Things to do in Punta Cana

Saona Island highlights boat tour with buffet lunch

Total relaxation awaits on this full day cruise to Saona Island's dazzling shores. You'll explore this tropical daydream Caribbean Isle, soaking up the sun and the vibrant colours while you stroll along palm-shaded beaches. First up is a coastal tour of Cotubanama National Park, then you'll stop at a natural pool for a dip before heading to the beach for lunch and free time. Ramon, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Our priority is to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make Saona so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on the island, too.'After a relaxing cruise over to Saona, the sightseeing can begin in earnest. You'll cruise the shoreline of the Cotubanama National Park while your local guide points out the island wildlife. See the rocks of El Peñón, and then glide through the Catuano channel. Next, it's time to cool off in the azure water of the natural pools, formed by sandbanks in the open sea. The water is such a tempting shade of blue you won't be able to resist.Docking at one of Saona Island's fabulous beaches, you'll step off the boat for some beach time. There's the Caribbean for paddling, soft white sand to dip your toes in, and a volleyball pitch to play on. Or you could take the simplest option and just stretch out in the sun. After your tasty buffet lunch is served, there's more free time to enjoy the magical setting. What is the itinerary for this experience?The itinerary for this experience is...- 6:30am to 7:30am – pick-up from your hotel- 8:15am to 9:15am – transfer to Bayahibe- 9:15am to 11:30am – catamaran cruise to Saona Island- 11:30am to 2:30pm – relax and sunbathe on deck- 12:30pm to 1:30pm – buffet lunch on the beach- 1:30pm to 3:00pm – free time on Saona Island- 3:00pm to 3:30pm – visit the Caribbean's largest natural pool- 3:30pm to 4:15pm – speedboat transfer back to Bayahibe- 5:30pm to 6:00pm – return transfer to your hotel Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Saona Island catamaran cruise with private beach area and lunch

Pure relaxation awaits on this trip to Saona Island. If you're looking for that perfect Insta-ready escapade, you've found it. Saona is a textbook tropical daydream of an island, swathed in exotic flora and fringed with swaying palm trees, powder white sands and endless blue-green waters. You'll reach the island in a combination of catamaran and fast boat, with an outbound snorkel stop.Ramon, one of our expert guides, says "we work hard to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make it so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on Saona, too." The island and surrounding sea are of such importance for their biodiversity that they're protected as a national park.You'll set sail from Bayahibe into the sun-splashed seas surrounding Cotubanama National Park. Along the way, you'll stop to swim or snorkel among shoals of tropical fish at a shallow pool formed by sandbanks in the middle of the sea. Once you arrive at Saona, you'll have plenty of time to soak up those dazzling vistas and snap lots of photos. Perhaps you'll take a barefoot stroll along the one-kilometre-long private beach, or maybe you'd prefer simply relaxing with a cocktail. Although Saona is one of the country's most-visited areas, there's an exclusive beach area reserved just for you. Another highlight is the surf'n'turf lunch at a beachfront restaurant. And don't worry about getting thirsty – all your drinks are included.

Monkeyland adventure park

Monkeys aren't the only thing you'll see swinging through the trees on this day out. At Punta Cana's premier primate park, you can fly through the forest canopy too. Head to Monkeyland's spectacular mountain surrounds to spot super-cute squirrel monkeys and then hit the heights for a thrilling 12-wire zipline course.

Coco Bongo

Party the night away at Punta Cana's legendary Coco Bongo nightclub, where a Vegas-style extravaganza awaits. With unlimited drinks and a four-hour show featuring dancers, performers, acrobats and singers you'll be swept away by Coco Bongo's dazzling nighttime atmosphere. There are five options to choose from – Drink Package, Regular Entrance, Premium Entrance, Gold Member and Front Row.The fun starts as soon as you're dropped off at Coco Bongo, famed for its glittering performances and music that's sure to keep you on the dancefloor. Once the lights are dimmed, the show truly gets started with confetti falling from the sky and tribute acts taking to the stage bringing the best of Madonna, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé to you.Dancers re-enact famous scenes from Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and many more Broadway favourites, and acrobats swoop and spin above you. And with an open bar, you'll have free-flowing drinks all night long until it's time to be whisked back to your hotel after a show to remember. Choose your package:Drink Pack – 5 locally branded drinksRegular Entrance – Unlimited locally branded drinks Premium Entrance – Unlimited premium drinksGold Member – Separate fast-track Gold Member entrance, reserved seating, unlimited premium drinks Front Row – Separate fast-track Gold Member Entrance, reserved Front Row in a limited capacity seating area with personalised service, unlimited premium drinks

Santo Domingo city tour from Punta Cana with Dominican lunch

Santo Domingo is brimming with architectural and historical gems. It's a city that tells a fascinating story, as it was the first city established in the ‘New World' by Europeans. Luis, one of our local guides, says, ‘We like to say we were the first – we had the first church in the Americas, the first hospital, first monastery and first university. All here, in Santo Domingo.' You'll discover the major sights as well as the secrets of the colonial past by coach, train and foot on this sightseeing tour.Kick off at Independence Park before heading into the warren of cobbled streets that is the old town – known as the Zona Colonial – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see sites dating back to the 15th century and visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Alcazar de Colon, which belonged to Christopher Columbus's family. You'll find out more about the complex history of the island with a 4D cinema experience recounting the storming of the city on New Year's Day in 1586 by English privateers led by Francis Drake.Next, hop aboard a mini-train for a tour of the colonial zone before stopping for lunch. You'll savour traditional Dominican dishes in a family-owned restaurant. It's a showstopping location in a 16th century colonial building full of character and charm. Round off the day with a stroll along Calle de las Damas – site of the Pantheon and Ozama Fort, then enjoy free time to shop or explore. The colonial zone is dotted with cosy, tree-shaded squares and historic churches.

