Punta Cana and the East is mainly organised around the beach and water activities. Iconic beaches: Bávaro (30 km), Macao (wilder to the north), Juanillo (Cap Cana, exclusive), Bayahibe (village charm), Saona (excursion, paradise), Catalina (excursion, snorkelling).
Water activities are included at most resorts: kayak (free), windsurfing, paddleboard, sailing catamaran, parasailing (€30-40), jet ski (€50-70), banana ride (€20-30). Snorkelling excursions to the protective reefs (€15-25) are accessible from any resort. Diving is organised to the sites of Catalina Island and Saona Island (€50-90 for 2 dives with equipment). Conditions are decent but no more — prefer Bonaire, Belize or Cozumel for world-class diving.
The Saona Island excursion is the region's must-do (€60-90 per person, full day) — catamaran from Bávaro or speedboat from Bayahibe, natural pool stop in the middle of the sea, lunch on Mano Juan or Canto de la Playa beach, snorkelling, fast return. The Catalina Island excursion (€50-70, half or full day) is more snorkelling and diving focused.
Land excursions let you escape the enclave. Hoyo Azul and Scape Park (€60-80 with other activities, 14 km from Bávaro): spectacular turquoise cenote in the jungle. Macao Beach and quad excursion (€50-70, half day): wild beach and rural villages. Santo Domingo excursion (full day €70-100/person): overview of the UNESCO capital, condensed but useful. Samaná whale excursion (January-March only, €120-150, 5h round-trip, tiring but unforgettable).
Golf enthusiasts have plenty to choose: Punta Espada (Cap Cana, 18 holes Jack Nicklaus, world top 100), Corales (Puntacana Resort, Tom Fazio, PGA Tour host), La Cana (Puntacana Resort, P.B. Dye), Iberostar Bávaro (Pete Dye), Cocotal (Bávaro, 27 holes). Green fees USD 150-300 depending on course.
Evenings centre on resort entertainment (cabarets, theme nights, internal discos). At Bávaro, CocoBongo Punta Cana (€80-100 entry + drinks) is the iconic disco-show (two rooms, acrobatic performances). At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the casino and live concerts draw an international crowd. At Bayahibe, calmer and more authentic village vibe.
Read also
- Punta Cana and Bávaro — 30 km of beach and 200+ all-inclusive resorts: the Caribbean beach capital.
- Bayahibe — Preserved fishing village, gateway to Saona Island and Parque Nacional del Este.
- Dominican Republic — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Santo Domingo — The first European city in the Americas (1496) — combine with Punta Cana for a complete trip.