Day excursions are a popular choice of activities since there is so much natural beauty to see in Punta Cana. There are several day excursions that should not be missed, starting with Manati Park. Manati Park is a located 30 to 45 minutes outside of Punta Cana and houses animals that are native to the Dominican Republic. There are animal shows, such as a parrot show, a horse show and a dolphin show. The park has the feel of a jungle, making tourists feel like explorers as they travel around the park to view the sites. A trip to Manati Park costs US$15-$30 and can take up to five hours.
There are also Jeep safaris that cost around US$20-$80 per person. For these safaris, your tour guide will take you to local places such as a public school, a sugar cane plantation, a tobacco farm, a local home or a typical grocery store. These excursions are great if you want to get a feel for life in the Dominican Republic.
Whale watching can also be done as an excursion in the Dominican Republic. Whale watching is done at Samana Bay, which is about three hours from Punta Cana and the whales are only there from January to March.
If you want to view the beautiful Punta Cana from the air, a helicopter excursion might be for you. Helicopter excursions run around $60-$130 U.S. dollars per person depending on the length of time you are in the air. From the air you will get to view the gorgeous beaches, the tropical vegetation, the expansive resorts and a sunken ship.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are great activities that can be done in Punta Cana's amazing clear blue waters--the perfect spot for these adventures. Many resorts offer these activities and even provide the equipment you will need. For more experienced scuba divers, the water may be too shallow around the resorts and excursions can be taken to better scuba diving destinations.
There are also many water sports to choose from. There are catamaran and sailboat tours to islands that usually include food and drinks. Surfing is a popular, especially from December to April when the water is a little rougher. Surfing can be done easily on your resort. Windsurfing is a year-round sport. Most resorts offer windsurfing equipment and instructions.
Punta Cana is known for its beautifully designed golf courses, and there are many to choose from. Casinos are also popular on many resorts in Punta Cana, with several with slot machines and gaming tables.
