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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.
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.
2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Day 1 • Punta Cana
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.
Days 2, 3 • Santo Domingo
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel is located in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Bella Vista, close to Santo Domingo’s colonial district. The hotel has extensive tropical gardens, 2 restaurants, a bar, casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa services with treatment rooms including sauna, steam baths, whirlpool baths, therapeutic pools, and massage. Free WiFi.
Days 4, 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach
Barceló Bávaro Palace
The Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel is located in Punta Cana adjacent to the stunning white sand Bavaro Beach. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel grounds are filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and gardens. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, miniature golf and a P.B. Dye designed 18 hole golf course, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.
2026 Hotels
2026 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Day 1 • Punta Cana
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.
Days 2, 3, 4 • Santo Domingo
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel is located in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Bella Vista, close to Santo Domingo’s colonial district. The hotel has extensive tropical gardens, 2 restaurants, a bar, casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa services with treatment rooms including sauna, steam baths, whirlpool baths, therapeutic pools, and massage. Free WiFi.
Days 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach
Barceló Bávaro Palace
The Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel is located in Punta Cana adjacent to the stunning white sand Bavaro Beach. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel grounds are filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and gardens. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, miniature golf and a P.B. Dye designed 18 hole golf course, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.
Day 7 • Punta Cana
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free arrival transfers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival, first collect your luggage before calling the hotel at 1-809-959-4444. Please allow up to 30 minutes for the shuttle to reach the airport. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes departure transfers on the day the tour ends from the Barceló Bávaro Palace on Bávaro Beach to the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The transfers arrive at the airport at 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. If you wish to go at a different time or extend your stay in the Dominican Republic, you will need to transfer on your own at your own expense. Taxis cost approximately $30 and can be arranged through the hotel's guest services.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free arrival transfers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival, first collect your luggage before calling the hotel at 1-809-959-4444. Please allow up to 30 minutes for the shuttle to reach the airport. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Departure Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free departure transfers to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The drive to the airport takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
The Dominican Republic requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
The Dominican Republic requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Santo Domingo | Punta Cana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 84/68 | 0.6 | 83/73 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 85/67 | 0.7 | 83/72 | 1.0 |
| Mar | 86/68 | 0.7 | 84/73 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 86/70 | 1.2 | 85/74 | 1.5 |
| May | 87/72 | 2.4 | 86/76 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 88/74 | 1.9 | 87/77 | 1.9 |
| Jul | 89/74 | 1.6 | 87/78 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 89/74 | 1.9 | 88/78 | 2.0 |
| Sep | 89/74 | 2.1 | 88/77 | 2.3 |
| Oct | 88/73 | 2.1 | 87/76 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 86/71 | 1.5 | 85/75 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 85/69 | 0.8 | 83/74 | 1.4 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | ||||||||||||
| temp | 84/68 | 85/67 | 86/68 | 86/70 | 87/72 | 88/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 88/73 | 86/71 | 85/69 |
| rainfall | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Punta Cana | ||||||||||||
| temp | 83/73 | 83/72 | 84/73 | 85/74 | 86/76 | 87/77 | 87/78 | 88/78 | 88/77 | 87/76 | 85/75 | 83/74 |
| rainfall | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 1.4 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 10 Travel Tips. Read all 42 Travel Tips Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.Are meals included?
My Tour Price Includes
My Tour Price Does Not Include
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Family Trips
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Children on Tour
International Travel with Minors
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
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.
Caravan Care
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.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
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.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
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.
Shopping Freedom
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.
Great Value, Book Early
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.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
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.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
