Looking for travel advice while visiting the above location. We enjoy getting off the "beaten path" if safe. Hiking, exploring, etc. Dining and the nightlife are desired as well. Thanks in advance.
2007-01-25 15:08:37 · 3 answers · asked by abetterway7 1 in Travel ➔ Caribbean ➔ Dominican Republic
I am a travel consultant and I have enjoyed three visits to Punta Cana. Our agency consistantly recommends this location due to its pristine waters, great hotels and high value. Many first time visitors ask about activities and tours - so I give them the following information:
Punta Cana does not have many off-resort activities or places of interest - its kind of a laid-back, chill-out and enjoy your resort vacation. All hotels have tour desks right in the lobby for the 20 or so tours that are available. Most of the tours from the shore resorts happen in or on the water; the array of water sports options offered right on the beach is amazing: catamaran boat rides, double-decker party boats, restaurant dining at sunset on the sea, parasailing, glass bottom boats for marine life observation, sports fishing, diving, snorkeling, flying boats, speed boats. The boat taxis can take you from one hotel to another via the beach. There is also banana boating, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and beach volleyball.
Other activities to consider:
Safari-type excursions on four-wheel bikes, buggy rides, jeep safaris, monster trucks or helicopter rides for a privileged view. A dozen of companies offer these adventure tours that take the tourists to observe tropical wilderness, visit a countryside home where typical Dominican food lunch will be served, examine tropical crops, take a dip at a deserted beach or for a swim in a cool river.
Horseback riding is also popular in Punta Cana with the option of riding on deserted white-sand beaches, making for great photography.
Marinarium. This marine park on the sea offers snorkeling with sharks and rays.
Dolphin Island. Short boat ride takes you to the artificial island created where tourists can have a swim with trained dolphins right in the sea. The package includes a 15-minute free time with the dolphins, where these will choose their new friends.
Manati Park Bavaro. 130,000 square meter preserve with permanent exhibits of birds, reptiles, and fish. A show with parrots, dolphins and dancing horses is included in the admission fee. Free shuttle bus to and from principal hotels in the area.
Punta Cana Ecological Reserve. Short guided tour through tropical flora with an optional refreshing bath in a cool spring at the end. You will be walking through a real jungle. Located 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.
Rancho Jonathan has caving excursions to Boca de Diablo, a large cave system south of Los Haitises.
Half an hour to 45 minutes away:
La Otra Banda
If you take the Saona, Catalina, Altos de Chavón, Higuey or Santo Domingo excursions, on your way west ask your guide to point out the small town of La Otra Banda, with its pretty little houses, right out of a Caribbean architecture book and perfect for picture-taking.
I hope this info is helpful. Have fun
2007-01-26 00:38:36 · answer #1 · answered by travel guy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As your question is on Sunscape and not the region , let me tell you , the place is wonderful,people are great in resort and everywhere you go , try to go to Saona Island tour is very nice , we were there in August 06 and we had a wonderful time , i tried to book for this June and was all booked , stay to the left on beach ,on right side to many rocks , bring all you need, sunscreen, aspirin, alka - selser, shaving cream(i left home and had to shave with soap) ,because everything is expensive , a bag of chips $6.00 , a bottle of gatorade $4.00 (20 oz)so dont forget anything or you will pay top price. thats the only problem i saw ,if you are getting a swim out room , they are nice right there on the pool ,we had one of those , the best restaurant is the Mexican , in the mornings you have a guy making omelettes (Felix) any way you want ,the disco is very small , we never went there for a nite and the casino a few slot machines , also very small , dont forget to bring a lot of single dollar bills you will want to tip some of the people there , but they are not especting any , the activities people , you will love them specialy Griselda, and her brother Eddy Murphy , also Marilyn they keep you smiling all the time.dont pay to much attention to negative reviews , they are full of it , this place is great , also take a ride on horseback with Diego ,good horses and beautiful ride on beach . just enjoy and have fun .
2007-01-27 12:34:31 · answer #2 · answered by playaseca2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loved the resort!! was there in January 2006. food is great even my picky eater found lots to eat. we walked the beach for a good distance and no problems we went to the left and a ways up the beach there is some small shops. if you go out the front of the resort go to the right and there is also more shops. got there late and was closed. walk against traffic so they can see you. nightlife we found a bar that is the middle of courtyard. we could hear the music from the entertainment that was going on. i recommend going on the outback safari and get to see the island. went to San dingo not enough shopping time. husband and son went ATV tour. they had fun. swimming in the ocean stay to the left side better sand. me and the kids swam out from a log on the beach and the sand was great. and we were by ourselves.
2007-01-25 15:48:17 · answer #3 · answered by arfarfmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