Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
To me, the smartest people I know are the ones with the most choices open to them at any particular time. So, if there’s one destination where all the smart people are going when the temperature drops, it’s Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. It has something for practically everyone – served up in a warm, friendly, exuberant, joyful, peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.
Adventure Awaits
However you interpret “adventure,” you’ll find it in Punta Cana. Boating (speedboat, kayak, canoe) excursions on Río Chavón let you see and feel the river’s spectacular jungle scenery up close. Or, with training and gear prepping from expert guides, do it from up to 2,625 as you zipline above the lush jungle canopy of the Anamua mountains.
Take a catamaran tour enroute to a snorkeling stop at Cabeza de Toro Natural Reserve. Drive your own Jeep around the island, go horseback riding in the hills around Punta Cana, or swim with dolphins at Dolphin Island Park.
Or go for a pirate cruise on the mighty Hispaniola. Walk the plank, with snorkel gear on, and splash into the crystal-clear waters of a natural reef to swim with tropical fish. Weigh anchor and steer to Shark Island where you can safely swim with sharks and stingrays. Then watch a live, full-scale pirate battle on the beach.
Bávaro Adventure Park offers nature-friendly and sustainable activities such as a climbing garden, a Segway circuit, paintball, a bungee trampoline, flight simulators, and a mountain bike track. Kayaking, fishing, hiking, boating, and bird watching through a tunnel of mangroves: these are a handful of activities to enjoy on the Laguna de Bávaro, home to reptiles and flora.
Learn how to surf with step-by-step lessons. Go on a safari in the 80-square-mile Manatí Park. Enjoy families of squirrel monkeys, posing for cameras and even resting on top of your head at Monkeyland!
Get the idea? There’s also parasailing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), wake boarding, fly boarding, paddle boarding, slalom skiing, slack line water, or tubing. And that’s just the beginning!
Cuevas
Tired yet? Good, because there are caves – cuevas – to explore!
Follow a leisurely eco trail through a dry forest leading to a steep, wooden staircase that descends into Las Ondas, an ancient, underground cavern with just a sliver of sunlight and magical fresh waters.
The Cueva de las Maravillas houses hundreds of well-preserved Taino pictographs and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years, plus dramatic examples of stalactites and stalagmites. Cueva del Chicho is one of the most outstanding underground caves, holds numerous petroglyphs, and the sound of sparkling fresh waters can be heard throughout.
The Cuevas del Peñón reveal the richest underwater marine life in Bayahíbe. The sea flows through this series of dramatic, rugged caverns. And Cueva del Puente, one of the most accessible caves, reveals a three-level chamber with stalactites, stalagmites, Taino pictographs…and numerous bats!
Playas Aplenty
Okay, now you’re tired. Enjoy some well-deserved down time on one of the most sparkling-white-sand-and-turquoise-water beaches you will ever see.
Playa Bayahibe’s scenic white sand stretches are uncrowded, and lined with lively seaside bars and restaurants. Swim in the shallow, turquoise waters of Playa Dominicus, or go diving, with an abundant reef right off its shore, and no undertow. The world-famous Bávaro Beach, extending 30 miles and surrounded by coral reefs, is one of the longest continuous white sand beaches in the Caribbean.
A lively, colorful beachfront lined with seafood and international restaurants, arts and crafts souvenir shacks, and bar-lounges, Playa Cortecito’s wide, white sands are ideal for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, or just lying in the sun. The powdery white sand beach of Playa Juanillo is flanked with gigantic palm trees, iridescent turquoise waters, and excellent winds for kiteboarding. Palm-tree studded Playa Macao is a surfer’s favorite. And a day trip to Isla Saona, via speedboat or catamaran, is a dream tropical escape.
Museos
If museums and exhibitions are your thing, watch the perfected cigar hand rolling methods and learn about the tobacco processing from leaf to product. Or the chocolate-making process from tree to bar. Pre-Columbian and Taino indigenous culture is on display, dating from 4000 B.C. to 1492. And how often do you get to step into the home of a 16th century Spanish explorer? Juan Ponce de León’s residence continues to stand in the southeastern town of San Rafael de Yuma.
¡Pelota!
With the highest contribution of professional players to the MLB than any other country in the world, the Dominican Republic’s baseball athletes turned stars are numerous. Over the years, more than 65 players have been selected as MLB All-Stars, and two players have been inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Pelota season in the DR runs from mid-October through late January, featuring six teams competing at major professional baseball stadiums around the country. If you are visiting during this time, definitely add this experience to your list.
Relax!
Boca de Yuma is an escape to a scenic Dominican fishing village. Boasting panoramic cliff top views, it has often been compared to an Italian seaside town. The scenic fishing town of Bayahíbe is an attraction in and of itself, from local restaurants and bars to street side arts and crafts stalls, and fishermen who bring catch daily. Cap Cana Marina offers a panoramic sea view from one of its chic waterfront bars.
Parque Ecológico Ohos Indígenas is an incredible 1,500-acre nature reserve and ecological park with shaded hiking trails through a lush tropical forest, leading to a series of 12 freshwater lagoons. Or hike through a lush, protected forest on the Padre Nuestro Ecological Trail, where you can bird watch, spot native plants, and dip in cool fresh springs in underground caves.
Designed like a Grecian amphitheater, the breathtaking 5,000-seat open-air Altos de Chavón Amphitheater hosts concerts and performances from major Dominican and international artists year-round. Seeing a concert under the stars is a definite must-do.
Shopping
Shopping in the Bávaro area is as fun and casual. There are myriad options, from small strip malls to beachfront souvenir shacks, and large shopping malls. Shopping in Punta Cana reflects the area’s the sophisticated seaside life. You’ll find plenty to browse, from high-end shopping malls with designer clothing and jewelry, to cafés, restaurants, and arts and crafts galleries. For discerning travelers, La Romana boasts exquisite finds from metal sculptures and paintings, to designer apparel and gem jewelry.
Gotta Eat!
Punta Cana is a foodie’s paradise. Here you’ll find virtually any and every type of food on the planet, and it is excellent! Their staple is a dish of white rice, red beans, meat and fried plantains called La Bandera Dominicana (because the colors are reminiscent of the Dominican's red, white and blue flag). Most of the resort's buffets and restaurant menus will feature some additional traditional dishes, such as fried plantains and fish in coconut sauce. Expect to see a wide variety of tropical fruits too. As for drinks, be sure to try the strong local coffee and the Presidente beer. "Mamajuana" is another popular, celebratory beverage made of tree bark and herbs soaked in rum, red wine and honey; it tastes like a more potent cinnamon Fireball whisky. When consuming alcoholic drinks in Punta Cana, consider skipping anything frozen or chilled with ice as the tap water is unsafe to consume.
Below are a mere handful of the incredible restaurants throughout the island. Try these, or venture out to others. No matter what, you won’t be disappointed.
Delivery: Onno’s Bavaro, Letos Trapiche, Jamaican Jerk Hut, 2Fish Ceviche Bar
Outdoor: Herman 311, Toc Beach Bar & Restaurant, La Yola Pranama
Fine Dining: Monserrat Manor, Chic Cabaret & Restaurant Punta Cana, Nakaura, La Palapa
Moderately Priced: The Grill, Pranama, La Bruja Chupadora, Api Beach
Cheap Eats: Kats Corner, El Rincon Del Marisco, Taco’s Truck, El Pollo Borracho
Coffee & Tea: Dalia’s Café & Bakery, Lan Leñas, Cafeina Coffee House, Foncho’s Coffee House
Whatever your likes, I hope you get down to Punta Cana. You’re sure to find them, and so much more, there.