- Duration: 90 minutes for the cenote, 3 to 4 hours for the buggy combo, about 2 hours on horseback
- Included: guide and safety gear on all three, with pickup on the buggy and horseback options
- Best for: guests who want to leave the resort two or three times without spending a fortune
- Book ahead: 2 to 4 days for these, since none of them is a scarce full day tour
- Practical warning: horseback and buggy operators both set weight limits, and they are enforced at the meeting point
How we ranked this list
We ranked by cost against time spent, then by review volume, then rating, then by whether the tour is short enough to leave the rest of the day free.
- Cost against time first, because a cheap tour that eats eleven hours is not cheap
- Review volume second, as the budget end of this market is where operator quality varies most
- Rating third, and here we do apply a hard floor because the cheapest options are also the least supervised
- Length last, favouring anything that still leaves you an afternoon at the hotel
What we left out. We left out the very cheapest beach-sold buggy rentals, which come without a briefing, without helmets in some cases and without anyone to complain to. Price is not the only thing that makes those cheap.
The one outing here that is scenery rather than activity, and the shortest trip out of the resort.
Check Availability →The cheapest ATV and buggy combo in the catalogue, with the water cave and Macao Beach included.
Check Availability →Horseback on the beach, which is the slow alternative when a whole family cannot agree on a buggy.
Check Availability →Starting prices are indicative, taken from the operator listing and subject to change.
Where is Iberostar Waves Punta Cana and why location matters
Iberostar Waves Punta Cana sits in Bavaro, the busiest and most convenient stretch of coastline in Punta Cana. Iberostar Waves is set in the heart of Bavaro, surrounded by palm groves and a short ride from the marina and the main excursion pickup points. Because nearly every excursion operator runs pickups from this area, you are never more than a short ride from a beach, a cenote or a boat. That makes Iberostar Waves Punta Cana an ideal base whether you want a relaxed all inclusive stay or a packed week of adventures.
Before you do anything else, sort out your Dominican Republic eTicket. It is the free official entry and exit form every traveler needs, and getting it done before you fly means a smoother arrival so you can start enjoying Bavaro sooner.
Best things to do near Iberostar Waves Punta Cana
1. Saona Island day trip
The Saona Island day trip is the single most popular excursion in Punta Cana and an easy choice from Iberostar Waves Punta Cana. You travel south to Bayahibe, then sail by catamaran or speedboat to a protected island with white sand and shallow turquoise water. Most tours stop at the famous natural pool where starfish gather in waist deep water, and include lunch and an open bar. Book the full day Saona Island tour with pickup or, for smaller crowds, the small group Saona tour.
2. Buggy and ATV ride to Macao Beach
For something muddy and fun, the buggy and ATV adventure to Macao Beach takes you off road through countryside, a local ranch and a water cave, finishing at one of the prettiest public beaches near Bavaro. It is a half day, so it pairs well with a relaxed afternoon back at Iberostar Waves Punta Cana.
3. Catamaran snorkeling cruise
A catamaran cruise with snorkeling and drinks is the classic Bavaro experience. You sail along the coast, snorkel over a reef, float at a natural pool and enjoy music and an open bar on the way back. Pickup from Bavaro is standard.
4. Hoyo Azul cenote at Scape Park
One of the most beautiful natural sites in the region, Hoyo Azul is a turquoise cenote at the base of a limestone cliff inside Scape Park, Cap Cana, a short drive from Iberostar Waves Punta Cana. Book the Scape Park and Blue Hole full day ticket if you want cenote, ziplines and caves in one visit.
5. Day trips beyond the resort
If you have a free day, it is worth leaving Bavaro entirely. Spend a day on Isla Saona, climb to the swings of Montana Redonda, or take a Santo Domingo trip to walk the Colonial Zone and explore the Los Tres Ojos caves.
How to get around from Iberostar Waves Punta Cana
- Hotel pickup tours, the easiest option, included with most excursions from Bavaro
- Taxis, fine for short hops to Bavaro restaurants or the marina, agree the price first
- Airport transfers, Punta Cana International is 15 to 25 minutes away
Plan your trip near Iberostar Waves Punta Cana
Get your free eTicket sorted, then read our guide to things to do in Bavaro outside your all inclusive for the full picture. Booking your top two or three excursions online before you arrive locks in availability and the best price, and most come with free cancellation.
Book your excursions near Iberostar Waves Punta Cana
Hotel pickup, free cancellation and instant confirmation on the top Punta Cana tours.
Frequently asked questions
Iberostar Waves Punta Cana is located in Bavaro, on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. It sits within easy reach of Bavaro beach, Cap Cana and Punta Cana International Airport, which is about 15 to 25 minutes away depending on traffic.
Near Iberostar Waves Punta Cana you can swim at Bavaro and Macao beaches, take a Saona Island day trip, ride buggies through the countryside, snorkel on a catamaran cruise, or visit Hoyo Azul cenote at Scape Park. Most of these include round trip transport from your resort.
Yes. Almost every Punta Cana excursion offers hotel pickup, and Bavaro is a standard pickup zone. When you book, add your resort name so the operator schedules the right pickup window, usually early morning for full day trips.
Booking online is usually cheaper and gives you free cancellation and instant confirmation. Resort tour desks often add a markup. Compare the same tour online before you commit.
