Guides
Family-Friendly Adventures in Tropical Punta Cana
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
Punta Cana Guides
Where to Stay in Punta Cana - Beaches, Golf, and All-Inclusive Fun
The Punta Cana Dining Scene - from Elaborate French Cuisine to Hearty Bean Stew
An Insider's Guide to Punta Cana - Travel Tips for the Perfect Holiday
Shopping in Punta Cana - from Hand-rolled Cigars to Unique Jewelry
Beyond the Beaches - Nature Reserves, Desert Islands, and Pirate Hideaways near Punta Cana
Where to stay
Uvero Alto
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