9 Amazing Things to do in Punta Cana with Family

Are you looking for things to do in Punta Cana island with your family?

While the thought of traveling with the entire family usually conjures up visions of fun and frolic, people are apprehensive when heading to a third world destination, especially with toddlers and teens in tow.

That said, most of the tourist infrastructure around the eastern city of Punta Cana lacing the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic is well developed and offers a perfect family vacation, and that too on a budget.

Here are nine great activities for your family vacation to Punta Cana. Included are fun family attractions and awesome Punta Cana excursions for kids.

1. Go on a Marinarium Snorkeling Cruise

three kids snorkeling underwater in Punta Cana

A towel, bathing suit and a camera is all that you need for this enjoyable half-day cruise along the Punta Cana coast.

Adults and children will get a thrill out of traveling in a glass bottom boat to see the array of marine life, just a few feet above the surface of the ocean. The hardy ones can opt for a swim with the sharks and get up close to Manta rays.

While all ages are welcome, children below 12 not only get a 50% discount, their interest in nature and wildlife is established.

2. Have an unforgettable buggy tour

father and son ride in mud splashing in buggy

Children, older than 16, will simply squeal with delight as they maneuver a buggy through the eastern forests to pristine sand beaches affording incredible views of the waters of the Caribbean.

While a professional guide will instruct all that is needed for safety, everyone in the family is sure to enjoy this enthralling ride.

Each buggy fits two and it is recommended to don a bathing suit or old clothes as the ride is rugged and can get muddy in patches.

3. Spend a day at Shark Island

This is going to be the most unforgettable adventure activity on your trip to Punta Cana.

A replica of a 16th century galleon, will transport you to Shark Island for the Caribbean Buccaneers Dinner Show, which will captivate the family with scenes reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean, with dances and combat action with pirates on the open deck under the night sky.

4. Enjoy half a day in the jungle

one squirrel monkey on back of another squirrel monkey

This trip is all about animals and coffee, but even if you are not a fan of either of them your family will simply love this excursion.

Monkey Land is a trip, 45 minutes away from Punta Cana, into the jungle to learn the art of coffee production and interact with some of the cutest squirrel monkeys you may have ever come across.

Children will shout with joy as these tiny primates jump all over them.

Apart from the educational experience, the coffee and cocoa bean presentation will keep everyone attentive. Another great thing about this tour is the opportunity to see the local villages and towns which reflect a bit more of the life of the Dominican locals.

5. Visit Dolphin Island Park

little girl in water with one dolphin on each side giving her a kiss

If you are a lover of nature and animals wherever you travel, then a day-long visit to the Dolphin Island Park should be high on your agenda.

A short boat ride takes you to this enchanting island where you can get really close to sea lions and dolphins and even get a chance to swim with them from the platform on the beach.

Photograph creatures like sharks and stingrays in their natural habitat.

A great learning experience for the whole family.

Make plans to visit Dolphin Island Park right here.

6. Escape to Boca de Yuma

springs located between nature rocks and vines — Cotubanama National Park

Barely an hour away from Punta Cana lies the scenic daytime resort of Boca de Yuma.

This Dominican fishing village is often compared to some of its counterparts on the Italian coast with its panoramic cliff-top views and quaint shacks and bars high above the sea.

Boca de Yuma offers other attractions as well like river boat rides, Taino caverns and white sand beaches.

This place is also the entry point for the famous Cotubanama National Park, as well as, the giant Curva de Berna, known for its large number of petroglyphs.

7. Zip above the Anamuya jungle

Soar over gigantic trees for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime on a half day excursion of zip lining over the Anamuya jungle.

With twelve platforms on treetops and a length of 4300 feet this extreme swing adventure takes you flying in the air at 65 km/h from a height of 200 feet.

On the way, one can come across hanging bridges and get a chance to see the variety of flora and fauna of the jungle.

Built to suit all daredevils, new or old, this is the first zipline set up in the Dominican Republic and can be easily accessed from all the nearby resorts.

8. Spend time at a local school

school students in classroom smiling looking frontwards

One of the most rewarding things you can do for your children is to take them to a local school in Punta Cana.

Pack some school supplies, hire a driver and ask him to take you to any school in the countryside. School equipment is always in demand and the children will have an unforgettable time interacting with the school children, making friends and to see how the local kids are actually taught.

A wonderful way to spend a meaningful day.

9. Take a dip at Hoyo Azul

blue swimming hole located in limestone caves below cliff

Hoyo Azul or the Blue Hole is a natural swimming hole found in the limestone caves located below a cliff.

The cave lies within the boundaries of Scape Park within the resort of Cap Cana. Though meant for older people, children can watch from the platform travelers jumping into the cenote.

Alternately visitors can opt for a zipline tour on the Farallon Zipline course to travel above the cliffs and ultimately into the cenote itself. There are massive beehives inside the caves, so a word of caution to steer clear of them.

Punta Cana is one of the most popular holiday spots in the Caribbean. The large number of affordable accommodation and relatively easy access from places like Miami, makes this sunny destination an ideal place for families and children to relax and bond together.

Punta Cana is one of the best places to visit in Dominica Republic for families. There are so many things to do with toddlers, and teens too. Have fun on a buggy tour, make family memories at Dolphin Island Park, or say hello to the local kids at school.

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We hope these Punta Cana family excursions will inspire the whole family to make ever lasting memories.

Have you and your family been on vacation to Punta Cana? What island tours or family excursions did you enjoy the most? We’d love to hear from you.