Make your vacation memorable with these Punta Cana excursions

The last thing you want to do while on vacation is to traipse for miles in search of entertainment. Luckily, Punta Cana and Bávaro are full of activities that are sure to put a smile on the face of even the hardest-to-please tourists. The day tours in Punta Cana can all be easily reached from all the main hotels on the Costa del Coco (Coconut Coast). From historic ruins and museum tours to snorkeling with tropical fish, there is a wide range for all interests and budgets. Read on to discover the best fun things to do in Punta Cana and get ready to add a bunch of Punta Cana excursions to your vacation checklist.

When you arrive at Saona Island it will be hard to believe that you are not staring into a Microsoft screensaver. It is a truly idyllic oasis that offers a secluded escape from buzzing resort life and the busy schedule of Punta Cana excursions. Life on Saona Island moves at a slower pace making it the ideal setting to stop and soak up the sun. 

If sunbathing is not how you want to spend your time here, a Saona island excursion in Punta Cana will bring you to the best spots for snorkeling in Punta Cana’s liquor-clear waters. The kaleidoscope array of fish that inhabit these waters will provide plenty of entertainment for an hour or two. Of course, no Saona island trip is complete without taking a gentle hike around the mangrove forests and finishing the day swimming with dolphins in the crystal clear waters. 

Satisfy that craving for adventure and explore the ancient cave network of the Dominican Republic, the largest in the Caribbean. Many of these caves can be found within national parks and can be visited all across the island on various Punta Cana excursions. The cave ‘Fun Fun’ is one of the best Punta Cana excursions for families and nature lovers. Based in the Los Haitises National Park, the cave is rumored to be the largest in the world and it is definitely the largest in the Caribbean. It hides 28 km of tunnels as well as an underground river and unspoiled lagoons. Let your Punta Cana cave excursions guide tell you the stories about the fascinating Dominican geography and ancient history of this cave before rappelling down into its subterranean chambers to experience the Dominican Republic from a fresh perspective. 

Explore further off the beaten track and enjoy a range of Punta Cana things to do outside resort restrictions. Head off on day trips from Punta Cana with the Bávaro Runners who will lead you deep into the countryside in a safari buggy. They will be your guide to local, rural life around the Bávaro area. 

From luscious jungles filled with amazing wildlife to sugar cane plantations and cigar-rolling masterclasses - there is something to interest all the family. Enjoy a rest stop on the idyllic sands of Macao Beach and let your worries melt away into the sand before heading back to the top things to do in Punta Cana. This is a great example of the Punta Cana excursions that celebrate local culture. 

The colonial city of Santo Domingo is an essential detour when planning Punta Cana excursions for your vacation. It is one of the best tours from Punta Cana as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santo Domingo provides a stark contrast to the built-up tourist Mecca of the resorts. In 1492, when Christopher Columbus arrived on the island, Santo Domingo became the central hub of the New World. It is home to the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the Americas. The city beautifully preserves its history and the Colonial architecture provides a dreamy backdrop for discovering Dominican urban life and relaxing at its inner-city hotels. While enjoying a Santo Domingo tour from Punta Cana don’t pass up the chance to cool off in The Three Eyes, a blue lagoon set inside a limestone cave. Once refreshed, continue sightseeing great buildings and monuments like the Alcázar de Colón or the Fortaleza Ozama. 

While strictly not located in Punta Cana the Altos de Chavón village is a must-see when planning your Punta Cana excursions. Located outside of the resort, in the town of La Reforma, Altos de Chavón provides a replica 16th-century Mediterranean town that is now a bohemian enclave complete with an artists’ colony. This is one of the most recommended trips from Punta Cana and the village is home to the National Archaeological Museum as well as an incredible open-air amphitheater that has hosted the concerts of musical superstars such as Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana. Marvel at the beautifully preserved architectural forms and step back in time as you explore its winding streets. 

If you are looking to see some spectacular scenery while on vacation, check out the Punta Cana waterfall excursions. Dust off your hiking boots and prepare for an adventure. The 2.5-kilometer (1.5-mile) trek takes you through luscious forest vegetation and hilly terrain dotted with exotic flora and fauna. 

You can venture to the falls on foot or on horseback, but the real treat is the refreshingly cool natural pool that awaits you when you arrive. El Limón waterfall towers an impressive 52-meters above the rough, rugged valley and is a must-see for nature lovers and families alike.   

One of the top excursions to do in Punta Cana is taking a boat to Catalina Island. One of the best beaches on the island is Descanso Beach and as the name suggests, it is a wonderful place to rest and relax. If you fancy a change of scenery from the Coco Coast, this is one of the Punta Cana excursions that is worth your time. The island’s main town, Avalon is bursting with charm and offers a quaint selection of boutiques and dining options. Yet the real draw is the heartstopping natural beauty of the island. Enjoy an underwater tour to catch a glimpse of the rainbow-colored fish or hike one of the coastal paths. The island is also a popular spot for action sports, from paragliding to scuba diving - there is never a dull moment.