Find cheap flights to Punta Cana

Punta Cana is a resort town on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. Known for its fabulous beaches, it’s a popular getaway for people escaping northern winters. The tropical climate sees little fluctuation in temperature, so it’s quite comfortable here throughout the year. It’s busiest during the winter, when you can also expect less rain. Flights and accommodation from December – February are at their most expensive, and you’ll need to book well ahead of time. Hurricane season runs from June – November, peaking in September. If you visit during this period, you can find deals on flights and rooms, but be sure to book refundable tickets so that you can back out if necessary. Average daily highs across the entire year only vary between 81 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit, so you will enjoy beach weather no matter when you come.

The best way to get around Punta Cana is definitely on foot. Many tourists don’t stray far from their all-inclusive resorts, perhaps wandering up and down the beach to the adjacent resorts. If you want to explore further, taxis are easily arranged by your concierge, or you could brave the bus system, which is unreliable, to say the least. Here is some more information about modes of transport around Punta Cana.

Taxis

You can have the concierge call you a taxi, or walk down the road to the local taxi stand and arrange it yourself, which will be cheaper. In either case, you will be charged a flat rate, negotiated prior to getting in the car.

Car rentals

If you want to explore the Dominican Republic on your own, you can rent a car, but be warned, drivers in this country treat traffic rules as though they were just suggestions! Signage is often poor, reckless driving is the norm, and within Punta Cana, the traffic is often gridlocked.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Punta Cana. For foreign nationals, please check this link .

Things to do and places of interest in Punta Cana

With nearby beaches fronting both the Atlantic ocean and the Caribbean sea, Punta Cana is for those who love the surf, sand and sun. With resorts lined up and down the beaches, you’re never lacking for entertainment. Here are a few ideas for your sunny getaway.

• Get your toes in the sand on Bavaro Beach, where you’ll find 6 miles of sandy beach and nearby amenities such as bars, restaurants and shopping. The people-watching here is always interesting too!
• Visit the Isla Saona, which is a government protected nature reserve, so the white sand beaches and palm trees are unspoiled by tourist trappings. Many resorts offer excursions here, with ferry tickets and a meal to go.
• If you need a break from the beach, take a Super Truck Safari. See the countryside from atop one of these gigantic vehicles, stopping to visit school children (depending on the time of year) and see the church of Our Lady of La Altagracia. On this excursion you’ll also enjoy a horseback ride and an authentic Dominican lunch.
• For the adventurous, try zip lining. The Zip line Canopy tour will have you sliding down 15 platforms and 8 cable lines at treetop height across beautiful open valleys, culminating in a ride on a 2,500-foot cable. That’s about 7 blocks long!
• Enjoy a catamaran snorkeling tour. Hispaniola Aquatic Tours gives private and semi-private four-hour catamaran excursions to famous local dive sites. Your day will include drinks, a meal, transport to and from your hotel, snorkeling equipment and professional photos so you can remember your experience.
• Explore the Hoyo Azul (blue hole) in Scape Park, a natural sinkhole filled with crystal-clear water. This spectacular lagoon sits at the foot of a 200-foot high cliff, and the turquoise waters have a depth of over 120 feet at their deepest.

Tips and tricks for visiting Punta Cana

When you visit the Dominican Republic, you are required to purchase a tourist card for $10.00 USD. You can do so at the airport after you land, but there is often a long line of tourists doing the same thing. You can save yourself some time by purchasing your card online before you come.

If you plan to stay within the resort area, as many visitors do, there is no need to convert your US dollars into pesos. Almost everyone happily accepts US dollars as payment, including tips and excursions. It’s a good idea to bring a bunch of small bills, for convenience when tipping and buying small items.

The Dominican Republic is economically disadvantaged, so theft can be a problem. Use common sense and be observant outside of the resort area. Don’t expect your valuables to be safe within a locked vehicle.