Family Fun in the Dominican Republic - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrival in DR, Explore Punta Cana

Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Upon arrival at Punta Cana International Airport, a private car will transfer you to your hotel in Punta Cana. This easternmost area of the country is known for its 51 miles of powdery white-sand beaches and crystalline waters. You and your family will stay right in the heart of it, in a hotel on the coast. After checking in, take some time to unpack and unwind after the journey.

Later, should you choose, you and the gang can enjoy some optional activities. There's something for everyone in Punta Cana, with snorkeling being one of the most popular excursions. An expert guide will lead you to the best spots to see exotic marine life such as sea turtles, rays, pufferfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and much more. 

 

If you'd like to explore the area on land, you and the kids can hop in a buggy or an ATV. Then ride off into the jungle and around coastal villages, stopping along the way for a dip in the sapphire-blue waters of a cenote (limestone sinkhole). Another option is a boat tour and fishing trip, where you might just reel in mahi-mahi or wahoo. Another active adventure is a bicycle tour with the whole family zipping around the mountains and countryside around Punta Cana.

 

Or, if you're tired, feel free to relax in a lounger on the beach while the kids splash around in the surf or hotel pool.  

Day 2: Day Trip to Saona Island

Located at the southern end of the Dominican's east coast, Saona Island is one can't-miss highlight of this beautiful country. Here white-sand beaches are fringed with palm trees, and just offshore coral reefs abound with marine life.

This half-day tour leaves from the port of Bayahibe, where you and your family will embark on a leisurely trip to the island. Everyone will love the speedboat ride, which is part of the fun. Then, once at Saona, your kids can play in the shallows while you enjoy the white-sand beaches. In fact, lunch will be served on the beach, after which you can partake in activities that range from swimming to volleyball to even a merengue class.

 

Afterward, return to the boat and have some more fun zipping along the coast. There's one more stop on the agenda, The Natural Pool, which is famous for its turquoise waters and large numbers of starfish.

Day 3: Excursion to Hoyo Azul

On this full-day excursion you and your family will visit Hoyo Azul, a tempting swimming hole in a limestone cave. You'll take a private car one hour through inland rainforests to Scape Park, an eco-theme park where the lagoon is located. You’ll cross a suspension bridge and hike past exotic flora and fauna, including an orchid garden, to find this hidden oasis.

Once there, everyone can dive right into this turquoise pool for a refreshing swim in cool spring waters. Hoyo Azul is approximately 45 feet (14 m) deep and sits at the foot of a 246-foot (75-m) limestone cliff covered in vegetation. At the end of the visit you'll head to Bayahibe, where you spend the remainder of the day relaxing.

Day 4: Scuba Doo Experience

Today you and your family will hit the water in a unique way—by Scuba Doo. This combined marine scooter/dive suit allows you to explore the underwater kingdom of the Caribbean without requiring any diving experience, so it's perfect for almost everyone (the minimum age to participate is seven). Accompanying you on this unforgettable half-day outing is an expert guide who will point out the exotic marine biodiversity.

The way a Scuba Doo works is simple: the top portion of the suit fits over the head and shoulders and receives free-flowing air from a tank in the scooter's hull. With clear visibility through the mask, combined with the propulsion of the scooter, you can navigate comfortably around the reef while enjoying 180° views of the sea life. The Scuba Doo can descend to a depth of 13 feet (4 m) and it travels at a comfortable, safe speed. 

Afterward, you'll board a boat for a 30-minute tour of the ocean's surface. Despite being above water, you and the kids will still be able to view the incredible marine life through a glass panel in the bottom of the boat. Also available on this tour will be drinks and platters of fresh fruit.

Then, you'll arrive at the beach in the coastal town of Cabeza de Toro. Here you can snorkel at the shallow dive site "El Niño," where you'll view schools of fish and unspoiled corals. Don't worry about the little ones, as you'll be accompanied by a lifeguard/guide. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel. 

Day 5: Depart

It's time to say goodbye to the Dominican Republic. After breakfast, you and your family will hop in a private car for the trip to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Until next time!