Things to do in Dominican Republic

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.

Punta Cana - 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

Punta Cana - Private Saona Island Cruise with Exclusive Beach 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 1km-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.

Punta Cana - Punta Cana Evening Buggy Tour with Dominican Dinner

This experience has adventure stamped all over it. Off-road buggy or safari truck 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. And if you choose the safari truck option, you'll also get to visit the eerie depths of Yara Cave.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.

Punta Cana - 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 - 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.

Punta Cana - 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: Zipline 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. Minimum age is 13 for this option

Punta Cana - 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.

Punta Cana - Eco Caribe Exclusive

For a real taste of Caribbean culture, look no further than this full day bus tour around the Dominican Republic. You'll visit remote villages while learning all about local produce and history.The adventure kicks off as your guide regales you with the history of the island while we journey through cattle grazing lands and rice fields. You'll drive by a typical rural school, on route to tour some of the island's coffee, cocoa and sugar cane plantations.Head on to Higuey, and you'll see the famous Altagracia Basilica – a pilgrimage site because of its miraculous image of Our Lady – before a wander around the bustling market. Check out the views of the Cordillera Oriental mountains before we round off with a beach stop and lunch in a local restaurant.

Punta Cana - Los Haitises National Park full-day tour with beachside lunch

If dreamy islands and pristine nature are your thing, then this three-in-one tour is a must-do. It's a perfect mix of landscapes and seascapes, action and relaxation. You'll explore mountains, caves and beaches at Cayo Levantado, Los Haitises National Park and Redonda Mountain – a 100% Dominican experience. Ramon, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Los Haitises is a haven for birds. You'll likely spot the endemic and endangered Ridgway's hawk, the Hispaniolan piculet, the Hispaniolan woodpecker, the Hispaniolan emerald, as well as pelicans, frigate birds, herons and many more birds in flight.'From Punta Cana, you'll set off through the Anamuya mountain range en route to the top of Montaña Redonda for a light breakfast. Drink in the epic views of the tropical landscape rippling down to the coast, or relax on one of the swings and hammocks. Then it's off to Canitas, where you'll hop aboard a speedboat and zoom across Samana Bay to Cayo Levantado. This little island out in the bay is known for its blissful beaches. After time to swim, snorkel or sunbathe here, you'll enjoy a tasty lunch of fresh local fish, beachside.But there's more. You'll also discover abundant natural beauty in Los Haitises National Park. Weave through the rocky islets by boat and look out for wildlife in the thick vegetation. Visiting a cave once inhabited by the indigenous Taino people, you'll see their ancient petroglyphs and pictographs – cave art – before passing through a natural mangrove on your return.

Punta Cana - Punta Cana Coral Reef Restoration & Snorkelling Experience

Dive into a world of difference with this eco-conscious tour in Punta Cana – a perfect blend of fun, learning, and hands-on action to help save our seas. Not only will you get to snorkel through the colourful underwater world, but you'll also play a pivotal role in coral restoration efforts, making every moment of your adventure count towards marine preservation. Maria, one of our local guides, says, 'You're not just a tourist here; you're part of the solution. Under the guidance of our expert team, you'll learn about and participate in cutting-edge techniques aimed at rehabilitating and restoring coral reefs'.Kick off your experience by joining our experts at the Scientific Interpretation Centre and Coral Lab, where you'll learn about coral gardening through methods like microfragmentation. This hands-on activity guided by our knowledgeable guides will help you to discover the intricate beauty and vital importance of these ecosystems. It's an eye-opening experience that highlights the urgency of protecting these underwater treasures.After doing your part for the planet, strap on your snorkel gear and plunge into two distinct coral gardens on a guided snorkelling tour, filled with tropical fish and sea creatures. Wind down your impactful day with some chill time at Coco beach, where refreshments like the ‘coco loco' – an ice-cold coconut drink – are as cool as the ocean breeze. As a part of your adventure, receive a digital certificate from the Bavaro Reef Foundation, cementing your contribution to marine conservation and making this trip a splash hit.

Punta Cana - Half-Day Caribbean Culture and Eco-Safari

This half-day eco tour gives you a real-life glimpse into Caribbean culture and the daily grind. Kick things off with a local drink and get the lowdown on island history from your guide. You'll check out quaint fishing villages, a coconut oil factory, and the bustling market in Higuey near the stunning Altagracia Basilica. Then, find out how coffee, cocoa, and sugar cane are made on a plantation tour, plus grab a quick look at a rice plantation before heading back.