Quick Guide To Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, with crystal waters and white sands drawing over 11 million visitors each year. For many of those travelers, a top destination is Bavaro Beach.

In this quick guide, discover everything you need to know for a trip to Playa Bávaro.

Where Is Playa Bávaro?

Bavaro Beach, also called Playa Bávaro, is a seaside beach in the Dominican Republic’s “Costa del Coco” (or, “Coconut Coast”)–a stretch of tropical beaches with abundant coconut palm trees. Bavaro Beach faces East, making it ideal for watching the sunrise.

It’s part of the city of Punta Cana, a 2 ½ hour drive from Santo Domingo. The beach’s address is:

Bávaro, 23000 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of two countries sharing the island of Hispaniola, in the Caribbean Sea. It’s 50 miles west of Puerto Rico, and just over 800 miles from mainland North America.

Most travelers fly into the Dominican Republic from Miami, Florida.

Is Bavaro Beach Safe?

Yes. Bavaro Beach is one of the safest areas for visitors, with plenty of onsite security and medical staff. The CDC recommends travelers take standard food and water precautions.

How Much Does A Trip To Playa Bávaro Cost?

The beach is a popular tour and resort destination, and local amenities are available at a wide range of price points. Factors like the time of year, the luxuriousness of lodgings, preferred transportation modes and dining options affect costs.

Fortunately, travelers from the United States, Canada, and most of Europe benefit from favorable exchange rates. Moreover, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism has invested in eco-tours and campaigns to draw in families and affordable group trips, encouraging local resorts, hotels, and restaurants to cater to groups at diverse rates.

As a result, a trip to Playa Bávaro is often more affordable than similar beach destinations.

Best Things To Do & See At The Beach In Bavaro Punta Cana, DR

No matter what kind of beach trip you envision, Bávaro Beach has just the right attraction on offer.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping With Thrilling Watersports

If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker, Bavaro Beach offers plenty of opportunities for extreme watersports and exciting adventures. Rentals and guided experiences you can try on the beach include:

  • Parasailing
  • Hang Gliding
  • Windsurfing
  • Jet Skiing
  • Tubing

Experience Awe-Inspiring Wildlife Encounters

Marine wildlife and tropical fauna alike can be breathtaking in their beauty. At Playa Bávaro and nearby Punta Cana, visitors can enjoy attractions offering:

  • Snorkeling for all ages & skill levels
  • Underwater photography experiences
  • Reef diving for adults
  • Swimming with dolphins & therapeutic dolphin encounters
  • Marine life encounters & ray petting at Seaquarium
  • Monkey rehabilitation and up-close encounters at Monkey House VIP

Be sure to only sign up for experiences appropriate for your skill level and age.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Swimming, Sand Sculpture & Water Parks With Kids

Bávaro Beach is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of shallow swim zones and sandy areas appropriate for kids. The crystal-clear water is particularly useful for parents concerned about swim safety.

Kids of all ages enjoy renting boogie boards, making sand castles, or exploring the waterslides and pools of Barcy Water Park at Barceló Bávaro Palace.

Explore Playa Bávaro’s Shores On Horseback Or Dune Buggy

Long walks on the beach are a classic date for a reason, and Bávaro Beach’s long shorelines are perfect for a picturesque stroll. For a rather experience, visitors can traverse the shores on horseback, dune buggy, or all terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Dive Into One-of-a-Kind Indoor Activities

Whether you need an escape from the heat or unexpected rain, or you’re just more of an indoor cat, there are plenty of indoor attractions at Playa Bávaro and Punta Cana. For a unique experience, try:

  • Oliver Lab Rum Experience, an elegant rum craft demo and tasting by Taino Gourmet
  • Museo Abre, an art museum offering unique exhibits, hands-on experiences, and contemporary art
  • The Wallz Punta Cana, a vibrant, public, indoor-outdoor art spot ideal for photo shoots
  • Choco Museum, an authentic Dominican Republic chocolatier, offering bean-to-bar chocolate-making workshops
  • Punta Danza, a dance studio offering salsa, bachata, and meringue classes to visitors of all skill levels

Resorts are another great venue for indoor adventures. For instance, the Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel offers guests an escape room, a theatre with live music, a casino, and a nightclub—every night of the week!

Best Restaurants & Dining Experiences In Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic

There are plenty of eateries to choose from on Bavaro Beach itself, and even more in Punta Cana’s plazas.

Cafes, Tea Shops & Bakeries

Dalia’s Cafe & Bakery is consistently the highest-rated spot for tea on Playa Bavaro. Meanwhile, Las Leñas Café has earned a reputation for five-star pastries, and visitors can’t stop praising the cappuccinos and cocoas at Must Coffee & Sweet.

Street Food Vendors

Street food is a great way to grab a bite out on the beach while enjoying an authentic part of Dominican Republic’s food culture. Solo Pollo is an affordable, cash only spot with unbeatable Caribbean fried chicken. Nearby, La Tiendita By ABS Bávaro offers dinner with a bit of a show, grilling steak and fresh-caught fish to perfection right before your eyes.

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Casual & Formal Dining

Onno’s Punta Cana / Bavaro is a popular beachside option, particularly among those seeking affordable fare or vegetarian options. Likewise, Jellyfish Restaurant offers beautiful ocean views, and it has a reputation for being truly kid-friendly.

For more elegant dining, Herman 311 Bar & Restaurant offers a unique spin on seaside cuisine, while Drago Grill Bávaro delivers an intimate, delicious culinary experience.

Dessert

Dessert on the beach is can’t-miss. A variety of family-friendly treats and sweet shops line the shore. Choco Moments earns rave reviews for its gourmet chocolate tastings, while ice cream shops Gustoso and The Duu stand out from the pack. For a more sophisticated vibe, the adults-only Quimera Restaurant & Rooftop Bar offers exquisite seasonal desserts, attentive presentation, and a phenomenal view.

Discover The Beaches of Dominican Republic With Caravan

Caravan’s team of professional travel directors curate all-inclusive trips to premier destinations. Be our guest, and enjoy a Bavaro Beach adventure without the travel-planning stress.

To learn about Caravan’s weeklong Dominican Republic Tour, the included, hand-picked restaurants and resorts, or any other details, call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826). Book by phone with our toll-free number, or call 1 (312) 321-9800.

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Why Travel with Caravan?

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You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

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For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

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Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

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All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

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Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

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Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

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Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.

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Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

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