Making the most of Punta Cana
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships cannot dock here, so you will tender ashore to Cap Cana Marina and Harbor in about 20 minutes.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: cruise schedule.
Punta Cana is in La Altagracia Province, considered the Dominican Republic's Easternmost province. It is regarded as part of the Punta-Cana-Bavaro-Veron-Macao municipal district, and more specifically sits in the Higuey municipality. The area has a beautiful coastline of sandy white beaches facing both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Its natural beauty and tropical wet and dry climate have made it a very popular tourist destination since the early 1970s.
Bavaro Adventure Park is an outdoor adventure theme park in a natural, ecologically sustainable setting. It covers 44 hectares, with 5.5 km of ecological trails and sustainable architecture using containers and recycled materials. Facilities include rest areas, a souvenir and photo shop, a children's playground, hammocks, bathrooms with showers, lockers, a restaurant, hydration points throughout the park and other services. There are over 15 fun activities, including zip-lines, paintball, a bungee trampoline and flight simulators, among many others. Its on-site Jurassic Park has more than 20 animatronic dinosaurs.
Getting around
Passengers wanting a relaxed time under the sun should visit Bavaro Beach. Its powder white sand is always kept clean, and the beach provides access to the warm, clear waters that surround it.
Animal and nature lovers should visit Manati Park, a theme park with lush gardens and an array of animals found in the Dominican Republic, where visitors can even swim with real dolphins.
The Bavaro Runners is one of the town's most popular safari excursions, including visits to local homes and sugar plantations, then ending with a horseback ride on beautiful beaches.
Hoyo Azul is a freshwater lagoon of turquoise water at the base of a 200-foot cliff.
Nearby places
Santo Domingo has plentiful historical landmarks and is considered the site of the Western Hemisphere's first European settlement. It has successfully preserved its colonial heritage for over five centuries and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Only a 10 minute drive from port, Scape Park ranges from thrilling, adrenaline-packed adventures to smooth cultural experiences. Let your senses Scape by ziplining on a cliff, exploring ancient caverns, swimming in underground caves, jumping from water zip lines and riding in our splash hammocks! Beyond these unique adventures, you can cruise along stunning beaches, snorkel in tropical waters or simply relax in the exclusive beach club.
Money
1 Dominican peso equals 0.029499 U.S. Dollars.
Many establishments, especially in touristic areas, accept USD, but some small stores take only pesos. Local currency is available through the ATM.