Top 7 Beaches To Visit During A Cruise Stop In Punta Cana

Last Updated 1 year ago

Whether it be for a quick stroll or for an afternoon of sunbathing under the tropical heat, visiting Punta Cana’s award-winning beaches is one thing you don’t want to miss when stopping there on a cruise. Although Punta Cana is packed with beaches, they are spaced apart, so if you only have a few hours to spend in the city, plan carefully. We’ve scanned the reviews and chosen the best beaches to visit while on a cruise stop in Punta Cana.

Bávaro Beach

If you could only choose one beach to visit while in Punta Cana, it should undoubtedly be Bávaro beach. This iconic beach measures a whopping 30 miles in length, along which travelers can find some of the city’s best paradise-like landscapes, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean ocean mix with green palm trees and soft white sand. Bávaro beach is also packed with restaurants, bars & cafés, as well as some of the city’s best all-inclusive luxury resorts.

The beach is easy to reach from the town’s main resorts, but travel guides usually recommend visitors head to the area adjacent to Hotel Barceló Bavaro Palace, where visitors can easily find a range of services and activities.

Macao Beach

With a stellar 4,6-star rating on Google Reviews, Macao Beach often ranks high on travelers’ to-do lists when in Punta Cana. The beach is located on the northern end of Punta Cana, some 35 kilometers from downtown Punta Cana and the city’s international airport. Macao Beach is best reached via a private transfer, taxi, or guided tour, which also allows travelers to make the most of the spectacular 4-kilometer-long beach.

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While surfing, swimming, and snorkeling are all popular activities at Macao beach, travelers can also enjoy some of Punta Cana’s best gastronomy in the area. Many of the local restaurants serve iconic Dominican-style fishplates, such as El Navegante Seafood & Grill.

Uvero Alto

After Bávaro, Uvero Alto is widely considered one of Punta Cana’s must-see beaches. The beach is located further to the north of Macao, making it a calmer beach by comparison. An ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful afternoon beach getaway, Uvero Alto feels laid-back and calm.

Uvero Alto’s white-to-golden sand and palm trees stretching for as far as the eye can see make it an ideal choice to get the perfect holiday pictures. Visitors can find plenty of aquatic activities and excursions in the area, including windsurfing and surfing. Due to its rather remote location, tourists are advised to take a taxi to the beach or book a guided tour.

Cabeza de Toro

Situated between Punta Cana and Bávaro, Cabeza de Toro is a great place for a beachside day trip. Its stunning white-sand beach is Blue Flag certified, meaning it meets high environmental and cleanliness standards. Cabeza de Toro’s waters are extremely calm, making it the ideal location for snorkeling and diving.

Travelers can also find Bávaro Lagoon – a top-rated nature attraction with kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing – in the vicinity of the beach area. To reach the beach or lagoon, visitors can take a taxi.

Arena Gorda Beach

Playa Arena Gorda often ranks as one of the top beaches in Punta Cana due to its proximity to many large luxury resorts, including Bahía Príncipe or Riu. The water along the coast isn’t as transparent as other beaches due to stronger winds and currents, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to escape the crowds.