Sports
Golf
There are currently seven golf courses in operation in the Punta Cana (more are expected to open in 2009):
Barcelo Golf de Bavaro, 18 holes par 72 (Barcelo hotels), Cocotal 27 holes par 72 (Melia hotels), La Cana Golf (Club Med, Punta Cana Resort & Club, Cabeza de Toro Golf (Catalonia Resort), Punta Blanca Golf Club, White Sands Golf (Blue Ocean resort), Punta Espada Golf, 18 holes (Cap Cana).
Snorkelling
Punta Cana features the longest coral reef in the whole island – about 30 kilometers long. Snorkelling can be done from shore or in selected areas near the reef. The best snorketling can be done by taking an excursion to The Aquarium (east of Club Med) and towards the reef off El Cortecito beach or to the area near the Riu Taino hotel.
Scuba Diving
Punta Cana is an excellent location for beginners – it is a great place to learn because the waters, even far out, are quite shallow. Excursions are available which will take visitors to various locations – to check out or to discover a shipwreck, to admire beautiful coral formations, channels and tunnels.
Serious about scuba divers may want to participate in dive excursions to Catalina and Saona islands, a two hour drive away. These dives are attractive to both beginners and advanced scuba divers.
Fishing
In Punta Cana and its region offers great fishing is good and annual tournaments draw international participants in the summer. The area boasts over seven months of billfish season every year, and fishing off the East Coast is regarded as one of the top five of the world’s best billfish areas. You can look forward to catching blue marlin, barracuda, and dorado among others. Best fishing is in the summer. From March to July is white marlin season, from July to September is blue marlin season. The East Coast waters switch from somewhat rough in summer to calm at the end of October, when smaller vessels are used to fish.
Windsurfing and parasailing
Punta Cana is an excellent place for windsurfing – at the point where the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans meet, the winds are powerful and makes it a great area for windsurfing and parasailing.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is also popular in Punta Cana, with the option of riding on deserted white-sand beaches, making for great photography.