Top 15 Must-See Punta Cana Attractions for First-Time Visitors

The moment you arrive in Punta Cana, you will experience unlimited ocean scenes and the anticipation of adventure nearby. However, there is one thing, Punta Cana is not just lying on the gorgeous beaches. This piece of the Dominican Republic is loaded with culture, nature, adventure and once in a lifetime experiences.

And if you’re visiting for the first time? You’ll want a curated list of the must-see places so you can soak it all in. From lagoons to nightlife, and from wildlife encounters to white-sand shores, we’ve rounded up the very best Punta Cana attractions. A catamaran tour is one of the most fun and relaxing ways to tick multiple spots off your list in just one day. You can enjoy it with a drink in hand and the Caribbean breeze in your hair.

Best Punta Cana Attractions for First-Time Visitors

Whether you came here to enjoy the sun kissed beaches, the cultural delights or even something adventurous. These are the Punta Cana attractions that would make your first visit memorable.

Bávaro Beach 

Bávaro Beach originally was a serene place where local fishermen used to go fishing. Now it is the most renowned beach in Punta Cana. It is covered with its powdery white sand extending almost 48 kilometers (30 miles).

• Fun Fact: The good news is that Bavaro Beach is usually rated as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World by travel magazines.
• Did You Know? Today, it is home to one of the world-class resorts but was previously a small Taino fishing village.
• Why You’ll Love It: The sand is so soft that it squeaks when it is under your feet. It is calm and shallow, and therefore, ideal in case of swimming particularly when traveling with children. Amazing sunsets that change the sky to orange and pink color.
• Interesting Facts: The beach lies within the Punta Cana Bavaro Marine Reserve that aids in the protection of coral reefs and marine life. The water temperature is a warm 27°C (80°F)  the entire year through. It has many catamaran tours and this makes it a good point to begin your adventure.
• Pro Tips for Your Visit: Because of the quiet ambiance, you should visit early in the morning when there is less crowd around; otherwise, afternoons are busier. A hat and reef-safe sunscreen are recommended, as you will spend the whole day in the sun.

Check our guide on ‘Bavaro Punta Cana for Tour Lovers: Sailing, Snorkeling & Fun’

Isla Saona

After deciding to travel to the Isla Saona, you will realize why it is the most photographed in the Dominican Republic. The island itself belongs to the Cotubanam National Park, a natural reserve which is very famous due to the intact beauty and the crystal-clear water.

• History: The island has been named after the Italian explorer Michele da Cuneo who was a friend of Christopher Columbus. He named it Savona as his birthplace was Savona, Italy. It was pre-colonized by the Taino.
• Fun Fact: Isla Saona is so beautiful it has been the site of several commercials and a cameo in Hollywood movies looking to show off a perfect tropical island.
• Did You Know? The island does not have any hotels, there are only several small fishing villages, that’s why you’ll find its beauty has remained intact.
• What to Do on Isla Saona: It offers you natural pool swimming, beach picnic, boat rides and wildlife observation.
• Interesting Facts: It entertains more than 1 million people annually and the place is still very peaceful due to its area. There are palm trees here which are more than a century old.
• How to Get There: There is no other way for you to arrive at Isla Saona other than by boat. Tours start in Bayahibe, which is an hour from Punta Cana, and typically offer round-trip transportation, lunch and beverages. Depending on your vibe, the ride could take a 30-45 minute speed boat trip or a 2-hour catamaran cruise.

Book your private catamaran to Isla Saona now! To relax in the comfort of the intact beauty of the island with your loved ones.

Juanillo Beach in Punta Cana

Formerly the serene coastal town of fishermen, Juanillo Beach has today become one of the most exclusive villages in Punta Cana. It is located in the luxurious Cap Cana district with its exclusive resorts, golfing and picture-perfect coastline.

• Fun Fact: Juanillo Beach is approximately 3 km long and you could fit three soccer fields next to each other on the beach.
• Did You Know? The small indigenous TaIno community used to live here on this beach. And some locals tell us that the remains of the ancient fishing instruments could still be found buried along mangroves.
• What to Do at Juanillo Beach: Take part in relaxing on the beach, lessons in water sports and in case you are lucky, you may attend a live music night.

