10 Insider Tips for a Punta Cana holiday off-the-beaten-track

10 Insider Tips for a Punta Cana holiday off-the-beaten-track

If you are planning your vacation in Punta Cana, but would like to experience more than just a usual all-inclusive holiday, then have a look at our newest blogpost. As we are the experts for Punta Cana and the whole Dominican Republic, we know each and every corner in the area and can provide you with unique insider tips – along with an accommodation, which suits 100% your needs. Have a look at some things to do in Punta Cana, which are off-the-beaten track and let your next vacation in the Dominican Republic be organized by Dominican Expert.

Accommodation off-the-beaten track in the Punta Cana region

Number 1: All-Inclusive Resort in Cap Cana or Bayahibe

Most people are looking for an all-inclusive resort just in Punta Cana including the areas of Bavaro, Cabeza de Toro, Macao and Uvero Alto – but they forget that there are other areas with lovely beaches nearby. Cap Cana is a new project south of Punta Cana and just a 15 minutes drive, Bayahibe is less than 60 minutes driving away and a completely different world. Especially Bayahibe with its ultra-turqouise water is highly recommend, as prices are lower than in Punta Cana and beaches are not that crowded.

Secrets Cap Cana (All-Inclusive), Punta Cana

Secrets Cap Cana (All-Inclusive), Punta Cana

Our recommendation in Cap Cana is the Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa,a sophisticated, adults-only hideaway located in the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana.Facing the clear Caribbean Sea along the white sand of the exclusive Juanillo Beach. For Bayahibe, Cadaques Resort is definitely off-the-beaten track as it is directly adjacent to the National Park del Este.

Number 2: A nice guesthouse at the beach

Not everything in Punta Cana is about all-inclusive resorts. Especially in high season, when prices for the resorts are high, it is also worth to have a look at small privately owned guesthouses – some of them are also directly at the beach! Your advantage is more money for excursions and adventures and a more local experience when staying in Punta Cana.

Colourful entrance of a guest house in Bavaro

Our recommendation: Request us for up-to-date recommendations on Punta Cana guesthouses as we usually do not have them online.


Number 3: A luxury villa with your friends

Another option most people don’t think about when they are planning their vacation in Punta Cana is to rent a luxury villa. It will be probably more expensive than just going into an all-inclusive resort, but service, privacy and comfort are unmatched. Imagine you have your private cook and drinks will be served at the pool which you have all on your own – sounds cool, doesn’t it?

Sunset view from villa Santa Cruz in Punta Cana

Our recommendation: If you’d like to take a first glimpse at our villas, have a look at Villa Waterfall, Villa Pandora or Santa Cruz del Caribe.
Convinced? Read on our blogpost about 7 tips on how to find the best villa for your vacation in the Dominican Republic and please enquire with us so that we can find your perfect villa in Punta Cana.

Things-to-do in Punta Cana

Number 4: Montaña Redonda

Once you have found the right accommodation spot, it is time to get your excursions in Punta Cana planned. One of the hidden spots in and around Punta Cana is the Montaña Redonda – the so called “round mountain”. It offers spectacular views over the adjacent mountain range as well as the impressive coastline and on top, it offers swings and hammocks on the edge of the mountain which makes up for unique photo opportunities, literally flying over the ocean and the tropical vegetation.

Panoramic view from Montana Redonda

Our recommendation:To go up the mountain, you can either go with your own 4×4 from Punta Cana (request us for a rental), take a safari truck for a small nominal fee or simply hike up in approx. 30-45 minutes. Montana Redonda is approx. 1 hour driving from Punta Cana away.

Number 5: Salto de la Jalda

If you are looking for even more adventure, you should consider visiting Salto de la Jalda, which at the same time is the highest waterfall of the Caribbean. There are no signs or indications directing to the waterfalls, which already shows how much off-the-beaten track we are talking about here – it might be your biggest Punta Cana adventure. To get to the waterfall you need to be a strong hiker and definitely require a guide, but the rewards with a roaring 400ft-waterfall and a natural pool all for your own will be breath-taking.

Salto de la Jalda

Our recommendation: Getting to the waterfall is difficult and there are no scheduled excursions from Punta Cana. However, we can organize a driver and a guide, so that you can see this amazing piece of nature. It is less than 2 hours driving from Punta Cana.

 

Number 6: The Blue Lagoons of Punta Cana

If you are looking for some things to do in Punta Cana which are very close but still not crowded, we can recommend you the blue lagoons of the area. These are sinkholes with freshwater, which are crystal clear and extremely refreshing, as they are consisting of subterranean water. Those blue lagoons are perfect for snorkelling and swimming and are great fun for the whole family.

Hoyo Azul Punta Cana

Our recommendation: There are two easy accessible blue lagoons in the area of Punta Cana. Hoyo Azul can be visited within an organized tour (enquire with us for our specially discounted excursion rates), while Hoyo Claro can be explored individually with a rental car (enquire with us for our rental cars with full insurance).

