Are you planning a vacation in Punta Cana 2026? As an unbiased expert (6 years living in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo + working in the tourism industry in the past), I am happy to share my top recommendations for the year which is about to start. Insider tips, expert advice, new activities for 2026 and the best-reviewed resorts are just some of the things I want to share in the following article. Here you’ll find all the important things that might help you plan your perfect holiday in 2026.
Completely UPDATED by your Punta Cana expert Chris: November 2025
1) Flights: book early, but not too early – and consider Arajet
Let’s start with the flights, usually the first step when booking an all-inclusive vacation to the Dominican Republic. I often read that people are booking their flights as early as possible. This might be the best option if you travel at the very peak season dates such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Independence Day or Thanksgiving. At all other dates, especially when you’re a bit flexible with your dates (at least 1 or 2 days), it is better to regularly check the airline promotions and book when there is a great offer. This is also valid for 2026, as the flight connections to Punta Cana are increasing every year – the airlines need to fill their seats.
Currently, for example, the cheapest flights available for January and February (high season!) from New York to Punta Cana are priced at around 280 USD, even with American Airlines and JetBlue. Those fares are super low currently as the Dominican airline Arajet has entered the market from New York, hence they’ll have a nice price battle for the upcoming weeks and months.
That’s why – besides waiting for a promo from your favorite airlines – you should definitely have a look at Arajet. The new Dominican airline, which was founded in 2022, has expanded quickly and is currently linking 15 countries with the Dominican Republic. While they have initially set their base at Santo Domingo’s Las Americas Airport, they have moved a lot of their flights to Punta Cana now – including some of their US and Canada flights. Currently they fly from Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Miami and Newark as well as from Toronto and Montreal to Punta Cana and/or Santo Domingo.
And the best thing: Arajet’s rates are super affordable and usually only a fraction of what Air Canada, American Airlines or Delta Airlines are charging. Yes, you have to pay extra for your bags and seats (as with most other airlines) incl. carry-on, but especially if you travel light you can get some amazing deals. During promotions, rates for flights from Canada to Punta Cana are available for as low as 250 USD return (!) incl. taxes (!) – this is hard to beat. It’s not for everyone but it is definitely worth having a look in case Arajet is serving an airport close to your hometown.
My recommendation: still, stick with the legacy carriers first and only if you want to save more, check the low-cost carriers like Arajet, Spirit & Frontier.
Of course, in the example from above (280 USD from New York round-trip), American Airlines would be the much better option than Arajet as it is a more established airline with better services – and American includes a free cabin bag.
Most important thing to book before your trip – what most people forget: health insurance for the Dominican Republic – get prices here*
(gets you covered in case of illness, accidents or necessary medical treatments)
Key Takeaways:
- For peak season travel (Christmas & New Year’s Eve Period + high season public holidays (Martin Luther King Day + Washington’s Birthday + Independence Day), book very early, ideally 6-11 months in advance
- For all other seasons, observe prices, be flexible and avoid FOMO
- Compare prices of Arajet, Spirit and Frontier in case legacy airlines are too expensive
2) Resorts: check the new resorts
If you want to score a real deal for your holiday, the newly-opened resorts in Punta Cana can be the best option.
Most of these resorts don’t have a lot of reviews yet, which is why they’re overlooked by most people. Because of that and because they are new, they (at least some of them) have to throw deeply-discounted special offers on the market – that’s your chance to get a great vacation deal for 2026. And last but not least, as these kinds of resorts have only recently opened, you can be sure to get the most contemporary design, brand-new rooms and state-of-the-art technology.
Among the newest resorts in Punta Cana for 2026 are:
- W Punta Cana: a new top-tier high-end adults-only resort in Uvero Alto, setting the bar higher for luxury stays in Punta Cana – see details, photos and prices here* (opened in autumn 2025)
- Secrets Playa Esmeralda: a new adults-only resort in the still untouched Miches/Playa Esmeralda area – see details, photos and prices here* (opened in summer 2025)
- Dreams Playa Esmeralda: a new all-generational resort in the still untouched Miches/Playa Esmeralda area – see details, photos and prices here* (opened in summer 2025)
- Zemi Miches by Hilton: a new all-generational resort in the still untouched Miches/Playa Esmeralda area – see details, photos and prices here* (opened in summer 2025)
- Viva Miches by Wyndham: a new low-budget resort in the still untouched Miches/Playa Esmeralda area – see details, photos and prices here* (opened in winter 2024/2025)
- Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: a completely remodeled resort at the location of former Jewel Punta Cana – see details, photos and prices here* (opened in winter 2025)
Furthermore, especially if you’re a repeat guest to Punta Cana, you should definitely have a look at the Miches area, approximately. 65 miles northwest of Punta Cana (1.5-hour drive from the airport). This completely new area with pristine beaches is finally coming onto the map, with 6 resorts now open and more to be built. Miches & Playa Esmeralda promise an off-the-beaten-track and authentic experience, far away from Punta Canas’ crowds. After visiting the area several times in the years before, we have now stayed at a Miches Resort for the first time. Have a look at our Viva Miches review for impressions about Miches and some cool stuff to do in the area.
