{"id":418585,"date":"2026-09-03T13:49:06","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T11:49:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/?p=418585"},"modified":"2026-09-06T02:55:55","modified_gmt":"2026-09-06T00:55:55","slug":"punta-cana-dominican-republic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/","title":{"rendered":"Punta Cana in Dominican Republic: 20 Things to See &#038; Do in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your dream Caribbean destination is <strong>Punta Cana in Dominican Republic<\/strong>, there&#8217;s one absolutely crucial thing I have to flag right at the start. It isn&#8217;t a classic city at all, but rather a roughly fifty-kilometre stretch of gorgeous beaches, luxury resorts and endless palm groves. What makes or breaks your dream holiday here isn&#8217;t so much the number of stars on the hotel&#8217;s facade, but rather the specific part of the coast and the month of your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main driver of everything here is sargassum, the <strong>brown seaweed<\/strong> that Atlantic currents mercilessly wash up onto the shore. For 2026, monitoring systems from the University of South Florida are forecasting an <strong>exceptionally heavy seaweed season<\/strong>, so it&#8217;s really vital to know exactly where to head and which areas to avoid at all costs during certain months. Don&#8217;t let that scare you off, though \u2014 the Caribbean is still paradise on earth, it just takes a bit of planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this guide I&#8217;ll show you what absolutely not to miss in Punta Cana, and also where you&#8217;re better off not stopping at all. We&#8217;ll look at the <strong>most beautiful hidden cenotes<\/strong>, I&#8217;ll help you pick the right excursions, and I&#8217;ll throw in a few tips for great <strong>vegetarian restaurants<\/strong>, because Dominican cuisine can be absolutely fantastic even without meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73abeac3&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73abeac3\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1079\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/plaz-v-punta-cane-s-palmami-ee0500e7.jpg\" alt=\"Beach in Punta Cana with palm trees\" class=\"wp-image-415816\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/plaz-v-punta-cane-s-palmami-ee0500e7.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/plaz-v-punta-cane-s-palmami-ee0500e7-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/plaz-v-punta-cane-s-palmami-ee0500e7-700x393.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/plaz-v-punta-cane-s-palmami-ee0500e7-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/plaz-v-punta-cane-s-palmami-ee0500e7-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/plaz-v-punta-cane-s-palmami-ee0500e7-696x391.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/plaz-v-punta-cane-s-palmami-ee0500e7-1392x782.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: NoonIcarus \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#TLDR\" >TL;DR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#When_to_visit_Punta_Cana\" >When to visit Punta Cana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#Where_to_stay_in_Punta_Cana\" >Where to stay in Punta Cana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#20_things_to_see_and_do_in_Punta_Cana\" >20 things to see and do in Punta Cana<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#1_Iconic_Playa_Bavaro\" >1. Iconic Playa B\u00e1varo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#2_Exclusive_Juanillo_Beach\" >2. Exclusive Juanillo Beach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#3_Wild_Playa_de_Macao\" >3. Wild Playa de Macao<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#4_Laid-back_Playa_Blanca\" >4. Laid-back Playa Blanca<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#5_Local_vibes_at_Playa_Bibijagua\" >5. Local vibes at Playa Bibijagua<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#6_Adrenaline-packed_Scape_Park\" >6. Adrenaline-packed Scape Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#7_Swimming_in_the_Hoyo_Azul_cenote\" >7. Swimming in the Hoyo Azul cenote<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#8_The_hidden_secret_of_Hoyo_Claro\" >8. The hidden secret of Hoyo Claro<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#9_Indigenous_Eyes_Ecological_Reserve\" >9. Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#10_Fun_at_Bavaro_Adventure_Park\" >10. Fun at B\u00e1varo Adventure Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#11_Seaquarium_Punta_Cana_think_twice\" >11. Seaquarium Punta Cana (think twice)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#12_Downtown_Punta_Cana_by_night\" >12. Downtown Punta Cana by night<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#13_Local_life_in_Los_Corales_and_El_Cortecito\" >13. Local life in Los Corales and El Cortecito<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#14_The_concrete_basilica_in_Higuey\" >14. The concrete basilica in Hig\u00fcey<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#Where_to_eat_outside_the_resort\" >Where to eat outside the resort<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#15_Fantastic_Indian_Aroma\" >15. Fantastic Indian Aroma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#16_Plant-based_Riviera_Express_Vegan\" >16. Plant-based Riviera Express Vegan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#17_Laid-back_Castaways_Bistro_and_Wowzer\" >17. Laid-back Castaways Bistro and Wowzer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#18_Discovering_local_meat-free_specialties\" >18. Discovering local meat-free specialties<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#19_Sweet_Dominican_drinks\" >19. Sweet Dominican drinks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#20_Beware_of_timeshares_and_dolphins\" >20. Beware of timeshares and dolphins<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#Where_to_go_from_Punta_Cana\" >Where to go from Punta Cana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" >Frequently asked questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#Do_I_need_a_visa_for_the_Dominican_Republic\" >Do I need a visa for the Dominican Republic?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#Is_all-inclusive_worth_it_in_Punta_Cana\" >Is all-inclusive worth it in Punta Cana?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#How_is_safety_in_Punta_Cana\" >How is safety in Punta Cana?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#Does_Uber_work_in_Punta_Cana\" >Does Uber work in Punta Cana?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#How_much_do_excursions_from_Punta_Cana_cost\" >How much do excursions from Punta Cana cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#Is_tap_water_drinkable\" >Is tap water drinkable?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/punta-cana-dominican-republic\/#How_does_tax_addition_work_in_restaurants\" >How does tax addition work in restaurants?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TLDR\"><\/span>TL;DR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>The coast matters more than the hotel:<\/strong> East-facing beaches like B\u00e1varo suffer the most from seaweed, while the sheltered Cap Cana or Macao beach stay much cleaner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Critical months for seaweed:<\/strong> The worst situation is regularly from May to August, but the first big deposits can appear as early as March or April.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Entry formalities:<\/strong> You don&#8217;t need a visa to enter the country, but a <a href=\"https:\/\/eticket.migracion.gob.do\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">mandatory e-Ticket<\/a> is required (you fill it in online and it&#8217;s free, but without it you won&#8217;t be allowed to board).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hidden charges in restaurants:<\/strong> An 18% tax (ITBIS) and a 10% legal tip are automatically added to your bill in the Dominican Republic, so menu prices aren&#8217;t the final ones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Getting around locally:<\/strong> Classic airport taxis have fixed prices of around 30 to 39 USD, but since 2020 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uber.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Uber<\/a> also works great here, taking you shorter distances for 7 to 10 USD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beware of scam offers:<\/strong> Free excursions or breakfasts offered on the beach are almost always aggressive sales pitches for so-called timeshares.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Experiences come at a price:<\/strong> Most attractions aren&#8217;t right in Punta Cana itself \u2014 you reach them on full-day excursions to Saona Island or the national parks.