Top 5 Punta Cana Alternatives To Sargassum-Filled Beaches This Spring

Last Updated 8 months ago

Millions of travelers will fly to Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic this year in search of stellar beaches and dreamy blue waters.

Unfortunately, many of them will have to come to terms with record sargassum levels, which can turn any beachgoer’s vacation into a tropical nightmare.

Bird's eye view of a cenote in the tropics

Despite rising quantities of seaweed, Punta Cana travelers have a fantastic variety of beautiful alternatives to sargassum-filled beaches.

From peaceful rainforest treks to lazy afternoons by the pool, here are 5 excellent alternatives in case you stumble upon unsightly amounts of sargassum.

Go On A Punta Cana Cenote Tour

Cenotes – or freshwater sinkholes – are most commonly associated with the Mexican Caribbean, but they can also be found in Punta Cana.

Travelers don’t have to travel far from their resort to find some of the cleanest and turquoise waters in the Caribbean.

Lady floating in a cenote with blue water

The Hoyo Azul in Scape Park is undoubtedly Punta Cana’s most famous cenote. The 14-meter-deep cenote is situated amidst a beautiful jungle, filling the senses with otherworldly beauty.

Scape Park can only be visited by purchasing admission, which costs $129 per adult. The price includes access not only to the park itself but a range of attractions, including zip lines and a cultural route.

Embark On A City Day Trip

Punta Cana is full of beautiful top-rated resorts and some of the country’s best nature. But it’s also a great hub to discover other parts of the Dominican Republic, including its bustling capital Santo Domingo.

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Santo Domingo's bustling old town with restaurants

Travelers can rent a car and visit the city on their own, but we recommend opting for a guided tour for convenience and safety. This full-day 12-hour tour offered by Runners Adventures is recommended by 95% of travelers.

The tour brings visitors on a culturally and historically enlightening tour through the oldest city on the American continent.

At just $95 per person, it’s a great deal for any culture enthusiast and a delightful break from Punta Cana’s packed beaches.

@godomrepus ✨The Dominican Republic’s second largest city, “Ciudad Corazón”❤️ is waiting for you. 📹: #skyzonerd#GoDomRep #MyDR #Santiago #GoRepDom #dominicanrepublic ♬ Bachata – Santiago of the Seas

Visit The Ojos Indígenas Nature Reserve

One of the most serene Punta Cana attractions, the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve has been gaining popularity as an alternative to the city’s beaches.

Situated around 8 kilometers south of Punta Cana International Airport, this 500-acre park is full of natural wonders that delight travelers of all ages.

From its stunning freshwater lagoons to its petting zoo, Ojos Indígenas is packed with fun.

Outdoor adventure in Punta Cana with buggy

The $50 per person entrance fee is well worth the price; not only do travelers contribute to maintaining one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious ecological reserves, but they can also enjoy exotic flora and fauna not found elsewhere.

Book An Adventure Tour

If Punta Cana’s beaches aren’t meeting your expectations this spring, consider one of the many outdoor adventure tours available to travelers. From ziplining to cigar rolling, there’s a variety of tours that cater to different styles.

This award-winning combo tour is a hit among travelers, who love it for its adrenaline-pumping zipline course, followed by a relaxing horseback riding retreat.

Zip-lining in the tropics amid a large rainforest

Admire Punta Cana’s lush rainforests from above in the company of an expert guide. The $99 per person tour includes pick up and drop off and tasty Dominican food to top off your energy reserves.

Splash Away In A Water Park

Punta Cana is one of the best family-friendly destinations in the Caribbean, owing to its variety of action-packed resorts, many of which feature water parks.

Punta Cana resort and pool area with palm trees

Ideal for children – and why not adults – water parks are a fun break from sargassum-filled beaches. Some of the best family-friendly resorts with water parks include the 5-star Grand Sirenis Punta Cana, which houses Sirenis Aquagames Punta Cana.

With a range of colorful slides and outdoor pools, sargassum won’t be an issue here.