My recommendation: If you don’t want to “take the risk” of booking a new resort (there are usually always some smaller hick-ups at the beginning, even though it is not really a risk), have a look at the established resorts like Majestic, Hyatt, Secrets or Lopesan.
Plus, there are some more resorts coming up in 2026 and 2027, among them:
- Funeeq Punta Cana: an upscale family-friendly resort next to Live Aqua from the same company as Live Aqua, see photos and details here* (set to open throughout 2026)
- Moon Palace Punta Cana: an upscale all-generational resort next to Hard Rock from the same owners as Hard Rock, see photos and details here* (set to open throughout 2026)
- Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana: an upscale wellness-oriented resort at the location of former Jewel Palm Beach, see photos and details here* (set to open throughout 2026)
- Serenade (3rd resort): a new resort from Serenade right next to their two other existing resorts (set to open probably in 2027)
- Lopesan (2nd resort): a new resort from Lopesan right next to their existing resort (set to open probably in 2027)
- Secrets Macao Beach: a new resort from the well-known Secrets brand right next to Dreams Macao Beach (set to open probably in 2027)
Key Takeaways:
- Plenty of new resorts are always opening throughout the year in Punta Cana
- New resorts give you the chance to experience contemporary design and top-notch amenities for a usually pretty reasonable price
- Expect hiccups and delays when staying at new resort – service is often hit and miss in the first weeks and months after opening
- If you prefer a resort with fully working processes, stay away from new resorts and pick well-established brands like Majestic, Secrets or Hyatt.
3) Check the new activities for 2025
Ok, if checking out the new resorts of 2026 might be a great deal, why not also have a look at some new excursions and attractions in Punta Cana? While ziplining, catamaran tours, Isla Saona excursions, party boats or theme parks in Punta Cana always guarantee good fun, trying something new this time – especially if you want to beat the crowds – would be a great resolution for your Punta Cana trip in 2025.
If you’re looking for unique excursions and activities that are new in the market, the following are my top recommendations you definitely should check out for the upcoming year:
El Dorado Water Park (check details and prices here*): the first-ever water park in Punta Cana which is not linked to a resort (opened in May 2024). El Dorado welcomes you with more than 20 activities, among them multiple thrilling slides, a multi-rider vertical funnel attraction, a 600-meter-long lazy river and plenty of pools.
Go Karting (check details and prices here*): if you want to have a fun race with your loved ones, you should give Go Karting Punta Cana a look. Even kids and teens can drive, hence it is a perfect quick activity for the family 2026.
Mimosa Cruise (check details and prices here*): just think of bottomless Mimosas, a great vibe and a spacious boat exploring the turquoise waters of Punta Cana – do I need to say more?
Exclusive Cigar & Premium Rum Tasting (check details and prices here*): you know what’s even better than the premium rum tasting I’d love to recommend to connoisseurs in Punta Cana? A premium rum AND cigar tasting! That’s available now since the cigar lounge has opened right next door to the premium rum tasting – all for an affordable price in very small groups.
JetSkis in Punta Cana (check details and prices here*): JetSkis are forbidden on the shores of Punta Cana but demand gets higher so new offers are popping up. Your best option is to head to Caribbean Lake Park in Bavaro/Punta Cana and enjoy some JetSki and AquaKart fun on the lake.
Harley E-Scooter City Tour (check details and prices here*), a perfect way to explore Punta Cana’s busy area around Bavaro, which is not fully walkable. Visit iconic places, see the local life, enjoy the e-bikes and get an authentic glimpse of the real Punta Cana.
My personal favorite: For families, El Dorado Water Park or the Go Karting are great options. If you want to have some adult fun, definitely check out the Mimosa Cruise or the Exclusive Cigar & Premium Rum Experience.
Key Takeaways:
- There is always something new going on in Punta Cana
- If you’re looking for activities off-the-beaten-track, have a look at the Cigar & Rum Tasting mentioned above as well as at the Harley E-Scooter Tour
4) Seaweed in Punta Cana
The seaweed in Punta Cana is an issue that most likely also will be a hot topic throughout 2026 – it has been brutal in 2025 and set new records in all terms. As explained in my extensive sargassum guide for the Dominican Republic, seaweed or sargassum is not a problem linked to Punta Cana, it is something the entire Caribbean, Central America and Mexico have to battle with.
It is hard to predict the seaweed in Punta Cana 2026, but it most likely will affect some of the beaches in Punta Cana throughout the upcoming months, especially when you’re traveling during the summer months.
But, as explained in my Punta Cana seaweed guide, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beaches, particularly as they’re getting cleaned regularly (nearly every day) by the resorts. The peak season of seaweed is usually between May and August, but this can vary from year to year. There are also beaches in Punta Cana that nearly never see seaweed, which I have explained just recently here.
