Punta Cana is proving to be far more than white-sand beaches: this week the destination pairs an international sporting event with a trend that's rapidly gaining ground among travelers — adventure tourism.

What's making news this week

From September 24 to 26, BMCargo hosts the 13th edition of its Golf Invitational Tournament at Corales Golf Course, inside Puntacana Resort — one of the Caribbean's top-ranked courses and a regular PGA Tour venue. The event blends sport, entertainment and support for local social organizations. On top of that, industry reports confirm travelers are increasingly prioritizing nature and adventure experiences over simply picking a place to stay.

Must-do activities

  • Saona Island — a full-day catamaran tour with a stop at a natural pool and lunch by the Caribbean Sea.
  • Scape Park at Cap Cana — includes the Hoyo Azul cenote, ziplines and underground caves to explore.
  • Buggy and ATV tours inland — rides through sugarcane fields and rural Dominican towns, with a cenote stop.
  • Sunset horseback riding on the beach — one of the most requested activities for couples.
  • Corales Golf Course — open to the public outside tournament dates, with cliffside views over the Caribbean.

Best spots to visit

Cap Cana, south of Bávaro, pairs some of the destination's most exclusive resorts with beaches like Juanillo and Blanca — quieter than the main Bávaro strip and surrounded by cliffs and yacht marinas.

Where to stay: the top-rated hotels

  • Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana — sister resorts, adults-only and family-friendly respectively, sharing the same beach in Cap Cana.
  • Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa — adults-only, right on Playa Juanillo.
  • Meliá Caribe Beach Resort — a sprawling all-inclusive in the heart of Bávaro, great for families.
  • Barceló Bávaro Palace — one of the destination's largest complexes, with multiple themed restaurants.
  • Dreams Onyx Punta Cana and Excellence Punta Cana — both in the Uvero Alto area, further north with quieter beaches.

Where to eat

La Yola, built on stilts over the water, is one of the destination's most photographed restaurants, with a Mediterranean-inspired seafood menu. Villa Blanca combines a beach club with fresh-fish cooking, and inside Tortuga Bay, Bamboo Restaurant serves Mediterranean fusion with locally sourced ingredients.