- Duration: 90 minutes for the cenote, 4 hours for the ATV run, up to 11 hours for the island day
- Included: hotel pickup on the ATV and island options, entry and guide on all three
- Best for: guests on a week-long all inclusive who want two or three real outings, not seven
- Book ahead: 3 to 5 days, and space the big day trip away from your departure day
- Practical warning: Bavaro traffic on the main road slows pickups, so a 7 AM slot really means 6:30 AM in the lobby
How we ranked this list
We ranked by drive time from the Bavaro hotel strip, then by review volume, then rating, then by whether hotel pickup is part of the price.
- Drive time first, because from Bavaro the difference between 30 minutes and 90 decides whether it is a morning or a day
- Review volume second, since this strip has the highest operator turnover in the country
- Rating third, and we flag when a strong operator carries a mixed score for a specific reason
- Pickup included last, because getting across Bavaro without it eats the saving
What we left out. We left out everything inside the resorts and the beach clubs on the same strip, which do not count as leaving. We also left out operators without a published meeting point and the unlicensed tours sold directly on the sand.
The closest thing to a landmark within half an hour of the Bavaro strip.
Check Availability →Half a day, a water cave and Macao Beach, which is the stretch of coast the resorts do not sit on.
Check Availability →The full day out. If you only leave the hotel once, most people leave for this one.
Check Availability →Starting prices are indicative, taken from the operator listing and subject to change.
Why leave the resort in Bavaro?
All inclusive resorts are comfortable, but Bavaro and the surrounding Punta Cana region offer some of the best beaches, cenotes and boat trips in the Caribbean, and most are a short ride from your lobby. Stepping outside means real local food, dramatic natural sites and island adventures that no buffet can match. The good news is that nearly every excursion includes hotel pickup, so it is easy.
One thing to handle before you even arrive is the free official Dominican Republic eTicket, the entry and exit form every traveler needs. Get it done and your first day in Bavaro is pure beach.
Is Bavaro the same as Punta Cana?
Roughly, yes. Punta Cana is the broad name for this corner of the Dominican Republic, while Bavaro is the specific district with the famous long beach and the densest cluster of resorts. Cap Cana, home to Scape Park and the Hoyo Azul cenote, sits just to the south. Knowing the geography helps you judge how far each excursion really is.
The best things to do in Bavaro outside your resort
1. Saona Island day trip
The Saona Island day trip is the signature Punta Cana excursion. You travel to Bayahibe and sail to a protected island of white sand and shallow turquoise water, stopping at the natural pool where starfish gather. Lunch and an open bar are usually included. Book the full day Saona tour or the quieter small group version.
2. Buggy and ATV to Macao Beach
Get muddy on a buggy and ATV adventure to Macao Beach, weaving through countryside, a ranch and a water cave before reaching one of the prettiest public beaches near Bavaro.
3. Catamaran snorkeling cruise
The catamaran cruise with snorkeling and drinks is the laid back classic, sailing the coast with a reef snorkel stop, a natural pool and music on the way home.
4. Hoyo Azul cenote at Scape Park
Just south in Cap Cana, Hoyo Azul is a stunning turquoise cenote at the foot of a cliff. Combine it with ziplines and caves on the Scape Park full day ticket.
5. Nightlife and Coco Bongo
For a big night out, Coco Bongo is the legendary show club with acrobats, music and nonstop energy. It is the easiest way to experience Bavaro nightlife.
Day trips beyond Bavaro
If you have a spare day, leave the coast entirely. Sail to Isla Saona, climb to the famous swings of Montana Redonda, or take a Santo Domingo day trip to the Colonial Zone and the Los Tres Ojos caves.
Things to do near your specific hotel
We have detailed guides for popular resorts, including Wyndham Alltra, Dreams Flora, Iberostar Waves, Jewel Palm Beach, Secrets Tides and Margaritaville Island Reserve.
Ready to explore Bavaro?
Book the top excursions with hotel pickup, free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Bavaro is the main resort district within the wider Punta Cana area on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. People use the names interchangeably, but Bavaro specifically refers to the long beach and the strip of all inclusive hotels where most visitors stay.
Absolutely. Your wristband is for your hotel, not a curfew. Excursions, beaches, restaurants and nightlife are all open to you, and most tours pick you up at the lobby and bring you back. Leaving the resort is where the real Punta Cana experience begins.
The most popular are the Saona Island day trip, catamaran snorkeling cruises, buggy and ATV adventures to Macao Beach, and the Hoyo Azul cenote at Scape Park. Day trips to Montana Redonda and Santo Domingo are great for a change of scenery.
Book online in advance for the best price, free cancellation and instant confirmation. Resort tour desks tend to charge more for the same tours. Add your hotel name when booking so the operator schedules pickup.