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_visit_Punta_Cana\"><\/span>When to visit Punta Cana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ideal time to visit breaks down into three main periods, each with its own clear pros and cons. <strong>The best period is December to April<\/strong>, when the weather is dry with temperatures steadily around 26 to 30 degrees. The water is a pleasant 27 to 29 degrees all year round, so you can hop into the sea without any trouble even early in the morning. These are the months with the lowest risk of sargassum, the water is beautifully clear, and the beaches look exactly the way you dream them. Just bear in mind this is the absolute peak of the season, which is reflected in the highest prices for both accommodation and flights, especially around Christmas and New Year, when the best hotels sell out well in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re planning a trip for <strong>May to August<\/strong>, you&#8217;ll get gorgeous heat and typical Caribbean humidity \u2014 the kind where you sweat just looking out the window \u2014 but also the peak seaweed season. As I mentioned, forecasts say 2026 will be extremely heavy, so during these months it makes sense to look for accommodation in the sheltered Cap Cana area, or to make peace with the fact that you&#8217;ll mostly be swimming in the pool. The influx of seaweed can be so massive that hotels can&#8217;t clear it even with heavy machinery, and the water near the shore turns an opaque brown that frankly doesn&#8217;t tempt you into any water fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The autumn months from September to November are the <strong>official hurricane season<\/strong>, whose absolute peak falls in August and October. I don&#8217;t want to scare you off, and it definitely doesn&#8217;t mean you shouldn&#8217;t travel at all during this time. Usually it just plays out as a very intense but very short afternoon shower, after which the sharp sun comes straight back out. It simply means that good travel insurance and a cancellable hotel booking should be an absolute given for peace of mind. On the flip side, the huge advantage of this autumn period is the lowest package prices of the entire year and beautifully half-empty beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_Punta_Cana\"><\/span>Where to stay in Punta Cana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing accommodation here works a little differently than in European resorts. You&#8217;re not just picking a hotel, but above all a strategic location relative to the ocean currents and the airport. If you&#8217;re travelling in the risky summer months, your best insurance is the <strong>luxury southern area of Cap Cana<\/strong>. Thanks to its shape it&#8217;s excellently sheltered, and the water stays beautifully clean even during the worst of the crisis. Take a look, for example, at <strong>Eden Roc Cap Cana<\/strong>, an absolutely top-tier resort offering complete privacy, its own beach club and incredible calm away from mass tourism. On top of that, the drive from the international airport (PUJ) here takes barely twenty minutes, so after a long flight you&#8217;ll have your feet in the sand almost immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The busiest and best-known part, on the other hand, is the central <strong>B\u00e1varo coast<\/strong>, where you&#8217;ll find the longest stretches of white sand and the highest concentration of all-inclusive resorts. Some of these hotels are so enormous they run little internal shuttles or golf carts to carry you from reception to the beach. The beaches here are gorgeous and lined with palms, but unfortunately they catch the most seaweed from the open ocean. If that doesn&#8217;t bother you, or you&#8217;re travelling in winter, a great choice is the huge <strong>Lopesan Costa B\u00e1varo Resort<\/strong>, which has stunning cascading pools and an enormous tropical garden. For adults looking for peace without children and who don&#8217;t want to listen to shrieking around the waterslides, the very popular Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana offers perfect service and great dining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don&#8217;t want to be locked inside an all-inclusive bubble and enjoy walking out to local restaurants in the evening, look for accommodation in the <strong>Los Corales area<\/strong> or El Cortecito. These neighbourhoods have a more relaxed atmosphere and offer plenty of smaller boutique guesthouses or apartments for rent. When booking any accommodation through Booking, always watch out very carefully for the <strong>&#8220;plus taxes&#8221; line<\/strong>. The local 28% taxation, made up of 18% VAT and a 10% legal tip, can make the final price at reception quite unpleasantly higher, so check the final amount carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\ud83d\udca1 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=co-videt-v-punta-cane&#038;address=Punta%20Cana%2C%20Dominik%C3%A1nsk%C3%A1%20republika\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">On this map you can compare what&#8217;s currently available<\/a> \u2014 you&#8217;ll instantly see how much pricier Cap Cana is than B\u00e1varo.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_things_to_see_and_do_in_Punta_Cana\"><\/span>20 things to see and do in Punta Cana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Punta Cana offers more than it might seem at first glance, and most of the best things are hidden <strong>beyond the resort fence<\/strong>. Here are my tips that I found the most interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73abf348&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73abf348\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-1-614d4ac3.jpg\" alt=\"B\u00e1varo beach in Punta Cana\" class=\"wp-image-415934\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-1-614d4ac3.jpg 960w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-1-614d4ac3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-1-614d4ac3-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-1-614d4ac3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-1-614d4ac3-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-1-614d4ac3-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-1-614d4ac3-696x522.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Joey Spendlove \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Iconic_Playa_Bavaro\"><\/span>1. Iconic Playa B\u00e1varo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the beach that pops up first when you type &#8216;Punta Cana beach&#8217; into Google. And honestly, the photos don&#8217;t lie. Kilometres of fine white sand are lined with endless rows of coconut palms and huge hotel complexes stretching for several kilometres. The water here is an unbelievable turquoise, and thanks to the coral reef in the distance there are no big waves, making it an absolutely <strong>ideal spot for families<\/strong> with small children. I recommend getting up early and heading here for a walk <strong>right after sunrise<\/strong>, when the sand is still beautifully cool and the whole beach belongs only to joggers and a few early birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s one big catch, though, which I already mentioned in the intro. <strong>Playa B\u00e1varo<\/strong> faces due east, so it works as a perfect net for everything the open ocean brings to the shore. In seaweed season, <strong>huge brown carpets<\/strong> can form here \u2014 hotels clear them from morning to night with heavy machinery and build special barrier nets out at sea, but nature is often much faster and stronger. So for a few weeks the turquoise sea can turn into a brown soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you&#8217;re coming here in summer, pick hotels with a really large and well-designed <strong>pool complex<\/strong>, so you always have a pleasant alternative when the sea happens to be full of sargassum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73abf846&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73abf846\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/exkluzivn-pl-juanillo-beach.jpg\" alt=\"Exclusive Juanillo Beach\" class=\"wp-image-415749\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/exkluzivn-pl-juanillo-beach.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/exkluzivn-pl-juanillo-beach-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/exkluzivn-pl-juanillo-beach-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/exkluzivn-pl-juanillo-beach-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/exkluzivn-pl-juanillo-beach-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/exkluzivn-pl-juanillo-beach-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/exkluzivn-pl-juanillo-beach-696x696.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/exkluzivn-pl-juanillo-beach-1392x1392.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: benn11ful \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Exclusive_Juanillo_Beach\"><\/span>2. Exclusive Juanillo Beach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re after the most beautiful stretch of coast in the whole area, you have to head south to the luxury gated zone of Cap Cana. <strong>Juanillo Beach<\/strong> is an absolute Caribbean dream, with sand as fine as flour and water that feels more like a huge shallow pool. The seabed here slopes very gently, so you won&#8217;t find any steep drops into the depths. Thanks to the specific shape of the bay, this beach is excellently <strong>protected from sargassum deposits<\/strong>, so even in the worst summer months the sea here tends to be noticeably cleaner than the rest of the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the beach lies in a private millionaires&#8217; area full of luxury villas and huge golf courses, entry is allowed to the general public too. You just have to drive through the main security gate and show a <strong>valid ID<\/strong>, ideally a passport. Do keep in mind that fairly high <strong>parking fees<\/strong> apply here, plus charges for renting loungers at the local beach clubs. The sand here, incidentally, is so white it doesn&#8217;t absorb heat at all, so it won&#8217;t burn the soles of your feet even at high noon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Book lunch at one of the local luxury beach clubs \u2014 by having a meal you&#8217;ll often get <strong>loungers for the whole day for free<\/strong>, which in the end is definitely worth more than the rental alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73abfd6c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73abfd6c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao.jpg\" alt=\"Wild Playa de Macao\" class=\"wp-image-415753\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/divok-playa-de-macao-1392x1044.