By: bound2explore          March 2016

Punta Cana is a famous destination for American and European during the winter season. It takes you only 4 hours to fly from Philadelphia airport to enter this tropical paradise. Lined with beautiful inclusive resorts along the beach, Punta Cana is well known as the party spot and relaxing getaway in all inclusive resort. So what do adventurous souls do in Punta Cana?

Based on our experiences, here is a list of adventurous things you can do in Punta Cana:

1. Zip lining

Whether you choose Cap Cana Adventure Park or Bavaro Adventure Park, both will give you a thrilling experience. We chose Cap Cana Adventure Park because the zip lining area at Cap Cana Adventure Park offers 16 platforms and it includes hiking, climbing the rock and crawling through the cave. It was a complete work out.

Zip lining at cap cana

2. ATV or buggy Ride

Instead of driving a car to Macao beach, we decided to rent ATV and had an off road adventure ride. Along the way we passed Dominican villages, banana plantation and a water cave. We also made a stop at a traditional Dominican house for coffee and chocolate sampler.

ATV ride

3. Explore the water cave

We discovered the water cave on the way to Macao beach. We had to walk down the unpaved trail that took us to the opening of the cave. The water is really cold for swimming or even splashing but try it anyway. Here you will have a photo opportunity with Iguana.

Water cave

4. Swimming in Hoyo Azul

Hoyo azul or blue hole is a must see when you are in Punta Cana. If you don’t know how to swim, you might want to restrain yourself from jumping into this very inviting swimming hole. There’s no life guard and the deepest point has a depth of 37 meters. If you do know how to swim, definitely take a dip and swim away.

Hoyo azul

5. Learn to surf in Macao Beach

Macao beach is one of the most famous beaches in Punta Cana. You can stroll along the beach, swim or take a surfing lesson.

Macao beach

6. Parasailing at the Bavaro Beach

Since our hotel was next to Bavaro beach, we decided to check it out and took a stroll along the beach. This place is perfect for relaxing and getting tan, but not so much for swimming unless you like to be tangled with algae in the water. Another thing to do here is parasailing. Forty dollars later, you will be soaring in the air for fifteen minutes.

Parasailing at Bavaro beach

7. Rent the scooter or motorcycle

You can find a scooter rental almost anywhere. And sometimes while you are walking around, a stranger will offer you a ride on their scooter for a minimal fee. Renting scooter is definitely a cheaper alternative compared to a cab or a car. Besides how fun it is to feel the air blowing on your face. As for us, we just rented the scooter from a stranger we met in the mall parking lot. Well, what can I say, desperate situation called for desperate measure. We were desperate to get back to the hotel.

8. Cruise along in the Mini Cooper convertible

The weather is perfect for a convertible. So rent one and explore the city of Punta Cana at your own pace.

9. Explore Punta Cana by foot

How else you are going to see every inch of the city but exploring it inch by inch by foot. And sometimes, the city will surprise you because you just don’t know what you might encounter.

We stumbled upon a gorgeous sunset while walking around finding a place to eat.

Punta Cana sunset

10. Try a gourmet vegan meal

For an omnivore like me, who loves meat, trying a vegan meal is an adventure itself. So we stumbled upon this outdoor vegan restaurant by accident. We just took a night stroll one evening and bumped into it. The vegan menu at Amaluna restaurant was divided into different categories: Indian food, Italian food, American food and vegan junk. The food was good, the atmosphere was quite romantic and the waitress looks like Enrique Iglesias. Need I say more?

Vegan meal

Have an adventurous vacation in Punta Cana!