Punta Cana heads into November with optimism: strong winter expectations, more air links with Mexico and a week of beach sports.

What's making news this week

At an event with the RIU hotel chain in La Altagracia, Tourism Minister David Collado said he is confident the Dominican Republic will have the best winter season in its history, driven by bookings and hotel occupancy. For travelers from Mexico, good news: according to the Civil Aviation Board, passenger traffic between the two countries has grown 423% since 2022, with more than 398,000 expected by the end of 2026; Arajet operates, among others, the Cancún–Punta Cana and Mexico City–Punta Cana routes (figures from a single local report; it's worth confirming schedules with the airline). Meanwhile, the tenth Punta Cana Beach Volleyball Classic, part of the NORCECA Tour, brought athletes from more than 14 countries to Playa Los Corales, with gold for Mexico in the men's draw and the United States in the women's. And looking ahead, Southwest announced direct Austin–Punta Cana flights starting June 2027.

Must-do activities

  • Arena Gorda Beach — a wide, quiet stretch north of Bávaro, ideal for long walks by the sea.
  • Bávaro Lagoon — a wildlife refuge with mangroves and birds, a natural side of the area minutes from the hotels.
  • Sport fishing in Cap Cana — boat trips to fish for marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna in deep water.
  • Bávaro Adventure Park — a park with ziplines, simulators and adventure courses for the whole family.
  • Parque Nacional del Este — a protected area of beaches, caves and coastal forest, the gateway to the southeastern islands.

Best spots to visit

For a different day out, Bayahíbe is a fishing village a little over an hour from Punta Cana, with very clear water, diving and snorkeling on reefs, and the entrance to Parque Nacional del Este.

Where to stay: the top-rated hotels

  • Riu Palace Macao — adults-only on one of the area's most beautiful beaches.
  • Riu Republica — adults-only with a lively vibe, concerts and nightlife.
  • Meliá Punta Cana Beach — adults-only, peaceful and with good dining.
  • Majestic Mirage Punta Cana — all-inclusive with spacious suites, several with private pools.
  • Excellence El Carmen — adults-only in Uvero Alto, with a wide beach and a relaxed atmosphere.

Where to eat

For a meal by the sea, Pearl Beach Club in Cabeza de Toro pairs international cooking with loungers on the sand; and for a special occasion, La Palapa at Eden Roc Cap Cana serves seafood with beach views (reservations recommended).