The best time to visit St Lucia can be tricky to work out, however, as they’ve got wet and dry seasons going on – which is why we put together a St Lucia weather guide. We also threw in a list of the best St Lucia festivals!

When Is The Best Time To Visit St Lucia?

Before we dig in it’s important to keep in mind your expectations when traveling to St Lucia and ask yourself these questions:

• Are you on a budget?
• Do you care about rain?
• Does humidity bother you?
• Do high crowds bother you?
• Would you rather pay less but take a higher gamble on the weather?
• Are you interested in just lounging on a tropical island, hiking, free diving, surfing, or scuba diving?

St Lucia’s Two Main seasons

So When is the Best Time to Visit St Lucia?

Technically, for great weather, the best time to travel to St Lucia is from December to May, while the rainfall is low and temperatures are cooler. However, this is far from the cheapest time to visit St. Lucia, and you’ll be looking at high accommodation prices.

In Our Opinion?

Late April to mid-June is the best all-around time to visit St Lucia. This is outside the high season, so the crowds and prices will be lower. While the weather is not as ideal as December – April, it’s still wonderful, with temperatures hovering between 70 and 80°F. You’re getting to St Lucia right before the heavy rainfall hits in July. Hiking trails will be pleasantly dry. Plus – the St. Lucia Jazz Festival is during this time!

When is The Best Time to Visit St Lucia?

St Lucia in January

In January, St Lucia sees average temperatures of 26°C – pretty warm. In the second month of the country’s dry season, there’s not much rain to be seen. However, since it’s only the start of the dry season, many of the hills around the country remain lush and green, making it one of the best months to visit St Lucia.

There’s plenty of sunshine at this time of year, and towards the end of the month, there are 11 and a half hours of daylight per day. It is 55% cloudy throughout the month, and the sea temperature is a very inviting 27°C. With relative humidity that fluctuates between mild and very muggy, it’s a pretty good time of year to visit St Lucia.

St Lucia in February

Another of St Lucia’s dry months, there are average temperatures of 26°C – with highs of 29°C – throughout February. There is plenty of sunshine to be had, with nine hours per day (on average). There is very little rainfall in February compared to the rest of the year – the least, in fact.

Though the temperatures may seem hot to you, February is actually one of the cooler months on the island; it may be a good time of year to visit St Lucia if you can’t stand the heat. It is also a fairly breezy time of year, so expect some fresh, light winds coming in off the sea. Like hiking? Then you may find February in St Lucia is perfect for you.

Jade Mountain is one of the most beautiful resorts in the entire world - check the rates here!

St Lucia in March

The weather in March in St Lucia is great. This is when we visited last and had a fantastic time. It’s definitely one of the best times to visit St Lucia. Visitors to the island during this spring month can expect plenty of sunshine and a lot of warm weather.

The average low is 24°C, while the high is 30°C. This month is pretty popular for kite flying and kite surfing, thanks to the northeast trade winds that are beginning to blow.

If that sounds like something you’re into, this might be the best time of year to visit St Lucia. The sea has a temperature of 27°C, which is very pleasant. It’s an excellent time to come if you’re keen to go hiking and enjoy the island before the heat really starts to increase.

St Lucia in April

Hot and dry days are the order for April in St Lucia. Those Trade Winds are still blowing and cooling things down in the process – mainly on the coast. Being the middle of the country’s dry season, those lush green hills are looking a little more parched than they have been.

Humidity is comparatively low, so the heat isn’t exactly unbearable; the average temperature in St Lucia during April is 27°C, with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Though it is quite dry and there are, on average, nine hours of sunshine per day, there’s around 70% cloud coverage throughout April, steadily increasing towards the end of the month.

St Lucia in May

St Lucia in May means a transitional month for the island. It’s not the best time to go to St Lucia, but certainly not the worst. The wet season is right on the horizon, which – towards the end of the month – means a little more rain than the month before, but not much.

May is a good time of year to visit St Lucia if you want to attend the island’s famous Jazz Festival, which traditionally kicks off the summer months.

Temperatures in May rise to 28°C, so things are warming up; humidity is also rising, at around 70% across the month. The Trade Winds are not blowing as strongly as they were before, so expect plenty of sunshine and enjoyable days, not to mention lovely sunsets!

