3 days in Punta Cana

Day by day

1. Day 1: Bávaro Beach and Catamaran and snorkelling trip

   Bávaro Beach, Catamaran and snorkelling trip and Macao Beach, then Coco Bongo Punta Cana in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Bávaro Beach

      The coast's signature beach runs for kilometres in front of the main resort strip, with soft white sand, coconut palms and mostly calm, turquoise water protected by an offshore reef.

   2. Late morning

      Catamaran and snorkelling trip

      Choose a smaller boat for more snorkelling time and less of a party atmosphere.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: La bandera dominicana

      Local comedores in Friusa and Verón behind the resorts; some resort buffets serve it at lunch.

   4. Afternoon

      Macao Beach

      A wide, golden beach backed by low cliffs and palms with no high-rise development, about 30 minutes north of Bávaro.

   5. Evening

      Coco Bongo Punta Cana

      Front-row and VIP tickets cost much more; general entry still gives a good view of the stage.

2. Day 2: Juanillo Beach and Hoyo Azul at Scape Park

   Juanillo Beach, Hoyo Azul at Scape Park and Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, then Los Corales and El Cortecito in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Juanillo Beach

      Ask your taxi to drop you at the public beach access and arrange your return pick-up in advance.

   2. Late morning

      Hoyo Azul at Scape Park

      A natural sinkhole pool of clear turquoise freshwater at the foot of a limestone cliff, reached by a forest path in Scape Park.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Sancocho

      Local restaurants and comedores, especially on Sundays.

   4. Afternoon

      Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve

      Bring insect repellent and swimwear; the lagoons are cool and clear.

   5. Evening

      Los Corales and El Cortecito

      Come for a sunset drink and seafood dinner, then walk back along the beach.

3. Day 3: Cabeza de Toro beach and Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia

   Cabeza de Toro beach, Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia and Uvero Alto beach, then Bávaro in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Cabeza de Toro beach

      A sheltered beach where the reef comes close to shore, leaving shallow, calm water ideal for young swimmers and snorkelling at the reef edge.

   2. Late morning

      Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia

      Combine it with a look at Higüey's street markets for a glimpse of everyday Dominican life away from the resorts.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Mangú with los tres golpes

      Local cafeterías and many resort breakfast stations.

   4. Afternoon

      Uvero Alto beach

      A long, wild Atlantic beach north of Macao, backed by large resorts but rarely crowded.

   5. Evening

      Bávaro

      Coco Bongo's show club and a few nightclubs near the shopping plazas.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Bávaro keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Los Corales and El Cortecito ($$) suits budget, solo travellers, food lovers and couples. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 29–40 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11 hours in December to 13.2 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Punta Cana
• 2 days in Punta Cana
• 5 days in Punta Cana

Questions travellers ask