COCONUT COAST, PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, is a stretch of more than 20 miles of beaches. With average temperatures in the 80s, it's no wonder that this area has sprung up with many great all -inclusive resorts. In fact, the beach is the main draw.  The open-air terminals at Punta Cana International Airport are a testament to the pleasant climate travelers can expect. Punta Cana experiences a tropical climate. The annual average highs fluctuate between 81 and 87 degrees. October through February is the most favorable time to visit, with low humidity and warmer evenings.  

 high season: January to March

low season: April to September

shoulder season: October to December

 The beaches here are simply perfect: calm, warm waters that gently lap at stretches of fine white sand. Thrill yourself with a zip-line adventure, clap along with traditional Dominican music at a cultural performance, or explore the magical lagoons of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.

Most Punta Cana resorts are low-rise and beautiful. Their grounds are lush and tropical with foliage, lagoons and palm trees along with peacocks, flamingos, ducks, parrots and other wildlife that stroll the resorts’ grounds. The majority of the resorts are very large and spread out. This means lots of walking. Some resorts have golf carts and trams to accommodate guests’ needs. Punta Cana has so many great resorts that will meet every expectation: Golf, Scuba, Fishing, Wind-sailing, Yachting, Fine dining, Relaxation, Spas, Children's programs and more.

The local currency is the Dominican Peso. There are a variety of shops that are along the beachfront of each resort. These shops are owned and operated by the locals. Shopping outside of the resort complex in Punta Cana/Bavaro can be kind of an adventure. In most shopping plazas, you can expect to be accosted by hoards of Dominicans all pulling you in a different direction. The people of the Dominican Republic love to barter for the price of items. Do not buy dried animals (turtle shells, sea shells...etc) because A.) It is illegal, so you will not be allowed to bring them through customs, and may get arrested trying; and B.) It encourages the locals to kill these creatures. Reef life should stay in the sea, so help to preserve these endangered animals by buying other types of souvenirs.

Presidente is the most popular national brand of beer, and it is readily available anywhere. It is available in both regular and lite versions. For a beer with a bit more taste, you should try Bohemia, made by the same company, but with a fuller flavor. They also specialize in many different types of rum. Highly recommended rums include Burmudez "Don Armando" and "Anniversario 1852" as well as Macorix "Eight Year".

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic and it's been widely spoken by the locals. So Brush up on your Spanish skills before visiting  Punta Cana.

Most visitors need only a valid passport to enter the Dominican Republic. In accordance with Dominican Republic laws, upon arrival at the customs and immigration desk in the airport you are required to  purchase a 30-day tourist card (US$10 fee in cash only, no credit or debit cards).

Those who want nothing more than to relax in the sunshine along the water's edge will find the Coconut Coast a pleasure-seeker's paradise.