Traveling to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic?

Question

I am taking my first trip to Punta Cana next month. I am staying at the Excellence Resort. I was very hesitant to stay there initially, not because I had any questions about the resort itself, but I understand it is very far from anything else. I realize there is no real reason to leave the resorts and in some cases not even safe to. But the area near Bavaro beach has some sort of street that has all kinds of little shops where you can buy local stuff. I believe it is called Caribbean Street.

Question is:
If you've been to this so called Caribbean street is it something that is worth going to check out?

Secondly if you stayed at the Excellence resort, is there something similar nearby or did you happen to travel down to the Bavaro beach area to check out the other resorts and this so called Caribbean Street. If so, how do you travel?

Answer 1

You have selected one of the premier resorts in Punta Cana - and you've obviously been doing your homework, as it is one of the furthest hotels away from the airport.

I've been to several hotels there, and have visited many others.

I was at the new RIU Punta Cana Palace in May - WOW. Drop dead gorgeous and what a beach! Actually, all the RIU resorts in Punta Cana line-up one right after the other on this beautiful stretch of beach, covered with palm trees. The RIU right next to us was the RIU Palace Macau, also a beautiful resort. This is where the Caribbean Street is located - in the middle of the RIU complex. It is what it says it is - typical Caribbean buildings selling typical Caribbean goods. Absolutely nothing special about it or is it worthy of a trip to see it. Most resorts will bring in local craftsman once or twice a week to display and sell their wares. You won't miss a thing!

Next to the Macau was the RIU Bambu, then the RIU Tiano, both a little down-scale from the "RIU Palace" resorts, but really nice places. I found the staff to be great at all of them, as I walked down the beach and sampled the food and beverages at them all.

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 - and I know you'll certainly enjoy yours! All hotels have tour desks for the 20 or so tours that are available.

Most of the tours 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.

But here are 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.

Punta Cana has year round beach weather - with the high season from mid December to mid April. The rainy/hurricane season is mid August to mid October, so take that into account when planning your vacation.

Go on line to Apple Vacations (I've put the link below for you) and check-out everything. They have full details and pictures of all the hotels

I get nothing but positive feedback from clients that I send to Excellence.

Answer 2

Stayed there in December of '05. There is shopping centers right on the resort. Also, the resort brings in a flea market once a week where locals come in and sell from tables ( Cigars, Clothing, Art ) throughout the resort. Try the mamajuana. It is a Delicious rum soaked in honey and tree bark. They call it the Dominican Viagra the wood gives you wood. lol....You can also shop the black market right on the other side of the resort it is the most north part of the beach. There is about 15-20 shops, This is where you'll find your best deals, don't be scared to haggle anyone and never accept their first offer. On the downside, buying from the black market you do not help the local economy because they don't pay taxes. I traveled through Apple Vacations and there is a desk to help you plan things to do outside of the resort. I would suggest planning and scheduling immediately because trips sell out fast. If you go to the casino on the resort, watch those dealers closely, they will cheat you quickly and play like they didn't know better. Overall, I loved my trip and I felt safe everywhere. There is lots of poverty but mostly not there fault, more of the government fault. If you do take trips outside the resort, bring things like stuffed animals for the kids if you can find room in your luggage, make sure you hand them out when your not in crowds, they kids will start to fight over them and it'll bring you to tears. As for the adults, take the apples at the buffets and in your room for great bartering tools, apples are a delicacy and aren't grown native. They will be more willingly to wheel and deal. Have lots of fun and brush up on you Spanish! Oh FYI, the waves on the beach can be overwhelming. I suggest tanning on the beach but keep swimming to the pool.

Answer 3

#1 Tip: Get out of the tourist trap in Punta Cana and rent a Jeep and drive the coast. Much to be seen and experienced far from the hotels that bind some. I drove the Northern coast, met some new friends and had an awe experience for my book of memories.