Punta Cana starts November with the wind at its back: record figures, more promotion in key markets and a weekend of music in the area.

What's making news this week

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominican Republic had its best September ever, with 684,831 visitors and 533,735 air arrivals, and Minister David Collado projects closing the year with 12.5 million visitors. In late October, the country held Meet in Paradise Canada 2026, its first promotional fair dedicated solely to that market, with more than 480 travel agents; Canada is already the country's second-largest source market, is growing around 30% this year, and the goal is to top 1.3 million Canadian visitors. Collado said there are no signs of a slowdown despite the international context, and local hotels expect a strong season from November through January, so it's worth booking early for the holidays. On the calendar, on Saturday, November 7, Cadabra Fest comes to Caribbean Lake Park in Downtown Punta Cana, with British DJ Nic Fanciulli and Colombian DJ DH Moon, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. (tickets on Tix; prices and times from a single source, worth confirming).

Must-do activities

  • Cadabra Fest at Caribbean Lake Park — a night of electronic music on Saturday, November 7, in Downtown Punta Cana.
  • Montaña Redonda — a lookout in the Miches area with swings and 360-degree views of the coast and lagoon.
  • Isla Catalinita — an islet off the southeast coast with shallow reefs, ideal for snorkeling in very clear water.
  • Dolphin Island Park — an offshore platform off Bávaro for swimming and interacting with dolphins and other marine species.
  • Playa Bibijagua — a stretch of Bávaro with a craft market, a good place to shop for Dominican souvenirs.

Best spots to visit

For a day away from the resorts, Boca de Yuma is a clifftop fishing village a little over an hour from Punta Cana, with the Cueva de Berna cave and simple seaside restaurants serving fresh fish.

Where to stay: the top-rated hotels

  • Paradisus Grand Cana — a spacious, elegant all-inclusive, a good option for families and couples.
  • Sirenis Punta Cana Resort — all-inclusive in Uvero Alto, with a water park and a long beach.
  • Ocean Blue & Sand — all-inclusive in Arena Gorda, with several pools and a lively atmosphere.
  • Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort — a boutique-style complex in Cabeza de Toro, with spacious suites and a spa.
  • Riu Palace Punta Cana — 24-hour all-inclusive in Arena Gorda, with a classic beachfront feel.

Where to eat

For dinner outside the hotel, Balicana in Bávaro serves Asian cuisine in a calm garden setting; and for something casual by the sea, Onno's in El Cortecito pairs easygoing food with a fun evening atmosphere. Don't leave without trying Dominican mangú and sancocho.