Best Day Trips in Punta Cana

Not everything in Punta Cana is about beaches and water tourism. Check out some of my favorite excursions to do from Punta Cana to fun places.

Andressa García

Andressa García

11 min read

Best Day Trips in Punta Cana

Punta Cana | ©Aglez the city guy

In the excursions that you can do from Punta Cana, you can choose for all tastes, from excursions to Santo Domingo with a full day tour of the city, to excursions to the most incredible jungle places in the Dominican Republic.

If you like adventure, you definitely have to include this activity in your list of the best things to do in Punta Cana. If you are more of a traditionalist, you can enjoy full day excursions to the most paradisiacal beaches of the island.

1. Full day excursion to the city of Santa Domingo

Streets of Santo Domingo| ©pepoexpress
Streets of Santo Domingo| ©pepoexpress

Excursions to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana are one of the best experiences you can have during your visit to the Dominican Republic. In this full day tour you will get to know the whole city in a super tour that includes the transfer from the hotel where you are staying in Punta Cana to Santo Domingo and back.

This tour will take you to the most interesting historical places in the central area of the city, where you will learn a little more about the Dominican culture. You will also be able to visit many places of tourist interest just before tasting some of the most exquisite Dominican dishes.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 95 euros per person.
  • Duration: Approximately 11 hours.
  • Means of transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
  • Advantages of this excursion: Includes transfer to and from the hotel. Accompaniment by an expert historical guide. Audible guide for the monuments of historical interest with language selection. Admission to all the places to visit with all included. Lunch included.
  • Disadvantages of this tour: Tips are not included. Not adapted for wheelchair users. To enter the cathedral, women and men must be covered up to their elbows and knees.

Reserve your visit to Santo Domingo

2. Trip to Santo Domingo with caves and nature included

Los Tres Ojos National Park| ©Vittorio Dell'Aquila
Los Tres Ojos National Park| ©Vittorio Dell'Aquila

This tour differs from the previous one in that in addition to touring the city and its most interesting tourist sites, you will also have the opportunity to visit the caves and the lake located within the Los Ojos National Park. This tour in the middle of nature is specially designed for lovers of the outdoors.

During this experience you will also be able to travel to the most colonial area of Santo Domingo and of course you will be able to taste an exquisite typical food before continuing with the tour through the rest of the city and its tourist sites. During the tour you will be accompanied by a tour guide who will show you around without leaving anything out.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 55 euros per person.
  • Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
  • Means of transport: Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
  • Advantages of this trip: Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included. Non-alcoholic beverages and lunch are also included. It is wheelchair accessible. Baby seats are also available and it is stroller accessible.
  • Disadvantages of this trip: Alcoholic beverages are not included.

3. Ride to El Limon Waterfall and Bacardi Island

El Limon Waterfall| ©Jack P
El Limon Waterfall| ©Jack P

From the town of Punta Cana you will live the experience of a completely adventurous tour that will take you to the most magical places of the island' s geography, which includes many beaches and waterfalls where you can stop to take pictures or take a swim if you want.

In this tour that you can do with your family, your friends and even with children, you will know what the true adventurous spirit is because besides taking you to the El Limón waterfall and Bacardi Island, you will be able to know at least a part of the Dominican jungle, a place where you will know very closely the popular fauna and flora of this region.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 169 euros per person.
  • Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
  • Means of transportation: Air-conditioned bus throughout the trip.
  • Advantages of this tour: Tour guide, lunch and transfer to and from the hotel is included. Bottled water is also included.
  • Disadvantages of this tour: Tips are not included. Not recommended for pregnant women, or people with back problems. It is also not adapted for people in wheelchairs.

4. Half day adventure in 4x4 to tour Punta Cana

By Jeep| ©PuntaCana JustSafari
By Jeep| ©PuntaCana JustSafari

Departing from Punta Cana you will first travel into the Dominican jungle aboard the jeeps. Once inside the jungle, you will have to keep on driving until you reach a local farm where you can enjoy the enveloping flavors of Dominican coffee and chocolate.

Once you have finished that part of the excursion, you can continue on board the same vehicle to a local cave which is one of the most interesting attractions of the island. You will also see the subway river in the cave. After all this tour the next stop in the 4x4 will be at Macao beach, where you can take a dip in tropical waters before returning to the city of Punta Cana.

