Punta Cana: lagoons, cenotes and endless beaches

Bávaro Beach, the heart of the tourist zone, opens the day with calm waters protected by a coral reef offshore.

A few minutes away, the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Park brings together twelve freshwater lagoons in the forest, some swimmable, created around natural sinkholes.

Moving toward Scape Park you reach Hoyo Azul, a turquoise cenote over thirty meters deep, accessible by a short hike or zip-lining through the mangrove.

For those with more time, a boat excursion takes you to Saona Island, in the East National Park, a few hours' sail from shore, with palm trees and shallow waters often used as a photographic backdrop by those organizing the excursion.

The Indigenous Eyes lagoons remain fresh all year because they are fed by underground aquifers, a relief in the humid heat typical of the Dominican Caribbean coast.

Saona Island requires almost an entire day between the outward and return journey: those staying only a few nights must often choose between this excursion and the attractions closer to the resort.