Punta Cana

Punta Cana is located on the eastern side of the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola that is one of the two islands that makes up the Greater Antilles (Puerto Rico is the other island).

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From Santo Domingo To Punta Cana

From the Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana takes approximately 2 hours depending on what part of Punta Cana is your final destination. While there is an airport in Punta Cana many visitors choose to arrive at the Santo Domingo Airport because either the cost of the flight is cheaper or there are more direct flight options to the Santo Domingo Airport.

History of Punta Cana

Punta Cana is better known for its white-sandy beaches than for its history. Punta Cana was originally named Punta Borrachon -“Drunken Point” – and had a few small fishing villages separated by jungle and sugar cane.

This part of the country had been very remote and it took hours to tavel to the town of Higuey that is now only about a 25-minute drive.

In the early ‘70’s a couple of American investors while standing on the magnificent beach of Punta Borrachon decided it would be the perfect place to create a Caribbean resort.

So, with a name change to Punta Cana, they unknowingly set out to create what would become the top destination in the Caribbean, and in time, would grow to be home to over 60 resorts.

Places To Stay In Punta Cana

Punta Cana is known for its all-inclusive beach resorts. With 60+ resorts to pick from, you won’t have a problem finding just the right resort to make your Caribbean vacation a vacation to remember.

We have a few of the favorite resorts listed below. We have also listed a few options if you want to see Punta Cana, but are not a fan of all-inclusive resorts.

All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts will allow you the opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic knowing that you have a safe, clean and beautiful place to make as your base camp. Once checked in you can relax, put your credit card and cash away, and head to the beach or pool with your favorite rum drink in hand.

A 34-luxury all-suite boutique resort with everything you need: 5 gourmet restaurants, numerous bars, a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, multiple pools, spas, a private beach and a kid’s club.

Edan Rock

An all-inclusive resort located on Bavaro Beach. If you want options, this is the resort for you. With 13 restaurants, 25 bars, multiple pools, a great beach, spas, a kid’s club, etc., Couples, friends, families all can have a great time here.

Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa

A 176-luxury-suite resort styled in Spanish Colonial that consists of 5 restaurants, 6 bars, 5 swimming pools, a large private beach, a world-class spa, and is close to golfing, fishing and other water activities.

Sanctuary Cap Cana

A 176-luxury-suite resort styled in Spanish Colonial that consists of 5 restaurants, 6 bars, 5 swimming pools, a large private beach, a world-class spa, Punta Espada Golf course, and is close to fishing and other water activities.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace

Located on the world famous Bavaro beach this all-inclusive resort has 10 restaurants, 9 bars, a coffee shop, multiple pools, a spa, as well as a children’s club offering a pool for children, slides, a pirate ship, games and sports.

Grand Bavaro Princess Resort

One of the nicest all-inclusive resorts on Bavaro Beach. With its 7 international restaurants, multiple bars throughout the property, 5 pools (1 for children) a fitness center, and an oriental spa, this property is sure to provide you a perfect Caribbean vacation.

Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort

Voted #1 family resort in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor. This property will ensure the whole family has a great time. You will have a perfect Caribbean family vacation with family suites, 8 restaurants, a wine bar, a swim-up bar at the pool, tons of children activities, characters for the kids to interact with and activities for adults like golf, spas, water sports, and fishing, etc.

Nickelodeon Resort

This all-suites, all-inclusive resort located on Bavaro Beach has 8 restaurants, a sports bar, 10 additional bars throughout the resort, a coffee shop, golf, a spa, a night club, a family club, a white-sandy private beach, and 12 pools (4 of them have swim-up bars).

Majestic Mirage

Hotels

This affordable complex is located in the heart of the Punta Cana on Bavaro Beach. If you are looking for a non-all-inclusive that is located next to lots to do and is close to great beaches, restaurants and bars, then this a place to consider.

Los Corales Beach Village

Located in the heart of Punta Cana on Bavaro Beach this condo complex is located next to everything - restaurants, bars and a magnificent white-sandy beach.

Costa Atlantica Beach Condo

A complex located in the heart of Punta Cana on Bavaro Beach. Pick from the large pool or the white-sandy beach to enjoy your time at this property. Being in the heart of Punta Cana you are next to everything you need - restaurants, bars, beaches and golf, to name just a few.

Playa Turquesa Ocean Club

What and Where is Punta Cana

Punta Cana is located on the eastern side of the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola that is one of the two islands that makes up the Greater Antilles (Puerto Rico is the other island).

