The Dominican Republic is the second most popular travel destination for Americans, and it’s easy to see why. There’s simply no shortage of attractions, particularly in the Punta Cana area. The region is saturated with beaches, wildlife, national parks, and more.
Guests staying at the all-inclusive Hotel Riu Bambu have access to plenty of recreational activities such as snorkeling and windsurfing. But the following eight excursions are ones you don’t want to miss during your stay in Punta Cana. Many are family-friendly and a short drive from your hotel.
1. Ziplining
Ziplining is one of the most popular activities in Punta Cana because of the rich scenery and chance to view wildlife from a bird’s perspective. The Zipline Adventures excursion takes you to the island’s first ziplining tour in the Dominican Republic. The facility is a 45-minute drive from the Hotel Riu Bambu.
Once there, you’ll be instructed on what to expect and how to use the zipline equipment. A total of 18 platforms and 12 lines increase in length and speed. You’ll start off on shorter and slower lines and progress to riding a cable that is 800 meters long.
After your adrenaline rush, you’ll be treated to non-alcoholic beverages and native fruits. It’s a refreshing way to top off your adventure.
2. Making Dolphin BFFs
If you’ve always wanted to make friends with a dolphin, these excursions will get you up close and personal with the playful marine mammals and other sea creatures.
Dolphin Funtastic: The most basic dolphin interaction and perfect for all ages. You’ll get your picture taken with a dolphin and receive a kiss from one.
Dolphin Extreme: This extreme adventure will have you will swimming with dolphins, meeting fur seals, and snorkeling with sharks and stingrays.
Dolphin Excellence: The ultimate dolphin experience, you’ll find out what a typical day for a dolphin trainer is like as you get to experience foot pushes and dorsal rides.
3. Jeep Safari
It’s not quite the same as an African safari, but it’s every bit as exciting. The Jeep Safari day trip takes visitors on a journey to see what powers the island’s economy such as rice, sugar canes, and chocolate.
You’ll learn how food products such as coffee, vanilla, cacao beans, and cinnamon are cultivated and witness native workers in action. You’ll also roll some authentic Dominican Republic cigars and visit a ranch for a horse ride and ziplining rush.
The day ends with a swim and delicious meal with your new friends on a breathtaking Uvero Alto beach.
4. Monkeyland
For those that adore these mischievous animals, Monkeyland is like a trip to heaven. The attraction came to be after a Canadian couple helped raise and teach monkeys to acclimate to human company.
The property’s five acres of jungle habitat is home to several very friendly squirrel monkeys who love interacting with people. Keep your phone fully charged so you can take several selfies with these creatures who love perching on human heads and eating from their hands.
You’ll have the chance to see mama monkeys transporting their young on their backs as they snatch a snack to eat.
In addition to cavorting with monkeys, you’ll also taste some native coffee and fruit and learn how coconut oil is produced on your tour.
5. Samana Waterfall
As one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in the Dominican Republic, El Limon in the village of Samana is not to be missed.
The day begins with an hour and a half drive to Las Canitas where a safari truck transports visitors to a ranch. You’ll enjoy a cocoa and coffee tasting before traveling by horseback to the El Limon Waterfall for a refreshing swim.
After listening to the roar of the cascading waterfall you’ll partake in a buffet lunch and then be transported to the village of Samana. This is followed by a catamaran cruise to Cayo Levantado Island, also known as Bacardi Island.
This small island, where the blue sky seamlessly transforms into the ocean, is a popular breeding ground for humpback whales. Keep your eyes peeled for them as you sip a cocktail from a pineapple “glass”.
6. Santo Domingo
When you need a break from the more adventurous excursions, learn a bit about Santo Domingo’s history during this day tour. This tour of the island’s capital focuses on the historic central neighborhood of Ciudad Colonial.
You’ll visit several landmarks on foot including the 16th-century residence that Christopher Colombus’ son built, Alcazar de Colon. You’ll also make stops at the Cocoa Museum and local jewelry and gift shops.
This trip includes a Dominican lunch at a visit to the unique open-air limestone cave called Los Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes).
7. Jetboat Tour
If you love speed and don’t mind getting wet, the Jetboat tour has your name written all over it. You will enjoy a 45-minute boat ride that includeshair-raisingg acrobatics to get your heart pumping.
Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll receive a snorkeling lesson and then swim with sharks and stingrays in a contained body of water. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close to some of the ocean’s most intimidating creatures.
8. Saona Island
If relaxing in paradise is more your speed, then a day trip to one of the most picturesque of the Dominican Republic’s islands is a must. Saona Island is teeming with wildlife such as green parrots, manatees, hawksbill turtles, and starfish.
You’ll spend the day first visiting a natural swimming pool and then exploring the pristine beach and clear turquoise waters of the island. The rest of the day will be devoted to swimming, sunbathing, and just inhaling nature. A full buffet lunch is included with this day tour.
More Excursions From Hotel Riu Bambu
There are plenty more adventures and attractions to check out when you stay at the Hotel Riu Bambu. Some excursions are also packaged with others. To learn more about what there is to do in the Punta Cana area, see our full list of excursions.