Punta Cana evening buggy tour with Dominican dinner

This experience has adventure stamped all over it. Off-road buggy rides, traditional Taino ceremonies and swimming in underground pools make for an adrenaline-pumping evening from Punta Cana. Juan, one of our local guides, says ‘Caves and cenotes played an important role in the indigenous Taino culture. Despite looking so tempting with their cool aquamarine water, the Taino people never swam in the cenotes or used the water because of their belief that they were a gateway to the underworld.' Plus, you'll enjoy a Dominican dinner and an open bar followed by live music.To kick off your all-action evening, you'll power through the Dominican countryside, zoom along dirt tracks and watch as the landscape transforms from day to night. Guided by torchlight, you'll continue your journey to take a swim in a natural cave pool, known as a cenote, with atmospheric lighting. With flaming torches lighting the way, you'll make your way back to base for a well-earned drink and a tasty dinner of local cuisine. The restaurant staff pride themselves on creating classic Dominican dishes, freshly prepared with seasonal produce from the island. Rounding off the evening is a traditional Taino dance show and the chance to join in with a boogie or enjoy the open bar under the stars.

Horse Riding

Leaving nothing but a trail of hoof prints behind you, you'll trot, canter and gallop your way through forest and palm-fringed beaches on this horseback ride. You'll have the chance to experience the Dominican Republic's landscape exactly the way nature intended.From the hotel, you'll soon arrive at a traditional ranch where you'll be given all the gear you need and paired up with a horse. Then, into the stirrups and up onto the saddle, you'll set off through untouched countryside with only peace and tranquillity around you.You'll take the reins through forest trails, darting in and out of shaded spots and looking out for wildlife as we go, until we arrive at the mouth of the River Maimon – a protected area. You'll then canter past sugar-white beaches before reaching the ranch once again.

Punta Cana Dolphin Swim Tour

Put a big tick on the bucket list with a visit to Dolphin Explorer Park. You'll get to interact or swim with dolphins. And with a range of experiences to choose from, you decide just how close you'll get to the world's friendliest sea creatures.

Higuey and River Yuma full-day tour with lunch and Voodoo show

Sugarcane, sacred shrines, a riverboat trip and even a voodoo show. This exclusive excursion has a bit of everything that makes the Dominican Republic so fascinating. Expect to meet plenty of locals and explore inland around the River. Get off the beaten track for a true flavour of Dominican culture and society when you visit a fruit farm, a fishing village and a market. Luis, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Higuey is where most of the local resort staff live, and it's an enriching experience to see daily life in full swing. At the market, you can buy all sorts, from a bottle of rum to a live chicken.'You'll get a real taste for the country straight away with a visit to a plantation. Savour tropical fruits such as papaya and pineapple as well as coffee and cocoa. Up next is Higuey, the provincial capital, where you'll get to poke around for spices in the market and see locals stocking up on fresh produce. You'll also pass by the lamdark modern basilica – an important shrine.Next, we head south through tropical countryside to the little fishing village of Boca de Yuma. After a leisurely lunch of Caribbean dishes prepared with local ingredients, you'll set off on a boat ride on the River Yuma. Afterwards, discover the complicated history of Dominican sugarcane plantations at a ‘batey'. These plantation camps are home to communities of sugarcane-harvesting Haitians. Meet and chat with the community, and then watch as they put on a voodoo show.

Whale-watching tour with La Farola & Bacardi Island

Boasting an exotic island and a national park, this is no ordinary whale watching tour. Your Dominican adventure kicks off in Samana Bay, famed for its humpback whales. Observe – with luck – these graceful creatures at play before docking at Bacardi Island for a creole lunch followed by downtime on the beach. Rounding off the day is a tour of La Farola.

Scape Park

Thrill-seekers of all ages will love Scape Park's main attraction – adventure in nature. You can choose a whole host of activities throughout the day. But one thing that's guaranteed is adrenaline-pumping action in some seriously impressive surroundings.All family members are taken care of, too, with a wide range of things to do – so all you need to bring along is your sense of adventure. Kick off the fun with a high-flying zip-line experience and then cool off at the famous Hoyo Azul.If you're looking for even more action, then you can explore the impressive Iguabonita Cave, swim in a cenote, or even drive your own off-road buggy – there's no end to the fun at Scape Park.Your options include the following activities:Scape Park Full Day: Zip-line eco splash, Saltos Azules, cave expedition and swim, cultural route, Animalarium and Hoyo Azul Cave tourScape Park Full Day Special: Enjoy the same activities included in Scape Park full day, plus a 45-minute off-road buggy driving experience and a go at some cliff-hanging. Minimum age is 13 for this option

Adventure Boogies

This wild buggy ride through the Dominican countryside makes for a morning of adrenaline-pumping adventure. As well as rumbling through rustic villages, you'll visit an organic farm and cool off with a swim in a cenote. There's no better way to put a bit of oomph into your holidays.After pick-up, we'll head to a ranch for a safety briefing and the lowdown on Terracross buggies. Don your helmet, put on your belt and give it some welly. You'll zoom across the backwoods to the co-op farm. Your guide will tell you about and let you try traditional Dominican products such as coconut oil, chocolate tea, tobacco, rum, cocoa and, of course, the world-famous coffee.Buggy driving can be a messy business, so you'll round up with a chance to freshen up with a swim in a cenote – a natural spring of crystal clear water.