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Paolo Pandolfo \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Wild_Playa_de_Macao\"><\/span>3. Wild Playa de Macao<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A completely different world awaits you at <strong>Macao beach<\/strong>, which lies a bit further north and is nowhere near as continuously built up with huge resorts. It&#8217;s a popular public beach sought out by locals and above all surfers, because proper waves roll in here from the open ocean. You&#8217;ll find plenty of small stalls with simple food, <strong>surf schools<\/strong> that lend you a board and a rash guard, and on weekends a wonderful, relaxed Dominican atmosphere reigns here, full of loud music and the smell of grilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best thing about Macao beach, though, is paradoxically its <strong>open position toward the sea<\/strong>. Strong currents carry the seaweed away much faster than it can even permanently pile up on the shore. You&#8217;ll occasionally see some sargassum here after a storm, but the impenetrable, stinking carpets that form on central B\u00e1varo rarely appear. On top of that, local cooks prepare the legendary <strong>fried fish (pescado frito)<\/strong> right on the beach, served fresh out of the oil straight onto a plastic plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you love photography, come here for an early-evening <strong>walk at sunset<\/strong> \u2014 the golden light reflecting off the big wild waves creates absolutely breathtaking scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac031d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac031d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933.jpg\" alt=\"Playa Blanca beach by Puntacana Resort\" class=\"wp-image-415936\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-4-49271933-1392x1044.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Jeff Storms \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Laid-back_Playa_Blanca\"><\/span>4. Laid-back Playa Blanca<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A short drive from the international airport, right by the famous Puntacana Resort, lies the smaller <strong>Playa Blanca<\/strong> beach. It&#8217;s characterised by <strong>extremely shallow, calm water<\/strong>, so you can wade tens of metres out to sea and the water will still be barely knee- or waist-deep. It&#8217;s a fantastic spot for paddleboarding, kitesurfing, or for those who aren&#8217;t quite confident in deep water. The sun reflects off the white bottom so strongly here that quality polarised sunglasses are an absolute must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s a <strong>beach club of the same name<\/strong> here with excellent drinks, the shade of mature palms and (unlike bustling B\u00e1varo) an atmosphere that makes you not want to rush anywhere. Sometimes there&#8217;s <strong>live music<\/strong> for the afternoon coffee, and that&#8217;s exactly the right Caribbean recipe for doing nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: A short way off the coast there are protected and <strong>artificially created coral reefs<\/strong>, so don&#8217;t forget to pack a snorkel and diving mask \u2014 you&#8217;ll see plenty of colourful little fish in completely calm water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac0825&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac0825\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1366\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-5-8f7281d5.jpg\" alt=\"Local Bibijagua beach in B\u00e1varo\" class=\"wp-image-415940\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-5-8f7281d5.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-5-8f7281d5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-5-8f7281d5-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-5-8f7281d5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-5-8f7281d5-696x391.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Big Marlin Charters Punta Cana \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Local_vibes_at_Playa_Bibijagua\"><\/span>5. Local vibes at Playa Bibijagua<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to see how ordinary Dominicans spend their time by the sea and experience the <strong>real local buzz<\/strong>, head to <strong>Bibijagua beach<\/strong>. You&#8217;ll recognise it from afar by the dozens of colourful fishing boats pulled right up onto the fine sand. It&#8217;s a very lively and noisy place full of music, laughter and endless rows of stalls where you can buy just about everything, from fresh coconuts to beach tunics to hand-woven bracelets and painted pictures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is exactly where you&#8217;ll find a huge and very <strong>chaotic souvenir market<\/strong>. It&#8217;s an ideal spot for buying <strong>genuine Dominican coffee<\/strong>, raw cacao, bottles of local rum, or traditional faceless ceramic figurines. Haggling is an absolute necessity here, though, and the vendors can be quite persistent at times, especially if you start looking at goods at a stall for more than a few seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you don&#8217;t feel like negotiating over price and are just browsing, simply smile and politely but firmly <strong>say &#8220;No, gracias&#8221;<\/strong> \u2014 the vendors usually respect it after a while and leave you in peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac0cfe&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac0cfe\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park.jpg\" alt=\"Adrenaline-packed Scape Park\" class=\"wp-image-415757\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/adrenalinov-scape-park-1392x1044.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Sa\u00fal Gonz\u00e1lez \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Adrenaline-packed_Scape_Park\"><\/span>6. Adrenaline-packed Scape Park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you get tired of lying on the beach all day with a drink in hand, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scapepark.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Scape Park<\/a> in the <strong>sheltered Cap Cana area<\/strong> is the best choice for an outing. This huge natural adventure park offers everything from <strong>adrenaline ziplines<\/strong> strung high above the treetops to exploring mysterious limestone caves and bathing under waterfalls. From some of the ziplines you even glide straight into a cool little pool at the end. The whole enormous complex is sensitively set into gorgeous tropical jungle, so there&#8217;s always something to look at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The park is fairly pricey, but the <strong>full-day ticket<\/strong> includes absolutely all the local attractions, along with convenient <strong>transport straight from your hotel<\/strong> in an air-conditioned bus. The facilities here are very modern and carefully maintained \u2014 you&#8217;ll find clean showers everywhere, secure lockers for valuables, and several spacious restaurants where you can have a relaxed lunch during the day and hide from the midday heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Bring <strong>sturdy water shoes<\/strong> with a thick sole, because moving between the individual attractions in wet flip-flops can be genuinely dangerous on the rocky jungle paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac120c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac120c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul.jpg\" alt=\"Swimming in the Hoyo Azul cenote\" class=\"wp-image-415758\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/koup-n-v-cenot-hoyo-azul-1392x1044.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Alex Castro \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Swimming_in_the_Hoyo_Azul_cenote\"><\/span>7. Swimming in the Hoyo Azul cenote<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hoyo Azul<\/strong>, meaning Blue Hole, is easily the most photographed and best-known natural feature in the entire Punta Cana area. It&#8217;s a stunning <strong>freshwater cenote<\/strong> just under fifteen metres deep with incredibly turquoise water, tucked away right beneath a steep, seventy-five-metre limestone cliff. The contrast of the bright blue water and the deep green jungle is so over-the-top that it looks like an Instagram filter in the photos. Except it really looks like that in real life too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This magical cenote is an integral <strong>part of the aforementioned Scape Park<\/strong>, reached by a beautiful, well-maintained jungle trail full of wild orchids and giant ferns. The water in the cave is <strong>quite cold<\/strong> (usually around 24 degrees), which in the sultry Caribbean heat is an incredibly refreshing and invigorating experience you won&#8217;t forget. You descend to the water on wooden steps that make for the best photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Head to Hoyo Azul <strong>first thing in the morning<\/strong> as the very first attraction right after the park opens \u2014 that way you&#8217;ll have a chance to enjoy this place, at least for a while, without hundreds of other tourists in life vests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac16a3&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac16a3\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2133\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/skryt-tajemstv-hoyo-claro.jpg\" alt=\"Hidden secret Hoyo Claro\" class=\"wp-image-415759\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/skryt-tajemstv-hoyo-claro.