Punta Cana’s beaches have been declared among the top 10 best in the world. It’s no wonder as this lovely strip of Caribbean shoreline harbors one of the longest coral reefs in the world—an amazing 19 miles!
Located 100 miles east of the capital city of Santo Domingo, Punta Cana is nestled in the province of La Altagracia on the eastern-most tip of the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana’s most distinct feature is its palm-tree lined sandy white beachfront known as the Coconut Coast that runs from Punta Cana through Bavaro and up to El Macao.
Perfect year-round temperatures and dazzling coastal vistas offer a huge variety of water activities. Snorkelers can submerge in the deep azure sea and explore the tropical fish and coral reefs. Scuba divers can take to the deeper waters in search of sunken ships and exotic marine life. Subterranean rivers are located in the northern area of the island.
Recreational activities are endless for singles, families, children, couples or groups. While most gravitate to a wide variety of non-motorized water activities including, snorkeling, wind-surfing, kayaking and beachcombing, your Club Med activities director can likely line you up for cultural or adventure immersions like merengue lessons, cooking classes, horseback riding, ATV or jeep safaris. Perhaps you’ll want to take an island excursion to nearby Isla Saona known also for its natural spring pools. The island, inhabited by iguanas and some 300 villagers, is accessible by a power-boat ride.
If your group includes children, you’ll have four theme parks to choose from: Marinarium, Dolphin Island Park, Manati Park and Animal Adventure Park. Each park offers diverse options such as swimming with dolphins, sea lion shows and crocodile exhibits.
Is golf your passion? You have certainly arrived when staying in the Punta Cana region! This sun-swept seacoast is a virtual temple to golfers boasting a number of breathtaking water view golf courses within 50 miles of Bavaro, designed by the biggest names in the industry like Nick Price, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Tom Fazio, P.B. Dye and Jose-Pepe-Gancedo. Take La Cana, for example, with its 27 stunning ocean-view holes — four right along the water’s edge. This P.B. Dye-designed golf course is legendary for its captivating views of the Caribbean Sea. Often compared to Pebble Beach, it’s been continuously lauded as the No. 1 golf course in the Caribbean. The clubhouse was designed by Oscar de la Renta.