A holiday in Punta Cana does not have to be expensive, as there are plenty of activities and things to do for free in Bavaro and the surrounding area. While your experience at one of the beautiful beaches in Punta Cana is obviously free, there are further options such as waterfalls, lagoons or interaction with the locals which are completely free. Check out this article to see which things to do for free in Punta Cana you should not miss while on vacation in the Dominican Republic.
COMPLETELY updated by your Punta Cana expert Chris: December 2024
Do you want to know how to save money in Punta Cana? Check out how to travel Punta Cana on a budget (for individual travelers), how to save money when booking an all-inclusive vacation and have a look at the best low-budget all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.
PLEASE NOTE: This article is an excerpt from my e-book “16 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana”. If you would like to have this e-book FOR FREE just register here without any obligations and download the e-book on your device.
The e-book also offers additional information not included in this article, such as directions, time estimates and audience recommendations.
Things-to-do for free in Punta Cana: at the beach
Take a stroll along the fantastic beaches of Punta Cana
Punta Cana is not just a random Caribbean beach, Punta Cana is an entire area with plenty of beaches. Some of them (Bavaro Beach) are as long as 12 miles and allow for endless walks along the beach. It doesn’t matter if you stay in Bavaro, Arena Gorda, Cabeza de Toro, Macao or Uvero Alto, there is always a beautiful beach close-by, awaiting you with miles of fine sand and swaying palm trees. Except for the beaches of Cap Cana in the southern part of Punta Cana, which are considerably shorter, all beaches are suitable for a short stroll or a longer walk – that’s totally free.
If you are staying in the area between Bibijagua (Barcelo Hotel*) and Arena Gorda (Hard Rock Resort and beyond) you can walk up to 12 miles without your feet leaving the sand. In case you want seaweed-free beaches, consider the months of November to March (outside of the seaweed season in Punta Cana) or check out Bayahibe, just an hour away from Punta Cana.
Further information:
– the 10 best beaches in Punta Cana (incl. map)
– the 30 most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic (incl. map)
Take stunning personal photos at instagrammable places in Punta Cana
Once you walk along the beach in Punta Cana, you will encounter plenty of unique settings for beautiful and memorable photos. Depending on where you are located and where you go, I suggest the following stunning photo opportunities.
- Pristine coconut palm grove northwest of Cabeza de Toro
- Pristine beach section between Macao and Hard Rock Hotel at Playa Arena Gorda
- Deeply swaying palm trees between the beaches of El Cortecito and Playa Arena Gorda
- Jetty at Playa Juanillo
- The marina of Cap Cana
- The most turquoise water and white sand at Playa Blanca, one of the most beautiful beaches in Punta Cana
- Eroded rock formations and crashing waves at Cabo Engaño
- Gorgeous Macao Beach and the viewpoint towards “Playa Escondida”
You can visit all those places for free and all of them are very suitable for impressive Instagram photos as well. 😉
Further information:
– the 10 best beaches in Punta Cana (incl. map)
– the 30 best beaches in the Dominican Republic (incl. map)
Do a (half-)day trip to Macao Beach
Macao Beach is another thing to do for free in the Punta Cana area. Except for Dreams Macao Beach (check resort prices here*), there are no other accommodations at this beautiful Dominican Republic beach, so chances are you won’t pass Playa Macao on your way from or to your all-inclusive resort.
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)
Macao Beach is one of the locals’ favorites and features some decent waves, stunning scenery and a lot of small vendors selling fresh fish, cold beer and random snacks. However, you don’t have to spend money if you would like to visit Macao Beach, you just can enjoy the turquoise water and the authentic charm. If you take a short 15-minute trail from the eastern end of Macao Beach, you can also reach the small secret beach “Playa Escondida”.
Depending on where you are staying, Macao Beach should be a maximum of 30 minutes away from your accommodation and is reachable by Punta Cana rental car (check prices for rental cars from/to Punta Cana here*), taxi or public transport, even though the latter one is a bit more complicated.