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/skryt-tajemstv-hoyo-claro-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/skryt-tajemstv-hoyo-claro-700x933.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/skryt-tajemstv-hoyo-claro-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/skryt-tajemstv-hoyo-claro-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/skryt-tajemstv-hoyo-claro-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/skryt-tajemstv-hoyo-claro-696x928.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/skryt-tajemstv-hoyo-claro-1392x1856.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Jossias King \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_The_hidden_secret_of_Hoyo_Claro\"><\/span>8. The hidden secret of Hoyo Claro<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If crowds of tourists and high entry fees at the big commercial parks put you off, there&#8217;s one great local alternative. The <strong>Hoyo Claro nature reserve<\/strong> hides a similarly beautiful freshwater cenote, but it&#8217;s mostly locals who come here on weekends. It lies a bit off the main paved highway, with no comfortable asphalt roads leading to it, which perfectly protects the place from the resort masses. So don&#8217;t forget to <strong>download offline maps<\/strong> to your phone in advance \u2014 the signal drops out here now and then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The water here is crystal clear and refreshing, but don&#8217;t expect lockers, showers or a coffee stand. It&#8217;s <strong>pure Dominican nature<\/strong> without the gloss, so <strong>pack everything you need, including drinking water, into your backpack<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: For the trip here it pays to use a <strong>reliable Uber or a local taxi driver<\/strong>, because with an ordinary rented car you could run into big trouble and get stuck on the deep dirt track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac1b56&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac1b56\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve.jpg\" alt=\"Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve\" class=\"wp-image-415760\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/indigenous-eyes-ecological-reserve-1392x1044.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Juraj Sasko \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Indigenous_Eyes_Ecological_Reserve\"><\/span>9. Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an absolute gem for lovers of quiet nature and peaceful walks. In a sprawling, shady park by the Puntacana Resort there&#8217;s a unique <strong>system of twelve freshwater lagoons<\/strong>, connected by very carefully maintained forest trails. The park is managed by the local <strong>Puntacana Ecological Foundation<\/strong>, and the whole vast area is strictly protected and guarded so nature can breathe in peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biggest highlight is that swimming is <strong>officially permitted<\/strong> in five of these lagoons. The water is beautifully clear and full of tiny freshwater fish and shy water turtles you can watch right from the surface. Clever signs are placed along the trails, telling you the names of the remarkable trees and what the animals are actually up to. The whole place also feels incredibly calming, far from the noisy hotel entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Don&#8217;t forget to pack a really <strong>strong, effective repellent<\/strong> against tropical mosquitoes \u2014 in the deep jungle shade and by the fresh water there are sometimes proper swarms of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac21c7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac21c7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/z-bava-v-b-varo-adventure-park.jpg\" alt=\"Fun at B\u00e1varo Adventure Park\" class=\"wp-image-415761\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/z-bava-v-b-varo-adventure-park.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/z-bava-v-b-varo-adventure-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/z-bava-v-b-varo-adventure-park-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/z-bava-v-b-varo-adventure-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/z-bava-v-b-varo-adventure-park-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/z-bava-v-b-varo-adventure-park-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/z-bava-v-b-varo-adventure-park-1392x927.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Bavaro Adventure Park | Punta Cana Tours &#038; Excursions \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Fun_at_Bavaro_Adventure_Park\"><\/span>10. Fun at B\u00e1varo Adventure Park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For lovers of powerful engines, adrenaline and all-encompassing mud, there&#8217;s a huge adventure park right in the <strong>B\u00e1varo resort area<\/strong>. The main draw here is a wild <strong>buggy ride<\/strong> along rutted, muddy tracks, on which you&#8217;re guaranteed not to stay dry or clean. During the ride you even splash through some smaller water fords. But you can also take a relaxed horseback ride, try off-road Segways, or fly through the jungle on a long zipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A huge advantage of this park is the fact that it&#8217;s really just a short hop from most of the popular hotels in the area, so you won&#8217;t spend half a day on the bus. What&#8217;s more, you don&#8217;t have to buy an expensive full-day pass for everything \u2014 you can pick and <strong>pay only for the specific activities<\/strong> that genuinely interest you and that you&#8217;re in the mood for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: For the muddy buggy ride, <strong>wear old clothes<\/strong> you won&#8217;t mind throwing straight into the bin \u2014 that deep red Dominican mud never fully washes out of a light-coloured T-shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac2a72&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac2a72\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2133\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-11-8d623c69.jpg\" alt=\"Seaquarium in Punta Cana\" class=\"wp-image-415943\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-11-8d623c69.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-11-8d623c69-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-11-8d623c69-700x933.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-11-8d623c69-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-11-8d623c69-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-11-8d623c69-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-11-8d623c69-696x928.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/swap-415604-11-8d623c69-1392x1856.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Alejandro Palafox \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"punta cana\" lang=\"en\" --><!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lk-stays-module\">\n<style>\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESET PRO GUTENBERG \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 WRAPPER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module {\n  font-family: 'DM Sans', Georgia, sans-serif;\n  max-width: 100%;\n  margin: 2.5rem auto;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fdfaf5 0%, #fcf8f0 100%);\n  border: 1px solid #e8dfd4;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-header {\n  position: relative;\n  padding: 24px 36px 24px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 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font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 2.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.85);\n  margin: 0 0 5px 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-title {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #fff;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n  margin: 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-subtitle {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.75);\n  margin: 4px 0 0 0;\n  font-weight: 300;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CARDS GRID \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n  gap: 1px;\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.12);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 SINGLE CARD \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-card {\n  background: #ffffff;\n  padding: 26px;\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  gap: 11px;\n  transition: all 0.3s ease;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  color: inherit;\n  position: relative;\n}\n.lk-stay-card:hover {\n  background: #fffbf5;\n  transform: translateY(-2px);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.18);\n  z-index: 1;\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffdf9 0%, #fff9f0 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.1);\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffbf5 0%, #fff8ed 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n}\n\n.lk-stay-badge {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 5px;\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  