A surprisingly relaxing weekend of fun and sun in the Caribbean for my first time staying at an all-inclusive Caribbean resort hotel
Punta Cana
Travel blogs, photos and features from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana Travel Guide
The ultimate guide to the best things to do and see in Punta Cana
Probably the most popular destination in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a great place for a Caribbean beach holiday, but it also has a lot more in terms of marvellous landscapes, history and culture to offer. Start here with my basic Punta Cana travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest Punta Cana travel blogs.
When to Visit
The most popular time to visit the Punta Cana is in northern hemisphere winter, as this is when the weather is most pleasant and reliable, but also when hotels are busiest and prices are highest. Spring and summer months are also nice times to visit, though there may be strong rain and it gets breezy.
August to early December is the time fewest people visit the island in general, as this is hurricane season, which affects Punta Cana greatly. This means there are storms for a couple of hours a day, but otherwise it’s quite beautiful. This is when accommodation is usually a lot cheaper, so it can be a great time to find a bargain!
Top Places To See
Isla Saona – If the beaches in Punta Cana themselves feel a little too crowded for you, head down to the nearby Isla Saona. Here, the waters are shallow, and you’re very likely to see starfish plus get a bit more space to yourself on the white sand beaches. There’s also a turtle sanctuary in the village of Mano Juan which is worth checking out, as well as the indigenous cave art at Cotubanamá.
ChocoMuseo – More than a museum really, this place is primarily a chocolate shop, but also offers various workshops of different lengths, some on exactly how local chocolate is made, covering the whole process from bean to bar, and others on making your own sweets. Even if you don’t have time or desire to take a workshop, definitely at least visit to sample some of their handmade chocolate!
Hoyo Azul – A natural sinkhole filled with crystal clear blue water, this place offers a unique look at the island’s landscape, flora and fauna. It’s reachable only by a short and easy hike, and be warned: the water is not warm! It is beautiful though, just remember to pack hiking shoes, swimsuit and a towel.
Punta Cana Tours
Taking a tour from Punta Cana can be a great way to avoid the hassle of dealing with unreliable local transport and have a knowledgeable guide accompany you and teach you something about the destination.
LGBTQ – Gay Punta Cana Travel Guide
These are two of the best things you should know about visiting gay Punta Cana.
Caribbean Pride – When I visited the CHIC Punta Cana in 2017, the resort had turned rainbow for a week. It’s not an always-gay resort, but for nearly a week, the resort went all out. Hosting the first ever Caribbean Pride, CHIC Punta Cana invited drag stars and DJs to create a super-gay atmosphere. Rainbow flags throughout the property; from the moment I stepped onto the resort, there were LGBT flags and pride/love symbols everywhere.
Mares Lounge Club – The only gay bar in Punta Cana, this place has cute and flirty staff, and as well as serving great cocktails, it’s also a pretty good place to eat if you want to get out of your resort for an evening. It’s a nice mix of locals and foreigners, and though it doesn’t typically get very busy even at weekends, the vibe is still fun and relaxed.
More gay travel resources here.
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Punta Cana Travel Blogs
Photos and some travel tips for CHIC Punta Cana’s annual LGBT / gay Caribbean Pride party and festival – a week of fun events at the Dominican resort hotel!