Punta Cana and its neighbor Bavaro are ground zero in the all-inclusive resort explosion of recent years. They're located along a beautiful 20-mi/32-km stretch of white-sand beach lined with coconut palms and nicknamed the Costa del Coco for marketing purposes. This lovely strip of shore looks like it was taken straight off a travel poster and has perhaps the finest (and certainly the longest) beaches and most beautiful seas in the country.
Most hotels concentrate in Bavaro, although the entire coast has become known as Punta Cana, which is really a separate and somewhat more exclusive area about 10 mi/16 km south of Bavaro. The ungainly community of El Cortecito serves Bavaro, where unregulated development has stolen all charm away from the sands and seas.
The largest complex is the Barcelo Bavaro complex, with more than 2,300 rooms, its own casino, two discos and an 18-hole golf course. The Bavaro resorts are closer together than those in Punta Cana, allowing for more movement between properties. Hotel development continues to make public beach access more difficult year by year, although several narrow access lanes lie hidden between the resorts. Although more development is moving into this area, the resorts of Punta Cana have so far retained the relaxed atmosphere most visitors expect from a Caribbean vacation spot.
There is plenty to do outside the hotels, including an increasing number of deluxe options. Jeep safaris lead to waterfalls and more remote beaches such as Playa Macao, which is popular for ATV and horseback tours. Four theme parks—the Marinarium, Dolphin Park, Manati Park and Animal Adventure Park—offer plenty of thrilling options, such as swimming with dolphins, sea lion shows and crocodile exhibits. 100 mi/160 km east of Santo Domingo.