Monkey Land

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a tiny squirrel monkey hop onto your shoulder. In Monkey Land Punta Cana is your chance to make it happen. 

• History: Monkey Land is a project of eco-tourism that was established to defend squirrel monkeys and the communities who live around. These monkeys came into existence after being introduced in other places in the Caribbean and South America and have been prospering in this kind of protection over the years.
• Fun Fact: These monkeys are inherently curious so do not be surprised when they inspect your sunglasses, your hat or even attempt to get a few glimpses into your pockets.
• Interesting Facts: .Monkey Land is a 5-plus acre sanctuary inside a jungle reserve. Tours normally take 4 to 5 hours, excluding the bus ride between Punta Cana hotels and the tour destinations. The squirrel monkeys have a lifespan of even 20 years in a secure environment.
• Pro Tips for Your Visit: We recommend that you wear loose and comfortable attire and that you keep away any shiny dangling jewelry (monkeys are attracted to bling).

Check our guide on ‘Why Monkey Land Punta Cana is a Must-Visit Wildlife Experience’

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park

If you’re craving a mix of adventure, nature and a touch of mystery, the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park is for you. This protected reserve offers you a serene escape from the resort scene.

• History: The park is part of the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation, created to preserve the area’s native flora and fauna. It gets its name from the Taíno people. They considered the lagoons sacred and referred to them as “eyes” because of their perfectly round shape.
• Fun Fact: The park features 12 freshwater lagoons, but only 5 are open for swimming for you. Each lagoon is fed by an underground river system, making the water refreshingly cool year-round.
• Did You Know? The park’s 1,500 acres are home to over 500 species of plants and a variety of birds, reptiles and insects. That is found only in this part of the Dominican Republic.
• What to Do: You can enjoy lagoon swimming, nature trails, wildlife spotting and eco education.
• Interesting Facts: You can find 12 lagoons in total; 5 open for swimming. The deepest lagoon is over 26 feet deep. The park covers 1,500 acres of protected land. located just 10 minutes from most Punta Cana resorts.

Hoyo Azul (Blue Hole)

To live your dream of swimming in a secret tropical paradise is in Hoyo Azul. It lies in the bottom of a stately limestone cliff that is buried at the bottom of the ocean off the Scape Park at Cap Cana.

• History: Cenotes such as Hoyo Azul are the result of the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposed crystal clear ground waters. This took place thousands of years ago. To the Taino people, these pools were holy and entrance into the spirit world.
• Fun Fact: The name ‘Hoyo Azul’ translates to ‘Blue Hole’ in Spanish and you will understand after you witness the color of the water.
• Did You Know? The temperature of the water here constantly stays at approximately 75°F (24°C)  no matter the season, so the pool makes for a cool relief to the stifling Punta Cana tropical climate.
• Why You’ll Love It: The water, when you get that glimpse of it, will take your breath away. It is ideal to swim, and soak up or just float on the beauty that nature has to offer you.
• Pro Tips for Your Visit: You should bring water shoes or sturdy sandals for the hike. and biodegradable sunscreen to protect the ecosystem.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island is where you must go in case you want the perfect day trip in Punta Cana. This little island is found off the southeastern side of the Dominican Republic. And is popular in case you are looking forward to a mixture of relaxation and adventure.

• History: Catalina Island was given the name by Christopher Columbus who visited it during his second visitation of America, in 1494. It used to be a logistical location of the pirates who used the Caribbean trade routes. Nowadays it is a guarded nature reserve that is under Dominican government care.
• Did You Know? The well-known dive sites of the “Wall” and the “Aquarium” are found in Catalina Island and can be referred to as one of the best snorkeling and diving locations in the Caribbean.
• Why You’ll Love It: It has tranquil, shallow waters that can be used to have a snorkel or a swim. You could see colored fish, corals, and there even sea-turtles. It is not as busy as the beaches in the mainland hence you get some tranquility. And the sunsets are unbelievable.
• How to Get There: Catalina Island is most typically accessed by speedboat or catamaran departing La Romana.

Book your private catamaran sunset cruise now! To soak in the gorgeous views of the island during the golden hours.

Macao Beach

As one of the most iconic Punta Cana attractions this beach still feels untamed. This public gem offers a more authentic slice of the Dominican coastline to you.

