Punta Cana holidays

Magnificent stretches of sand line the Dominican Republic’s idyllic south-east coast – Punta Cana’s sun seekers’ playground. Here, rum cocktails are brought straight to your hammock as you while away the long lazy days. Luxurious all-inclusive resorts are the order of the day here, showing off everything from tropical wildlife-rich gardens and top-class international restaurants to suites overlooking the turquoise sea.

But this Caribbean island isn’t only about the beaches. The indigenous Taino called their home “the land of the high mountains” – a name befitting of the dramatic karst mountain interior, where waterfalls, rainforests, and caves are all waiting to be explored. You’ll find several National Parks within easy reach of Punta Cana, with hundreds of birds – from frigates to hummingbirds – as well as butterflies and rare plants.

Travelling with kids in tow? Punta Cana’s friendly atmosphere helps you feel at home from the start – and by that, we mean a home packed with sun, sea and sand. Teens in particular will be kept busy with horse riding, kitesurfing, white-water rafting and endless snorkelling opportunities. Many hotels are geared up for families too, with sporting facilities, kids’ clubs and shallow swimming pools.

When the sun goes down, Punta Cana knows how to party. You’ll find everything from relaxed beach bars to lively clubs and laid-back local comedores (family run restaurants serving traditional food). And don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes, especially if you’re here in time for Carnival in February – merengue is the soundtrack here.

Punta Cana has a tropical climate that promises high temperatures whenever you visit.

December to February are the busiest months, as British tourists flock here to escape the winter weather at home. January is technically the Dominican Republic’s coldest month, but here that translates as balmy average temperatures of 25C. Plan your holiday for Carnival in February and you’ll see the island’s most colourful party.

If you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Punta Cana, consider travelling between March and May. The peak season crowds die down, so hotel prices reduce, and you’ll still have perfect sunbathing weather at averages of 27C.

July, August and September are also popular months, so expect the beaches to be busy again. Temperatures peak at 32C and while there’s a higher chance of rain or storms, the days also have gloriously long sunshine hours.

It can be tempting to spend your entire holiday stretched out on the beach, enjoying the perks of staying at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. But the Dominican Republic has a fascinating culture and diverse landscapes to explore – and it’s easily done.

Saona Island

Part of the Parque Nacional del Este, Saona Island is the epitome of Caribbean paradise – think palm trees swaying on a white sandy beach, painted wooden huts and clear aquamarine water that’s perfect for snorkelling.

It’s no wonder, then, that the main beaches get busy. Avoid the crowds on a boat tour that takes in quieter stretches of sand, such as Canto de la Playa. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip that also heads further into the park to see caves and ancient Taino petroglyphs.

Whale watching

Among the many wildlife highlights close to Punta Cana, the humpback whales migrating down the Samana Peninsula is surely the most spectacular. These gentle beasts arrive from January to March and you can spot them close up via daily boat trips.

Even if you’re not on the island for whale season, snorkelling and diving here promises sights of stingrays, nurse sharks and dolphins.

Ojos Indigenas Ecological Park and Reserve

Nature is on your doorstep in Punta Cana at the private Ecological Park and Reserve, which is part of the Puntacana Resort and Club. Around 100 bird species live among the mangrove forests, freshwater lagoons and gardens here.

To make the most of your visit, consider a guided tour – and bring a swimming costume to dive into a lagoon at the end of the forest walk.

Igneri Caribe Taino Underwater Museum

Punta Cana’s reef is also home to the Igneri Caribe Taino Underwater Museum – the island’s most unique art collection. Set up by local artist Thimo Pimentel, the museum hosts a series of statues related to Dominican folklore and culture.

Corals thrive around the sculptures, attracting fish, and they’re a hotspot for snorkelers too. In these shallow, calm waters, one deep breath gets you close enough to see the details of these striking stone figures.

Santo Domingo

The Dominican Republic’s sprawling capital is a lively modern city that’s steeped in history. Wander Zona Colonial’s cobblestone streets to see the ancient fortress, then head out to contemporary boutique shops and bars pumping out merengue.

If the midday sun gets too much, you can retreat to its museums and galleries. There’s the Museum of the Dominican Man, the Museo Memorial de la Resistencia Dominicana and the Museum of Modern Art – just to get you started.