5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  • Day 1: Dolphin Explorer
    25 minutes (18.1 miles) from Punta Cana

    Dolphin Explorer is a must-visit attraction for families with kids. Spend a few hours here and get a chance to interact with the friendly dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life. You can enjoy swimming with dolphins, a glass-bottom boat tour, and much more.

  • Day 2: Manati Park
    8 minutes (2.1 miles) from Dolphin Explorer

    For a fun-filled day with the family, head to Manati Park. This theme park is home to a variety of animals, such as monkeys, tropical birds, and reptiles. You can also look forward to the cultural shows, horseback riding, and a petting zoo for small children to have an interactive experience.

  • Day 3: Bavaro Beach
    15 minutes (3.5 miles) from Manati Park

    Enjoy the sun and sand at one of the beautiful beaches in Punta Cana. Bavaro Beach is a favorite spot among tourists and locals alike. Take part in water sports activities, savor the tropical delicacies and relax with a cocktail in a beautiful setting.

  • Day 4: Hoyo Azul
    35 minutes (24.5 miles) from Bavaro Beach

    Get up close with nature and visit Hoyo Azul, a hidden natural lagoon of crystal-clear water. Take a dip in the refreshing cold water, explore the surrounding vegetation, and take a small hike towards the lagoon. The trek is relatively easy and exquisite scenic beauty on the way.

  • Day 5: Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park
    20 minutes (9 miles) from Hoyo Azul

    A trip to Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park is an opportunity for families to enjoy nature, take a swim in the fresh water lagoons, and explore walking trails. Birdwatching, a guided tour, and learning about the Taino culture are some activities to add to the list at the park.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Dolphin Explorer (3 hours, $100 per adult)
  • Manati Park (4 hours, $60 per adult)
  • Bavaro Beach (5 hours, Free entry but activities have an additional cost)
  • Hoyo Azul (4 hours, $45 per adult)
  • Indigenous Eye Ecological Park (3 hours, $30 per adult)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $335 per adult

Transportation

It's best to rent a car while on this trip to manage the itinerary, as public transport availability is limited in some areas. Car rentals vary depending on the type vehicle, with average costs ranging between $30 – $80 a day. Estimated total travel cost for a family of four is $120- $320 for on this trip depending on car type chosen.

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, consider adding the following to your itinerary, i.e. a Pirate Show Dinner, watching and learning about live mermaids in The Mermaid Academy, or even heading to the Scape Park for zip-lining and caving experiences. In the case of reduced time, skip Hoyo Azul or Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park activities.

Airports

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the major airport in Punta Cana, approximately 5.5 miles from the city center. There are several transportation options available for travelers, including private transfers, buses, and taxis, with average costs ranging from $10-$30 per journey, dependent on the mode of transport.

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