• History: Macao Beach has long been a gathering place for locals, fishermen, and surfers. Before Punta Cana’s tourism boom, it was one of the area’s most popular weekend picnic spots for Dominican families.
• Fun Fact: In 2020, UNESCO recognized Macao Beach as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean for its natural charm and clean, swimmable waters.
• Did You Know? Macao’s waves make it one of the few surfing spots in the Punta Cana area, drawing both beginners and experienced surfers year-round.
• What to Do: You can try surfing lessons or grab fried fish from a local shack.

Dolphin Explorer

If you’ve ever dreamed of meeting dolphins up close, Dolphin Explorer in Punta Cana is your chance. Here, you’re not just watching from a distance but you’re actually getting into the water and interacting with these incredibly intelligent creatures.

• History: Dolphin Explorer opened its doors in the early 2000s with a mission to create safe, interactive experiences that promote education about marine life. Over the years, it has grown to include not just dolphins but also sea lions, exotic birds, and stingrays.
• Fun Fact: The dolphins here can swim up to 25 miles per hour but they’ll slow down to give you a gentle ride during your session.
• Did You Know? Dolphins have names. Each has a unique whistle that functions like a personal “calling card” among their pod.
• Why You’ll Love It: You can kiss, hug, and even dance with a dolphin.The park also has beautiful beach areas and tropical gardens for you to enjoy. Great for all ages kids, parents and even grandparents leave with huge smiles
• Interesting Facts: There are 20+ trained and cared for in the facility. 

Altos de Chavón

Imagine wandering cobblestone streets and gazing over the Chavón River with a view that feels straight out of Italy. That’s Altos de Chavón, a stunning cultural village in La Romana just about an hour and a half from Punta Cana.

• History: Built in the late 1970s, Altos de Chavón was the vision of Italian designer Roberto Copa and Charles Bluhdorn. They were the head of Gulf+Western. It was meant as a replica of a Mediterranean village from the 1500s, and every stone, arch, and balcony was crafted to feel authentic. 
• Fun Fact: The very first big event here was a Frank Sinatra concert in 1982 at the 5,000-seat amphitheater. Since then, it has hosted stars like Sting, Elton John, and Andrea Bocelli.
• Did You Know? The village has its own art school the Altos de Chavón School of Design .This is affiliated with the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York.
• What to Do at Altos de Chavón: You can visit the Archaeological Museum, catch a live concert, shop local art or dine Al Fresco.

Punta Cana Nightlife

When the sun sets in Punta Cana, the fun doesn’t stop; it just switches to a whole new rhythm. From beach bars with soft sand under your feet to high-energy nightclubs where you can dance till sunrise. The nightlife here is just as famous as the beaches.

• Why Visit: Legendary clubs like COCO BONGO and Imagine Cave Club offer high-energy entertainment.
• Fun Fact: Imagine is actually inside a natural cave, a party spot like no other.
• Tip for You: Book VIP early for better seating and faster bar service
• Did You Know? Punta Cana is home to Coco Bongo, one of the most famous nightclubs in Latin America, where shows mix acrobatics, live music, and confetti storms.

Cap Cana Marina

Cap Cana Marina isn’t just a place for docking boats, it’s the beating heart of luxury living in Punta Cana. If you love the ocean, fine dining and a touch of glamour, this spot is made for you.

• History: Cap Cana Marina opened in 2007 as part of the exclusive Cap Cana resort community, designed to be the Caribbean’s premier luxury marina. It’s modeled after the finest Mediterranean harbors, blending world-class boating facilities with a tropical flair.
• Fun Fact: The marina can accommodate up to 130 vessels, including superyachts of more than 150 feet in length!
• Did You Know? Cap Cana is one of the few marinas in the Caribbean that meets IGY (International Game Fish Association) standards, making it a hotspot for deep-sea fishing tour
• Why You’ll Love It: A perfect launch point for your private yacht or catamaran trip. A relaxing yet upscale vibe ideal for a romantic evening stroll..
• Interesting Facts: The marina spans around 1,500 acres within the Cap Cana resort area. Home to multiple international fishing tournaments each year.
• Pro Tips for Your Visit: If you’re into fishing, plan your trip between March and September for the best marlin season.

