Few other spots boast a 35 kilometre stretch of pristine white sand, palm trees caressed by the breeze and limpid waters where you can literally walk for kilometres along the beach without seeing anything.

You can visit a different beach every day: Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Cabeza de Toro, Bavaro, Arena Gorda, Macao and Uvero Alto. El Cortecito is the smallest in the area.

Punta Cana has a warm tropical climate but is tempered by eastern winds.

On the eastern most tip of the island of Hispaniola is Punta Cana and is best know for its unobstructed, thick palm fringed beaches and clear waters. This point separates the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean by the Mona Passage. The land is relatively flat and used for agriculture.

This area was first inhabited by the Tainos natives who left their mark on cave walls that can be visited today. Columbus first sighted this Caribbean coastline on his maiden voyage to Las Americas, and the landscape has remained in a natural, unspoiled condition ever since. The established towns lived, and still do in some cases, on farming, sugar plantations and fishing.

Punta Cana only got into the tourism business in the 1970s but has continued to grow steadfastly with several attractions.

The Manatee Park Bavaro is a wildlife ecological/adventure site displaying bird, reptile and fish exhibits, and presents shows with parrots, dolphins and dancing horses.

Punta Cana Ecological Reserve rests on 420,000 m2 of tropical gardens and exhuberante vegetation. Take the path and walk throught a real jungle that leads at the end to a refreshing cool spring.

A day excursion to Los Haitises National Park is a must. Please see the Specialties & Characteristics section below for details.

A day excursion to Los Haitises National Park is a must. This vine-strewn limestone plain has underground rivers flowing through caves with pre-Columbian drawings and petroglyphs. Visit the Cueva de la Linea and the Cueva de las Arenas, reachable by boat that will take you through the largest system of mangroves in the Caribbean. Do go explore as well the Boca de Diablo Cuevas, a large cave system south of Los Haitises.

Festivals & Events

Transportation

Activities & Sports This destination has everything sports lovers might need: tennis, horse rides and all the water sports like catamaran, power boats, surfing and parasailing along the beach. Punta Cana counts many different worldly renowned golf course such as Corales Golf Course, La Cana Golf Club, Lake Barcelo golf course, Iberostar Golf Course, Punta Espada Golf Club and the Cocotal Golf and Country Club . In this part of the country you will find a coral reef measuring 30 km, the longest in the whole island. Snorkeling is best 200 m from the coast where the floor of the ocean is 1 to 2 m in depth. Book an excursion or hire the locals on the beach with their own boat. Punta Cana attracts many fishing enthousiasts . Blue marlin, barracuda, and dorado are the main catches. Many excursions are available. Archaeology Los Haitises National Park has underground rivers flowing through caves with pre-Columbian drawings and petroglyphs. Attractions & Sights Located in San Rafael de Yuma, the Ponce de Leon House was where the famous explorer lived with his family when he was the eastern commander of the country back in 1505. Near the Ponce de Leon house is the fisherman's town of Boca de Yuma, a great place to enjoy a meal of fresh fish or to dance a bachata and salsa. Boca Chica, is a picturesque town, with its tiny buildings has a prestigious sailing club that hosts many international fishing competitions. Sunbathe on fine white sands and swim in the transparent shallow waters. Hot-water pools are created by the great coral reef acting as a breakwater, thus given the bay the fame of being the biggest natural bath in the world. The near town of Higuey welcomes every year pilgrims who make their way in procession to the shrine of Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, which is devoted to the island's patron saint. The eccentric building has a bell tower that was replaced by a high concrete arch. Also to see is one of the countries most important churches: the ancient Santuario de la Virgen de la Altagracia, which dates back to the end of 1500. The Marinarium Park on the sea offers snorkelling with sharks and rays. Jeep safari excursions offer adventure tours where you can observe the tropical wilderness, the countryside with its crops and take a dip at a deserted beach. Nightlife Most hotels feature evening shows. Nightlife in Punta Cana is relaxed and quiet, even in the clubs. The Coco Bongo is a discotheque and a show room that is worth seeing. Gamblers will be delighted. Many casinos can be find. Princess Tower Casino, Hard Rock Casino Punta Cana, Dominic Casino & Lounge Club, amongst others. Side Trips Altos de Chavon, is a Mediterranean village with cobblestone paths, coral stone fountains and terra cotta buildings. It is right on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Chavon River. Reconstructed in the seventies, the town is home to artists of all types; other features of interest are a charming amphitheatre in Greek style, an archaeological museum dedicated to the island's aboriginal population. Take an excursion to the deep gorges interwoven with palm groves and a virgin, unspoiled atmosphere. Take a holiday from your holiday by visiting the gorgeous Island of Saona. Tour companies will take you there by catamaran in a couple of hours. Spend the day on its beautiful white-sand beaches or go snorkelling. On the Samana Peninsula, as one tiny beach after another spring up before your eyes, your ears are charmed by the sweet beguiling sounds of unspoiled nature. This peninsula is rich in spotlessly white beaches, lakes, marble caves, vast palm groves and small islets studding the turquoise bay. Enjoy the fried fish and the specialties of the local cuisine made with coconut sauce.

We find all range of resorts and mostly are all-inclusive. Some cater to sports-minded people, others are couples only but most resorts focus on family.

Punta Cana being a popular destination, those looking for tranquility should avoid this destination during spring break time.

Punta Cana is resort territory so most restaurants are located within them.

Outside of the resorts, dining establishments can be found in the Cabeza de Toro and El Cortecito areas and close to Bavaro Plaza.

Try the local dulce de leche, to be eaten with coconut and pineapple.

Bavaro Plaza is the largest shopping area in Punta Cana. Cigar Club Puntacana is the place to go if you would like to purchase Dominican cigars.

Market days are offered at the different hotels, the craftmans rotate locations. Also you will find souvenir shops right on the beaches.