padding: 5px 11px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  width: fit-content;\n}\n.badge-top     { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 100%); color: #fff; border: 1px solid #c39f76; font-weight: 600; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(195,159,118,0.3); }\n.badge-luxury  { background: rgba(195,159,118,.12); color: #c39f76; border: 1px solid rgba(195,159,118,.25); }\n.badge-boutique{ background: rgba(54,133,252,.08); color: #3685fc; border: 1px solid rgba(54,133,252,.2); }\n.badge-nature  { background: rgba(130,190,100,.1); color: #6b9c4a; border: 1px solid rgba(130,190,100,.2); }\n.badge-remote  { background: rgba(195,159,118,.12); color: #a67e50; border: 1px solid rgba(195,159,118,.25); }\n\n.lk-stay-name {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #111827;\n  line-height: 1.3;\n}\n.lk-stay-desc {\n  font-size: 13.5px;\n  color: #525252;\n  line-height: 1.65;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  flex: 1;\n}\n\n.lk-stay-meta {\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 12px;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  margin-top: 4px;\n}\n.lk-stay-price {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n}\n.lk-stay-price strong {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  font-weight: 500;\n}\n.lk-stay-stars {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  font-size: 11px;\n  letter-spacing: 1px;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CTA BUTTON \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-cta {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  gap: 7px;\n  margin-top: 8px;\n  padding: 11px 20px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3685fc 0%, #2a6fd9 100%);\n  color: #fff;\n  font-size: 13px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  letter-spacing: .3px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: center;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.25);\n}\n.lk-stay-cta:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2a6fd9 0%, #1e5bc4 100%);\n  transform: translateY(-1px);\n  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.35);\n}\n.lk-stay-cta svg { flex-shrink: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 FOOTER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-footer {\n  padding: 18px 36px;\n  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #fdfaf5 0%, #f9f4ed 100%);\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 12px;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note {\n  font-size: 11.5px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  font-weight: 400;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a:hover {\n  text-decoration: underline;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 6px;\n  font-size: 12.5px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.35);\n  padding: 8px 18px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn:hover {\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.08);\n  border-color: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.5);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESPONSIVE \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\n  .lk-stays-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .lk-stays-header { padding: 24px 20px; }\n  .lk-stays-footer { padding: 16px 20px; }\n  .lk-stay-card { padding: 22px; }\n  .lk-stays-title { font-size: 20px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n  <!-- HEADER -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-header\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lukas-a-lucka.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 75px; height: 75px; border-radius: 8px; flex-shrink: 0; object-fit: cover; display: block; margin: 4px 0;\" title=\"\">\n    <div class=\"lk-stays-header-text\">\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-eyebrow\">Luk\u00e1\u0161 and Lucie recommend<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-title\">Where to Stay in Punta Cana<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-subtitle\">4 accommodations \u2014 wellness hotels, resorts and other lodging options<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CARDS -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-grid\">\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card featured\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=covidetvpuntacane&#038;address=Punta+Cana&#038;hotelname=Eden+Roc+Cap+Cana&#038;search=Eden+Roc+Cap+Cana&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-top\">\u2b50 TOP CHOICE<\/span>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\u2b50 Luxury<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Eden Roc Cap Cana<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Top-tier resort in the luxurious southern Cap Cana area, offering privacy, private beach club and tranquility away from mass tourism.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=covidetvpuntacane&#038;address=Punta+Cana&#038;hotelname=Lopesan+Costa+B%C3%A1varo+Resort&#038;search=Lopesan+Costa+B%C3%A1varo+Resort&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udf32 Resort<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Lopesan Costa B\u00e1varo Resort<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Giant resort with stunning cascading pools and a huge tropical garden in the B\u00e1varo area.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=covidetvpuntacane&#038;address=Punta+Cana&#038;hotelname=Secrets+Royal+Beach+Punta+Cana&#038;search=Secrets+Royal+Beach+Punta+Cana&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\u2b50 Luxury<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Adults-only hotel with perfect service and excellent gastronomy, peace and quiet without children.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=co-videt-v-punta-cane&#038;address=Punta%20Cana%2C%20Dominik%C3%A1nsk%C3%A1%20republika\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Pension\/B&#038;B<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Accommodation in Los Corales and El Cortecito<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">More relaxed atmosphere, smaller boutique guesthouses and apartments for rent close to local restaurants.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Seaquarium_Punta_Cana_think_twice\"><\/span>11. Seaquarium Punta Cana (think twice)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seaquarium offers a very specific chance to <strong>walk along the seabed<\/strong> in a special heavy helmet and to <strong>snorkel in a huge enclosure<\/strong> right in the ocean. During the dive you&#8217;ll swim among rays and smaller sharks (often completely harmless nurse sharks), which on paper sounds like a great, safe experience for the whole family. You reach the spot on a big glass-bottom boat blasting loud party music, with rum flowing from the early morning hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But I have to honestly mention that reviews and impressions of this place tend to be quite mixed. Many travellers complain about the huge number of people crammed into the water, the obvious stressing of the animals, and the overall very <strong>commercial, forced atmosphere<\/strong>. So think hard about whether it&#8217;s really worth it for that not-insignificant money, or whether you&#8217;d rather invest it elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you love wild animals and want to see them in their natural environment, rather pay for a <strong>classic snorkelling trip<\/strong> to the open coral reefs \u2014 it&#8217;s a much more authentic and calmer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac3165&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac3165\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1062\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ve-ern-downtown-punta-cana.jpg\" alt=\"Downtown Punta Cana in the evening\" class=\"wp-image-415765\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ve-ern-downtown-punta-cana.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ve-ern-downtown-punta-cana-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ve-ern-downtown-punta-cana-700x465.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ve-ern-downtown-punta-cana-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ve-ern-downtown-punta-cana-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ve-ern-downtown-punta-cana-696x462.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ve-ern-downtown-punta-cana-1392x924.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Downtown Punta Cana \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Downtown_Punta_Cana_by_night\"><\/span>12. Downtown Punta Cana by night<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When after a few days you tire of the same evening entertainment programme at your resort, head out to <strong>discover Downtown<\/strong>. It&#8217;s a huge modern open-air shopping and entertainment centre that works as a perfectly <strong>safe bubble for tourists<\/strong>. You&#8217;ll find giant cinemas, plenty of world-famous brand stores, a Hard Rock Cafe and dozens of excellent restaurants covering every world cuisine. By day it&#8217;s a calmer shopping zone, but after dark the whole thing lights up with neon and the streets fill with people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Right here on the square is also the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cocobongo.