One day in Punta Cana

Day by day

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

   Bávaro Beach, Catamaran and snorkelling trip, Macao Beach and Juanillo 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. Allow Half a day or more.

   2. Late morning

      Catamaran and snorkelling trip

      Choose a smaller boat for more snorkelling time and less of a party atmosphere. Allow 3–4 hours.

   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. Allow Half a day.

   5. Late afternoon

      Juanillo Beach

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

   6. Evening

      Coco Bongo Punta Cana

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

If it rains

• Swap in Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia (Higüey): Combine it with a look at Higüey's street markets for a glimpse of everyday Dominican life away from the resorts.

Where to stay for this itinerary

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 16–21 hours of visiting over one day, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11 hours in December to 13.2 hours in June.

Getting between stops: Taxi. Taxis from local drivers' associations wait at resorts and shopping plazas with fixed zone fares rather than meters; agree the price before you ride.

More or fewer days

• 2 days in Punta Cana
• 3 days in Punta Cana
• 5 days in Punta Cana

Questions travellers ask