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Family-Friendly Adventures in Tropical Punta Cana

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Punta Cana is bursting with family-friendly resorts, and the region’s local attractions and activities will entertain children of all ages. From building sand castles on white sandy beaches to swimming with dolphins, there’s no shortage of memorable adventures.

Family beaches and water sports

 

Punta Cana's palm-fringed beaches offer plenty of family-friendly activities in the water and on the sugar-white sands. Boca de Yuma has quieter beaches, and the calm lagoon at Bávaro Beach is protected by a barrier reef. You can scuba dive in turquoise waters alongside colorful fish and sea turtles, or play a few rounds of beach volleyball.

 

Macao Surf Camp

 

Catering to wannabe surf dudes over 6 years old, this surf camp is perfect for those who want to learn or perfect skills. Students learn surfing basics and safety on the beach before venturing out to turquoise waters.

 

Macao Beach, Punta Cana. Tel: +1 809 430 9017

 

Macao Surf Camp website

Family water attractions

 

Pools, resort water parks, and the crystalline sea provide plenty of aquatic activities for the whole family. You can snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks as they glide and dart off the coast of Cabeza de Toro and Bávaro. Boat trips will take you to see breaching whales or to Mano Juan village on Saona Island, where you can learn about turtle conservation projects.

 

Dolphin Island Park

 

Here you can get up close to dolphins and sea lions in their natural habitat. You can join the dolphins in the water for belly rides, and watch them perform tricks.

 

La Altagracia, 23000, Dominican Republic. Tel: +1 809 221 9444

 

Dolphin Island Park website

 

Discover local wildlife

 

The Dominican Republic is teeming with wildlife, from bottlenose dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles to iguanas, bats, and exotic, colorful birds. Nature reserves and animal attractions offer an entertaining insight into the island’s natural history, and kids can get involved in local conservation projects.

 

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park

 

Founded by the Ecological Foundation, this vast conservation reserve features 12 freshwater lagoons, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife.

 

Bávaro, Punta Cana. Tel: +1 809 959 9221

 

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park website

 

Manatí Park

 

The main attraction here is the chance to swim with dolphins, but visitors also enjoy shows starring clever parrots, horses, and sea lions.

 

Avenida Espania nu 45, Bávaro, Punta Cana. Tel: +1 809 221 9444

 

Manatí Park website

 

Food with the family

 

Family-friendly resorts offer a variety of familiar international cuisine and local dishes that will suit the palate of even the fussiest eaters. Kids are welcome at many local restaurants, while several attractions offer traditional dishes like chicharrón de pollo (fried chicken) alongside fun theater shows.

 

Ocean Adventures Punta Cana

 

You'll step aboard a replica of a pirate ship. Then it's on to Shark Island, a platform in the middle of the sea, for a hearty buffet, followed by a show.

 

Calle Mare, Bávaro 23000. Tel: +1 809 390 7418

 

Ocean Adventures Punta Cana website

 

Adventures for thrill-seekers

 

From zip-lining high above lush jungles to zooming along the beaches of Bávaro in a dune buggy, Punta Cana is full of adventurous activities. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker parasailing above Punta Cana or you want to horseback-ride off the beaten track, there’s an adventure for every age.

 

Canopy Adventure Tour

 

With a Canopy Adventure Tour at the Anamuya jungle near Higüey, you’ll soar above treetops on zip lines, absorbing birds-eye views from canopy platforms.

 

Anamuya, Bávaro, Punta Cana. Tel: +1 809 468 4041

 

Canopy Adventure Tour website

 

Xtreme-Buggy

 

Discover the beaches of Punta Cana at a faster pace on a dune buggy, off the tourist path. You can choose from a variety of tours from Bávaro to La Romana or Laguna Limon, via white sandy stretches.

 

Bávaro-Macao, Punta Cana. Tel: +1 809 351 0783

 

Xtreme-Buggy website

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