The Dominican Republic boasts some of the prettiest beaches in North America. It is a popular beach destination for Americans and Canadians and boasts over 1,000 miles of coastline. In the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is one of the most popular areas with convenient flights from the U.S. and Canada. For your beach or all-inclusive getaway, here are the top things to know before visiting Punta Cana.
9 Things to Know Before Visiting Punta Cana
Punta Cana International Airport PUJ is one of the largest airports in the Caribbean, with service to 26 international destinations.
Cabs can be expensive, so arrange for a transfer before arriving
Spanish isn’t necessary, though it’s nice to use some common phrases.
Changing money isn’t necessary; however, cash for tips is necessary.
There are several resort areas in Punta Cana, like Bavaro, Cap Cana and La Romana.
DR boasts 200 Beaches
Nude Sunbathing Isn’t a Thing in DR
The Dominican Republic features a National Park, perfect for an all-day excursion.
Bottled Water is a Must in DR
What Language is Used in the Dominican Republic
After several trips to the DR over the years, I am sharing the Things to Know Before Visiting Punta Cana.
The Dominicans speak Spanish, though most understand and speak some English. Knowing some basic Spanish is helpful, especially the basics.
Hola = Hello
Buenos Días = Good Morning
Buenos Noches = Good Night
Si = Yes
No = No
Muchas Gracias = Thank you very much
How to Get to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the second-largest island in the Caribbean. It offers several larger cities with international airports.
The Punta Cana International Airport
With service from several international carriers, including direct flights from Britain, France and South America. U.S. travelers will find American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
A valid passport with more than six months before expiration is required for your trip is required. The Dominican Republic requires U.S. Passengers to complete an online Immigration form before they arrive. Before my last trip in December 2023, my airline sent me a link (Delta Airlines).
Prearranged visas aren’t required to enter the country. A 30-day tourist visa will be stamped into your passport upon entry. The Dominican Republic Entry fee is included in your flight.
Upon departure, U.S. residents can opt for the automated immigration lines. You will just scan your passport and pass through a gate.
The Punta Cana Airport features enhanced security measures with pat-downs. A TSA Pre-Check line isn’t available.
WiFi is available, and restrooms are located near the immigration line. The departure area is fully air-conditioned and features a duty-free shop and another shop specializing in Dominican Republic products, like rum and cigars.
The departures area features American fast food, like Wendy’s, Sbarro, Nathan’s, Cinnabon and Baskin-Robbins. Also, adults will find a bar for pre-departure cocktails.
There is a small play structure for younger kids. The Punta Cana International Airport also features a nursing room.
Other International Airports in The Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo International Airport (SDQ)–With service from the U.S. on American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
Santiago International Airport (STI)–With service from the U.S. on American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
Puerto Plata International Airport (POP)–With service from the U.S. on American Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue Airlines.
Resort Review: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Reserve Airport Transfers
When leaving the arrivals hall at the Punta Cana International Airport, a line of cab drivers will greet you. I recommend arranging transportation with your resort or hotel before arriving. This is one of the Things to Know Before Visiting Punta Cana.
There are several transportation and tour counters in the area. I usually check in with my transportation company to find my driver. Often, they are waiting a short distance from the airport and pull up after you arrive.
Most cars in the Dominican Republic are air-conditioned.a
Top All Inclusive Resorts
What Money is Used in the Dominican Republic
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (RD$). However, the U.S. Dollar is widely accepted. This is one of the Things to Know Before Visiting Punta Cana.
Change will most likely be given in U.S. dollars. For those who want local currency, ATMs are located in hotel lobbies as well as the airport.
Credit Cards are widely accepted throughout the Dominican Republic. It’s advisable to use a credit card for large purchases like lodging. However, I use cash for souvenirs and small purchases. Tips are accepted and appreciated in DR, from spa services to daily maid service.
Phone Service in the Dominican Republic
Since I travel internationally, I have a global plan through my U.S. carrier. When I land, I just switch over to the local service provider. I just use my data to check email and messages. The provider I used throughout my trip to the DR was Altice.
Most all-inclusive resorts offer extensive WiFi for their guests. Most of the time, this service is included. This is one of the top things to Know Before Visiting Punta Cana.
Where to Stay in Punta Cana
Most resorts in the Punta Cana area are all-inclusive resorts. Travelers will find everything from luxurious and laid-back adult all-inclusives to family resorts with water parks.
Some resorts are divided into an adults-only side with an adjoining family side, each with separate restaurants, pools and gathering places. Other resorts offer buildings dedicated to adults or families.
With several different resort areas in Punta Cana, visitors will choose from laid-back La Romana to buzzy Bavaro. Cap Cana boasts Juanilla Beach, one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.
Cap Cana
Near Punta Cana, Cap Cana boasts wide white sand beaches with lots of palm trees. A resort community, Cap Cana features the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. Both of these properties opened in 2021 and offer a luxurious all-inclusive resort experience.
Nearby is Sanctuary Cap Cana, another luxury all-inclusive resort. Located on Juanillo Beach, it offers pristine white sand with mature palm trees.
Cap Cana is located just south of the Punta Cana International Airport. The Cap Cana Marina offers boat excursions. This area is ideal for watersports like kayaking, SUP boarding and sailing.
