Day Trips from Punta Cana!
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is, without a doubt, one of the most paradisiacal destinations in the Caribbean. Its white-sand beaches, turquoise sea, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts make many travelers never want to leave the hotel. However, beyond comfort and relaxation, the Dominican Republic offers a wide variety of day trips that allow you to discover its culture, nature, and local traditions. If you’re planning your vacation, here are the best day trips from Punta Cana and how to make the most of your visit.
Full-Day Excursion to Saona Island
Saona Island
One of the most popular excursions from Punta Cana is undoubtedly Saona Island, a natural gem located within Cotubanamá National Park. This dreamlike island offers crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and a relaxing atmosphere that invites you to completely disconnect. The tour usually includes transportation from your hotel to Bayahibe, a picturesque fishing village where catamarans and speedboats depart for the island. Along the way, you can enjoy music, drinks, and the ocean breeze.
Its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters make it the perfect Caribbean postcard that every traveler wants to take home, so it’s always in high demand—booking in advance is recommended. Once on the island, you’ll enjoy hours of relaxation under the palm trees, swimming in shallow waters, and visiting the famous “Natural Pool”, a sandbar in the middle of the sea where the water barely reaches your waist and you can spot starfish. This tour is designed for families and groups of friends seeking a peaceful day surrounded by stunning Caribbean nature.
Buggy Tour in Punta Cana
Buggy Tour in Punta Cana
Another of the most requested excursions in Punta Cana is the buggy tour, where you’ll drive at full speed through muddy trails and coffee and cocoa plantations until you reach some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. These open-top, all-terrain vehicles with two or four seats are easy to drive (similar to a quad bike), and a short safety briefing by an expert is always provided before starting the adventure. The route is guided by one or more instructors.
During the four-hour route (which includes hotel pickup), you’ll feel the adrenaline rush as you speed up or cross a river, balanced by relaxing moments such as swimming in a freshwater cenote or at Macao Beach. These excursions usually include stops for swimming or tasting local products, making it a fun and exciting experience for adventurous couples and groups of friends.
Whale Watching in Samaná Bay
Whale Watching in Samaná Bay
Between mid-January and late March, over 3,000 humpback whales gather in the warm waters of Samaná Bay, near Punta Cana, to mate or give birth — making it one of the best excursions in the Dominican Republic. Keep in mind that the number of whales or dolphins you might see depends on weather conditions and the time of year, as these magnificent animals migrate thousands of miles from Iceland, Greenland, and North America.
Excursion to Los Haitises National Park
Los Haitises National Park
If you have an extra day, one of the best things to do in Punta Cana is visit Los Haitises National Park, famous for its incredible karst formations rising up to 40 meters from the sea, covered in lush vegetation and teeming with birds. You’ll feel like you’re in a scene from Avatar or Jurassic Park—both filmed in this park—as you glide through mangrove forests and explore caves once inhabited by the indigenous Taíno people, where ancient pictographs and petroglyphs remain visible.
This nearly 8-hour boat excursion often includes a swim in the Jivales River pools and a 4×4 ride up Montaña Redonda, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the jungle and coastline.
Visiting Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo Tour
Founded by Bartolomé Colón, brother of Christopher Columbus, Santo Domingo was the first European city in the Americas and remains one of the best day trips from Punta Cana. Located about 2.5 hours away, the capital is perfect for spending a full day wandering through the narrow streets of the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoying the lively atmosphere in its plazas and cafés.
During the tour, you can explore the Catedral Primada de América, Calle El Conde, Alcázar de Colón, and Fortaleza Ozama, as well as museums that tell the story of Spanish colonization. If you’re passionate about history, this is an essential excursion that will transport you back in time.
Catalina Island: Snorkeling and Diving Paradise
Catalina Island
Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494 during his second voyage to the Americas, Catalina Island is a must-visit for lovers of snorkeling and diving. This uninhabited island, less than 10 square kilometers in size, is surrounded by a spectacular coral reef teeming with colorful tropical fish and even the remains of a shipwreck.
After exploring the underwater world, you can relax on its white-sand beaches while enjoying a freshly prepared lunch by the shore. The tour typically includes a catamaran ride with music and drinks, snorkeling gear, and time to unwind. If you love the ocean, this is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in one unforgettable day.
Safari Adventure
Safari Adventure
If you’re curious about the authentic rural side of the country, a Safari Adventure is the perfect choice. These tours take you in open trucks or off-road vehicles through small rural communities, sugarcane and cocoa plantations, and local schools. Throughout the journey, you’ll learn about Dominican life beyond the tourist zones, sample fresh tropical fruits, and discover the country’s agricultural traditions. It’s an educational, entertaining, and culturally enriching experience—ideal for families and curious travelers alike.
Fun at Scape Park
Scape Park
Spend a fun-filled day with family or friends at Scape Park, a natural adventure park located just 15 kilometers from downtown Punta Cana. Here, you can soar through treetops on thrilling zip lines, go kayaking, explore underground caves, or take a refreshing dip in Hoyo Azul, a stunning cenote with bright blue water surrounded by lush vegetation. The park combines adrenaline and relaxation, offering activities for all ages and fitness levels.
Exploring Punta Cana and its surroundings will enrich any vacation, but to make the most of your time, it’s essential to have reliable transportation from the start. Airport Transportation offers private transfer services from Punta Cana International Airport to hotels, resorts, and excursion departure points. With professional drivers, modern air-conditioned vehicles, and personalized attention, your journey begins stress-free and in total comfort.
Book your transfer with Airport Transportation before your trip and enjoy a safe, punctual, and efficient ride. Because your adventures in Punta Cana should begin the best way possible — with comfort, safety, and peace of mind from the moment you land.
