Punta Cana is a lovely, palm-filled Caribbean destination at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, known for its beaches. The Dominican Republic is roughly 800 miles southeast of Miami, with Cuba to the west, and Puerto Rico to the east. Numerous resorts in Punta Cana offer a complete vacation experience, including spas, golfing and restaurants. Punta Cana's white sandy beaches and pristine mountains provide the perfect backdrop for an active vacation in paradise.
Golf
Golf aficionados from all over the world flock to Punta Cana. There are eight golf courses in the Punta Cana area, including the Cocotal and La Cana clubs. La Cana, at PuntaCana Resort and Club, offers a mix of tall coconut palms with Scottish-style bunkers, and four holes directly on the ocean. Cocotal Golf and Country Club is in nearby Bavaro, and offers three nine-hole courses.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Punta Cana boasts a 30-kilometer coral reef, making for tremendous snorkeling as well as scuba diving. You will have the option of starting out directly from the beach or boating to the reef. Snorkeling experiences start at "The Aquarium" at Marinarium, which is a marine park where you can also swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. The reef off El Cortecito beach is suited for beginner divers. The more adventurous can snorkel a mile further up on the shore of Riu Taino. All snorkeling and scuba gear can be rented and guided sessions as well as lessons are available.
La Isla
One of Punta Cana's best-kept secrets is Isla Saona, a must-see island within Parque Nacional del Este. You will travel 30 minutes by boat to this beautiful island, and once there you may see huge green turtles, rhino iguanas and the endangered green parrot. You can keep your body moving with merengue and salsa classes right on the beach. A healthy meal of fresh-caught seafood and grilled vegetables is available at a restaurant right on the beach of Isla Saona.
Surfing Lessons
Learn to surf in turquoise waters surrounded by a panorama of limestone sea cliffs. Beginners are welcomed by trained and certified surfing coaches who will have you hanging ten Caribbean style. The Punta Cana Information Guide says there is a 250-foot-long wave at Secrets Punta Cana Resort that has a point break and a beach break. Punta Cana is well known for its breezes. Once the on-shore breeze starts in early afternoon, the waters get too choppy and the swells and breaks disappear, making it nearly impossible to surf. But you can take advantage of the breeze to go parasailing on Punta Cana beach.
Horse Around
One of the best ways to see the beaches and beautiful vistas of Punta Cana is on horseback. In 2010, the average cost was $40 for a few hours of riding along the beach. El Pat ranch next to Breezes Resort offers experienced riders the opportunity to run the horse down the beach and through the surf. Rancho El Diferente near Dreams Punta Cana Resort provides lessons to novice riders. Some horseback ranches in Punta Cana will take you past a coconut grove and give you the opportunity to drink fresh coconut as you bask in the ocean breezes.
Member Comments