Free things to do · Punta Cana · Dominican Republic
7 free things to do in Punta Cana
Punta Cana without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Punta Cana without paying an entry fee: Bávaro Beach, Macao Beach, Juanillo Beach and Cabeza de Toro beach are all free. Compare all-inclusive packages including flights; they are often cheaper than booking room, food and drinks separately.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 7
- Low-cost extras
- 1
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- September
Free sights and experiences
Beach · Bávaro
1.Bávaro Beach
Walk north to El Cortecito in the morning to see the fishing boats and find beach bars outside the resorts.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
Beach · Macao
2.Macao Beach
Swim only where locals are swimming and the waves are gentle; currents can be strong.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Food
- Active
- Photo spot
Beach · Cap Cana
3.Juanillo Beach
Ask your taxi to drop you at the public beach access and arrange your return pick-up in advance.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Beach · Cabeza de Toro
4.Cabeza de Toro beach
Bring water shoes; the sea floor near the reef has patches of rock and coral.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
Religious site · Higüey
5.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.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Rainy day
- History
Beach · Uvero Alto
6.Uvero Alto beach
Check flags before swimming and walk early in the morning for an empty beach.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Beach · Punta Cana Resort area
7.Playa Blanca
Kitesurf schools operate here; afternoons are usually windiest.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Active
- Outdoors
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bávaro | Bávaro Beach | Half a day or more |
| Macao | Macao Beach | Half a day |
| Cap Cana | Juanillo Beach | Half a day |
| Cabeza de Toro | Cabeza de Toro beach | Half a day |
| Higüey | Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia | 1–1.5 hours |
| Uvero Alto | Uvero Alto beach | Half a day |
| Punta Cana Resort area | Playa Blanca | Half a day |
Worth a small ticket
Neighbourhood · Los Corales and El Cortecito
Los Corales and El Cortecito
Come for a sunset drink and seafood dinner, then walk back along the beach.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Shopping
- After dark
- Couples
More ways to save
- Compare all-inclusive packages including flights; they are often cheaper than booking room, food and drinks separately.
- Book excursions with reputable operators and compare prices with resort tour desks.
- Paying in Dominican pesos at local shops and restaurants is often cheaper than paying in dollars.
- May, June, September and October bring the lowest resort rates.
- Stay in Los Corales or El Cortecito and eat at local restaurants for a lower-cost independent trip.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Punta Cana expensive to visit?
Punta Cana is moderately priced for most visitors, but 7 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Punta Cana?
Bávaro Beach: Walk north to El Cortecito in the morning to see the fishing boats and find beach bars outside the resorts.