Manatí Park

If you’re looking for a day filled with wildlife encounters, cultural shows and tropical gardens. You can find it all in Manatí Park Punta Cana 

• History: Opened in the mid-1990s, Manatí Park was one of the first major tourist attractions in Punta Cana. It was designed to highlight the region’s biodiversity while also preserving and sharing Dominican culture with the world.
• Fun Fact: Despite its name, the park hasn’t always had manatees but it’s home to over 150 species of animals, birds and iguanas.
• Did You Know? Manatí Park features one of the largest botanical gardens in the Dominican Republic. You can stroll among orchids, palms, and tropical fruit trees.
• What to Do at Manatí Park: You can find many animal encounters like  flamingos, monkeys, crocodiles, tropical birds, and more. You can also have dolphin experience and cultural shows where Taino dance performances bring pre-Columbian history to life.
• Interesting Facts: You can find 150+ species of animals living in the park and 5 live shows daily covering music, dance and history. 

Scape Park Adventure Park

If you’re craving more than just beach days, Scape Park Adventure Park is your ticket to an adrenaline-filled escape. Nestled inside the exclusive Cap Cana area, this natural theme park blends tropical beauty with many activities. 

• History: Opened in 2012, Scape Park was created to showcase Punta Cana’s stunning landscapes while offering eco-adventures for all ages. 
• Fun Fact: You can try the “Saltos Azules” cliff jump for an adrenaline rush.
• Did You Know? Scape Park is one of the few places in the Dominican Republic where you can zipline directly over water. You can splash down in the Caribbean after flying through the air.
• What to Do at Scape Park Adventure Park: You can soar over cliffs, jungle and turquoise waters during zipline eco-adventure. You can cool off in one of the most Instagram-worthy natural pools on Earth in Hoyo Azul. 

Aromas Museum

The Aromas Museum will be your ideal destination in case you want to feed all your senses about the Dominican Republic. It is a cultural jewel in Bavaro and combines an experience of the aromas, tastes, and customs.

• History: The museum was established to conserve and display the Dominican Republic agriculture and cultural heritage.You may dwell on the local goods such as cocoa, coffee, rum and tobacco. It is a learning center as well as a sensory playground.
• Did You Know? The Dominican Republic is known to be one of the largest producers of organic cocoa in the world. And exactly the place where you can taste cocoa directly at the source because the Aromas Museum offers tasting.
• Why You’ll Love It: You will sample world-renowned Dominican coffee, chocolate and rum during the same trip.
• Interesting Facts: You will be able to observe more than 10 thematic rooms devoted to numerous Dominican culture aspects.

Why a Catamaran Tour Is the Perfect Way to See Punta Cana Attractions

Riding a catamaran is more than a boat experience, it makes your floating adventure base. You are allowed to snorkel at the reefs, visit sandbars and make stops at secluded beaches within a single voyage. After all these you can still have time to lounge with music and drinks onboard.

• Comfort: You might enjoy some shade, some seating, restroom and lots of room to stretch.
• Fun: You can bring fun and play with music and dancing as well as a friendly crew to get you in the vibes.
• Customizable: You can customize your own private tour to the sites you desire.

This is the way to do it in case you are short of time, or in case you want to have the best memorable day.

Book your private catamaran tour now! To make your day memorable whether you’re a couple, family or group of friends.

Final Thoughts

Punta Cana has something for everyone whether you’re soaking up the sun, or enjoying culture and nature. As a first-time visitor, this list of Punta Cana attractions is your golden ticket to an unforgettable trip.

And if you want to experience these multiple destinations in one go, with all the comfort and fun of a floating party. Book your catamaran tour with Catamarans Punta Cana and let’s make your Caribbean dream a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Punta Cana best known for?

The area is known for its white sand beaches, blue turquoise waters, and balnearios which face both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

What should we do in Punta Cana?

Enjoy pristine beaches, go on a catamaran cruise, explore Isla Saona, try ziplining, and discover local culture through markets and excursions.

What is the travel warning for Punta Cana?

Punta Cana is generally safe for tourists, but stay alert to petty theft and follow standard travel safety precautions.

Which month is the best to go to Punta Cana?

The best months of the year for travelling to Punta Cana are by far between December and April.