Top Things to Do in Punta Cana

Best activities, tours, and excursions with complete tipping guidance for each experience

Planning Your Punta Cana Adventures
Punta Cana offers incredible experiences beyond the resort. From island hopping to jungle adventures, here are the top-rated activities with insider tipping guidance.

Universal Tipping Rule for Tours

Budget $10-20 per person per tour for tipping guides, drivers, and crew. Bring small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) as most tour operators prefer cash tips.

💡 Tip at the end of each activity, not at the beginning. Larger tips for exceptional service are always appreciated.

Booking Tips

  • • Book in advance during peak season (December-April)
  • • Confirm pickup times and locations with your resort
  • • Bring sunscreen, water, and cash for tips
  • • Check weather forecasts for water activities
Saona Island Full-Day Tour
Beach LoversFamiliesPhotography
9.2/10
8-10 hours
$80-120

Visit the stunning Saona Island, part of the East National Park. Enjoy pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a traditional Dominican lunch.

What's Included

  • ✓Catamaran or speedboat transportation
  • ✓Natural swimming pool with starfish
  • ✓Buffet lunch with fresh seafood
  • ✓Open bar with tropical drinks
  • ✓Beach time on paradise island

Tipping Guide

Tour Guide
$5-10 per person • End of tour
Boat Captain/Crew
$3-5 per person • After boat ride
Lunch Staff
$1-2 per person • After meal
Zip-Lining Adventure
Adventure SeekersCouplesGroups
9.5/10
3-4 hours
$60-90

Soar through the Dominican jungle canopy on 8-12 zip lines. Experience breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping thrills.

What's Included

  • ✓8-12 zip lines through jungle canopy
  • ✓Professional safety equipment included
  • ✓Expert guides and instruction
  • ✓Transportation from resort included
  • ✓Photos and videos available for purchase

Tipping Guide

Zip Line Guides
$5-10 per person • End of activity
Photographers
$2-5 • If you purchase photos
Driver
$2-3 per person • After return to resort
Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling
SnorkelingRelaxationSunset Views
8.8/10
4-5 hours
$70-100

Sail along the stunning Punta Cana coastline on a luxury catamaran. Snorkel in coral reefs and enjoy an open bar.

What's Included

  • ✓Luxury catamaran with sun deck
  • ✓Snorkeling at coral reef sites
  • ✓Open bar with premium drinks
  • ✓Snacks and light refreshments
  • ✓Sunset cruise option available

Tipping Guide

Catamaran Crew
$5-10 per person • End of cruise
Snorkel Guide
$3-5 per person • After snorkeling
Bartender
$1 per drink or $5 total • Throughout cruise
ATV & Buggy Adventure
AdventureOff-RoadCouples
9/10
3-4 hours
$75-110

Drive through Dominican countryside, visit local villages, swim in cenotes, and explore hidden beaches on powerful ATVs or buggies.

What's Included

  • ✓Drive your own ATV or buggy
  • ✓Visit authentic Dominican villages
  • ✓Swim in natural cenotes (caves)
  • ✓Beach stop for swimming
  • ✓Safety equipment and instruction included

Tipping Guide

Tour Guide
$5-10 per vehicle • End of tour
Village Hosts
$2-5 • If visiting homes
Driver (if provided)
$3-5 per person • After return
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
DiversMarine LifeBeginners Welcome
9.3/10
3-6 hours
$80-150

Explore vibrant coral reefs and underwater caves. Beginner-friendly dives available with PADI-certified instructors.

What's Included

  • ✓PADI-certified dive instructors
  • ✓All equipment included
  • ✓Multiple dive sites available
  • ✓Beginner and advanced options
  • ✓See tropical fish, rays, and turtles

Tipping Guide

Dive Instructor
$10-20 per person • End of dive
Boat Captain
$5 per person • After boat ride
Equipment Handler
$2-3 per person • After dive
Santo Domingo Cultural Tour
HistoryCultureEducation
8.5/10
10-12 hours
$90-130

Full-day tour to the capital city. Visit the Colonial Zone (UNESCO World Heritage Site), museums, and historic landmarks.

What's Included

  • ✓UNESCO World Heritage Colonial Zone
  • ✓Visit Columbus's tomb and palace
  • ✓Traditional Dominican lunch included
  • ✓Air-conditioned transportation
  • ✓Expert bilingual guide

Tipping Guide

Tour Guide
$10-15 per person • End of tour
Driver
$5 per person • After return
Restaurant Staff
$2-3 per person • After lunch
Horseback Riding on the Beach
RomanticNatureBeginners
8.7/10
2-3 hours
$60-85

Ride gentle horses along pristine beaches and through tropical countryside. Perfect for all skill levels.

What's Included

  • ✓Gentle, well-trained horses
  • ✓Beach and countryside routes
  • ✓Professional guides and instruction
  • ✓Photo opportunities
  • ✓Suitable for beginners

Tipping Guide

Horse Guide
$5-10 per person • End of ride
Horse Handler
$2-3 per person • After dismounting
Parasailing Adventure
Thrill SeekersViewsCouples
9.1/10
1-2 hours
$70-95

Soar 300-500 feet above the Caribbean Sea. Experience breathtaking aerial views of Punta Cana's coastline.

What's Included

  • ✓Fly 300-500 feet above the ocean
  • ✓Tandem or solo flights available
  • ✓Professional safety equipment
  • ✓Boat ride included
  • ✓Photos and videos available

Tipping Guide

Parasail Crew
$5-10 per person • After landing
Boat Captain
$3-5 per person • End of activity
Photographer
$2-5 • If purchasing photos
Essential Tips for All Activities

What to Bring

  • • Small USD bills for tipping ($1, $5, $10)
  • • Sunscreen (reef-safe for water activities)
  • • Waterproof phone case or camera
  • • Light jacket for air-conditioned transport
  • • Water bottle (stay hydrated!)

Tipping Best Practices

  • • Tip in USD (preferred over Dominican pesos)
  • • Hand tips directly to individuals
  • • Tip at the end of the activity
  • • Larger tips for exceptional service
  • • Budget $10-20 per person per tour

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