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">legendary Coco Bongo nightclub<\/a>, which offers an unbelievable <strong>wild mix of cabaret<\/strong>, acrobatics and a classic disco with flying confetti and a light show. It&#8217;s the absolute easiest and <strong>safest way<\/strong> to get out of the hotel in the evening without having to deal with any complicated transport into unfamiliar neighbourhoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The Downtown complex also has a huge <strong>Jumbo supermarket<\/strong>, where you can buy quality souvenirs, ground coffee and cane rum for a <strong>fraction of the local prices<\/strong> compared to the overpriced hotel shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac3665&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac3665\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"718\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lok-ln-ivot-v-los-corales.jpg\" alt=\"Local life in Los Corales and El Cortecito\" class=\"wp-image-415767\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lok-ln-ivot-v-los-corales.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lok-ln-ivot-v-los-corales-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lok-ln-ivot-v-los-corales-700x314.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lok-ln-ivot-v-los-corales-768x345.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lok-ln-ivot-v-los-corales-1536x689.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lok-ln-ivot-v-los-corales-696x312.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lok-ln-ivot-v-los-corales-1392x625.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Los Corales Village \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Local_life_in_Los_Corales_and_El_Cortecito\"><\/span>13. Local life in Los Corales and El Cortecito<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If on holiday you long for a slightly more authentic atmosphere outside the walls of the giant resorts, these <strong>two connected neighbourhoods in the B\u00e1varo area<\/strong> are absolutely ideal. It&#8217;s an area with a huge <strong>community of expats and digital nomads<\/strong>, so you&#8217;ll find a wonderful mix of relaxed Dominican culture and precise European services. The lanes here are full of small colourful shops, bakeries and cosy little caf\u00e9s with wifi, wafting the scent of fresh pastries from afar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is exactly the place you go to <strong>eat well<\/strong> when you wisely skip an all-inclusive stay. There are dozens of <strong>excellent restaurants, tapas bars<\/strong> and stylish beach clubs here, where you can have an icy drink with your feet right in the fine sand, listening to nothing but the murmur of the sea and the clinking of glasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: I recommend coming here for a <strong>long weekend brunch<\/strong> \u2014 the atmosphere is incredibly lazy and laid-back, exactly the way a weekend in the real Caribbean should be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac3b3c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac3b3c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2131\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/betonov-bazilika-v-hig-ey.jpg\" alt=\"Concrete basilica in Hig\u00fcey\" class=\"wp-image-415769\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/betonov-bazilika-v-hig-ey.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/betonov-bazilika-v-hig-ey-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/betonov-bazilika-v-hig-ey-700x932.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/betonov-bazilika-v-hig-ey-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/betonov-bazilika-v-hig-ey-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/betonov-bazilika-v-hig-ey-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/betonov-bazilika-v-hig-ey-696x927.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/betonov-bazilika-v-hig-ey-1392x1854.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Matteo Pettinari \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_The_concrete_basilica_in_Higuey\"><\/span>14. The concrete basilica in Hig\u00fcey<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About forty minutes&#8217; drive from the glittering coast lies the ordinary provincial <strong>capital of Hig\u00fcey<\/strong>, which shows you the real, unvarnished face of the Dominican Republic. The main landmark of the whole city is the huge concrete Basilica of Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Altagracia, by far the most important <strong>Catholic pilgrimage site<\/strong> in the entire country. Its massive, sky-reaching arched architecture is genuinely impressive and completely unmistakable, especially against the bright blue sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around the basilica pulses an utterly chaotic, incredibly noisy and <strong>genuine Dominican life<\/strong> you won&#8217;t experience in Punta Cana. You&#8217;ll see <strong>crowded fruit markets<\/strong>, motorbikes weaving dangerously between cars, and you&#8217;ll smell the heavy scent of fried plantains from the street stalls. It&#8217;s a huge and much-needed contrast to the perfectly trimmed lawns of the luxury resorts, and it shows you how the locals really live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: To enter the basilica itself you must have <strong>appropriately modest clothing<\/strong> covering your shoulders and knees, otherwise the strict guards won&#8217;t let you in for even a second, with no exceptions for tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_eat_outside_the_resort\"><\/span>Where to eat outside the resort<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you love good food, definitely don&#8217;t stick to the hotel buffets. Head out and discover the <strong>local culinary scene<\/strong>, which definitely has plenty to offer, <strong>even for vegetarians<\/strong>. Local restaurants take care with their ingredients, and the atmosphere of dinner outdoors has its own unmistakable charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac4076&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac4076\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma.jpg\" alt=\"Fantastic Indian Aroma\" class=\"wp-image-415771\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/fantastick-indian-aroma-1392x1044.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Syed Chowdhury \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Fantastic_Indian_Aroma\"><\/span>15. Fantastic Indian Aroma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since we&#8217;re on the subject of discovering great food in the Los Corales area, I recommend one culinary gem. <strong>Indian Aroma<\/strong> is an unassuming restaurant (no neon signs or beach fame), but the local expats know it and come here regularly, and it&#8217;s clear why. The interior is very simple and won&#8217;t wow you, but that makes the quality, rich spices and <strong>absolute authenticity of the food<\/strong> surprise you all the more after the first bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reason I mention it above all, though, is its huge and thoroughly <strong>developed vegetarian menu<\/strong>. In a country where most traditional dishes revolve exclusively around pork and fish, this is an absolute oasis and a lifesaver for those who prefer a plant-based diet. They make excellent thick, creamy curries, freshly baked fluffy naan bread and perfectly seasoned <strong>spicy lentil dhals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Definitely try their <strong>vegetarian tikka masala<\/strong> with paneer cheese \u2014 it&#8217;s so honest and filling that you&#8217;ll want to come back the very next day for an early dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac4607&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac4607\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2133\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rostlinn-riviera-express-vegan.jpg\" alt=\"Plant-based Riviera Express Vegan\" class=\"wp-image-415774\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rostlinn-riviera-express-vegan.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rostlinn-riviera-express-vegan-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rostlinn-riviera-express-vegan-700x933.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rostlinn-riviera-express-vegan-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rostlinn-riviera-express-vegan-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rostlinn-riviera-express-vegan-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rostlinn-riviera-express-vegan-696x928.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rostlinn-riviera-express-vegan-1392x1856.