 

Number 7: Juanillo Beach

Of course your activities in Punta Cana would not be perfect with visiting some of the world-class beaches the area has to offer – and it’s definitely worth venturing out from your all-inclusive resort to explore some of them. One of our favourite beaches in Punta Cana is Playa Juanillo, an extremely white white with turquoise waters and great beach bars. You can easily pass the whole day here and feel like in another world.

Restaurant Little John, Playa Juanillo

Restaurant Little John, Playa Juanillo

Our recommendation: Juanillo Beach can either be explored individually (it’s about 30 to 45 minutes driving from most all-inclusive resort) or we can organize a tour for you with transfers as well as open-bar and lunch at the elegant Juanillo Beach Club.

 Number 8: Esmeralda Beach

If you’d like to explore a beach in Punta Cana well off-the-beaten-track, you should venture out to the north of the area and explore Playa Esmeralda, a pristine, virgin, untouched and absolutely beautiful beach, around 60 miles away from most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. The beach is more than 2 miles long (and even longer when you add the adjoining bays) and chances are very high, that you will have the whole beach on your own. If you are looking for hidden, unknown and stunning beaches, Playa Esmeralda is definitely one of your top things-to-do in Punta Cana.

Playa Esmeralda

Our recommendation: Esmeralda Beach can be reached by land, but you need an SUV (enquire with us for our full-insuranced cars) to get there as the road is in a bad shape for the last 7 to 8 miles. Alternatively we can organize a boat excursion for you if you’d like to explore this piece of heaven on your own.

Local Experiences

Number 9: Stay with the Locals at Isla Saona

Isla Saona is one of the most famous excursions from Punta Cana, but this comes also with its bill: crowds at the beach and full boats are just two things connected with the Isla Saona, along with its turquoise waters and paradisical beaches of course. However, there is an option to discover the Isla Saona off-the-beaten track where you will meet no other tourists – just the local community of the sole village. You can’t get closer to an authentic Dominican experience and can combine this with a beautiful and palm-lined beach.

The beautiful Isla Saona in the South of the Dominican Republic

The beautiful Isla Saona in the South of the Dominican Republic

Our recommendation: Our Isla Saona Local Experience can either be organized as a day-trip or a multi-day trip (recommended). If you decide to stay a night at Isla Saona, you will stay at our basic Guesthouse at the paradisicial Isla Saona – beachfront and with an authentic experience you will never forget.

Number 10: Drink Points in Punta Cana

Another thing to do in Punta Cana is to experience the nightlife. Most people will visit the famous and fun-filled (but touristy) Coco Bongo. If you’d like to explore the Punta Cana nightlife off-the-beaten track then you should venture out to Avenida Espana to mingle with the local points. So called drink points are the most popular spots with the Dominicans, where loud music is played and drinks are cheap. If you speak Spanish, there is no better way to authentically interact with the locals, of whom the majority will be resort-workers. So maybe you get a good insider tip for your next Punta Cana holiday?

“El Kan” one of the many drink points in Punta Cana

Our recommendation: The nightlife in Punta Cana can be explored on your own, if you leave your valuables at home and use common sense. Taxis and motoconchos can bring you to Avenida Espana, for example to the KAN Drink House.
If you’d like to visit the famous Coco Bongo show, please enquire with us and we will book your tickets for you.

Would you like to explore Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track?

You want to go birding in the Dominican Republic and see the immense variety of this country? Ask us for your personalized birdwatching itinerary and get in touch with our professional travel experts.

Roundtrips

This short trip is specially designed for nature lovers who want to experience the animal and natural diversity of the Dominican Republic up close and far away from any civilization. Travel back in time and spend two nights in the National Park "Los Haitises", where over 4000 years ago the indigenous people of the island used to live in the caves there. During mating season from mid-January to mid-March, you will be able to witness the impressive humpback whales and see many bird species (some of them endemic) during an early morning bird watching tour.

5 Days / 4 Nights
from from 1,295 USD per person in double occupancy

Our round trip for golfers and connoisseurs starts in a renowned golf hotel, located directly on one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Here you can settle in, enjoy the hotel's amenities and excellent service, as well as indulge your passion for golf - 4x green fees are waiting for you! In the UNESCO protected "Zona Colonial", the old town of Santo Domingo, you will find historic buildings, picturesque little streets and an excellent selection of gastronomic specialties. The "Zona" is full of life and colorful surprises! You will visit the most important rum distilleries in the country, experience cigar production first hand and see how a chocolate bar is made from a cocoa bean. You will also be able to eat delicious fresh fish, dine in the most historic square of the entire country and, of course, be invited to noble rum tastings - a real epicurean journey! Finally, relaxing days and golf await you in Puerto Plata, in a high-class boutique hotel on the beach - a perfect conclusion to this exciting golf trip through the Dominican Republic!