Are you interested in more trips you can do in the area of Bavaro? Check out this article about the best day trips from Punta Cana.
Further information:
– the best activities and resorts at Macao Beach
– the best Dominican Republic beaches incl. Macao Beach
– extensive review about Dreams Macao Beach
Visit pristine beaches Playa La Vacama, Playa Limón and Playa Esmeralda
Luckily, all beaches in the Dominican Republic are public, so besides Macao Beach, there are a few more extremely beautiful beaches you can visit for free from Punta Cana, such as Playa La Vacama, Playa Limón or Playa Esmeralda. They are actually some of the most pristine beaches in the entire Dominican Republic.
They are, despite of the ongoing constructions of new resorts at Playa Esmeralda, still gorgeous stretches – exactly the kind of beach you expect in paradise when you get stranded on a beach with absolutely no infrastructure. I even camped at all three of those beaches to appreciate this stunning beauty.
Particularly Playa Esmeralda is also extremely photogenic, thanks to its half-moon-shaped bay and its 2 miles of pristine and untouched sand. It can be perfectly combined with a visit to neighboring Montaña Redonda (which is not for free but considerably priced), the mountain with the spectacular views and the unique giant swings on the edge of the hill.
Further information: the best beaches in the Dominical Republic (incl. map)
Go snorkeling at the beach in Punta Cana
Snorkeling is one of the most popular free activities in Punta Cana and around the world. You can see colorful fishes, tropical reefs and enjoy the Caribbean sun.
While snorkeling in Punta Cana is possible, there are not as many options as in other areas, at least if you don’t want to go on a guided snorkeling excursion. The large Punta Cana reef surrounding the whole area is several thousand feet off the coast. Therefore there is no great snorkeling in front of most resorts.
However, there are two exceptions where snorkeling right from the resort indeed is possible:
1) There is a small reef close to the beach you can reach from most resorts in Cabeza de Toro. (Dreams Flora, Sunscape Coco, etc.)
2) If snorkeling at or close to Barcelo Resort, you might be lucky and see turtles – they are often around this area.
If snorkeling right from your resort is important for you, you should check out the Bayahibe area (approx. 1 hour away from Punta Cana), as there are some artificial reefs accessible from the shore, especially along the resorts Dreams Dominicus* (read our personal Dreams Dominicus review here), Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach*, Catalonia Royal* (check extensive hotel review here) and Iberostar Hacienda*.
Further information:
– Everything you need to know about snorkeling in Punta Cana
– Bayahibe Travel Guide
– The best Bayahibe all-inclusive resorts
Things-to-do for free in Punta Cana: rivers, lagoons and waterfalls
Exploring Salto de la Jalda – the highest waterfall in the Caribbean
It is hard to believe that such a significant landmark like the highest waterfall in the Dominican Republic (and probably also in the Caribbean) can be visited for free and – as an additional plus – without any other tourists as it is totally off-the-beaten-track. Salto de la Jalda requires a 2-hour drive from Punta Cana and a (at least) 3-hour hour hike (one-way) which is probably the reason why hardly anyone visits this hidden gem. However, it is absolutely worth it and if you are looking for a Punta Cana adventure and one of the most spectacular things to do for free in Punta Cana, Salto de la Jalda is your place to go.
For 2025, guides can also be pre-booked and fully-serviced excursions from Punta Cana to Salto de la Jalda are available. But don‘t worry, the waterfall still remains one of the best-hidden gems and you most likely will be the only one there. Check out this link here for specific recommendations and trail information.
Further information: comprehensive guide about Salto de la Jalda
Visiting other waterfalls in Punta Cana and beyond
If Salto de la Jalda sounds too complicated for you, don’t worry, there are plenty of other waterfalls you can reach from Punta Cana. A still very unknown waterfall (Salto de los Mosquitos, the hiking trail starts from Rancho Terranova) is the closest natural waterfall to Punta Cana, the trailhead is just a 45-minute drive away from Punta Cana.
