Hey there, I’m Matt Wilson, CEO and co-founder of Under30Experiences, coming to you with another travel safety briefing here in Latin America!
I’ve lived, worked, and traveled extensively for over a decade across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. I just got back from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and am happy to share what I learned. While big all-inclusive resorts aren’t my thing, I was happy to find out that you don’t necessarily have to stay at them to enjoy the amazing beaches and outdoor activities Punta Cana offers! Yes, Punta Cana is safe for Americans, and leaving the resort in Punta Cana is safe!
I traveled with my wife and four-year-old on a quick getaway from Puerto Rico, where we live, so safety was at the top of my mind. It’s hard to get off the beaten path in Punta Cana, but we managed to get out of the Bávaro area with a half-day trip to Higuey to see what the Dominican Republic is really like.
If you are wondering what other areas of Latin America are safe to travel to, I suggest you read my articles on safety in Bogota, Colombia, Chile, and Costa Rica.
In this article on travel safety in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, you’ll learn:
- Is Punta Cana Safe?
- What scams should I look out for in Punta Cana?
- What is the safest way to get around Punta Cana?
- What activities are safe in Punta Cana? What should I do in Punta Cana?
- Outdoor activities
- Beaches
- FAQ: Are there sharks in Punta Cana?
- Is it safe to travel off the beaten path in the Dominican Republic?
- Are there natural disasters in Punta Cana?
- Is there ever political unrest?
- Do I have to worry about cartels, gangs, etc. in Punta Cana?
- Is the nightlife safe for travelers?
- What are the emergency numbers in Punta Cana?
- What hospitals and clinics should I go to in Punta Cana?
- FAQ: Is it safe to drink the water in the Dominican Republic?
- Mosquitos and Illnesses
- Food Safety
- FAQ: Is Punta Cana safer than Cancun?
- What health risks exist?
- Should I buy travel insurance?
- Final Verdict: Should You Pack Your Bags for Punta Cana?
- Are group trips to Latin America safe?
Is Punta Cana Safe?
While the Dominican Republic generally has some safety concerns, Punta Cana is one of the safest places to visit in the Caribbean! The Dominican government is very serious about protecting their precious tourism industry in Punta Cana. Thanks to the CESTUR police force, specifically employed to keep tourists safe, violent crime in Punta Cana is very rare.
Many of the beaches you visit will be part of mega-resorts, and you need to go through security to access them so they are perfectly safe and well-patrolled. Punta Cana Village is another extremely safe area to walk around in, with high-end restaurants and boutiques. Even areas where it’s not just tourists and wealthy Dominicans, like Plaza San Juan Shopping Center or the Blue Mall Punta Cana felt very safe.
I was happy to learn that leaving the resort in Punta Cana was secure, and we even got off the beaten path a bit!
Staying at a resort adds an even stronger layer of safety and security. Resorts in Punta Cana have private security forces, so you’ll feel extra safe. Resorts always have 24-hour guards and security cameras. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay in an Airbnb, especially in a condominium complex or gated community.
Like anywhere, you should be more careful at night in Punta Cana. Many people choose Punta Cana as a party destination to go to their famous nightclubs like Coco Bongo. Remember common sense, try not to get too drunk, keep flashy jewelry at home, etc. Also, always withdraw money from ATMs during the day instead of at night and stick to well-lit areas.
For more travel safety tips, consider bookmarking my guide: 84 Travel Safety Tips for Solo Travelers.
What scams should I look out for in Punta Cana?
Punta Cana is considered very safe, especially compared to the rest of the Dominican Republic. You’ll want to use common sense like you would traveling anywhere. The DR is known for unofficial tour guides trying to sell you day trips and unregistered taxis trying to take you places. While I’ve used plenty of unofficial guides and taxis while traveling through Latin America, I can’t recommend it. It’s always best to go with someone from a legitimate company or use a recommendation from your hotel or Airbnb host. You don’t want to wander off with a stranger.
As I’ll explain in more detail in the transportation safety section below, always be careful when calling an Uber to ensure you get into the right vehicle.
