Hello, everybody. I’m Matt Wilson, the CEO and co-founder of Under30Experiences. If you’re doing research for a trip to the Dominican Republic and Punta Cana, well, you’ve come to the right place. I returned recently from a trip to Punta Cana with family and wanted to impart my safety tips and what would be better for you to enjoy your trip while really chilling.
It has always raised a safety flag for me to travel in and out of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean for the last 12 years. But in Punta Cana, safety was never a concern for me: I am just extremely excited to tell you what to expect.
Is Punta Cana Safe for Travellers?
I consider Punta Cana to be one of the safest places in the Caribbean for anyone to visit. Sure, some safety issues exist in the Dominican Republic in general. But, Punta Cana is considered the safest of the lot; this really shows that the Dominican Republic government cares about tourism. It even puts measures in place to protect tourists-from police called CESTUR who protect tourists. Remember, violent crimes there are almost nonexistent.
But if you’re wondering about stepping outside the resort, I can assure you that you can! The resorts usually have well-trained private security forces, and areas like Punta Cana Village are supermarkets and highly patrolled and therefore safe to walk around. Even the places where tourists and locals meet, such as Plaza San Juan or the Blue Mall, feel secure. Just be sensible, like you would in any place, especially at night.
Traveler Safety Tips in Punta Cana
Just like anywhere else, it is best to be alert. Though Punta Cana is safe, here are some of the tips you could use to make your trip a little bit safer.
At night, stay in safe areas: If you’re stepping out after dark, stay around populated areas and keep all streets lit. The club and bar scene in Punta Cana could get busy and just like any nightlife, remain aware of your surroundings.
Look out for drink spiking: It is a watch-out-in-any-city safety, not just in Punta Cana. While at a bar or nightclub, never leave your drink unattended; keep it in sight the whole time. Beer in a bottle is generally safer than mixed drinks, but regardless, have the bartender open it.
Don’t take unlicensed taxis: While there are tempting unofficial taxis and tour guides, I suggest that you stick to the legit ones. Ride with transport arranged by your hotel or Airbnb or use trusted services such as Uber. It is a PLUS that Uber is operating in Punta Cana; Uber Select is my preference as it assures you of an official vehicle in good condition.
Do not display valuables: Avoid flashy jewelry, and keep cash amounts down. Pickpockets are rare in this area, but they can still get opportunistic especially in crowded tourist areas.
What Activities Can Be Done Safely in Punta Cana?
Outdoor activity in Punta Cana abounds, with most of these activities being administered by reputable companies. Be it zip-lining, horseback riding, or visiting local ecological parks, rest assured safety is taken in utmost consideration. Some of the more widely practiced activities may include:
Beach activities: Beautiful beaches with excellent visibility and calm water best describe those of Punta Cana. Beach snorkeling is even a possibility! For the adrenaline junkies, options abound for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat excursions!
Saona Island and Catalina Island excursions: They are among the most popular day-trip choices from Punta Cana, both safe and well-organized. Snorkeling or just relaxing on a blessedly beautiful beach — either of these two islands will not disappoint!
Adventure Tours: Many activities fall more under adventure, such as dune buggy rides, ATV trips, or ziplining. While those activities can be somewhat thrill-giving, companies running them make sure that safety is prioritized.
Private resorts and tour companies run most of these activities; thus, they do have the equipment and precautions to ensure safety. Provided that you stick to the top operators, you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
Away From the Crowd: What to Explore in Punta Cana
If you want to experience that hush-hush side of the Dominican Republic, definitely get out of the tourist trail. One of the best highlights of the trip was half a day we spent with my family going on an excursion to Higuey, the neighboring city away from Punta Cana. We saw the basilica; it is one of the most revered churches in the country! Furthermore, we roamed around in the market, which gave us a real taste of daily life in the Dominican Republic.
While larger cities in Latin America do have a little bit of concern with safety, Higuey felt extremely safe. We also had a taxi driver named Joan, who was a local and had great knowledge about the place, and kept us safe. I would really recommend such an excursion for an authentic experience outside the big resorts.
What About Health and Medical Safety?
Health safety-wise, Punta Cana is not unlike the rest of the Caribbean. Here are a few tips to pay attention to:
Water: Do not, under any circumstances, drink tap water in Punta Cana, even in resorts. Stick with bottled water and brush your teeth with it too. Most resorts can provide purified water; however, it’s a good idea to ask.
Food: In case you consume fruits, make sure they have a skin such as bananas and pineapples. Avoid eating raw vegetables which are usually washed with tap water, such as lettuce.
Mosquitoes: Carry bug spray on your person for use especially if in remote areas. Dengue is one disease carried by mosquitoes, so keep yourself from getting bitten.
Thoughts in Conclusion: Is Punta Cana Worth the Risk?
In all, I found Punta Cana to be one of the safest places I could imagine. There is tight security in place, and local authorities try their best to prioritize the safety of tourists. If you’re after that perfect long beach vacation, then Punta Cana delivers. Either staying at the resort or trying out local culture, you will find the area comfortably welcoming and safe.
I vouch on this for they strike a balance between being leisurely and active. If you choose to embark on less-travelled destinations, find yourself a safe reputable guide or reliable transport and have your commonsense in tow. Punta Cana may be home to luxurious resorts, but beyond regular touristy places, there lies much to see.
Trekking through Latin America with other travelers sounds like your cup of tea? Check out our group trips in Central and South America with Under30Experiences. Have fun!
