Dominican Republic · Caribbean
Punta Cana is 32 kilometers of coconut-palm coastline that looks exactly like the screensaver you had in 2005 — except it's real, and you can get a beer for two dollars. The all-inclusive resort scene is massive here, but the real magic is what's beyond the lobby. Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park has freshwater lagoons hidden in the jungle. Saona Island is a sandbar paradise reachable by catamaran. The food gets interesting fast once you leave the buffet line — grab a plate of la bandera (rice, beans, and stewed chicken) at a local comedor for about four bucks. Punta Cana is also one of the cheapest Caribbean destinations to fly into, which doesn't hurt.
Punta Cana dominates Dominican Republic tourism, but the country's best beaches actually lie elsewhere along its 800-mile coastline. From the kitesurfing capital of Cabarete to the remote perfection of Bahia de las Aguilas, these beaches reward travelers who venture beyond the resort zone.
Read more about thisA complete guide to Punta Cana beaches covering Bavaro, Macao, Juanillo, and Arena Gorda, with all-inclusive resort tiers from $120 to $700 per night, day trips to Saona Island and Hoyo Azul, off-resort dining, and practical tips on getting around and when to visit.
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A tiered ranking of Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts: luxury picks like Excellence El Carmen and Hyatt Zilara, mid-range Secrets and Lopesan, and budget Riu Republica and Grand Palladium. Includes honest food reviews, excursion prices, and tips for eating outside the resort.
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Everything you need to know about Punta Cana's beaches, including Bavaro, Macao, Juanillo, and Uvero Alto, with details on sargassum season, public access, reef conditions, and where to eat on the sand.
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A guide to the Dominican Republic's best beach resorts across Punta Cana, Samaná, and Puerto Plata — from Cap Cana's luxury enclaves to boutique properties on Playa Cosón, with tipping norms and regional comparisons.
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The Dominican Republic has two coastlines and two personalities. From Punta Cana's resort-lined Bavaro Beach to the untouched five-mile stretch of Bahia de las Aguilas, here's where to find the best sand.
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