18 replies to this topic

[Freckles]

Hi everyone,

For finacial reasons my FI and I are having to look at another destination other than Jamaica as Jamaica is looking to be a little more than we had originally thought. We are now looking into going to Punta Cana but one question we have is it seems like there isnt alot to do activity wise outside of the resorts like there is in Jamaica and we are wondering if the resort themselves provide enough options and acitivites for all ages to keep guests happy for the whole week? We have never been to an AI so going to a huge resort is very new to us. Thanks for your help

[shellb]

Not really answering your question completely. There are things to do outside the resort, not quite as much as Jamaica, but there are some things. To name a few (taken from the list I am working on, don't have hyperlinks for all yet):

BAVARO RUNNERS Jeep Safari discovering the Dominican countryside, through typical villages, mountains and sugarcane fields. Lunch at a ranch, horseback riding and swimming. Both full and half day tours.

SNORKELLING AT MARINARIUM Take an exciting half-day cruise and discover the wonders of reef and marine life during which you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks. Snorkeling is followed by a beautiful sightseeing cruise along the coast of Cabeza de Toro and B¡varo. The tour ends in Paradise, where you will relax in the waist deep waters of B¡varo’s natural pool, with your favourite cocktail in hand.

KONTIKI Looking for fun, then the famous Kontiki Partyraft, is not to be missed. Let the best crew in the Caribbean cruise you along the Bavaro coastline stopping along to a great snorkeling spot. Swim through a rainbow of fish. Back onboard and the party starts! You will not sit down! Dancing to all your old party favourites.

TROPICAL STORM CATAMARAN A chance to swim among the coral and tropical fish. Pure white sands, crystal water, palm trees and a chance to relax in the natural pool.

CATALINA-CUMAYASO-ALTOS DE CHAVON Catamaran cruise to Catalina island (snorkeling), lunch at Cumayasa Ranch (horseback riding) and visit Altos de Chavon, a replica of a medieval Italian village that offers a great view of the Chavon river.

HIGUEY SHOPPING A tour of Higuey, capital of the province with its famous Basilica, local market and plenty souvenirs to buy.

ALTOS DE CHAVON Discover Altos de Chavon, the prominent artist’s village built in an amazing panaroma and the cave “Cueva de las maravillas”, the first Antillean natural museum of rupestral art.

SANTO DOMINGO A guided Santo Domingo tour includes visits to the house of Christopher Columbus' son, the oldest Cathedral in the New World and Calle las Damas, the oldest street in the Americas. A city filled with a fusion of ancient architecture and modern developments, offering some wonderful photo opportunities, as your guide points out all the places of interest, giving you interesting facts about such an old city! .

Scuba Caribe A well know snorkelling, dive, boating company throughout the Carribean that does tours and excursions.

I think most resorts have lots of scheduled activities and some even have kids clubs. I know at the resort we are staying at there is one and they've got things like rock climbing, swinging bridge, bungee jumper, etc. Scuba Caribe also has a location right at the resort.


Hope this helps.

[Copita]

The resorts have activities ALL day long within the complexes (all all all day long) and you can do a ton of excursions outside of them, not to mention shopping, and bar hopping outside.

[DanielleNDerek]

A lot of resorts offer cooking classes, dance classes, volleyball games, pool aerobics, etc.

[foxytv]

Lots to do! I'll post a longer/better answer when I have more time (at work now) but we went off resort and stayed busy on-resort too! Loved every second of it -- 2 weeks worth!

[CJEB]

Just want out manati part has a bad reputation for the animal care. Google it and make up your own mind. When we were there in 2007 we saw signs saying Ocean world was opening in Punta cana. Not heard anything since (maybe someone else can help?)

We did included Quad bikes (amazing just watch the Very hot puddles)

Other activities: Horse riding & lots more

[shellb]

CJEB,

Thank you for letting me know, just googled it, I had no idea it was that bad. Assumed it was more like a zoo here in NA. I'll be removing it from my list for the guests. Just removed it from above as well. I don't want to actively promote any place that is cruel to any animal.

Michelle

[SunBride]

In my opinion, based on a recent one week vacation with my husband, there was not much to do off resort besides the usual organized excusions (which are usually pretty similar no matter where you are). Punta Cana is not very developed (not like Jamaica or Mayan Riviera). You can't just get in a cab or a bus and go do excursions on your own.

The problem with organized excursions is that they usually cost like 100$ or more per person, which is why I personally like to do a few do-it-yourself type excursions - but there wasn't really any opportunities for that in PC (unless you are very very resourceful)

That being said, and even though we were bored, I would definitely go back because the beach was just amazing!

[TA Dina]

The resorts have plenty of activities to keep you busy for however long you are there. I would check out all the "included" stuff before purchasing outside tours from anyone. And if you do go outside, my professional advice is to purchase a tour from a company like Scubacaribe or others located in your hotels. Apple Vacations has reps at almost every hotel and their mgmt company has tours everywhere (whether you booked your trip with Apple or not).

I do not ever advise my clients to go wandering out into the towns, or to the local bars on their own. But that's just me. The locals will make their way into the bars etc that the resorts have (many have little "main streets" that have all their shops/bars on it). Just stick with them and you'll have a blast and be fine.

My personal opinion as well as feedback I get from every client I send there, is don't waste your money on the tours to Santo Domingo or other town for thier sites. It's a looooong uncomfortable ride, it's expensive, and not really all that much to see. But again, just my opinion from the gazillion times I've been and hunderds of clients I've sent there.

[CJEB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shellb CJEB, Thank you for letting me know, just googled it, I had no idea it was that bad. Assumed it was more like a zoo here in NA. I'll be removing it from my list for the guests. Just removed it from above as well. I don't want to actively promote any place that is cruel to any animal. Michelle

Hi, Yeap I didn't want to just say it's got a bad reputation. I think people are best doing their own research.

I did the dolphin swin in Ocean World (North DR), last year. We originally wanted to go to Manati Park in the June (2007) but found out about it so in Aug we stayed in Playa Dorada (nice hotel Blue Bay just not as nice beaches). Ocean World is all about money, however it's a lifetime experience

We did a lot more activities on our Aug holiday because we were there for two weeks. In June we just wanted to rest