We recently took a trip to the Dominican Republic. Although that is half our family heritage, we wanted to see what all the hype about Punta Cana was!
Here is everything you need to know when planning a trip to Punta Cana!
Where is punta cana?
Punta Cana is located in the easternmost portion of the Dominican Republic, part of the city of Higuey.
It is a popular resort town. In fact, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in latin america.
Is it safe for families?
Punta Cana is safe for families.
Especially when staying in the over 50 mega resort style accommodations. This is a major source of income and business for the people of the area, and as such the last thing they want is to drive away tourism.
With that being said, this is true when staying within the resort.
While it is relatively safe to leave the resort, for outside visitors it’s best to do so with a guided tour or a resident of the area.
General precautions should always be taken especially with kids. Petty theft is common and to be quite honest, the areas where most resorts are situated don’t offer much besides the excursions to natural quirks or a few historical sites.
How to get to your respective resort from the airport and what to do before boarding!!
When you fly in, you will be flying into the Punta Cana International Airport.
To be safe, we booked a ride ahead with a well reviewed private transfer company called Dominican Tour Transfers
It was $24.99 for a one way trip for a family of 6. Not bad! We recommend getting a round trip. If you take a local cab, it is about $15 more expensive.
IMPORTANT!
You must fill out an e-immigration form here .
Before entering or exiting the Dominican Republic!
While this makes sense, we didn’t think about this since it’s been a while that we traveled abroad (due to Covid).
This became a big headache when we were rushing through the airport with 2 kids, the self service kiosks weren’t working, the airport was crowded and were then told we can’t check in until these forms are filled out on our phones for each individual person…which was NOT the easiest task.
So make sure they are filled out, they won’t let you check in until they are !
Will my kids get a cultural experience?
To get a full, rich, cultural Dominican experience it is better to go to fully developed cities like Santo Domingo, Santiago De Los Caballeros or La Romana.
Punta Cana is simply a beautiful natural wonder with some of the best beaches in the world, not necessarily a cultural experience.
What resort is best?
One thing we realized when researching our trip to Punta Cana is that most resorts are….well..the same.
We just couldn’t make up our minds.
Talking to friends and families who had visited multiple resorts in the area, they said the same: they all offer pretty much the same thing.
We stood at BARCELO BAVARO PALACE. Here is quick rundown of this resort:
- It’s a “luxury” resort (although most resorts throw that claim around in the area).
- The resort was nice. It was HUGE. Lots of walking, and very clean.
- The rooms where big, many come with a balcony and a jacuzzi. Fully stocked fridge daily with sodas, water and the national beer PRESIDENTE .
One thing this resort claims and we would say it lived up to, was the BEACH!
Calm. Clean. Pristine. Beautiful.
The beach is constantly rated by travel enthusiast and travel outlets as one of the best beaches in the world.
- Food: The resort offers a myriad of dining options. Lunch, Breakfast and Dinner are all included. You choose between two buffets, and also have the option to make dinner reservations at their 11 specialty restaurants.
KEY TIP: make sure you make reservations for dinner at the specialty restaurants as soon as you check in. Do not wait, otherwise you might not have any availability !
How is the food?
It’s not bad, but you won’t be writing home about it either. It’s all inclusive and as such you will get average quality.
Don’t worry though we know you have read the reviews on…
Food poisoning !
Before we went, the reviews about “food poisoning” at this resort and others was overwhelming. We actually started to worry. Then we realized something talking to a neighbor who has never left the United States and got “food poisoning” in the Domincan Republic.
It wasn’t food poisoning…it is just certain people have never eaten foods abroad.
Their digestive systems weren’t ready for the change and different cooking methods.
We went with a family of 6 people…NO ONE (kids included) got food poisoning or sick.
We have also been outside the United States many times.
So unless you have been exposed to only your current hometown, we wouldn’t worry too much about “food poisoning.”.
How about the drinks?
Drinks are all included!
We have traveled all over, but never to an all inclusive and having alcohol and any other drink you wanted completely included was pretty nice! The only time they upcharge you is for top shelf liquor.
How about the pools?
Of course!! The main attraction and a large portion of where kids will spend their time.
The resort has 4 pools. One for adults, one for families but honestly adults and kids where at both which we found welcoming.
The resort is definitely family friendly!
Some of the pools also have swim up bars!
The other two pools have water rides/slides. One for younger kids and the other for older kids.
There is also a third water park in the resort, which you have to pay for…but honestly, not worth it. Unless your kids are over 6 or really tall 5 year olds…they can’t access the water slides.
Seats at the pool:
Seating doesn’t get too packed, but you should plan to look around for seats if you don’t head down until the afternoon.
They give you towel cards, which you hand in for towels. When you return the towels you get your cards back.
Entertainment/Facilities
The resort, aside from the specialty restaurants had:
- 24 Hour Casino
- Nightclub. Free entrance and drinks included. (closed during our stay due to the C Word)
- Kids Entertainment Center (Bowling, Arcades, etc)
- Theather (nightly performances)
- Fitness center (Open 7am to 9pm)
- Children’s playground
- Golf Course on site
- Spa Facilities (extra charge)
Outings/Activities
All non-motorized water sports like kayaking and pedal boats are included free of charge!
There are some motorized water sports that are extra charge, but plenty of free non-motorized ones as well!
At the beach itself there are always various activities: dance classes, yoga classes, volleyball games, etc.
And of course there are many excursions to different parts of the town, as well as dolphin watching excursions and boat trips.
All in all, for an all inclusive beach vacation with the family, Punta Cana is a great choice and probably the best deal in the caribbean!
If you enjoyed this travel guide, be sure to check our Austin, Texas family travel guide!