Why head to Punta Cana?
Bavaro/Punta Cana area is a premier Caribbean beach paradise, but more affordable than almost every other Caribbean destinations. Ask anyone who’s been to Punta Cana, and they will tell you that the beaches are among the absolute most picturesque that they’ve ever seen. Here, tall coconut palms dot a lot of the seashore, and the soft, white sand is inviting. What’s there to do? Well, lots and a lot of beautiful beaches; 35km of continuous pristine white sand.
Summary of the Area (The two town of Punta Cana and Bavaro)
Initially impression, Punta Cana/Bavaro is very similar to Playa Del Carmen in the Maya Riviera part of Mexico. It is actually a midsized tourist town that’s surrounded by beautiful white sand beach and many mega all-inclusive resorts that are similar to cities themselves than a resorts/hotels. The region has infrastructure for mass tourism but still has got the feel of a low rise small town.
The key tourist area comprise of the Bavaro (accessible to the public) to the north side of the airport and Punta Cana (gated and tourists that are not staying at one of many Punta Cana’s resort can just only access with a day pass) to the south side. If they know it or not, most tourist nevertheless they been to Punta Cana really spends their amount of time in Bavaro, which will be the key tourist hub. Because of the gated area, Punta Cana is more exclusive/private (often higher end) than Bavaro; however, it is far way from any town or night life. Punta Cana area is more or less an attractive master planned community of high-end resort and golf courses. Many tourists love this beautiful exclusive feels, and many would complaint so it lacks the culture of Dominican Republic as one will not be able to tell which country they’re in once inside that gated master planned community. You will however have most of the beach to just yourself and that special person. Many movie stars find their hideaway here.
Bavaro has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, closer to town, but lacks the privacy and exclusive feels of Punta Cana. The leaning palm trees, the softer white sand, and the gentle waves make this area the picture perfect beach. All water sports activities such as for example parasailing, windsurfing, and jet ski are readily available facing you. Inside our opinion, we choose the more beautiful beaches of Bavaro and the capacity to easily escape from the resort to experience local food and night life in town. Perhaps a much better way to put it is that Punta Cana is more for couples/adults only and Bavaro is more for the family. But honestly, there are so much white sand and aqua-blue water here that you will likely have your personal range of your chosen beaches.
Things to do
Punta Cana and Bavaro have everything to offer for each of all ages.
Relax – The typical day is normally filled up with activities at the resort such as for example yoga, parasailing, windsurfing, best snorkeling punta cana, kayaking, sailing lesson, or simply sunbathing.
Party – Punta Cana/Bavaro has some party scene and night life, but it is a whole lot more toned down that that of Cancun or Cabo. Party boats during day or sunset are available and can be booked through hotel concierge or at any restaurants/vendors in town
Excursions – Recommended could be the Saona Island exursion. This is the best punta cana excursions. It is vital visit and is 1 hour from Punta Cana. Typical cost is about $60-70USD and $25 for transportation per person from Punta Cana. If you drive there, then disregard the $25 transportation cost. You can walk over the Bayahibe harbor at 7:30am each day and may be able to negotiate a $40USD deal. Beware, lower price may be lower quality. best snorkeling punta cana.
Golf – You can find so many golf courses around, especially in the gated Punta Cana resort area, where the courses are directly on the edge of the ocean.
Beaches – Many tourists just stick the beach facing their resort. However, when you yourself have a rental car (highly recommended), then you should venture out to the numerous beaches over the 35km of continuous white sand. Driving throughout the day is fine, but during the night isn’t recommended (many cars/motorcycle with no lights on the road). Also, you should know that gas in DR is quite expensive.
Eat – Escape from the resort by cab or car to sample some local food. The majority of the local restaurants and night life are located in the El Cortecito waterfront area, intersection of Avenida Francia/Avenida Espana (Plaza Punta Cana/Plaza Bavaro), and the intersection of Avenida Estados Unidos/Avenida Espana (around the Texaco gas station). The most popular which we ate 4 times during our visit is Delicias de Bavaro (at intersection of Avenida Francia/Avenida Espana), a shared filled up with locals.
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