5 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

      Walk north to El Cortecito in the morning to see the fishing boats and find beach bars outside the resorts. (Half a day or more, free).

   2. Late morning

      Catamaran and snorkelling trip

      Choose a smaller boat for more snorkelling time and less of a party atmosphere. (3–4 hours, expensive).

   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

      Swim only where locals are swimming and the waves are gentle; currents can be strong. (Half a day, free).

   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. (Half a day, free).

   2. Late morning

      Hoyo Azul at Scape Park

      Go in the morning before tour groups arrive; the pool is small and gets crowded. (2–4 hours, expensive).

   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. (2 hours, mid-priced).

   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

      Bring water shoes; the sea floor near the reef has patches of rock and coral. (Half a day, free).

   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. (1–1.5 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Mangú with los tres golpes

      Local cafeterías and many resort breakfast stations.

   4. Afternoon

      Uvero Alto beach

      Check flags before swimming and walk early in the morning for an empty beach. (Half a day, free).

   5. Evening

      Bávaro

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

4. Day 4: Day trip to Saona Island

   About 1.5 hours by road, then 30–60 minutes by boat each way. Getting there: Organised tour via Bayahíbe by catamaran and speedboat.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Saona Island

      About 1.5 hours by road, then 30–60 minutes by boat (Organised tour via Bayahíbe by catamaran and speedboat); about 85 km.

   2. Day

      Saona Island

      Part of the Parque Nacional del Este, Saona has long palm-fringed beaches and shallow natural pools with starfish on the way back. Best for first-timers, families, couples and beach.

   3. Evening

      Back in Punta Cana

      Dinner: try Pescado frito.

5. Day 5: Playa Blanca

   Playa Blanca, then Los Corales and El Cortecito in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Playa Blanca

      Kitesurf schools operate here; afternoons are usually windiest. (Half a day, free).

   2. Lunch

      Lunch: Pescado frito

      Beach shacks at Macao and El Cortecito, and seafood restaurants in Los Corales.

   3. Evening

      Los Corales and El Cortecito

      Beach bars and lounges with sunset drinks and live music.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 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 32–44 hours of visiting over 5 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
• 3 days in Punta Cana

Questions travellers ask