If we talk about the best excursions to Macao Beach from Punta Cana, I would include this 4x4 experience because you will not only be getting to know the Dominican jungle, but you will also be able to do your respective walk on the beach.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 65 euros per person.
  • Duration: About 4 full hours.
  • Means of transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle and 4x4 vehicle.
  • Advantages of this adventure: The presence of a professional photographer is included during the trip. Transportation to and from the hotel is included. Coffee and chocolate tasting is also included.
  • Disadvantages of this adventure: Photography is not included, but is available for purchase at a later date. Towel, sunscreen, bathing suits or any other items considered for personal use are not included.

5. Day trip to Saona Island with boat trip

Saona Island| ©Wernner
Saona Island| ©Wernner

This all-Caribbean experience takes you to the Dominican coast where you can not only swim and enjoy the warm waters of the beach, but also be in a natural pool where you will see lots of starfish.

In addition the stop at almost every site is long enough to walk along the beach and enjoy the white sand. Definitely one of the best excursions to Saona Island from Punta Cana is this one, because it takes you to the biggest attraction of the Dominican Republic, its beaches.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 80 euros per person.
  • Duration: About 9 hours and a half to complete the tour.
  • Means of transportation: Vehicle with all the comforts, boat and catamaran.
  • Advantages of this excursion: Buffet lunch and alcoholic beverages are included thanks to the open bar service. You will be able to enter the natural pool for at least 30 minutes. Instruction and snorkeling suits are included.
  • Disadvantages of this excursion:Souvenir photos are not included in the package, but you can buy them separately. Lobster is also excluded from the buffet menu, but you can eat it for an additional price.

6. Safari in the Monkeyland plantation in the Dominican jungle

At Monkeyland| ©flickrized
At Monkeyland| ©flickrized

This is an experience that takes you through the jungle of the Dominican Republic, specifically to Monkeyland, a true monkey sanctuary that a dedicated couple takes care of. During your expedition through the jungle you will be able to see different coffee and cocoa plantations, two of the flagship products of this country.

In this one of the best excursions to Monkeyland from Punta Cana, you can also visit the botanical garden to learn about the native flora of the jungle area of the Dominican Republic.

At the same time you will have the opportunity to take many pictures during the trip because you will be able to appreciate breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 79 euros per person.
  • Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
  • Means of transportation: Safari vehicle during the whole experience.
  • Advantages of this safari: Transfer from the hotel and back is included. They offer bottled water on the way. It also has the accompaniment of an expert guide.
  • Disadvantages of this safari: Tips are not included, nor are meals or drinks. No ticketing fee is included at any location.

Book your excursion to Monkeyland

7. Adventure in Punta Cana by buggy and catamaran

Buggy from Punta Cana| ©johncooper911
Buggy from Punta Cana| ©johncooper911

From the moment you leave your accommodation, you will get on a buggy and go into the Dominican jungle. You will go in search of a private farm where you will see how coffee and chocolate are made and have the opportunity to taste both. At this farm you will also see the processing of cinnamon.

Once you have finished this stop at the farm, you will continue with the buggy to the Macao area, a white sand beach with crystal clear waters. At this beach you will board the double-decker catamaran. During the rest of the buggy adventure you will sail in the turquoise waters and see different marine species just before snorkeling.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 115 euros per person.
  • Duration: About 8 hours.
  • Means of transportation: All terrain buggy and catamaran.
  • Advantages of this adventure: Including transfers to and from the hotel where you stay. Tasting of local organic products is included. Also included is access to the catamaran with unlimited drinks, snacks and fruits. Snorkeling equipment is included. This trip is suitable for the whole family. Both experiences can be planned for one day or for two different days.
  • Disadvantages of this adventure: It is not suitable for pregnant women or people who suffer from back problems. It does not include sunscreen, towels or any other product for personal use.

Book your buggy adventure and catamaran tour

8. Sunset horseback riding tour from Punta Cana

Horseback Riding Tour| ©Claire Lau
Horseback Riding Tour| ©Claire Lau

For two hours you will have the opportunity to take a leisurely horseback ride around the beach in the company of a tour guide who will show you the most beautiful features of the place. Before the horseback riding, the tour leaders will pick you up at the hotel where you are staying to take you to the place where you are going to go horseback riding.

