Its endless beaches and turquoise waters that bathe its coasts make travelling to Punta Cana a favourite option among the most highly sought-after Caribbean destinations. Its exclusivity and authenticity make it unique when compared to other neighbouring regions in the Caribbean, such as Puerto Rico or Havana. Punta Cana is warm all year round. The beaches of the resort area in the Dominican Republic are safe for vacationers. They are surrounded by a natural reef that, like a wall, protects tourists from dangerous ocean inhabitants. Resorts in the Dominican Republic offer different experiences for everyone, for every taste, for every audience and purpose of your trip.
Cap Cana
Cap Cana, a private retreat inside Punta Cana. Cap Cana is made up of 30,000 acres of flawless beaches, and oceanfront roads. It is the ideal destination for any traveler, with a variety of things to do, such as, water sports and outdoor activities, and quality restaurants. This destination is also home to Punta Espada Golf Club, which is considered one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean. Cap Cana also holds one of the most spectacular Marinas in the world, famous and accredited by international journals for its fishing. All of these amenities combined with Cap Cana’s turquoise waters and white sand beaches make it one of the most beautiful and desirable vacation spots in the world.
Bavaro Beach
Secrets Royal Beach is an adults only all inclusive resort located on one of the best rated beaches in Punta Cana, called Bavaro Beach. This resort will be a great well rounded resort that is mostly couples but also great for groups. There is plenty do to do here and it is described as social and fun.
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Cap Cana - Juanillo Beach
Secrets Cap Cana is an adults only all inclusive resort located in the Cap Cana area of Punta Cana. The beach is amazing as well as the resort. It is not too big but not too small. Food is better then the Secret's royal beach. This resorts doesn't have a lot of activities like the other though. This is also typically couples only.
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Bavaro Beach
Breathless is a fun and exciting, more trendy and modern resort. Is is lower in the Bavaro beach area. Bavaro beach is some of the most beautiful clear water in Punta Cana. It has a little of everything. This resort is for a mixture of people from couples, to singles, to groups with ages ranging from mid 20's to 60's. There is something for everyone here whether you want to have a relaxing time or want to party. The drinks are great and so is the food.
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Arena Gorda Beach
Iberostar Grand Bavaro, adults only, all inclusive resort, is considered the perfect size resort in the group of Iberostar hotels surrounding it. It is actually on Arena Gorda Beach (even though Bavaro is in the name). It is also more calm and relaxing than the other Iberostar resorts. You still have the option to visit the other resorts as well. There is also a small little walking area between the other two resorts that has very small shops. It is super cute and worth a trip over to the other resorts. This is a stunning resort with a more ancient European look.
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Cap Cana - Juanillo Beach
This is the second resort in Cap Cana area on this list. This resort is just like it's name...it's a sanctuary. It is almost like it's own little town. It might not have a huge beach or most of the beach is rocky and hilly. However, It does have a small area where you can lay out in the sun and put your feet in the water. It is an adults only resort with amazing entertainment and shows. You will not be bored here. Another resort with something for eveyone. It is said that there are 2 beaches. I
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Macao Beach
Excellence is located 45 min from the airport and it's a more secluded resort on the gorgeous Macao beach. This all inclusive, adults only resort has been rated as the best resort in Punta Cana, however just like anything it will come with a few cons. The rooms are nicely put together, the beds are comfortable and the minifridge has tons to choose from. It's a quiet serene resort with options to add the Excellence Club, where you can enjoy some extra amenities and services.
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Taking a trip to Punta Cana is like taking a trip anywhere. It is crucial to stay alert and use common sense to avoid trouble.
You can relax at the beach, snorkel or surf, enjoy the culture of the Dominican Republic, take zipline tours through the jungle and go on eco-adventures — as long as you keep your and your family’s well-being at the forefront of your mind.
Safety-conscious travelers should always consult the crime statistics for their destination before booking the trip. Compared to other cities, the violent crime rate is low.
As of May 2022, the crime index comes in at a moderate 49.69. Keep in mind that this statistic includes crimes that should not affect foreign travelers. Some of these crimes include drug use and sale, home break-ins, and car theft.
When it comes to physical attacks, the crime rate is moderate. The same goes for theft, assault, and armed robbery. Although, these crimes do not often occur in resort areas.
The city is highly safe to walk around in the daytime and moderately safe to explore at night time. With a safety index of 50.31, the city is safer than it is dangerous.
While “moderate” may seem uncomfortably high for some, it is pretty low for a vacation destination. Cancun, for example, has a higher index by over six points. Plenty of U.S. cities have higher crime indexes than either Caribbean location.
It is key to remember that the resorts will keep you safe. Beyond altruism, the tourism industry keeps Punta Cana on its feet. Resort hosts will be glad to have you and keep you safe.
Frequent travelers to the tropical town of Punta Cana recommend taking the following precautions against crime:
The media has a lot to say about safety in the DR, but in most cases, it is severely overblown. Punta Cana is actually significantly safer than other Caribbean cities, so most of the concern is unwarranted.
Pick-pocketing is a common type of theft in the Dominican Republic. To avoid this, keep your items in a sealed bag close to your body. Do not wear any flashy jewelry, and keep your phone tucked away at all times.
If you carry cash, keep half in one purse or pocket, and the other half in another bag or pocket. Don't bring original copies of identification while exploring outside resorts.
Other things to consider is weather, wildlife, and ocean safety. The ocean around Punta Cana has the possibility of having organisms such as sea urchins, Portuguese Man o’ War, Cassiopea, stingrays, and lionfish. These animals don’t actively target humans, but you can run the risk of stepping or coming into contact with one, which will most certainly result in a bit of pain. However, as long as you are wary, you should have no issue with these sea creatures.
Hurricanes, in particular, make travelers nervous. Hurricanes like David, Laura, and Georges caused such destruction that it makes sense for people to be nervous about the next big storm. Just keep track of storms before you go.
A coral reef surrounds the coast of the Dominican Republic. The reef functions like a natural barrier to keep sharks away from shore. There is no reason to fear sharks in the Dominican Republic. HOWEVER, be cautious about high surf and don't swim and drink.
For entry you will need a passport, $10 tourist tax (paid at airport), and eTicket for entry.
For more information visit Travel.State.Gov
For passport information visit Travel.State.Gov, or visit USPS
This list can be used all year long in the D.R.
Grab this google doc's list or message me for a pdf copy of this list.
Viator
You can find some excursions through my portal on Viator. Please let me know if there is an excursion that doesn't come up on here.
Elevate
This link below will direct you to Elevate (Project Expedition) excursions website.
YouTube Video
What are some things to know about Punta Cana? Here is a video that explains some things you should know about Beaches, Excursions, Safety, etc.
Youtube Video
Here is a list of things from this YouTuber that you might find helpful. He also has a lot of other great informational videos about Punta Cana
YouTube Video
Adult's Only
This is my opinion only based on what I have researched on these resorts. These resorts are based on top reviews as far as all around experience, beach, resort style, service, amenities, etc.