18 Incredible Best Friend Trip Ideas in Punta Cana
Have you ever thought about visiting Punta Cana? With its stunning beaches and huge array of activities, this city in the Dominican Republic is the perfect destination for a solo trip or travel with friends.
Are you and your friends thinking about planning a trip to Punta Cana? Read on to learn about all of the best friend trip ideas you can experience in this tropical paradise.
1. Play Beach Volleyball
If you like to get athletic on your vacations, you're in luck. Punta Cana offers many opportunities to play beach volleyball when you travel with friends.
You can play casually with others on the beach, or you can check out one of the many volleyball competitions that take place in the area.
2. Visit Macao Beach
When you picture your dream island destination, there's no doubt that you think of crystal-clear water and soft, white sand - both of which you can find at Macao Beach.
Macao Beach is located in the northern part of Punta Cana. One thing to note is that this beach is a bit further away from the resorts in the region.
The beach features waves that are great for surfers of all levels. It's also a great place to take your family swimming or to simply relax on the beach with a good book.
If you get hungry while at Macao Beach, you won't have to trek back to your resort for a good meal. There are plenty of local restaurants that offer fantastic Dominican cuisine.
3. Try Kayaking
Viewing the ocean from the safety of the shore is nice, but nothing beats paddling out in your very own kayak. Punta Cana offers many different kayak experiences, including:
Private hikes and kayaking
Mangrove kayaking
National park hiking and kayaking
Remember, always follow safety rules when kayaking. Make sure to wear a floatation device in case your kayak flips over. You should also wear water-resistant clothing and swimsuits, so your clothes won't drag you down.
If you are completely new to kayaking, your instructor may go over a tutorial before you set out. Kayaking requires coordination and technique, especially if there are multiple people in one kayak.
4. Go Deep-Sea Fishing
Do you love to fish, or simply to get out on the water? You may find deep-sea fishing to be a fun and rewarding activity when you travel with friends in Punta Cana.
Some of the top catches in Punta Cana include:
Mahi Mahi
Wahoo
Billfish (catch-and-release only)
Yellowfin tuna
How you deep-sea fish depends on your time and budget. If you want to save some money, you can register for a group trip with an existing company. Or, you can rent your own charter boat to dictate your fishing experience. Splitting the cost with friends can make this option affordable.
It's important to prepare yourself before you go out on the water. Make sure to bring items like a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
If you worry about motion sickness, medications such as Dramamine can combat the rocking of the boat. For a pill-free option, try something like Sea Bands.
5. Try Coffee and Cocoa Tasting
Nothing goes together better than coffee and chocolate. So, why not learn all about how cocoa and coffee are made in the Dominican Republic with a tasting tour?
There are many different ways to experience the process of making cocoa and coffee. You can visit the farms and plantations, or opt for a more streamlined tasting experience.
6. Snorkel at Marinarium Marine Park
Take advantage of clear waters to observe the wildlife at Marinarium Marine Park. The Marine Park is a massive 40,000 square meters, allowing you to see all kinds of animals and plant life.
Some of the animals you may see include:
Stingrays
Nurse sharks
Sea turtles
Tropical fish
If it's your first time snorkeling, you may want to practice before heading out to see the marine life. Familiarize yourself with the equipment so you can swim comfortably and enjoy the underwater scenery.
You can also go on a guided snorkeling tour, which is a perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and take in the scenery from above or below.
7. Go on a Horseback Ride
Whether you're an experienced or first-time horseback rider, you can find a unique experience in Punta Cana.
There are several options available, from private beachfront rides to guided trails. The rides usually last around two hours, and sometimes come with photo packages so you can remember every moment.
If you ride in a smaller group, you can get a more exclusive experience from your guide. Booking as a group makes this an affordable activity for everyone.
8. Ride Buggies
While Punta Cana features amazing beaches, the countryside is nothing to sniff at. Consider booking an ATV or buggy ride for your group so you can explore the vast expanse of land that the area has to offer.
If you're pregnant or have back problems, a buggy might not be for you. Talk to your doctor and the tour guides before booking to make sure you can do the activity comfortably.
Most buggy tours only take a few hours, so you can absorb the scenery of Punta Cana and still have time left in your day for other activities.
9. Book a Happy Hour Sailing Cruise
Boats and booze are always a great combination, and that sentiment rings true in Punta Cana. You can't go wrong with a happy hour sailing cruise.
Experience the Punta Cana sunset with your friends while drinking delicious cocktails on a boat. The boat may offer drink tickets, meaning you have a limited number of cocktails or an open bar. If you are pregnant or don't prefer to drink, you can also enjoy mocktails.
Because of Punta Cana's warm water, you can swim and snorkel at any time. Use the happy hour time to jump in the water and see the wildlife at sunset.
10. Spend the Day at Juanillo Beach
Juanillo Beach, known to the locals as Playa Juanillo, boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the Dominican Republic.
