Turquoise water and a Caribbean pace are complimented by perfect beaches in Punta Cana. Friendly locals are happy to teach you to scuba dive and transport you to local attractions like the rum and cigar factories. Come face to face with monkeys, rays and harmless sharks as you explore this Punta Cana. Relax on the beaches with a Cuba Libre, or venture off the beaten track for some thrilling culture. Punta Cana is a Caribbean gem where the waters are clear as gin but the local tipple is award-winning rum. Come dive with rays and meet the monkeys.
It couldn't be simpler to book flights and hotels in Punta Cana. Flights from Dublin to Punta Cana run often, as do flights from Cork to Punta Cana. Flights from Dublin to Punta Cana run regularly, along with flights from Cork to Punta Cana. Touch down and connections with the coast are unproblematic. Friendly locals converse freely in English and Dominican Pesos are affordable thanks to the conversion rate. The Dominican Republic is five hours ahead of the UK (GMT+5).
Warm weather year round welcomes weary travellers at any time though March through to May are the optimal months for visiting Punta Cana. Between June and November the region is affected by the Atlantic's hurricanes and has been known to experience tropical storms during these months. Between December and February visitor numbers are higher, most likely due to the Christmas and Carnival (February) celebrations.
Warm weather year round welcomes weary travellers at any time though March through to May are the optimal months for visiting Punta Cana. Between June and November the region is affected by the Atlantic's hurricanes and has been known to experience tropical storms during these months. Between December and February visitor numbers are higher, most likely due to the Christmas and Carnival (February) celebrations.
For those opposed to extended beach lounging, Punta Cana offers myriad adventures. Take the horseback riding and zipline tour along the spectacular Anamuya River. Passing a cigar plantation and a ranch on your way, you will finish your foray into the emerald jungle with a Dominican style feast.
Alternatively you can snorkel on the reef among shoals of brightly coloured fish and enjoy a marine show from your scuba diving instructors. Sharks and rays are among the performers. You can even handle the harmless sharks and rays yourself. Make sure you bring your camera.
Have a go at parasailing or ride a dune buggy across the sands at high velocity. Discover freshwater springs and subterranean caves near Macao Beach and don't forget to soak yourself at the celebrated Natural Swimming Pool.
What Is There To See On Weekends In Punta Cana?
The exotic sights of Punta Cana will have you snapping photos all day long and range from monkeys to sharks and rays. Here are some of the most popular attractions:
African influences are palpable in Punta Cana's cuisine, melding Dominican with Creole in many dishes. Try the crispy flatbreads known as Casabe, which are made from indigenous yucca plants. Flatbreads are topped with delicious ingredients and spritzed with lime. Rice, beans, bananas, pork, chicken and seafood are on the menu in restaurants along the coast.
Try Locrian, which resembles paella, and energy-enhancing Mangu (mashed plantains). Pica Pollo is a popular dish, featuring fried chicken and banana pieces. Coconut sea bass and salmon ceviche are on the menu, along with fresh lobsters which come drenched in butter.
Visit the BlueMall to hunt for locally produced goods and foods to take home with you. Friendly vendors offer Caribbean wares at superb prices. Choose from giant shells, jewellery and shark teeth, or pick up local coffee and vanilla to transport the evocative flavours of Punta Cana back home with you. Rum and cigars are the traditional options. Dominican Rum is the basis of every great Cuba Libre and Presidente beer enjoys an international following. The locally made Methuselah rum is multi-award winning and the perfect souvenir of a weekend in Punta Cana.