Alternatively, you can check out Cascada Blanca between El Seibo and Miches. It impresses with a roaring wall and cold natural swimming pools. While visiting Cascada Blanca or Salto de los Mosquitos is free (though you might opt for a guide for an additional fee), other waterfalls might charge a small entrance fee of 1-2 USD.
However, the advantage of waterfalls like Salto Socoa, Salto de Yanigua and Salto Alto de la Bayaguana (all reachable from Punta Cana in less than three hours) is that they are easily accessible and don’t require a strenuous hike.
Further information:
– all waterfalls in Punta Cana reachable in under 3 hours
– full hiking guide to Punta Cana
The hidden cenote of Punta Cana: blue lagoon “Hoyo Claro”
If you prefer quiet and calm waters instead of roaring rivers, Hoyo Claro might be your destination to go. It is one of these beautiful lagoons (also commonly known as cenote) which feature crystal-clear water and are filled by rivers and springs from the underground. While Hoyo Claro is not completely for free as it charges a 5 USD entrance fee, you might be able to enter for free if you go early in the morning.
Hoyo Claro is the little sister and off-the-beaten-track option compared to the famous “Hoyo Azul” at Scape Park Cap Cana. It is considerably cheaper (check out my article here to see how you can save hundreds of bucks) and less visited and therefore a hidden gem in Punta Cana. Hoyo Claro is only a few kilometers away from Punta Cana and can be reached via the main La Romana-Punta Cana highway. Once you have parked your car, Hoyo Claro requires a 20-30-minutes hike to reach it.
It is highly recommendable to visit Hoyo Claro during the week, as it gets crowded during the weekend.
Further information: Hoyo Claro – how you can save 588 USD when visiting a cenote in Punta Cana
Things-to-do for free in Punta Cana: events, museums and nature
Hiking the Anamuya Mountains
Please download the free e-book “16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana” here to read this section.
Taste rum, coffee, cigars & more at Taino Gifts or Mundo Autentico
Please download the free e-book “16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana” here to read this section.
Live the experience of Punta Cana Carnival
Please download the free e-book “16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana” here to read this section.
Visit Higuey and the most important cathedral in the Dominican Republic
Please download the free e-book “16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana” here to read this section.
Things-to-do for free in Punta Cana: local experiences – immerse in the Dominican culture
Visit a Colmado and play Dominos
Please download the free e-book “16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana” here to read this section.
Share the passion for dancing in one of the local bars
Please download the free e-book “16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana” here to read this section.
Visit a local supermarket to see Dominican products and buy cheap souvenirs
Please download the free e-book “16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana” here to read this section.
Drink a local fruit juice
Please download the free e-book “16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana” here to read this section.
What’s your favorite thing to do for free in Punta Cana? Do you know any further free options? Or do you have questions about the places and ideas mentioned above? Let me know in the comments!
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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.
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Where exactly is the Punta Cana sign? What’s it near? On or off the beach?
Hi Alma,
the sign is located in El Cortecito, right at the beachfront shops next to Onnos.
However, currently, the sign only consists of “I love”, I don’t know where the Punta Cana is gone … 😉
Chris
thank you for sharing this. so excited for our upcoming trip
You’re welcome, Michael. Enjoy your time in Punta Cana!
Hello Chris,
Thanks for sharing these helpful information. Regarding the Sky Bar at Whala Bavaro where you mentioned you could use the infinity pool if you just order drinks, do you just go straight to the Sky Bar? They won’t ask for your room reservation or maybe look for proof that you are a resort guest (ie, some hotels give their guests a wrist band)?
Thanks!
Hi Grace,
yes, it is like you say, you just can go in. Whala isn’t a super fenced-off resort like other properties. In case someone is asking, you just can say you’re heading to the sky bar.
Enjoy your trip to Punta Cana
Chris
PUNTA CANA is a place that interests me a lot. I will visit here as soon as possible.
Great! Feel free to check back here again once you know your travel dates.
Chris