Once at the site, you will not only get on the horse, but you will also have an experience on the farm, meeting and seeing other animals. Likewise, you will receive a talk about horseback riding and all the safety precautions you must follow before getting on the horse. Once you are ready, the ride will begin until you reach the beach to watch the sunset.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 78 euros per person.
  • Duration: About 2 hours during sunset.
  • Means of transport: Properly conditioned vehicle and horses.
  • Advantages of this tour: It is a family tour. It can be converted into a private experience for an additional cost. Bottled water is included throughout the tour. You will have access to all activities. Transportation to and from the hotel is included. Accompaniment by a professional guide.
  • Disadvantages of this tour: Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase. It is not adapted for wheelchair users. Not suitable for people with back problems or pregnant women.

9. Party Boat only for adults on the beaches of Punta Cana

Taiguey Emotion Show Catamaran| ©Raul L
Taiguey Emotion Show Catamaran| ©Raul L

This is an ideal experience for young people who want to enjoy a real party in the Caribbean. If you are one of this group of people, you will want to live this experience. You will get on a catamaran where you will have the opportunity to snorkel at some point during the trip on board. You will be able to meet other tourists visiting the Dominican Republic.

You will also be entitled to an open bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during the whole trip, which makes it one of the best boat and catamaran tours in Punta Cana. Once you get to the natural pool, the party will begin, in the middle of a scenario where the water reaches up to your waist, making this a truly amazing experience.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 64 euros per person.
  • Duration: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Means of transportation: Equipped and comfortable vehicle and catamaran.
  • Advantages of this party boat: Open bar during the whole experience. Transportation to and from the hotel. Snacks included and right to use snorkeling equipment.
  • Disadvantages of this party boat: Souvenir photos are not included, but are available for purchase. Gratuities and lunch are also not included. Children are not accepted on board, only for adults.

10. Cruise with paragliding and snorkeling experience

Cruise in Punta Cana| ©claude m banica
Cruise in Punta Cana| ©claude m banica

This is a family activity that begins with the incredible experience of paragliding over the Dominican beach, from where you will be able to see the contrasts of the crystal clear turquoise waters. Before launching into the paragliding, an expert guide will give you all the safety measures you need to know.

After having lived this high altitude experience, you will board the cruise to sail along the coasts of the Dominican Republic and live one of the best snorkeling experiences in Punta Cana in the middle of coral reefs. Then you will go to a natural pool where you will be able to swim with all the safety measures. During the whole activity you will have access to drinks and all the entertainment on board.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 113 euros per person.
  • Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
  • Means of transportation: Fully equipped vehicle and catamaran.
  • Advantages of this cruise: Transfer from the hotel and back is included. Open bar of unlimited domestic drinks is also available. Snacks and tropical fruits are included, as well as the use of snorkeling gear. You will have music and entertainment on board.
  • Disadvantages of this cruise: Photographs are not included, but are available for purchase. Gratuities for crew and driver are not included. Sunscreen and other personal items are not included. For paragliding, each person must weigh a maximum of 204 kilograms. Children under two years old cannot attend the experience. Not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The tour may be cancelled if weather conditions are adverse.

Book your paragliding and snorkeling cruise

Duration of the excursions from Punta Cana

Summer in Punta Cana| ©RLBrinkman
Summer in Punta Cana| ©RLBrinkman

Punta Cana is a tourist area but also from this place you can make excursions to other places of the island. For this reason, the excursions can vary with respect to the time that each one lasts. Generally these types of excursions last from half a day to a full day, depending on the places you want to visit.

If you go on a cruise ship, the excursions can be extended and last between 5 and 8 hours. But if it is an excursion close to Punta Cana it can last a little less between 2 and 4 hours. The duration also depends on the type of activity you want to do, whether it is a land or water activity.

Tips for an excursion from Punta Cana

Family on the Beach| ©Pixabay
Family on the Beach| ©Pixabay
  • Bring sunscreen to any excursion, whether on land or in the water, because the Caribbean sun can cause severe sunstroke for those who are not used to it.
  • Pack sunglasses, cool clothes and your best swimsuits because most excursions include beach and/or pool.
  • Make sure you can take the kids on these types of excursions, and if you can't take them on any of these experiences, check out the 10 things you can do in Punta Cana with kids.
  • Even if everything is included in the excursion package, try to eat well before embarking on experiences such as cruises or party boats.
  • Control alcohol intake in experiences where you have access to an open bar, because if you drink too much, you may be denied access to the excursion or expelled from it.