13 Days / 12 Nights
from USD 5,965.- per person in double occupancy

This golf trip starts in La Romana, at the prestigious Casa de Campo hotel. Here you can settle in, enjoy the hotel's amenities and excellent service, as well as indulge your passion for golf - 5x green fees are waiting for you! In the UNESCO protected "Zona Colonial", the old town of Santo Domingo, you will find historic buildings, picturesque little streets and an excellent selection of gastronomic specialties. The "Zona" is full of life and colorful surprises! Another highlight of the round trip is the peninsula of Samaná, which is one of the absolutely most beautiful regions of the country thanks to its miles of dream beaches and lush tropical nature. In addition to relaxing at the first-class, quiet beach hotel Sublime Samaná, you will embark on a journey through the Los Haitises National Park, where breathtaking natural beauty, countless bird species and exciting Taino caves await you. The last days of your trip you will spend in Punta Cana, the Caribbean No. 1, which impresses with its almost endless beaches - perfect to end the holiday and play a few rounds of golf on the most renowned courses in Punta Cana.

17 Days / 16 Nights
from From USD 7,490.- per person in double occupancy
Dreams Dominicus La Romana (All-Inclusive), Bayahibe

You want to spend a relaxing vacation with a lot of comfort in the most beautiful all-inclusive resorts, but still get to know a bit of the Dominican Republic, the country and its people? Then this trip is perfect for you! It combines the best resorts on the most beautiful Caribbean dream beaches with unforgettable experiences and impressions in beautiful places "off the beaten track", which remain hidden to most tourists. You will also make a short trip to the tropical peninsula of Samaná and visit the national park "Los Haitises". Our private transfers with professional drivers will take you to the most beautiful areas and unique accommodations of the Dominican Republic according to your wishes and with a lot of comfort.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,640.- per person in double occupancy
Las Dunas de Baní, the sole desert in the Caribbean

The southwest of the Dominican Republic, also called "Sur Occidental", is one of the "Top Secrets" of this island, because this area is still almost completely undiscovered by tourists. With your private driver or driver-guide you can discover this region intensively and accompanied. Sit back during the rides and enjoy the unique views. In this region you will mainly find pure nature and the real Dominican life, far away from tourism and hustle and bustle. The southwest of the Dominican Republic with its seven national parks combines snow-white and pristine beaches with barren mountain landscapes, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls. This trip will take you through a unique Caribbean natural landscape. Unforgettable moments are guaranteed! If you travel with a driver-guide, you will also learn a lot about the country, culture, history, flora and fauna on the spot.

6 Days / 5 Nights
from USD 1,140.- per person in double occupancy
Dominican People

On this unique round trip, within only one week, you will discover the most beautiful parts of the Dominican Republic which most tourists never get to see. With your private driver or driver-guide you can discover the Dominican Republic intensively and supervised. Sit back during the rides and enjoy the unique views. Travel through the heart of the island with waterfalls, lakes and mountains; and don't worry, you won't miss the beautiful beaches on this trip either. Moreover, if you travel with a driver-guide, you will learn a lot about the country, culture, history, flora and fauna on the spot. As one of the highlights you will visit the remote and untouched national park "Los Haitises" during the trip.

8 Days / 7 Nights
from USD 3,540.- per person in double occupancy
La Reyoa Waterfall Hike, Puerto Plata

The Dominican Republic offers a variety of natural beauty unique in the Caribbean. This versatility provides the ideal conditions for any kind of adventure experiences and sporting activities, which you will experience in two weeks on our round trip "Active Island Experience". The always pleasant air and water temperatures throughout the country make the activities even more special experiences. From activities like canyoning, river rafting, paragliding, hiking to remote beaches and waterfalls, mountain biking, surfing and kiting: this trip combines everything an adventurer's heart desires! Of course, you can choose the type and number of activities that best suit you - we will be happy to customize the trip according to your wishes. Besides, on this trip you will get to know beautiful landscapes, dream beaches and exciting places that remain hidden to most tourists and learn a lot about the Dominican culture and local life.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,875.- per person in double occupancy

Discover the Caribbean far away from civilization on this rental car tour and explore some of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic, which remain hidden to most tourists. Perfectly suited for mountain and outdoor lovers! One of the highlights of this is the ascent of Pico Duarte: at over 10,000 feet, it is the highest peak in the Cordillera Central and thus in the entire Caribbean region. On this mountain tour in the Dominican Republic you will experience a unique natural landscape, which presents itself in a breathtaking way in the different climates you will hike through: from tropical landscapes to pine and deciduous forests, past crystal clear mountain streams to rocky summit landscapes. Definitely a unique experience! Other highlights of this adventure trip in the mountains are the crossing of the highest pass road of the Caribbean in the Cordillera Central, overnight stay in the highest hotel of the Caribbean as well as an unforgettable canyoning adventure. The level of difficulty of all sporting activities can be adapted to you depending on your fitness and abilities.

8 Days / 7 Nights
from USD 1,795.- per person in double occupancy

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