The photos below were all taken during peak seaweed season in Punta Cana.
My recommendation: Don’t let Mother Nature ruin your holiday. Even during the seaweed season in Punta Cana, there are so many days where the beaches are mostly clean.
Key Takeaways:
- Seaweed is very hard to predict.
- If a clean beach is important for you, pick one of the beaches which usually does not get seaweed.
- Resorts are cleaning every day to make the beaches as beautiful as possible.
5) More important news for travelers to Punta Cana in 2026
To finish this article with important information for travelers to Punta Cana in 2026, here are some more news and tips for the upcoming year:
Punta Cana Travel Blog is on YouTube:
If you don’t like reading long articles, here are some good news for you: Punta Cana Travel Blog is now on YouTube as well. The videos there provide unique insights into the travel planning process, first-hand experience travel hacks and a lot of helpful information about Punta Cana & beyond. The channel is still pretty new, hence the best is to subscribe here* so that you never miss a new video.
E-Ticket:
I can’t repeat it often enough as I still see so many travelers who are either forgetting the e-ticket or are getting scammed with it: the e-ticket is FREE and MANDATORY for your trip – for departure and for arrival. You can find the full updated how-to e-ticket guide on Punta Cana Travel Blog here and the official government website where you can fill out your e-ticket here*.
Punta Cana Carnival:
Since many years an important event in Punta Cana: carnival. For 2026, the date is not set yet but it is usually at one of the last 2 weekends of February. If you’re interested in visiting the carnival in Punta Cana, you can either just head to Punta Cana Village on your own and observe the spectacle from the roadside (for free) or you book one of the VIP tickets, where you have seating and assistance included. Read more about the Punta Cana carnival here*.
Whalewatching:
Talking about dates, the whale-watching season in the Dominican Republic is also running from the 15th of January 2026 until (probably) the 31st of March 2026. The large humpback whales are coming to the Bay of Samaná to give birth to their babies – and this area is accessible from Punta Cana as well, it’s a 1.5-hour drive approximately. You can book the currently best-rated whale-watching tour from Punta Cana here*. The article about whalewatching in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic has also been fully updated.
6) Don’t trust the online weather forecast
The last point is something you definitely should avoid in Punta Cana: the weather forecast. As you can read here, the weather in Punta Cana is (nearly) always perfect to spend your vacation in Punta Cana – one of the reasons why the entire Dominican Republic is a year-round travel destination.
But what you definitely shouldn’t do in preparation for your Punta Cana trip (not only in 2026 but in general) is to check the weather apps for the weather forecast of Punta Cana. It is nearly always showing rain. I often see people crying in our Facebook group that they were hoping for a week of sunshine and now the only thing they see in the weather forecast for Punta Cana is rain.
But that’s not true! The weather in Punta Cana is favorable for a stunning beach vacation on at least 330 or 340 of the 365 days – and the remaining 35 days, which might be overcast, are scattered throughout the year. The reason why weather apps are (nearly always) showing a rainy forecast for Punta Cana is because of the probability of just a slight rain that might fall. And as soon as one raindrop falls, it counts as a rainy day for the statistics.
Yes, there are a few rainy days in Punta Cana throughout the year, but the chance that you’re experiencing them are very low.
But the truth is that even in the rainy season in Punta Cana rain showers rarely last longer than 20 minutes – and before and after the sun is shining in its fullest perfection. Bring enough sunblock! (and have a look at this article here about when it is the best time to travel to Punta Cana)
My recommendation: I have traveled to over 80 countries worldwide and Punta Cana is one of the best year-round travel destinations I know.
I have even seen people cancelling their holidays because of the weather outlook – just to learn afterwards that they missed a full week of sunshine. Don’t be like them! Enjoy your vacation and don’t check the weather forecast, except in case of a hurricane or tropical storm approaching the area.
Key Takeaways:
- The weather forecast is mostly wrong
- Punta Cana is a year-round travel destination
- Don’t check the weather forecast too often
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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CHRIS
Author, Travel Coach & Industry Professional (Bachelor’s degree in tourism)Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean soul, who has been living in the Dominican Republic for 6 years. I’d love to be your Punta Cana expert, as I have stayed at more than 45 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and the country, visited more than 70 beaches, explored more than 40 waterfalls and have seen basically all the attractions Punta Cana has to offer. I have also studied tourism for 3 years and worked in the tourism industry my entire life, which is why I am not only giving you recommendations and tips as a traveler but also the best secrets and travel hacks as an industry professional.
Do you need more information? Read more at my About Me Page, send me a travel coaching request or Contact Me here.
ALSO WORTH READING:
Lopesan Costa Bavaro – a comprehensive review of this newly built all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana
Punta Cana Map – a helpful and detailed map of Punta Cana’s Resorts
Macao Beach – resorts, hidden gems, activities and restaurants at Punta Cana’s most beautiful beach
Montaña Redonda in Miches – the instagrammable mountain with spectacular views
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