La Romana
La Romana offers a quieter resort experience. It’s located west of the Punta Cana International Airport and along the Chavón River.
I stayed at the Hilton La Romana, an all-inclusive resort with tropical landscaping. It is close to Bayahibe, a resort town with shopping and dining. It is also the departure point for boat excursions to Isla Saona, part of the Parque National Cotubanama.
Bávaro
Bavaro features the largest concentration of all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. It’s north of the Punta Cana International Airport and on the Atlantic Ocean.
Along this strip of beach, often called the Coconut Coast, resorts are shoulder-to-shoulder. The white sand beaches are the draw, though some resorts offer bigger beaches than others, so research is key.
Bavaro is quite busy. The resorts tend to be louder, and the beaches busier.
Best Beaches in Punta Cana Just Keep the Top ON
With about 200 beaches in the Dominican Republic, it can be hard to choose. DR boasts 25 Blue Flag Beaches (more than the U.S.), known for its conservation and recycling efforts.
Macao Beach–Known for its surfing area.
Bavaro Beach–This beach extends for 30 miles and features many all-inclusive resorts. It is a favorite.
Juanillo Beach--Exceptionally wide beach with mature palm trees. Since there are fewer resorts and many are gated, this beach is less crowded.
Bayahibe Beach–Located in the village and a frequent departure point for excursions to Soana Island.
Note: Nude sunbathing isn’t common in the Dominican Republic. Even topless sunbathing isn’t a thing in DR. This is one of the Things to Know Before Visiting Punta Cana.
Saona Island
Part of the Cotubanama National Park, Saona Island is a pristine tropical escape. With a lack of development, including hotels, it is an ideal day trip.
Christopher Columbus discovered the island and named it after a friend. It was the location for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
The easiest way to reach the island is via a catamaran tour. Most trips stop at Palmilla Swimming Area, a shallow area where adults can touch the bottom in the turquoise water.
Most trips depart from Bayahibe and take 8 to 10 hours. Lunch and drinks are usually included in the tour.
Popular Punta Cana Excursions
Arrange for a tour during your visit to the Dominican Republic to learn more about its agriculture and animals.
Feed a Spider Monkey.
Learn about the chocolate production.
Watch cigar rolling.
Walk through a sugar cane field.
Take a Zipline through the tree canopy.
Learn about coffee production.
Best Beaches in DR
Is the Water Safe in the Dominican Republic?
While visiting the Dominican Republic, drink bottled water. The tap water is NOT safe to drink. So drink bottled water exclusively during your visit. I even brush my teeth with bottled water or mouthwash. This is one of the Things to Know Before Visiting Punta Cana.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stay away from the following:
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Complimentary bottled water should be available in your room during your entire stay. Water fountains are not the norm in the Dominican Republic.
Liquor Safety
Practice some basic precautions during your stay. The drinking age in the Dominican Republic is 18.
Make sure all bottled beverages are sealed with their factory seals in your mini fridge.
Don’t drink from open liquor bottles in your room.
Watch bartenders make your beverages.
Before drinking, smell your cocktail.
Drink slowly.
Eat before and while you are drinking.
Drink bottled water while drinking alcohol.
Food Safety
According to the CDC, stay away from the following:
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Insect Safety in DR
According to the CDC, protect yourself by doing the following:
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on your skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
Make an Appointment at Travel Clinic
I headed to CDC.gov for Caribbean travel information, including required immunizations. My family practitioner advised me to make an appointment at a travel clinic.
At the travel clinic, my nurse practitioner advised a Typhoid vaccine, along with Hepatitis A and a booster vaccine for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, since it had been five years since my last shot. I was covered for the MMR vaccine, or measles, mumps and rubella.
The nurse practitioner also discussed mosquito safety since dengue fever is sometimes an issue for the Caribbean. I packed a 3 oz. container of insect repellant and used it when I walked through a shady area and in the evenings.
Along with vaccines, she discussed traveler’s diarrhea (TD). She advised I start taking probiotics before and during my trip. I also drank a dose of Emergen-C daily, especially after long international flights. I packed some over-the-counter medications for TD symptoms since it’s the most common illness during travel.
Fear of TD–Traveler’s Diarrhea
I have a fear of TD. Who has time for that? I didn’t want to find a Dominican pharmacy, so I packed all the supplies I might need. Here’s what the CDC recommends.
Antacid—like Tums
Pepto-Bismol tablets
Imodium tablets
Oral Rehydration Salts—available at REI
Prescription Antibiotics—prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner based on your itinerary.
First Aid Supplies
Accidents happen, so pack a basic first aid kit to be prepared, even for minor scrapes and blisters.
Pain Reliever
Motion Sickness pills, like non-drowsy Dramamine
Cough Drops
Cold Medication—I prefer a separate Day and Night version.
Anti-Histamine—like Benadryl
Triple antibiotic cream—like Neosporin
Anti-Itch Cream
Bandages
Anti-septic wipes
Sunscreen
Inspect Repellent
Restroom Supplies
When traveling away from resorts, pack some restroom supplies. You will need them outside restaurants and hotels.
Toilet paper, off the roll in a plastic bag
Hand sanitizer
Wipes
Bleach wipes
Note: I left all medications in the original container to avoid issues with security or customs.
This post contains affiliate links. Consideration for brands mentioned.
Comments are closed.