Dominican Republic, Punta Cana

 
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Punta Cana and the nearby areas of Bávaro and La Romana are largely beach destinations, offering warm weather year-round and mild winds along the coastline. Many of the attractions involve water activities – such as catamaran cruises, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling with stingrays, swimming with dolphins and sharks, and windsurfing. It doesn’t stop there – there are plenty of inland adventures too, from exploring the culture to celebrating the vibrant nightlife, golfing, horseback riding, safari tours, zip-lining and more.

Dominican Republic, Punta Cana Hotels

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Overview

Located at the easternmost region of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a resort town known for its long stretch – 12 miles to be exact – of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and pristine vegetation. Although it might be one of the lesser-known golfing destinations, don’t let that fool you, it is home to some of the most impressive championship golf courses around. To the north is Bávaro – the most developed section of Punta Cana, offering an additional 30 miles of white-sand beaches, which rank it among the longest and most continuous beaches in the Caribbean. Together, Punta Cana and Bávaro make up what is known as the Coconut Coast – where the wide beaches are lined with resorts, palm trees and coral reefs that make the water calm. To the south is La Romana, famous for its sugar cane plantation, and of course the dreamy white-sand beaches. It is an interesting place to snorkel among tropical marine life and shipwrecks just off the coast of Catalina Island.

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Before You Go

Airport Check-In: It is recommended that you reconfirm your flight information and check in for your flights at the airline’s website 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Please bring all your final documents with you. It is important to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure for all domestic flights, and three hours prior to departure for international flights.

Required Documents: For Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens must travel with a valid passport or other government-issued photo identification (such as an enhanced driver’s license). For all other islands, U.S. citizens must travel with a valid passport and a ticket for return or onward travel. There may be additional requirements for international travel, such as inoculations or visas, and some countries require that passports be valid for six months or longer beyond your stay in the country. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens might be different, and visitors are encouraged to verify the documentation/visa requirements with the nearest consulate or embassy. Rules are subject to change at any time, without notice. For the most current information, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.

Newlywed Information: Tickets and other travel documents must exactly match your current passport and other identification. If not, you could be denied boarding and no refund will be forthcoming. For requirements and information regarding marriages performed in a foreign country, please visit the consulate of the particular country.

Honeymoon Packages: Some hotels require you to present a marriage certificate or license for you to receive the honeymoon package. Please bring your marriage documentation with you if you are traveling on a honeymoon package.

Minors: If a minor (under 18) is traveling, please provide the appropriate travel documents for the trip. Review required documents here, https://www.dhs.gov/travel-overseas.

Luggage: Baggage allowances and fees vary by airline. For airline baggage fees and policies please visit https://www.costcotravel.com/Info/Airline-Baggage. If baggage fees do apply, this cost will be additional and must be paid directly to the airline.

Duty Free/Customs: When returning to the U.S., the duty-free allowance may vary by country. Please visit http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens for information regarding U.S. Customs and more.

Travel Health Information: For the most current worldwide health information, consult your family physician or the official website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636. You’ll find information on recent outbreaks, required vaccinations, insect protection, illness and injury abroad, and more.

General Safety Tips: By taking a few simple security precautions before and during your vacation, you can help ensure that you, your traveling companions, and your valuables are as safe and secure as possible.
  • To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
  • Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
  • Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
  • Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
  • If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
  • For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.

Climate:
Average Fahrenheit Temperature:
  • December through February: 85° to 84° (Winter)
  • March through May: 84° to 87° (Spring)
  • June through August: 89° to 90° (Summer)
  • September through November: 90° to 87° (Autumn)

Tropical Storm Season from June to November

Water Safety: Bottled water is recommended.

Local Currency: Dominican Peso

Currency Information: U.S. dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time. Dominican Republic does not observe daylight saving time.

Local Language: Spanish | English

Transportation: Public transportation and taxis are available.

Planner

Sargassum/Seaweed Advisory

Sargassum is a free-floating seaweed that is especially prolific in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. While beneficial to ocean life, these large free-floating seaweed mats often wash up on beaches. The amount of seaweed on the beaches fluctuates based on the time of year and ocean currents. While resorts do their best to maintain the beaches for their guests, you may experience some inconvenience during your stay.

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Top Experiences

  • Bávaro Beach : Stretching 30 miles, it is the most famous beach in Punta Cana and arguably one of the top beaches in the world with some sections as wide as 250 feet.

  • Golfing : There are 26 golf courses in the Dominican Republic, many of which reside within Punta Cana and the surrounding area, and come from the most acclaimed golf course architects, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio just to name a few.

  • Nightlife : Enjoy the sights, tastes and sounds, and dance all night to multiple genres of music throughout the city at various bars, casinos, disco-clubs and restaurants.

  • Zip Line : Taking you high above the jungle and measuring 2,500 feet in length, Punta Cana offers the longest zip line in the Dominican Republic.

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Transfers

Region: Punta Cana
Transfer Company: Destination Services
Telephone: 1-829-946-3825 (24 hours)

Address:
Edificio Gym 22, 2do Piso
Plaza Punta Cana Shopping Mall
Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
Instructions: Upon arrival at the airport, please claim your luggage and proceed through Immigration and Customs. Then, look for the Costco Travel sign at the Destination Services counter. There, you'll meet the representative who will confirm the pickup location and time for your departure transfer.