By air
Punta Cana International (PUJ), ~10 km by road
North America · Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Palm-lined Caribbean beaches on the eastern tip
Getting there
Best time to visit
December to April — dry and sunny
Don't miss
Bávaro Beach
Macao Beach
Saona Island
Things to do
Swimming and snorkelling
Catamaran trips
Surfing at Macao
A day trip to Saona Island
Where to eat
Sources: Photo: Hans Buch · Public domain
What to pack
Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat
A quieter corner
The Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in nearby Higüey
Questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Punta Cana?
December to April — dry and sunny. What to pack: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat.
How do I get to Punta Cana?
Fly into Punta Cana International (PUJ), ~10 km by road.
What is there to do in Punta Cana?
Swimming and snorkelling, catamaran trips, surfing at Macao, a day trip to Saona Island. A quieter find: The Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in nearby Higüey.
What should I eat in Punta Cana?
Fresh grilled fish, tostones, sancocho, coconut and passion-fruit drinks.
About Punta Cana
- Coastal
Where it is
Punta Cana is a resort area on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, in La Altagracia province, where long beaches face the Atlantic and Caribbean.
History
The eastern coast was a quiet area of coconut palms and fishing villages until resort development began in the 1970s. Its privately built international airport opened in 1984, and the coast from Punta Cana to Bávaro grew into the country's largest tourism region.
People
Punta Cana's residents speak Spanish and many have moved from other parts of the country to work in tourism, while the province's people make pilgrimages to the basilica in Higüey.
Known for
- Long white-sand beaches
- All-inclusive resorts
- Saona Island boat trips
- Surfing at Macao Beach
Did you know?
Punta Cana International Airport, opened in 1984, was built and run privately, and its terminals are roofed with palm thatch.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.