Punta Cana, along with Cap Cana, Bavaro, Macao, Arena Gorda, and the newest area Uvero Alto all make up what is often just referred to simply as Punta Cana.

As Punta Cana has developed the hotels, resorts and casinos spilled over to the small towns surrounding Punta Cana. From one side of Punta Cana (Uvero Alto) to the other side of Punta Cana (Cap Cana) is about a 45-minute drive.

Things To See And Do in Punta Cana

Many of the“things to do and see” can be arranged by a local tour company. If you are staying in a resort, representatives there can help arrange these excursions, and, if you are staying in a small hotel or private residence, you may want to arrange these events before you arrive in Las Terrenas.

A simple Google search can identify many companies to help arrange these events for you. The one thing we caution you on is to understand the transportation time for your events. You don’t want to be on shuttle/bus all day just to do something that last for 30 minutes.

Hoya Azul

Located in Scape Park you take a short hike down a path that has a wide array of plants, flowers and local wildlife like iguanas as you travel to the turquoise waters of the Hoya Azul. This lagoon reaches depths of over 100 feet at its deepest. It is truly awe-inspiring and pictures don’t do it justice.

Isla Saona

Just off the Bayahibe coast 50 minutes from Punta Cana is a magnificent, uninhabited island you will be transported to via a catamaran sailboat.

On your way there you will sail where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean; stop at a natural swimming hole on the Caribbean; see and interact with nature (star fish, fish, birds, etc.); and then spend time on the island.

There are refreshments (unlimited beer, rum, soda, etc.) on the boat and an all-you-can-eat lunch with refreshments on the island. What better way to enjoy the Caribbean than to actually be on it.

Party Boat and Snorkeling

Cruise along the Punta Cana shoreline, then head to a coral reef for an incredible snorkeling experience, after that off to a sandbar to join other groups at the natural swimming pool to continue the party.

Have fun on the gliding down the water slide or just jump in the water. With music, an open bar and the Caribbean waters as your backdrop, this “booze cruise” is a must for those looking to party on the water.

Dolphin Experience

Swim with dolphins in their natural habit.

Santo Domingo City Tour

Tour the first city of the new world. Explore the open-air caves where the Tainos (Island natives) formerly lived and which now contain 3 beautiful lakes; see the present-day Presidential Palace – Faro Colon – where Christopher Columbus’ remains are entombed; and walk down the very streets Christopher Columbus and Sir Francis Drake walked on in the Colonial times. See the ruins of the first city of the new world and walk through the house of the son of Christopher Columbus.

Coco Bongo

One of the hottest night spots in the Dominican Republic.

Outback Cultural Adventure

Tourist in the Outback truck crossing a river Punta Cana

Explore the back country of the Dominican Republic, see small local villages and farms that produce coffee, coconuts and cacao.

Monkey land

Observe squirrel monkeys in their natural jungle habitat where you will be able to feed them right out of your hand, interact with them and watch them play.

Golf

From the Punta Espada course designed by Jack Nicklaus with greens overlooking the ocean to La Cana – a course designed by Pete Dye’s son P.B. Dye. If you are a golfer, you will surely find a world-class course that will having you planning a return trip before you even have a chance to putt your last hole.

Horseback Riding

Ride a horse along the famed Caribbean beaches of Punta Cana where you will ride in and out of the tree line with the ocean as your backdrop.

4 x 4 or Buggy Adventures

Buggies going down dirt path Barvaro Beach

Explore the back country of Punta Cana on dirt roads as you pass tropical landscapes and plantations while you make your way to the beach. Ride on the beach for a while, then relax on the beach and cool down in the tropical waters of Punta Cana.

Aquatic Adventures

Enjoy some high-adrenaline water activities like wakeboarding, knee boarding, slalom skiing, fly boarding, along with zip lining, paddle boarding, navigating an obstacle course on the water, enjoying a pool etc. – all on a relaxing property that is well maintained.

Punta Cana

Questions & Answers

Facts about transportation from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana

How far is it from the Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana?

While Punta Cana is a town of its own, Punta Cana is also a catch-all reference for the surrounding towns as well. Most of the resorts are in Bavaro, some are also located in Uvero Alto and Punta Cana, and a few in Cap Cana.

Distance from the Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana is about 171 kms or 106 miles
Distance from the Santo Domingo Airport to Bavaro about 188 kms or 116 miles
Distance from the Santo Domingo Airport to Uvero Alto is about 209 kms or 130 miles
Distance from the Santo Domingo Airport to Cap Cana is about 178 km or 110 miles

How long does it take to get from the Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana?

