Two names for the same coast
“Punta Cana” is used in two ways. For travel agencies and airlines, it's the name of the whole destination: the east coast of the Dominican Republic, from Punta Cana Airport up to Uvero Alto. On the map, though, Punta Cana is just the southern tip, around the airport and Puntacana Resort & Club.
Bávaro is the area north of that tip, and it's where most of the resorts are. That's why many hotels sold as “Punta Cana” are actually in Bávaro.
Bávaro: where almost everything is
It has the longest beach in the area, the most hotels and most of the amenities: shopping malls, restaurants outside the resorts, and El Cortecito for a stroll along the shore. It's the easiest choice if it's your first trip or you're traveling with family.
The trade-off is that it's busier. In high season the beach in front of the big hotels gets crowded, and sargassum, when it shows up, mostly hits east-facing beaches like Bávaro.
Punta Cana: next to the airport
The southern area, around Puntacana Resort & Club, is quieter and very close to the terminal. Here you'll find golf courses, the marina and Playa Blanca, plus more hotels that aren't all-inclusive. Next door is Cap Cana, a private community with the more sheltered Juanillo Beach.
It works well for short stays, golfers, and anyone who likes to eat out instead of at the hotel.
Bávaro and Punta Cana, compared
| Bávaro | Punta Cana (southern area) | |
|---|---|---|
| To the airport | 15 to 30 min | 10 to 15 min |
| Vibe | Lively, lots of hotels | Quiet, more space |
| Hotel type | Mostly all-inclusive | More non-all-inclusive options |
| Beyond the hotel | Shopping malls, El Cortecito | Marina, golf, Playa Blanca |
| Best for | First-timers, families, groups | Short getaways, golf, couples |
Which one suits you
- Traveling with kids or it's your first time: Bávaro, for its many hotels with kids' clubs and nearby amenities.
- Only going for a few days: the Punta Cana area, so you spend less time on transfers.
- Looking for peace and quiet and don't mind paying more: Punta Cana or Cap Cana.
- Want to go out for dinner: Bávaro has more choice; Punta Cana has the marina and a few beach restaurants.
And if it's neither
North of Bávaro are Macao, with waves and a surfer vibe, and Uvero Alto, the most secluded area. South of Bávaro is Cabeza de Toro, with calmer water. We compare them all in our areas guide.
Browse hotels by area
On the home page you can filter our selection by typing “Bávaro” or “Punta Cana.”
