Best Things To Do in Punta Cana

Also known as the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve – is a protected area containing a dozen freshwater lagoons (which the Taino’s called “eyes” because of their shape). The Yauya, Casibajagua and Guama lagoons are suitable for swimming. You’ll also find subtropical forest and gardens, as you pass over 500 species of plants.

Connected to the dolphin island, visitors can interact with sea lions, dolphins, horses and parrots. They also put on a Taino show for a taste of island folklore and history.

Mother Nature’s theme park in Cap Cana, featuring waterfalls, lagoons, caves and the Farallon cliff – which you can experience on horseback, zipline or buggies. Includes Hoyo Azul - the most impressive turquoise waters.

About half an hour’s drive inland, Higüey town has a number of things to see and do. January 21st (Altagracia day) and August 16th see annual pilgrimages to the Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia – a striking concrete cathedral that’s become the most important religious monument in the country. The painting of the Virgin of Altagracia is one of the main attractions, and locals will be able to recount a number of stories about the painting’s history. Some say the Virgin Mary appeared to a sick child, leaving the painting under an orange tree – others tell of a merchant who set off to find a painting for his daughter and when returning empty handed, was handed the painting by an old man passing by. The daily market is worth a visit, as well as the cigar museum.

An eco-friendly natural pool in the middle of the ocean, where you can swim and snorkel among rays, nurse sharks, fish, coral.

And by adventure, you can choose between a bungee trampoline, BMX track, zipline, pirate themed climbing garden, horse riding, Segway tours and more. Kids will love Dino world, where they’ll learn about how dinosaurs lived and meet moving models of their favourite species.

While you usually have to imagine this kind of landscape when you meditate and relax, this time you’re surrounded by the real McCoy. Setting sail on a spa boat, these excursions usually let you practice Pilates in the middle of the ocean – looking back on palm trimmed shores. Have a massage, float about on a natural pool and treat your feet to a fish pedicure.

A number of operators provide trips to this paradise island, off the cost of Bayahibe and part of the National Park. After a bus/taxi journey to Bayahibe, you journey to the island on catamaran or speed boat (usually one there, the other back). This includes stopping off at a natural pool in the middle of the ocean to swim with starfish. Once on Saona, there’s plenty of time to swim and sunbathe on the island. Look out for specialised diving tours and VIP options including helicopter transfers.

On a boat trip to Catalina, visitors can caze about on the glorious white sands, paddle in ridiculously clear water and snorkel or scuba among the spectacular Wall and the shipwreck of pirate Captain William Kidd. Most excursions include a lunch on the beach and the coach journey to the coast (usually La Romana, which is about an hour away).

The national park of the east is a terrific excursion destination. Visitors can delve deep into the jungle – discovering native flora and fauna, exploring rivers and caves and learning the stories of the Taino Indians who once lived here. Access to the parkland is through Bayahibe, which is around an hour’s drive from Punta Cana.