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Riviera Express Vegan &#038; Healthy Choice \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Plant-based_Riviera_Express_Vegan\"><\/span>16. Plant-based Riviera Express Vegan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another great fallback for anyone who, for whatever reason, doesn&#8217;t eat meat is this brilliant <strong>purely plant-based restaurant<\/strong>. <strong>Riviera Express Vegan<\/strong> &#038; Healthy Choice clearly shows that even in the Caribbean you can do modern healthy dining at the absolute highest level. They serve beautifully, modernly plated dishes full of vibrant colours and fresh local ingredients from nearby organic farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I recommend coming here especially when, after a few days, you feel a bit over-full from the heavy hotel buffets and your body urgently needs a proper refreshing dose of vitamins. They make great <strong>thick, energy-packed smoothies<\/strong>, enormous fresh salads and heartier <strong>plant-based burgers with a crispy bun<\/strong> that won&#8217;t leave you feeling sluggish all afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Their homemade desserts <strong>with no added refined sugar<\/strong> are dangerously good \u2014 especially the dense <strong>raw chocolate cakes<\/strong>, which you definitely shouldn&#8217;t skip with your coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac4b96&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac4b96\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2133\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pohodov-castaways-bistro.png\" alt=\"Laid-back Castaways Bistro and Wowzer\" class=\"wp-image-415777\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pohodov-castaways-bistro.png 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pohodov-castaways-bistro-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pohodov-castaways-bistro-700x933.png 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pohodov-castaways-bistro-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pohodov-castaways-bistro-1152x1536.png 1152w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pohodov-castaways-bistro-1536x2048.png 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pohodov-castaways-bistro-696x928.png 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pohodov-castaways-bistro-1392x1856.png 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Castaways Bistro \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_Laid-back_Castaways_Bistro_and_Wowzer\"><\/span>17. Laid-back Castaways Bistro and Wowzer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This wonderful bistro in Los Corales is an absolute classic honestly loved by both tourists and long-term local expats. <strong>Castaways Bistro<\/strong> has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere under a huge thatched roof that keeps things beautifully cool, and the staff are incredibly friendly and smiling. It&#8217;s exactly the kind of place where you&#8217;ll linger with a book far longer than you originally planned that morning, while sipping their famous iced coffee. The nearby <strong>Wowzer Brunch &#038; Restaurant<\/strong> offers a very similar and equally great concept with a stunning selection of breakfasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They cook up great international cuisine with a light Caribbean touch, and the portions on the plate are really generous, so most of the time you won&#8217;t even finish everything. They have excellent strong coffee and make absolutely <strong>legendary weekend breakfasts<\/strong> and long brunches, for which there are often queues at the door in high season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Try their perfect <strong>avocado toast with a poached egg<\/strong> and a mildly spicy sauce, add a chilled fresh juice, and a lazy, perfect morning is guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac50c0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac50c0\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1250\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/objevov-n-m-stn-ch-bezmas-ch-specialit.jpg\" alt=\"Discovering local meat-free specialties\" class=\"wp-image-415780\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/objevov-n-m-stn-ch-bezmas-ch-specialit.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/objevov-n-m-stn-ch-bezmas-ch-specialit-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/objevov-n-m-stn-ch-bezmas-ch-specialit-700x547.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/objevov-n-m-stn-ch-bezmas-ch-specialit-768x600.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/objevov-n-m-stn-ch-bezmas-ch-specialit-1536x1200.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/objevov-n-m-stn-ch-bezmas-ch-specialit-696x544.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/objevov-n-m-stn-ch-bezmas-ch-specialit-1392x1088.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Excellence Punta Cana \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_Discovering_local_meat-free_specialties\"><\/span>18. Discovering local meat-free specialties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although traditional Dominican cuisine leans heavily on pork, chicken and fried fish (locals especially love thick meaty sancocho or fried pescado frito), you&#8217;ll also find plenty of great local dishes that are naturally meat-free. The absolute classic is mang\u00fa, a delicious and very filling <strong>mash of boiled green plantains<\/strong>, typically eaten with marinated red onion right at breakfast. Sometimes it&#8217;s served with <strong>fried cheese<\/strong>, which is a genius combination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An absolute safe bet for a quick lunch is <strong>arroz con habichuelas<\/strong>, i.e. rice with red beans, the unofficial national dish, which in its vegetarian version you can get at pretty much any street stall or small eatery (a so-called comedor). As a great side, definitely have tostones \u2014 twice-fried crispy slices of savoury plantain \u2014 or <strong>golden-fried yuca<\/strong>, which easily beats regular fries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The local <strong>Caribbean avocados<\/strong> are enormous, incredibly buttery and taste completely different from the ones in European supermarkets \u2014 just sprinkle them with a little salt on the plate and squeeze over some fresh lime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_Sweet_Dominican_drinks\"><\/span>19. Sweet Dominican drinks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dominican Republic is famous worldwide not only for its cane rum aged in oak barrels, but also offers fantastic and very specific non-alcoholic drinks. The absolute hit of hot days is <strong>morir so\u00f1ando<\/strong>, which poetically translates as &#8220;to die dreaming&#8221;. It&#8217;s an incredibly refreshing mix of fresh orange juice, condensed milk, cane sugar and plenty of ice, tasting in the end exactly like a melted creamy orange ice lolly, only in a glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The country is also renowned for producing <strong>premium cacao and excellent coffee<\/strong>, which grows mostly in the mountainous inland regions. The local coffee is very strong, dark-roasted and drunk from small plastic cups with an enormous amount of sugar. You can buy it on every corner from street vendors with a thermos, and it&#8217;s guaranteed to give you a kick for the whole rest of an afternoon of running around the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: At the caf\u00e9s, order a <strong>thick hot chocolate<\/strong> for breakfast made from local crushed cacao beans \u2014 it&#8217;s a completely different taste experience from the instant powder we&#8217;re used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9ea73ac569f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9ea73ac569f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2133\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pozor-na-timeshary.jpg\" alt=\"Beware of timeshares and dolphins\" class=\"wp-image-415783\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pozor-na-timeshary.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pozor-na-timeshary-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pozor-na-timeshary-700x933.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pozor-na-timeshary-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pozor-na-timeshary-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pozor-na-timeshary-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pozor-na-timeshary-696x928.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pozor-na-timeshary-1392x1856.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Ervin Escobar \/ Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_Beware_of_timeshares_and_dolphins\"><\/span>20. Beware of timeshares and dolphins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To finish, I have to add two important warnings for both your wallet and your conscience, so you don&#8217;t leave your holiday needlessly annoyed. If someone on the beach or in the hotel lobby suddenly offers you a free boat trip or a &#8220;VIP breakfast&#8221; at a luxury hotel for free in exchange for just an hour of your time, you can be 99% sure it&#8217;s an extremely <strong>aggressive sales pitch<\/strong> for <strong>so-called timeshares<\/strong> (shared ownership of holiday apartments). This meeting will steal half a day of your holiday and a lot of nerves, because the salespeople can be incredibly persistent. Decline these offers with a smile but very firmly right from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second thing concerns the popular family excursions involving animals. Punta Cana offers a huge number of options for <strong>swimming with dolphins<\/strong> in concrete pools and enclosed sea pens, but for ethical reasons I can&#8217;t recommend visiting these captive facilities with a clear conscience. <strong>The animals here often suffer<\/strong> enormous stress and a complete lack of space for natural movement and hunting in the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Cleverly invest your time and saved money into full-day <strong>trips to the national parks<\/strong>, where with a bit of luck you can watch marine life swimming freely in the ocean, completely without restrictive fences and concrete walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_go_from_Punta_Cana\"><\/span>Where to go from Punta Cana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As I already mentioned, in this area the programme is largely bought through excursions and cruises. The most beautiful natural scenery isn&#8217;t right