Excursions Punta Cana?

Question

What are the best excursions while in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic? Going for a week this upcoming Fourth of July. How much tip money to bring?

Answer 1

We stayed at the Paradisus Punta Cana last year, and I really recommend this day trip called a safari caribe (I believe that was the name). You will most likely have a few booths with people trying to sell you excursions, so check one of them out when you get there, and that is where you book your excursions.

On our excursion, It is basically a bus with no windows, and they feed you rum all day, and you go to all these cool places, like a cigar factory, sugar cane field, a coco and coffee farm, a really pretty church, an actual Dominican elementary school (in session), a Dominican town, and at the end, you take a raft down a river and eat all-you-can-eat lobster, and dance! Then you could swim in the river (cleanest water I've ever been it)

It was one of the coolest experiences!

I think it cost us $50 a person, but it was an experience I will never forget. Our tourguide was awesome too!
I hope this helped! Have fun!

Ps: If you go on this trip, make sure to bring a bag of suckers or candy for the local children. Some people were even handing out $1 bills. They are so happy to see tourists because they bring money to the island. The locals are so friendly and always smiling!

Answer 2

Melissa gave a very good description of one of the many Jeep Safaris that are on offer, shop around and see who is offering the most for the best price, the standard is fairly good.

The other really good excursion is to go to Isla Saona. This involves a bus ride to the little fishing village of Bayahibe, then you get to go to Saona either on a power boat, or a sail boat, most trips are 'combo' one way power, and one way sail. If you get the choice try to go with power and come back with sail, you'll understand why after the trip.

You get all-in booze, lunch, snacks and everything, it's an extremely good value all-day trip, which should cost around 75 usd. If you shop around outside the hotels you could get it for 60 or less.

Tips are entirely up to you, the average Dominican earns about 200 usd per month, so a 5 buck tip raises a big smile. But please try to give when you feel you have received good service, and don't be afraid not to if you haven't.

Have a great time, it's a wonderful country, and the people are something really special.

Answer 3

I've been to Punta Cana 3 times. Most of the tours from the shore locations 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 companies offer these adventure tours that take you 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.

Most hotels have local "booking agents" right in the lobby to enable guests to sign-up for their favorate tours.

I 've found that a $5 tip for my wife and I is generally greeted with a big "thank you".

I hope this info is helpful. Have fun.

Answer 4

Many sturdy excursions are obtainable in Punta Cana, considering the fact which you like them in case you don´t wanna be caught in the lodge! next city is 39 miles away! in basic terms don´t have self assurance all what the rep of excursion operator inform you! they say it´s risky!?? it particularly is bull...... take exhilaration in it!

Answer 5

You can find various Punta Cana excursions here, or booking online
justbookexcursions.com/en/destination/PUJ/

Answer 6

Have to go to Saona , thats a nice trip ,we went in Sept . and pay $85.00 a piece , but it is worth it