Punta Cana

Best time to visit Punta Cana

• Winter (December to February): Balmy weather, clear skies and lower humidity make this one of the best times to visit Punta Cana. Booking accommodations in advance is advisable, especially if you’re visiting around the holidays.
• Spring (March to May): With thinner crowds, this is another great time to visit Punta Cana for a tranquil getaway. Just remember spring break in March and April can bring an increase in visitors. 
• Summer (June to August): Punta Cana’s tourism winds down with the onset of hurricane season; check forecasts and local travel advice before you go. This time usually offers cheaper accommodation and quieter beaches.
• Fall (September to November): Enjoy plenty of greenery during Punta Cana’s rainy season — also known as the “green season” for its abundance of lush foliage.

How many days to spend in Punta Cana

To get a flavor of Punta Cana’s beaches and explore nearby nature hot spots, around three to four days should be enough time to enjoy this stunning region. If you’re planning day trips to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, or the islands of Saona and Catalina, aim for five to seven days.

The vibe of Punta Cana

Set your watch to island time when you visit Punta Cana. This classically Caribbean paradise moves at a delightfully unhurried pace, inviting you to relax on its sun-drenched beaches, piña colada in hand. When you’re ready to peel yourself away from the sand, there’s an array of outdoor activities to enjoy, from water sports to theme parks. In other words, every type of vacationer can find something to their liking in Punta Cana. And Dominican flavors are everywhere, from rum-based cocktails to local dishes like fried plantain and freshly caught seafood served in coconut sauce.

What is Punta Cana famous for?

Punta Cana is known for its spectacular shorelines, and Bavaro Beach is its most famous. Repeatedly voted one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, it’s a picture-perfect specimen right down to the fine, sugary sands and crystal-clear water. In a region filled with stunning swimming spots, Hoyo Azul at Scape Park is one of the best, known for its impossibly deep blue color. Reserva Ecologica Ojos Indigenas is another famous collection of 12 natural pools, a handful of which are open for swimming. After dark, Punta Cana transforms into a nightlife haven, where you’ll find everything from famous discos hosting circus-inspired shows to salsa bars and megaclubs.

Events in Punta Cana

Events in Punta Cana keep the excitement going year-round, especially during its dry season from December through April. The first notable event of the year is also one of the biggest: Carnaval Punta Cana. Held in late February or early March, it’s a lively festival with music, dancing and people parading through the streets. Sometimes it overlaps with Dominican Independence Day on February 27, which means double the celebrations. The dry season continues with Semana Santana (Holy Week) in spring, bringing an array of religious services and street processions. For Restoration Day in August, Punta Cana celebrates independence with a vibrant parade and traditional dishes such as mangu (mashed plantains).

Food in Punta Cana

Your introduction to Dominican food should be the national dish, la bandera dominicana, which translates to “the Dominican flag.” It’s a simple trifecta of white rice, red beans in tomato sauce and stewed meat (typically chicken or beef) with a range of seasonings, depending on who’s cooking. Around Punta Cana, fresh fish is on nearly every menu. Grouper and snapper are the most popular, but it’s a good idea to ask what’s fresh that day. For snacks, the go-to is tostones: smashed, fried and salted plantains, served like chips and sometimes accompanied by a little cilantro and garlic sauce. And don’t miss the chance to try a piña colada, made all the sweeter thanks to fresh local pineapple, coconut and rum.

Nightlife in Punta Cana

After the sun sets, Punta Cana heats up with dance clubs, beach bars and a few spots for late-night bites and sweets. Small bars playing everything from bachata, jazz and salsa abound, while most of the dance clubs, called “discos,” are around the bustling centers of Bavaro and Downtown Punta Cana. The most popular club, Coco Bongo, is also the biggest spectacle. Its hours-long shows feature dancers, acrobats, and even gymnasts alongside spectacular lights. Other lively venues range from multistoried discos to upmarket clubs with plenty of VIP areas. There’s even a nightclub housed in a sprawling natural cave.

Shopping in Punta Cana

From the artisan market stalls of El Cortecito to the BlueMall complex of luxury brands, Punta Cana has a range of shopping across its nine districts, with many spots open until 10 p.m. For an authentic Punta Cana shopping experience with plenty of local vendors, head to the open-air Plaza Bibijagua just off Bibijagua Beach. This charming market is a great place to pick up souvenirs like amber jewelry, wooden carvings and semi-precious gemstones. You’ll find Dominican rum, coffee and chocolate at specialty stores such as Mundo Autentico and Taino Gifts.

Best beaches in Punta Cana