- Duration: 90 minutes for the cenote, 5 to 6 hours for the water park, about 5 hours for the monkey and plantation tour
- Included: entry and guide on all three, with transport on the water park and plantation options
- Best for: families in Cap Cana who can reach the cenote in minutes instead of a long transfer
- Book ahead: 2 to 5 days, and take the first cenote slot since it is close enough to be back for lunch
- Practical warning: Cap Cana has security gates, so give your driver the resort name and the booking reference
How we ranked this list
We ranked by proximity to Cap Cana, then by whether children are genuinely catered for, then by review volume, then by rating.
- Proximity first, because staying in Cap Cana is the one situation where the cenote is a short morning and not an expedition
- Suitability for children second, since this hotel skews heavily towards families
- Review volume third, to be sure the family claim holds across seasons and not just in one review
- Rating last, used as the tiebreaker between otherwise similar options
What we left out. We left out the adults only boat parties, which do not fit this hotel at all. We also left out tours whose pickup does not enter Cap Cana, since a gated development is exactly where that goes wrong.
The closest of all, since this hotel sits inside Cap Cana and the cenote is a few minutes down the road.
Check Availability →A water park with transport included, which is the easiest family day that does not involve a boat.
Check Availability →Monkeys and a plantation stop, low effort and the option children ask to repeat.
Check Availability →Starting prices are indicative, taken from the operator listing and subject to change.
Where is Margaritaville Island Reserve and why location matters
Margaritaville Island Reserve sits in Cap Cana, the busiest and most convenient stretch of coastline in Punta Cana. Margaritaville Island Reserve sits in upscale Cap Cana, minutes from Scape Park and the Hoyo Azul cenote, with a lively marina nearby. 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 Margaritaville Island Reserve 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 Cap Cana sooner.
Best things to do near Margaritaville Island Reserve
1. Saona Island day trip
The Saona Island day trip is the single most popular excursion in Punta Cana and an easy choice from Margaritaville Island Reserve. 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 Cap Cana. It is a half day, so it pairs well with a relaxed afternoon back at Margaritaville Island Reserve.
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 Cap Cana 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 Margaritaville Island Reserve. 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 Cap Cana entirely. You are right next to Scape Park, so the Hoyo Azul cenote is on your doorstep. For day trips, sail to Saona Island, visit Montana Redonda, or take a Santo Domingo tour to the Los Tres Ojos caves.
How to get around from Margaritaville Island Reserve
- Hotel pickup tours, the easiest option, included with most excursions from Cap Cana
- 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 Margaritaville Island Reserve
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 Margaritaville Island Reserve
Hotel pickup, free cancellation and instant confirmation on the top Punta Cana tours.
Frequently asked questions
Margaritaville Island Reserve is located in Cap Cana, 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 Margaritaville Island Reserve 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 Cap Cana 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.