One of the biggest perks of Juanillo Beach is that it is closer to the resorts than other beaches. You won't have to use public transportation or a rental car to get to this iconic Punta Cana beach.
There are several restaurants and bars located near the beach if you want a quick bite to eat. The beach is also a great place for outdoor activities such as kayaking and kiteboarding.
Remember, bring sunscreen that you can reapply when you plan to spend a day at the beach. If possible, invest in reef-safe sunscreen so you can help protect the environment as well.
11. Learn to Paddleboard
If you've ever seen paddleboarders standing serenely in the water, you may think that paddleboarding is complicated. The truth is, that paddleboarding is much easier than other water sports such as surfing.
The key to successful paddleboarding is your launch. You need to launch from a calm, serene area to avoid tipping over your board.
You start out sitting on the board, then get up on your knees. Next, you can fully stand up on the board.
When you paddle, turn with the board and engage your core to help your balance. Most importantly, practice makes perfect.
You may not master it on the first try.
12. Explore Local Nightlife
When you're on a trip with your best friends, there is no better feeling than heading out for a night of clubbing. Punta Cana boasts unique nightlife. In the warm weather, you can feel confident wearing any outfit in your collection.
There are several nightclubs in Punta Cana, where you can go and dance to club music. For a more laid-back experience, try going to a bar instead.
Want a unique memory? Try a cigar bar or a dinner theater that offers a meal and a show. There are certainly enough entertainment options to keep you occupied every night during your stay in Punta Cana.
13. Fly High While Ziplining
Although Punta Cana is known for its beaches, a large part of the Dominican Republic is rainforest. You can experience breathtaking views from above, with the adrenaline rush of going down a zipline.
Ziplining is fun, but it is not for the weak. Consider whether you are up for ziplining if you have a fear of heights or other adrenaline-inducing activities.
In Punta Cana, ziplining can also be paired with experiences such as horseback and ATV riding. Book a standalone zipline tour or plan for a whole day of outdoor fun.
14. Experience Fine Dining in Punta Cana
You may be surprised to find that Punta Cana is a great location for foodies. There's no shortage of fine dining options in this part of the world.
Although Punta Cana does not have any Michelin-star restaurants, there are still plenty of fine dining establishments to choose from. Some of the best include:
Montserrat Manor Restaurant
Kaboclo Wine & Steak House
La Palapa by Eden Roc
La Yola Restaurant
Brassa Restaurant
Remember, you may need to make reservations ahead of time for a fine dining experience in Punta Cana. Check the restaurant's website to see if reservations are required or if there is a dress code.
15. Take a Catamaran Tour
Although Punta Cana boasts a wealth of boat tours, nothing is quite like a catamaran tour. You can book a tour at any time of day, but sunset tours tend to be the most popular option.
Catamarans are a great option for passengers who may have seasickness. Their design makes them a lot more stable on the water, so the boats aren't as susceptible to the motions of the waves.
Some catamarans even feature glass bottoms. Boat passengers can look down at the marine life underwater, without having to jump in with their snorkeling equipment.
16. Indulge in Rum Tasting
Do you love to indulge in rum? A rum-tasting tour in Punta Cana may be a great option. You can do this activity either solo or with friends.
One of the highly-rated experiences in Punta Cana is the Oliver and Oliver Rum Tasting and Pairing. The tour lasts a little over an hour. You can try several different kinds of rum, as well as sugar cane.
You will also learn all about the history of rum in the Dominican Republic, as well as the history of the company.
17. Explore Scape Park Eco-Adventures
Scape Park in Punta Cana offers an all-inclusive adventure. This unique theme park has a variety of activities, all in one location. The best part? You're completely surrounded by nature.
Some of the most popular Scape Park activities include:
Rope runners
Ziplining
Cave explorations
Waterfalls
The park is open all day, so you can book an entire day's worth of adventures and have hours of fun. Since the package is all-inclusive, you will not have to worry about budgeting for certain activities within the park.
Another huge benefit is that the versatility of Scape Park means that it caters to a wide variety of interests. It is an ideal location for a group of friends. You're sure to find an activity for everyone.
18. Rent a Private Villa
Do you want the ultimate luxury vacation experience in Punta Cana? Booking a private villa may be the best solution.
Even for expensive properties, you can lower the cost per person by splitting the bill evenly. Private villas often come with kitchens and other amenities, meaning you'll spend less time eating out and more time cooking with your friends.
Consider These Best Friend Trip Ideas in Punta Cana
Are you still searching for best friend trip ideas for your next getaway? Look no further than Punta Cana for the best friend getaway options.
Do you want a safe and reliable transportation method for your next visit to the Dominican Republic? Punta Cana Transfer can take care of all of your needs.
From private transfers to tours, we offer a premier experience getting around Punta Cana. Contact us today to learn more and book your Punta Cana adventures!