9 Things To Do for FREE in Punta Cana for 2025

Punta Cana is not one Caribbean beach, but rather a whole region of beaches, which have many such stretches, for instance, as much as 12 miles on Bavaro Beach, and offer limitless opportunities for a stroll along the beach. There is always a stunning beach nearby, with kilometers of fine sand and swaying palm trees, whether you choose to stay in Bavaro, Arena Gorda, Cabeza de Toro, Macao, or Uvero Alto. All of the beaches are great for a quick walk or a longer walk, and they are completely free, except the much shorter Cap Cana beaches in the southern portion of Punta Cana.

Punta Cana's famous beaches are excellent walks and basks in the sunshine and memories. There are lots of unique locations for amazing and never-to-be-forgotten pictures just as you take a walk on Punta Cana's beach. I'd recommend the following breathtaking photo spots depending on where you are staying and what is your destination:

• Plantation of pristine coconut palms north of Cabeza de Toro
• The pristine beach area at Playa Arena Gorda between Macao and the Hard Rock Hotel
• Deeply swaying palm palms between Playa Arena Gorda and El Cortecito beaches
• Playa Juanillo jetty
• Cap Cana Marina, one of Punta Cana's most beautiful beaches,
• Playa Blanca with white sand and turquoise ocean.

Another one of the best free things to do in Punta Cana is located within the vicinity of Punta Cana is Macao Beach. You are unlikely to traverse Playa Macao on your way to or from your all-inclusive resort because there are no other accommodations at this beautiful Dominican Republic beach, other than Dreams Macao Beach (see resort rates here*). One of the locals' favorite beaches is Macao Beach, which offers beautiful scenery, some good waves, and numerous tiny vendors selling cold beer, fresh seafood, and other foods. However, you may still appreciate the blue ocean and the real beauty of Macao Beach without having to spend a single penny. 

Fortunately, all beaches in the Dominican Republic are public, so besides Macao Beach, you can visit a few other beautiful beaches—such as Playa La Vacama, Playa Limón, or Playa Esmeralda—for free from Punta Cana. In reality, they are among the most pristine beaches in the Dominican Republic.

Despite these new resorts cropping up at Playa Esmeralda, they are wonderful stretches of shoreline. It's the sort of beach you hope for in heaven the first time that you're alone on one of those undeveloped beaches. And to fully enjoy this majestic view, you can even camp at each of these three beaches.

Playa Esmeralda is particularly beautiful due to its two miles of unspoiled, immaculate sand and half-moon bay. It is excellent when taken in conjunction with a visit to Montaña Redonda, the mountain which provides breathtaking vistas and unusual big swings on the hill although it is not free.

One of the most popular free things to do in Punta Cana and around the world is snorkeling. You can enjoy the Caribbean sun, tropical reefs, and colorful fish. Snorkeling is possible in Punta Cana, but if you do not want to go on a guided snorkeling tour, your options are not as good as they are elsewhere. The whole area is ringed by the enormous Punta Cana Reef, which is located thousands of feet offshore. Therefore, snorkeling is not particularly good in front of most resorts. 

Exploring the Caribbean's highest waterfall, Salto de la Jalda. Because it is really off the main road, it is hard to think that such a significant monument as the highest waterfall in the Dominican Republic (and probably all in the Caribbean) can be visited for free, and as a bonus, without another tourist.

This hidden treasure is probably not often seen because of the 2-hour drive from Punta Cana and the at least 3-hour trek (one-way) to Salto de la Jalda.

But if you are looking for a Punta Cana adventure and one of the most fantastic free things to do in Punta, it's well worth the investment.

If Salto de la Jalda seems too challenging, do not worry. Punta Cana is but the launching pad for many other waterfalls. The closest waterfall to Punta Cana itself is Salto de los Mosquitos still relatively unexplored waterfalls that may be accessed from Rancho Terranova. The trailhead is only an hour and 45 minutes from Punta Cana.

Another choice is Cascada Blanca, situated between El Seibo and Miches. It is stunning with its raging wall and cold natural ponds. Some waterfalls might charge a tiny entrance fee of 1-2 USD, but Cascada Blanca and Salto de los Mosquitos are free to visit (though you can pay for a guide if you want to).

Since it is so completely off the main path, it is almost impossible to conceive of how such an iconic monument, being the highest waterfall in the Dominican Republic and possibly all of the Caribbean, could be visited at no cost, with the bonus that there was not another person to be found anywhere. 

It's not often visited, as getting here requires a 2-hour drive from Punta Cana and at least a 3-hour hike (one way) to Salto de la Jalda. But the trek is worth it, and Salto de la Jalda is where you should be if you're looking for a fun adventure in Punta Cana and one of the coolest free activities in the region. 

For those interested, Punta Cana's Secret Cenote is a turquoise-colored lagoon labeled "Hoyo Claro." Hoyo Claro may very well be just the spot that you'll choose to go visit if instead, you want peaceable waters surrounding you instead of raging rivers. It's a few of the breathtaking lagoons called often the ones brimmed full with underground rivers or springs with beautiful water sparkling back at you.

Although Hoyo Claro charges an admission fee of USD 5, you might be able to get in for free if you arrive early in the morning. Hoyo Claro is a lesser-known and less-traveled alternative to the famous "Hoyo Azul" at Scape Park Cap Cana.