Source: Mirror
Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has long been a firm favourite with families after a holiday packed with sea, sand, sun and adventure.
After all, the holiday hotspot has it all; picture-perfect beaches, bustling promenades with shops and restaurants, a brilliant nightlife and heaps of family-friendly hotels and resorts.
Then there are the vast nature reserves packed with adventure parks and breathtaking landmarks for intrepid explorers to discover too.
Thanks to its popularity there are ways of finding cheap Punta Cana holidays too, for a dreamy Caribbean getaway that won’t break the bank.
To give you a helping hand we’ve put together a Punta Cana guide which includes the best things to see and do when you’re there as well as where to find cheap holiday deals.
Check out our guide below…
Best things to see and do
1. Spend a day on Bavaro Beach
For a vibrant atmosphere, Bavaro Beach needs to be on your radar.
Not only does it offer miles of fine powder sands and turquoise waters where you can take a dip, but you’ll find heaps of restaurants, bars and hotels lining the promenade.
2. Explore Saona Island
If you’re looking to do some exploring during your trip then you may want to consider an outing at this breathtaking island just off the coast of Punta Cana.
Get ready for mangroves, palm-fringed beaches, spectacular views and plenty of colourful fish you can look out for while snorkeling.
The fishing village of Mano Juan is a particular highlight, and an Instagram dream with its colourful shacks!
3. Have an adventure in Scape Park
Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, take note! Scape Park at Cap Cana offers everything from zip lines to cave swims.
For those who aren’t quite as fearless, there are picturesque trails, beautiful beaches and heaps of stunning scenery to be discovered in this natural theme park.
You can find out more on the Scape Park website.
4. Relax on Arena Gorda Beach
With its powdery golden sands, crystalline shallow waters and lines of palm trees, it’s no surprise that Arena Gorda is a hit with sun-seekers.
It tends to be popular with families too as there are facilities such as sun loungers and toilets.
5. Take a day trip to Catalina Island
Just a short boat trip less than two miles away from the mainland, Catalina Island has long been a hit with visitors looking to explore its picture-perfect sandy beaches, palm-fringed shores and the colourful shacks where you can find everything from food to souvenirs.
Oh, and make sure to leave time to go snorkeling – there is some very colourful marine life to be found amidst the crystalline waters!
6. Have a swim at Hoyo Azul
Surrounded by lush rainforest in Scape Park, the cenote of Hoyo Azul is about 45 feet deep and a must-visit for intrepid explorers.
The eye-catching turquoise waters never fail to wow visitors, and you can of course take a dip!
7. Soak up the views on Cortecito Beach
The former fishing village of El Cortecito has been transformed into a bustling tourist hub with plenty of bars and restaurants, but the Cortecito Beach is where you’ll find most visitors lounging on the golden sands or taking a dip in the shallow waters.
There are a few hotels nearby so it’s worth noting that during the peak season it can get quite busy.
8. Indulge your sweet tooth at ChocoMuseo
If you’re a fan of chocolate, then you may want to check out this fascinating little museum.
Learn all about cacao and chocolate, how it’s made, the history of the cacao industry in the exhibitions and plenty more tidbits thanks to the knowledgeable staff who are on hand to answer all of your questions.
9. Go snorkeling
Yes, we appreciate this one is quite vague but honestly, make sure to leave some space on the itinerary for a snorkeling adventure.
Whether you’re bringing your own gear at the beach or going on a boat trip, the Caribbean waters are filled with colourful fish and marine life (including turtles!), and it makes for a pretty unforgettable experience.
