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The East Coast
When I feel the need to spend a week of pure relaxation with my friends or to immerse myself in ultimate luxury, I cannot think of a better place to stay in the Dominican Republic than the large coastal area known as Punta Cana.

What more to expect

Upon arriving in Punta Cana you will notice the infinite amount of gently swaying palm trees. You will not come across a real coastal town or village since the area consists of a large collection of resorts that all have one thing in common; an incredible beach that is so wide spread that you don’t sense being in the largest and fastest growing tourist destination of the Dominican Republic. There is no need to leave the area because everything you need is right there. Except for some restaurants of the resort there is not much “outdoor” shopping going on.

Leaving the resort

I always try to get of the resort at least once during my stay. I can recommend renting a 4x4 and taking it all the way to for example El Seibo or even Hato Mayor where you can explore virgin beaches like El Macao and Uvero Alto, wetlands, Taíno cave drawings, coconut groves and more. When you have a chance, make a quick stop in Higüey, the capital of Altagracia with a population of about 90.000 people. Motorized water sports, fishing trips, safari-type excursions on four-wheel bikes and rides in monster trucks are some other “outdoors adventure” options. The Manati Park, Marinarium and Dolphin Island are also very popular, especially among families with children.

How to get there

Whenever possible I fly to Punta Cana International Airport, it takes only 10 to 30 minutes by car to reach your resort! Other options are La Romana Airport, a 1-1/2 to 2 hours drive from the major Punta Cana hotels or Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport, from where it takes you about 4-hour drive to reach Punta Cana.

Getting around while in Punta Cana

Taxi
Taxis are a comfortable, but also rather expensive ground transportation option. Tourist taxis charge uniform rates. Regular cabs are much cheaper, but you will not find many of them at the resorts. There are two main taxi companies:
Taxi Turistico Beron at Carr, Beron-Punta Cana. Tel: 809-466-1131
Taxi Bavaro-Punta Cana (Siutratural) at Carr, Tel: 809-221-2741, 809-552-0617

Car rental
If you are like me and enjoy having maximum freedom of movement during your vacation, renting a car is the way to go. Elsewhere on this site you will find more detailed information.

Shuttles
Most excursions like Manati Park offer shuttle services to their establishments from the main hotels. The transfer is included in the price of the excursion.

Helicopter taxi & Domestic flights
Helidosa provides a helicopter taxi service anywhere in Punta Cana, or elsewhere in the country. For more information: Cocoloco-Riu Avenue, Tel: 809-688-0744, 809-552-6066.