Always be wary of drink spiking when you are out at a bar or nightclub. Anywhere in the world, I always recommend that everyone, especially female solo travelers, drink bottled beer and watch the bartender take the top off. I suggest holding your beer with your thumb over the top of the bottle and not leaving it unattended. Bottles are much harder to spike than a mixed drink or something served in a glass. This isn’t a knock on Punta Cana; it’s common sense. That being said, my wife ordered a cocktail at nice restaurants for dinner without hesitation.
When out at bars or nightclubs in Latin America, always be wary of women who approach you. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Most hotels have strict visitor policies, and for good reason. Prostitutes are known worldwide for drugging and robbing tourists. I wasn’t out late enough to see any of this, but I’d be willing to bet the world’s oldest profession exists here.
What is the safest way to get around Punta Cana?
When you arrive in Punta Cana, you’ll be overwhelmed by the number of people trying to help you and asking if you need transportation. Your accommodations probably have a shuttle service, so look out for that. There is also an official taxi stand, which I wouldn’t hesitate to use.
You want to avoid guys like Tony, who gave me his card and said, “Anything you need, bro.” He was not talking about snorkeling tours, I’ll tell you that!
Uber works in Punta Cana and I used Uber Select everywhere. Uber X is available for less than half the price, but traveling with my family, I prefer to travel in larger, safer, more comfortable vehcles. I spent my twenties in shoddy taxis, wondering if the wheels would fall off–I’m glad those days are over! Uber Select always sends you an official cab, while anyone can drive for Uber X.
Moto taxis are also available on Uber! In the good old days, I did crazy things like riding a motor taxi through a favela in Brazil, but those days are well behind me. I would not recommend jumping on the back of any moto taxi in the Dominican Republic.
All the taxi drivers will give you their cards, so you can WhatsApp them and work with them directly. We hired one to take us on a half-day day excursion, which I’ll tell you about in the next section…
What activities are safe in Punta Cana? What should I do in Punta Cana?
Outdoor activities
There are endless things to do and see when in Punta Cana.
Most of the main attractions are controlled by the big resorts and are very expensive. To be honest, this was disappointing to me. For example, Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve (Reserva Ecológica Ojos Indígenas) had a minimal fee to go on your own to hike the trails and swim in the lagoons. Now it’s $40 per person, even for little kids, and you must go on a 3-hour tour. Hoyo Azul, one of the famous cenotes in Punta Cana is part of Scape Park owned by the mega-resort Cap Cana and offers zip lines, ropes courses, Iguabonita Cave, and more for $130 per person. Again, super safe!
Another huge attraction for people who want to get out on the water is a day trip to Saona Island, or snorkeling Catalina Island. Nature seekers will enjoy hiking Montaña Redonda in Los Haitises National Park. There are also a bunch of adventure activities like horseback riding, dune buggies, ATVs, ziplining, kayaking, SUP, etc. The good news about these activities being run by big companies is that they take safety seriously. I love supporting small businesses and one-person operations, but things like zip lines need constant maintenance and serious safety equipment!
Snorkeling is another activity to consider in Punta Cana. The water is so clear that renting equipment and snorkeling right off the beach can be fun. If you go on a boat to snorkel, always watch the weather and current. Don’t touch coral, and if you aren’t a strong swimmer, ask for a life jacket.
FAQ: Are there sharks in Punta Cana?
Most beaches in Punta Cana are protected by a coral reef so big fish don’t get close to the beach, keeping sharks out. If you have a fear of sharks, then you shouldn’t worry. Always avoid wearing flashy jewelry or having exposed wounds in the ocean.
If you are snorkeling, you may be lucky enough to see sharks including nurse, Caribbean reef, lemon, or tiger sharks. Remember that spearfishing increases your risk of shark attacks. If you spear a fish, put it in a mesh bag and attach it to a float you tow behind you, rather than hanging a bloody fish off your belt, basically chumming for sharks!
Punta Cana Beaches
The beaches are the main attraction and promise that beautiful Caribbean vibe you came to the DR for. Beaches in Punta Cana include Arena Blanca, Arena Gorda, Bavaro, Cabeza de Toro, El Cortecito, Juanillo, Macao, & Uvero Alto.