From the Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana is about 2 hours
From the Santo Domingo Airport to Bavaro is about 2 ¼ hours
From the Santo Domingo Airport to Uvero Alto is about 2 ½ hours
From the Santo Domingo Airport to Cap Cana is about 2 hours

How far is it from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana?

While Punta Cana is a town of its own, Punta Cana is also a catch all reference for the surrounding towns as well. Most of the resorts are in Bavaro, some are also in Uvero Alto and Punta Cana and a few in Cap Cana.

Distance from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana is about 194 kms or 120 miles
Distance from Santo Domingo Bavaro is about 211 kms or 131 miles
Distance from Santo Domingo to Uvero Alto is about 231 kms or 143 miles
Distance from Santo Domingo Cap Cana is about 200 kms or 124 miles

How long does it take to get from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana?

From Santo Domingo to Punta Cana is about 2 ¼ hours
From Santo Domingo to Bavaro is about 2 ½ hours
From Santo Domingo to Uvero Alto is about 2 ¾ hours
From Santo Domingo to Cap Cana is about 2 ¼ hours

Note: Santo Domingo is large metropolitan area of 3 million people. Travel times can vary greatly based on traffic.

Is it safe to travel from Santo Domingo To Punta Cana?

The short answer –Yes. The longer answer to if the transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana safe is, of course it is safe. We would never allow our passengers or drivers to be put in a bad situation.

The highway used to get from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana is probably the most travelled highway in the country. In the past few years there have been many improvements to this highway. Many overpasses were created to allow the transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana to go over the local traffic. This allows us to drive directly to your final destination without dealing with local traffic and or traffic lights, etc. Also, much of the highway has been resurfaced.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Highly recommended Transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana

The service we received from Santo Domingo Taxi was exceptional. They organized a transfer for 7 of us (4 adults, 3 small children) from Santo Domingo (SDQ airport) to Punta Cana.
The communication from Ken was excellent throughout the whole process – he removed all of our concerns. The vehicle was as promised, and the driver was friendly and drove extremely safely (a must of course with three kids in the back!)
Would not hesitate in recommending Santo Domingo taxi to anyone travelling in Dominican republic

-Aliclareash

Top-notch service from the Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana

These guys couldn’t have been better. From the first minute the communication (in perfect English!) was fast and clear. Service was extremely punctual and friendly. We had requested and were promised an English-speaking driver and when that turned out not to be possible, a translator was sent along with the driver at no extra charge. We asked for and received a baby seat at no extra charge. Many thanks to Ken, driver Ferneli and translator Emmanuel!

-Femke

Best Service Out There

Ken and his staff are quite possibly the most professional and most accommodating folks I have ever met. In going to DR, I was very worried about how I would get to Punta Cana from Santo Domingo. I considered the bus, and other private transfer services, but wasn’t really comfortable with the options that were available to me out there. By sheer luck, I happened upon excellent reviews of Santo Domingo taxi and took a shot at messaging them. Instant responses! Instant feedback! And thats all it took! Ken always makes himself available to you. Our plane landed early in the morning, and our driver was waiting to take us to Punta Cana. In less than 2 hours, we were safely at our resort, having breakfast.

-Vib B

Reliable and great communication

We had a great experience with Santo Domingo Taxi. I accidentally booked my flight into SDQ but was staying in Punta Cana. They made the 2 hour + taxi ride from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana and the entire experience seamless. Our baby cried part of the way from SD to Punta Cana and the driver was not annoyed at all. Ken was extremely accommodating and said to call him at any time if there was an issue. I’d definitely use them again.

-Rachel M

Transportation from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana

My family and I recently had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic and our flights had us, unfortunately, landing in Santo Domingo although our final destination was Punta Cana. No fear, a quick email to Ken with Santo Domingo Taxi and any worry I may have had about the over-land journey was quickly taken care of. His price was much lower than other transfers I found online, and his driver was waiting for us with a sign as soon as we came out through arrivals at SDQ. We passed through a couple toll booths -the fees were included in our all-inclusive price. Dealing with Ken I felt there was no need to worry if the driver was going to be there or not, if the vehicle was going to be safe for my two young children – you name it – I had NO WORRIES. Well worth it and again – Thank You Ken and your entire staff at Santo Domingo Taxi.

-ArmyChief-R

Need Help Getting From Santo Domingo To Punta Cana

If you need help getting from the Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana, please contact us for pricing and availability. Our reservations department and many of our drivers speak English.