the best out of your Punta Cana activities. The Caribbean is subject to a rainy season which could prove to be disruptive to your sunbathing plans. To avoid any unwelcome downpours, be sure to book your vacation during the winter when the weather has stabilized once again. Now that you can rest assured that you will be enjoying rain free skies in paradise, it is time to get packing. Discover our hotlist of things to see in Punta Cana and start planning your Caribbean getaway.

Must do in Punta Cana - Meet the artisans

Soak up the sounds, sights and smells of local life as you take to the streets to explore. One of the best Punta Cana activities to give you an insight into the daily life of locals is a trip to the market. Guineo Maduro is a beachfront flea market that sells a rainbow array of souvenirs. Stroll along the paper white sand and visit the ramshackled beach huts, home to the local artisans. There are many craftsmen in Punta Cana. If you are looking for things to do in Punta Cana with family members, shopping for one-off souvenirs should be top of the list. Hats and bowls made from palm leaves. Brightly colored ceramic sculptures. Or, handcrafted wooden utensils. All of these are common finds in Punta Cana. But, they will provide lasting memories after your vacation ends. Be sure to pick up interesting gifts for family and friends too.

Check out our list of must do in Punta Cana excursions to enjoy a memorable stay

Punta Cana activities for foodies

Foodies rejoice! If you are looking for things to do near Punta Cana, you are in luck! Boca de Yuma is a seafood paradise away from the crowds. It was one of the first places Spanish settlers called home in the Dominican Republic. Today, it is a quiet fishing village that is best enjoyed by boat. Boca de Yuma’s unspoilt coastline is the ideal spot for a seafood lunch and offers unique things to do around Punta Cana. Hire a boat and take to the ocean to try your hand at fishing. But, if it is not your lucky day, the restaurant overlooking the beach offers the freshest seafood in the area. After a bite to eat, venture to the local caves which for a small fee you can enter to see the ancient cave drawings depicting the life of a bygone civilization.

Top excursions in Punta Cana for those with a sweet tooth

Following on the foodie theme, one of the Punta Cana activities that you cannot miss is a trip to a chocolate factory. Luckily, that is already listed in many of the Punta Cana tours and activities offered to tourists. Since the Dominican Republic is responsible for a large portion of the world’s chocolate bean production, there are many places to choose from. But, to get an authentic experience, head to ChocoMuseo, a Punta Cana must see. Entry and a guided tour is free and for an additional cost, you can opt into a workshop to elaborate your own chocolate. The result? A totally artisan sugar boost made with locally sourced ingredients. You cannot get more authentic than that. Discover the journey from cocoa bean to candy bar and hear the stories of how chocolate rose to fame in the Dominican Republic. Chocolate will never taste the same again!

There are so many things to see in Punta Cana away from the resorts

Discover the Punta Cana Adventure Park

Of course, Punta Cana activities don’t all involve sourcing delicious plates of food. If you are looking for things to do in Cap Cana, experience the wilderness of the jungle at Scape Park. This outdoor adventure park offers so many enticing ways to discover the natural surroundings. From topaz blue underground swimming pools to dizzyingly high ziplines, you won’t be short of ways to experience an adrenaline rush. This park is an incredible way to experience the nature of the Dominican Republic up close. Kids will love to see the iguanas, parrots and other tropical animals in their natural habitats. Couples can cruise around the Caribbean coastline and cool off while snorkeling in the refreshing waters. And, everyone will enjoy venturing into the caves and swimming in the sinkholes. It is a magical experience that offers a glimpse of the real side to Punta Cana.

Top places to visit in Punta Cana - The Barceló rum distillery

No trip to the Dominican Republic is complete without sampling local delicacies. Cigars, coffee, chocolate, and rum. You name it, the island has it! If you are searching for Punta Cana activities for adults, a day trip to the island’s capital is highly recommended. Trace the steps of the Spanish settlers and admire the Colonial architecture before reaching the historical Barceló rum distillery. Once there, discover the impressive barrel hall, stacked from the floor to ceiling with wooden barrels. Also note the contrasts between the areas of the distillery from the traditional production methods and the modern machinery used to bottle the rum. Be sure to take home a bottle or two as a reminder of your travels.