We went to Playa Blanca for the stunning white sand and were impressed by the level of security. You had to enter through Punta Cana Resort and Club, and we got to hang out all day at a private beach club on a perfectly manicured beach with chairs, umbrellas, and somebody to wait on you. The food is expensive, but if you want a perfectly curated beach experience, there you go!
Playa Juanillo also has a private beach club experience inside the Cap Cana resort. You pay upfront, and then whatever food and drinks you order gets deducted from this deposit. Again, this is not exactly a local experience, but if you want to live like a king or queen for the day, it doesn’t get better.
If you want to surf in Punta Cana, understand that this part of the Dominican Republic does not have a consistent swell. I was in contact with Macao Surf Camp about renting a surfboard at Macao Beach for $10/hour. It sounded to me like the best deal in all of Punta Cana! For better waves and a more local experience, check out Cabarete on the other side of the Dominican Republic.
Is it safe to travel off the beaten path in Punta Cana?
The highlight of our trip was hiring a taxi driver named Joan to take us around Higuey, the closest city so that we could see “the real Dominican Republic.” He took us to one of the most important churches in the DR, Basilica Nuestra Señora De La Altagracia.
The highlight of our trip was going to the central market (Mercado Municipal). Often times large crowded markets are not safe for tourists in big cities in Latin America, but Joan assured us we could have come alone without issue. Even though Joan said we wouldn’t have a problem had we come on our own, I was glad to have him with us.
Joan told us his story, growing up in a dangerous neighborhood in Santo Domingo and moving to Higuey, a smaller, safer city. He even took us by his house where we met his family. For some perspective, he told us that the minimum salary in the Dominican Republic is $300/month, but the cost of living for a family of four is more like $1,000/month. He said it was tough to make ends meet, but despite that, he was extremely positive and upbeat! I was proud that some of our money from the trip went directly into the hands of local people, instead of to the mega corporations that own the resorts.
Multiple people also said it was also safe to go on a day trip to Santo Domingo. It’s a 3-hour drive from Punta Cana, and locals told me the historic center was safe to visit. I’m looking forward to planning a trip there for our next visit to the DR!
If you want Joan’s number, DM me on Instagram and I’d love to send customers his way. (I’m not sure if he speaks English.)
For more off-the-beaten-path experiences like this, check out our trips to Central America and South America.
Are there natural disasters in Punta Cana?
Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest occurrences in September and October. I was in my first tropical storm in the Caribbean in Puerto Rico this fall and it was no joke.
Hurricane season can be a great time to get deals, however, but I’d recommend travel insurance just in case you need to cancel your trip. Of course, resorts have generators, but a hurricane would kill your vacation vibe.
If you book something during hurricane season, just watch the weather, and keep in mind that you may have to cancel your trip.
If you are a US citizen traveling to the Dominican Republic, be sure to enroll in STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which can send you alerts, travel warnings, and contact your family in case of emergency.
Is there ever political unrest in Punta Cana?
No. The Dominican Republic has a stable democracy and protests would happen in Santo Domingo, several hours away, and mainly around the time of elections.
Do I have to worry about cartels, gangs, etc. in Punta Cana?
Again, no, you don’t need to worry about organized crime affecting your stay in Punta Cana. I’m not saying there isn’t any gang activity in Punta Cana, but this is one of the safest areas of the Caribbean, and crimes affecting tourists are very rare.
FAQ: Is Punta Cana safer than Cancun?
If you are looking for a safe, touristy beach destination, I’d select Punta Cana over Cancun. I don’t like to throw locations under the bus, but It’s a known fact that some of the violence in Mexico has spilled over into places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. I’m not saying I wouldn’t go to the Yucatan right now, as some areas like Merida and Campeche are super safe, but I think Punta Cana is much safer than Cancun.
What are the Emergency numbers in Punta Cana?
In the Dominican Republic, dial 911 for any emergency.
The phone number for the CESTUR Tourist Police in the Dominican Republic is: +1 809 200 3500.
The US Embassy is located at 57 Avenida República de Colombia, Arroyo Hondo, Santo Domingo. The US Embassy can be reached at +1(809)-567-7775 or via email SDOAmericans@state.gov.
The Dominican Republic is on the North American Numbering Plan, so to make a phone call to the DR, the country code is +1, just like the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Bahamas, etc.