by the hotels \u2014 you have to head out on <strong>organised exploring<\/strong> to reach it. Here are the best directions to escape to for a full day from Punta Cana:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Isla Saona and Bayahibe:<\/strong> This is by far the best-selling excursion, and it&#8217;s no wonder. From the little village of Bayahibe (where, incidentally, there&#8217;s almost never any seaweed) you sail by catamaran to Saona Island, which lies within Cotubanam\u00e1 National Park. The most beautiful and calmest part of the island is the Canto de la Playa stop, where the sand is so white it genuinely burns and hurts your eyes. On the way back, the boat often stops at a natural pool with starfish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parque Nacional Los Haitises:<\/strong> The most interesting nature trip for those who want to see something more than just beach and sea. You&#8217;ll cruise among mangroves, mysterious limestone islets in the bay where flocks of pelicans nest, and explore old caves where you&#8217;ll see well-preserved pictographs of the indigenous Ta\u00edno people. It&#8217;s a full-day and fairly demanding trip with an early start, but it&#8217;s definitely worth it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Isla Catalina:<\/strong> From the port in La Romana, boats head to this small island, renowned for the best snorkelling in the wider area. The local coral gardens are full of life and colourful parrotfish, and the water here is clear as glass. The whole trip is noticeably calmer than the party boats to the busier Saona.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monta\u00f1a Redonda:<\/strong> If you use Instagram, you&#8217;ve surely seen this photo already. It&#8217;s a hill about an hour&#8217;s drive to the north, on whose summit huge swings are built, seemingly rising right over the abyss. The view over the green countryside and the ocean in the distance is absolutely phenomenal, and open safari trucks carry you up to the top.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Altos de Chav\u00f3n:<\/strong> This architectural curiosity above the deep canyon of the Chav\u00f3n River is a faithful replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, complete with a huge amphitheatre carved from stone. It&#8217;s often visited as part of combined trips with Saona Island, or as an afternoon outing to shop for local art.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re wondering how to correctly choose the right area for your hotel, I&#8217;ve prepared a <strong>detailed guide<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/kde-bydlet-v-punta-cane\/\">Where to Stay in Punta Cana<\/a>, to help you with just that. And if you&#8217;re planning to explore other parts of the island too, definitely check out our <strong>big guide<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/dominikanska-republika-dovolena\/\">Dominican Republic: Holiday, 21 Tips and When to Go<\/a>, where you&#8217;ll find plenty more inspiration and practical travel advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s an <strong>overview of the most common questions<\/strong> you send me, so you&#8217;re clear on everything before your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1788424060000\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_visa_for_the_Dominican_Republic\"><\/span>Do I need a visa for the Dominican Republic?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For regular tourism you don&#8217;t need a visa, but it is mandatory to fill out the electronic e-Ticket form, both before arrival and before departure from the country. This form is filled out online, is completely free, and generates a QR code that you show to the officer on your phone. The previous tourist card, which used to be purchased for 10 USD at the airport at a special counter, is now automatically included in the price of your flight ticket.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1788424060001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_all-inclusive_worth_it_in_Punta_Cana\"><\/span>Is all-inclusive worth it in Punta Cana?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for absolute relaxation, don&#8217;t want to deal with complicated arrangements, and are traveling with family, then all-inclusive is definitely worth it and makes the most sense. Hotels also tend to have excellent kids&#8217; clubs. However, for more active travelers who want to spend entire days on excursions outside the hotel and enthusiastically explore local restaurants in areas like Los Corales in the evening, it&#8217;s often more economical to book accommodation with breakfast only and enjoy greater freedom.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1788424060002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_safety_in_Punta_Cana\"><\/span>How is safety in Punta Cana?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Right in the resort zone and on the adjacent beaches, safety is at a very high level\u2014large hotels have strong and vigilant security, and there&#8217;s also a special tourist police force (POLITUR) operating here. Still, keep your passports and valuables in the hotel safe, and don&#8217;t go walking on unlit beaches outside the resort at night. The main risks here aren&#8217;t petty crime, but rather unpredictable ocean currents while swimming, the extremely strong Caribbean sun, and occasionally pushy sellers of overpriced excursions.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1788424060003\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Uber_work_in_Punta_Cana\"><\/span>Does Uber work in Punta Cana?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, Uber has been working reliably here since 2020 and it&#8217;s a great, very safe, and government-regulated way to get around. You can see the prices upfront in the app, and a short ride between resorts or to Downtown will cost you around 7 to 10 USD, which is often much cheaper than the tiresome haggling with local taxi drivers, who like to try inflated &#8220;airport&#8221; rates on tourists.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1788424060004\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_do_excursions_from_Punta_Cana_cost\"><\/span>How much do excursions from Punta Cana cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Excursion prices vary enormously depending on where you buy them, how large a group you&#8217;re traveling with, and what the price includes (for example, lunch or park admission). Always purchase from certified agencies with a physical office or through verified portals with reviews\u2014never from random touts on the beach who promise you the moon and then disappear with your deposit. Prices can change throughout the season, so always verify them online in advance.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1788424060005\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_tap_water_drinkable\"><\/span>Is tap water drinkable?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, tap water in the Dominican Republic must under no circumstances be consumed for drinking, not even in the most luxurious five-star resorts with golden faucets. Always use exclusively bottled water for drinking and, to be safe, for brushing your teeth as well\u2014you&#8217;ll avoid unnecessary intestinal issues. However, you don&#8217;t need to worry at all about ice in drinks or washed salads in hotels and better tourist restaurants; those are prepared strictly with safe, industrially purified water.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1788424060006\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_tax_addition_work_in_restaurants\"><\/span>How does tax addition work in restaurants?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>This is something that unpleasantly catches many unprepared tourists off guard. In regular restaurants outside your paid all-inclusive, an 18% tax (ITBIS) is automatically added to the price listed on the menu, plus an additional 10% mandatory service charge (propina legal). So expect your final bill to always be almost a third higher than the amount you originally calculated from the menu. Most people also leave some small cash (ideally one-dollar bills) for the staff on the table on top of this charge.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gorgeous beaches, hidden jungle cenotes and the seaweed risk \u2013 here are 20 tips and a complete guide to an unforgettable holiday in Punta Cana!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":415818,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Punta Cana in Dominican Republic: 20 Tips for 2026","rank_math_description":"Discover Punta Cana in Dominican Republic: 20 tips on beaches, cenotes, seaweed season and the best excursions. Plan your dream 2026 Caribbean trip now!","rank_math_focus_keyword":"punta cana in dominican republic","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[1700,374,320],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-418585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dominican-republic","category-north-america","category-travel"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/plaz-bavaro-v-punta-cane-e1820f0d.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/418585","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=418585"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/418585\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/415818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=418585"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=418585"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=418585"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}