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Traveling with kids to Punta Cana: which excursions are best for families?

As far as family holiday resorts go, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is difficult to compete with. This paradise-like town is home to some of the most stunning coastlines in the Caribbean, boasting white powdery sands, turquoise blue waters, coconut palms, and sunny skies as far as the eye can see. 

However, what makes it truly perfect for family vacations is the sheer amount of exciting activities. Without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the best child-friendly excursions in Punta Cana!

Whale watching in Samaná

If you’re visiting between January and March, whale watching in the Samaná Bay is one of the must-do family excursions in Punta Cana. During these months, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the Dominican Republic’s protected waters to mate and give birth, creating one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the Caribbean. 

This excursion will not only be a spectacle that your whole family will remember for life, but also act as an educational experience for the little ones. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the wildlife conservation in the area, with professional guides sharing fascinating facts about these gentle giants throughout the journey. If you’re lucky, the whales will put on an acrobatic display, breaching and tail slapping the waters. 

Organised by MS Dreamers, the excursion will become a fun day out, as you will get involved with various other activities in addition to the Whale Sanctuary. This will include horseback riding around the beautiful area of El Limón Waterfall, a stop at the idyllic Cayo Levantado and its beaches, as well as a traditional Dominical lunch. 

Saona Island 3 beaches excursion

For excursions to Saona Island, the tour around 3 beaches is without question one of the most popular. This pristine island, situated off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, can be reached on a speed boat through the Caribbean Sea, starting the journey on a rush of adrenaline!

During this tour, you will visit a number of idyllic spots around the island, including the natural pool in the middle of the sea, a Starfish Sanctuary, a Turtle Sanctuary, Song of the Beach, El Toro Beach, Mano Juan Town, and more. You’ll also have a chance to go snorkelling in the exotic sea as well as sip on a refreshing drink in an unusual open bar sitting right in the water. 

Santo Domingo tour

The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, is known as the cultural and industrial centre of the country, as well as one of the oldest cities in the whole of the Caribbean. Those interested in history should not miss a tour around this vibrant city and its world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage attractions. 

To truly experience Santo Domingo in full, an all-day tour is necessary. The journey from Punta Cana is just over 2 hours long, for which you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. The excursion itself will have a knowledgeable tour guide, who will tell you the interesting stories and facts behind each monument. 

Amongst the spots you will get to visit are the Columbus Lighthouse, Ozama Fortress, Factory Ron Barceló, Santo Domingo Cathedral, Museum of the Royal Houses, Pantheon of the homeland, The Three Eyes Natural Monument, the National Aquarium and the Count Street. Although the program is certainly extensive, the historical and cultural takeaways will be well worth it.  

Diving at the Catalina Island

Isla Catalina is an exceptional destination for diving experiences, offering otherworldly underwater scenery and the ideal weather conditions. This small island is situated right off the coast of La Romana, which is where you will be starting your day out. Before you even get there, however, you will be driving past spectacular sugar cane fields and learn all about the importance of sugar production to the economy of the Dominican Republic. 

From La Romana, you will set sail for the Isla Catalina on a catamaran boat, en route to your first diving site known as “The Wall”. This famous area has a majestic coral wall stretching for miles across the Caribbean Sea, which you will explore up close. The next diving site will be at the “Aquarium”, meeting the colourful inhabitants of the sea. 

After that, you can discuss your freshly-created memories on the picturesque Catalina beach, over a traditional Dominical barbecue and some refreshing drinks. Keep in mind that your kids must be no younger than 12 years old for the diving trip.

Experiences for the whole family

From watching the magical humpback whales dance around your boat to the Saona Island excursions around heavenly beaches and a tour around the fascinating city of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic has an experience in store for everyone’s taste and preference. All of these Punta Cana excursions are well-organised by MS Dreamers to provide the most stress-free day out, with round transportation from and to your hotel, mouth-watering traditional lunches, knowledgeable local guides and other activities. The only problem is – how will you fit all of them in?!