What hospitals and clinics should I go to in Punta Cana?
The US Embassy in the Dominican Republic recommends the following hospitals in the Punta Cana area:
Hospital IMG Punta Cana
+1(809) 285-6116
Carretera Miches. Avenida Real Sur esquina
23000
*I stayed right down the street from Hospital IMG in Punta Cana Village, a high-end commercial area in Punta Cana, and a popular neighborhood where many expats live.
Hospiten Bávaro
+1(809)686-1414
Carretera Verón – Punta Cana,106
Punta Cana
Priority Care and MediHealth
+1(809)795-9999
Downtown Business Center, Avenida Barceló Suite 203-204,
Bávaro
Remember that your resort may have a doctor who can make house calls.
What health risks exist in Punta Cana?
FAQ: Is it safe to drink the water in Punta Cana?
Do not drink the water in the Dominican Republic, even on resorts! Tap water is not safe to drink in Punta Cana. My hotel had a large water cooler in the gym, where I refilled my sustainable water bottle. Do not brush your teeth with tap water; simply keep a bottle of water next to the sink to rinse your toothbrush and mouth.
Food Safety
The main health risk in the Dominican Republic is falling ill due to stomach issues. The basic advice here is, don’t drink tap water, only eat fruit that has the peel on it, and avoid lettuce, as it’s often washed with tap water. At resorts, ice is going to be made from purified water, and if they are serving fruit, it’s most likely safe to eat. But if you aren’t at a tourist spot, be extra careful!
I didn’t get sick, but multiple people told me it’s easy to get sick in Punta Cana. I’m flying home today and craving a salad! My wife ordered sushi one night, and even though we were so close to the sea, making it highly probable that the fish was fresh, I didn’t take any chances.
Mosquitos and Illnesses
Mosquito-born viruses exist in tropical areas of Latin America including the Caribbean. According to the US CDC, dengue is most common during the rainy season in the Dominican Republic. Neither zika nor chikungunya has been detected in several years in the DR.
Malaria is present in the Dominican Republic, including in the state of La Altagracia, where Punta Cana is located. The CDC mentions what drugs you can take for this strain of malaria.
Yellow fever is not present in the Dominican Republic, although the vaccine may be required if you are traveling from certain states in Brazil.
I also just learned that sand flies can also transmit disease. Who knew! It doesn’t seem like something to be worried about, but it’s good to know it exists.
Bottom line on health safety in the Dominican Republic: don’t drink the water, be discerning about your food, and use insect repellent!
Should I buy travel insurance in Punta Cana?
Travel insurance is a wise choice! No matter your destination, unexpected situations can arise, so I always recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself from trip disruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and medical expenses.
However, my lawyers require me to clarify that this is not a formal recommendation to buy travel insurance. Additionally, I want to disclose that I receive compensation if you purchase it. I typically refer travelers to Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads.
Want to learn more about life-changing travel experiences? Check out my book, The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life.
Final Verdict: Should You Pack Your Bags for Punta Cana?
My family and I had a great time in Punta Cana and found it extremely safe! If you are looking for a worry-free trip, where you can completely relax, it’s a great place to visit. I really enjoyed leaving my belongings unattended under my umbrella and beach chair at the beach club while we swam in the clear blue water.
Remember that you are paying for this safety and security, but I found the prices very expensive! Even though the US dollar is very strong versus the Dominican peso, most of the prices in the touristy areas were in dollars. That said, we were only there for a handful of days, so I ate a lot of $20 ceviches!
Honestly, I would have been disappointed if we hadn’t ventured outside of the touristy area of Punta Cana because I really wanted to see the Dominican Republic. Our adventure to Higuey was really the highlight of our trip, even though there isn’t much in the way of attractions there. I loved experiencing the side of the DR that most tourists don’t see. Next time we visit the Dominican Republic, we’ll definitely go to Santo Domingo.
Are group trips to Latin America safe?
Group trips are a fantastic option, allowing you to travel independently while being part of a community. There's strength in numbers, and with a group trip, you'll have a guide who can provide valuable safety advice for the local areas. Having a local with you is always a plus!
Take a look at Under30Experiences' group trips to Central America and South America! We also offer trips for people in their 30s and 40s.
