We just came back from Punta Cana this past March and after a 2 week stay, I can confidently say that if you are considering a family vacation that checks a lot of boxes ( but doesn’t break the bank TOO much), Punta Cana is an amazing option.
There are tons of direct flights from North America ( Toronto, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Montreal etc) so getting there is a breeze. The beaches are serene, there is lots to do and we had a great experience with all the food.
We travelled with our two kids aged 3 and 6 so below you will find a great breakdown of a Punta Cana Travel Guide that is tailored to families but if you are travelling as a couple, it also works!
Punta Cana Travel Guide: Hotel Breakdown
The good thing about Punta Cana is that there are SO many hotel options. Whether you are travelling on a budget, or prefer luxury resorts- there are endless options. Unlike some Caribbean islands where there are only 1-2 luxury options or a few budget hotels that aren’t really great, in the Dominican you can really pick something that suits your style.
Interested in some other places in the Caribbean for families, check out these posts:
- 7 Of The Safest Caribbean Islands
- Kid Friendly Guide to Barbados
- The Ultimate Travel Guide to Antigua and Barbuda
- Full Review of Beaches Turks and Caicos
- 11 Cool Things to do in Curacao
Here are the hotels we stayed at and that I can personally vouch for! Each of them were amazing in their own ways and I am so glad we got to experience a variety ( budget, mid range and luxury!).
Best Family Luxury Hotel: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
If you are looking for the best luxury all inclusive that caters to families, you are going to want to book a stay at the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. This sprawling resort offers everything from outdoor movie nights DAILY, a kids club that resembles a magical tree forest and the most epic water park…that even has ice cream food trucks!
What I loved about this hotel was the beautiful restaurants to eat at ( the food did not taste like all inclusive whatsoever) and the 5 star service. The resort also sits on one of the best beaches in Punta Cana- water as clear as the Maldives. No joke!
We also went to Beaches Turks and Caicos which is another popular 5 star family all inclusive and it is definitely on par with it in terms of kids activities but the food here is better!
Best Mid Range Hotel: Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana
If you are looking for a week long stay for the entire family that gives you some serious bang for you buck, I would highly suggest the Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana. Not only is this resort brand new ( recently renovated from a previous hotel) but it is the perfect balance of being “cool and modern” and very kid friendly.
While we didn’t get to experience their on site water park ( it was still being worked on), it looked EPIC and is supposed to be open later this year. Having this option in addition to the kids club, awesome pools and activities that cater to the young ones, this hotel is an excellent Punta Cana hotel option.
Best Budget Hotel in Punta Cana: Villa Blanca Beach Club
We stayed at this hotel for 3 nights at the beginning of our trip and if you are looking for a no frills spot, this small boutique hotel is perfect. It is a beach front property with just a handful of rooms that each have their own terrace 30 seconds from the ocean. The interior is simple but it has AC/daily cleaning/glassware/a mini fridge and safe. For $250 CAD, you can’t beat the price
It has an amazing on site restaurant ( seriously the food here was 10/10 every time) AND breakfast is included in the price.
Our kids loved the little play area set up. We had drinks while they played 20 feet in front of us so it was the best of both worlds for everyone. They also have lounges for you to use
TIP: If you stay here make sure to grab a lunch or dinner just down the beach at
Beach Beaches in Punta Cana
Juanillo Beach
If you want a beach that legitimately looks like water from the Maldives or Turks and Caicos, you will find it at Juanillo Beach. The water is very calm compared to some other beaches in the area and there is no seaweed in the sand here
Bavaro Beach
Bavaro Beach is a fun and lively beach in the heart of Punta Cana. This beach is public and lined with a lot of basic accommodation options so you can expect to find some vendors, and local bars and restaurants. It is a great option if you want to get a more authentic feel of Punta Cana.
Macao Beach (Playa Macao)
Want a beach where it’s less crowded and considered a “hidden gem”? Head to Macao beach. This beach is popular among locals and less developed than it’s neighboring beaches but OH SO BEAUTIFUL! You can find local food shacks here and can expect a very serene and natural vibe
Best Activities with Kids in Punta Cana: 3 Excursions worth doing!
1.Saona Island Day Trip
This a quintessential Caribbean adventure that is perfect for both adults and the kids. This full-day excursion typically spans 8 to 10 hours, including transportation, boat rides, and ample time to explore the island’s pristine beaches and turquoise waters. The beach is also SO SO SO nice!
2. Bavaro Adventure Park
This place is a mix of wildlife, culture and fun! If your kids love animals (Dolphins, parrots and reptiles) you should definitely look at this place. They also have zip lining, ATVs and more!
3. Katmandu Park Punta Cana
This is a relatively new activity in Punta Cana for kids and it has been well received since it’s opening. Katmandu Park is a a state-of-the-art theme park with immersive attractions and rides. They also have indoor experiences which is a nice option if you have a rain day
Tips for Travel to Punta Cana
- Before you leave Canada ( or wherever you are coming from), you need to fill out the Electric Customs Form. This is required before leaving your home country AND before you depart from the Dominican Republic. You can access it HERE. You can fill it out 72 hours before departing.
- There is a bit of talk about the food in Punta Cana and getting sick. We did not have any stomach issues once and stayed at 3 different hotels and resorts. We only ate from a buffet once and every other meal came from restaurants that served a la carte options. We chose items that were hot and cooked and made sure to consistently wash our hands. We also used bottled water to brush our teeth-even at the 5 star hotel we stayed at!
- The Punta Cana airport is extremely expensive...like a chocolate bar was $10 USD. Most of the options there are fast food ( Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Nathan’s Hot Dogs) and there is hardly anything to eat that is healthy. Make sure to bring your own snacks for your flight or airport time otherwise you are going to get DINGED! Also do not buy souvenirs here.
- When you arrive to Punta Cana it is tempting ( and easy) to buy things from Duty Free if you are looking to purchase alcohol and not staying at an all inclusive. Skip it and buy wine from a local shop. The selection is just the same and prices are much cheaper.
- Download Google Translator. Even if you are staying at a 5 star resort you will likely need it some point. I found it really hard to communicate with people and a lot of people didn’t speak English.
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