St Lucia in June

By the time June rolls around in St Lucia, the rains have already arrived. That’s right; June marks the start of the wet – or rainy – season. Don’t worry; the rain is still quite tame and won’t by any means ruin your vacation, but it’s certainly not the best time to go to St Lucia.

There is twice as much rain going on in June than there was in May, so you will certainly experience a downpour, or at least a light shower, while you are here. The Trade Winds are nowhere near as strong as they were earlier in the year, which means less of a breeze, but increased humidity. In fact, three out of four days see high humidity. Beautiful sunsets can be seen in June, however. The temperature? On average, it’s 28°C.

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St Lucia Weather in July

St Lucia in July is a very hot month – very humid, too, so not exactly the best time to visit St Lucia. The highs hover around 31°C, which feels hotter with that humidity. It is also a popular month to visit the island because of school vacation beginning this month for much of the world.

That means things can get a little busy on the island towards the end of July. It’s maybe not the best time of year to visit St Lucia. It’s also the St Lucia rainy season, with an average of six inches of rain falling across the entire month. Downpours are common. However, visiting St Lucia is a cool time if you want to catch part of the St Lucia Carnival – one of the Caribbean’s best.

St Lucia Weather in August

Not only is it still raining in St Lucia in August, but it is also the middle of Hurricane Season in the North Atlantic. These don’t tend to be a huge threat to the island, but they can affect it, so it may not be the best time to visit St Lucia. Temperatures are an average of 28°C but can drop as low as 25°C.

If you are worried about the rain, don’t be; it usually only rains for a couple of hours at most, and the rainy days are mixed in with glorious, sunny days. It’s humid in August: three out of four days reach as high as 90% humidity. With schools still out, resorts can be busy. If you want to avoid heat (and crowds), this may not be the best time to visit St Lucia.

St Lucia Weather in September

September is the time of year in St Lucia when summer is coming to an end. Resorts get cheaper as children of the world go back to school. However, the temperature is still 28°C – rising into the early 30s – and sea temperatures match. If you love heat, visiting St Lucia is a good time.

However, there is still quite a lot of rainfall, just slightly more than in August. While you will experience some rain during your stay, it most likely won’t ruin your vacation. It is still very humid, around 89% for three days out of four.

Sunshine is definitely lacking: it’s the second rainiest month of the year, with only 8.1 hours of daily sunshine (compared to 8.5, on average, for the year).

St Lucia Weather in October

Were you wondering about October? Well, accommodation is cheaper, so it’s an excellent time to visit St Lucia if you like to travel on a budget. But everything else remains pretty much the same as it was in September.

It’s still rainy, it’s still around 28°C, the average low is still about 25°C, the sea is still about 29°C, it’s still very humid, and there’s still just over eight hours of sunshine per day. Expect rain daily (short, sharp showers, for the most part). It’s generally one of the worst times to visit St Lucia, but also one of the cheapest times to visit St Lucia.

St Lucia Weather in November

In November, there is finally a break in the relentless heat and humidity that has plagued the island for the past few months. November is also the end of the Hurricane Season and the last month of the wet season. So, all in all, not a bad time to go to St Lucia.

The rain does start to ease by the end of the month, though there is still plenty of it around. Most days will see a morning downpour, but there may be a couple where it rains all day. The hills are glowing green and looking very beautiful; it’s a good time to go on excursions.

St Lucia Weather in December

The first month of the dry season, December, is a great time to visit St Lucia – which is good because this is also the Holiday Season for many people around the world.

Visitors to the island in December can expect lots of dry days, a little bit of rain, temperatures around 27°C, and – especially towards the end of the month – less humidity. Christmas in St Lucia, anyone? Sounds good to us.

Festivals in St Lucia

Spring Festivals in St Lucia

St Lucia observes Holy Week, which occurs during April. Many people attend mass and participate in Catholic traditions, including religious meals. Because of the family – and church – the time involved, it is one of the more somber times to visit St Lucia.

In early May, Castries sees the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival – one of the most renowned festivals in the country and the whole of the Caribbean. Popular names in modern jazz  (Amy Winehouse once appeared here, for instance) perform on big stages and at small venues. Needless to say, it’s a big deal. 

Summer Festivals in St Lucia

Taking place between June and July, the St Lucia Carnival is a colorful event. A kaleidoscope of events occurs during this time, such as steel pan competitions and inter-commercial house calypso competitions, with plenty of vibrant carnival costumes, live bands, DJs, parties, fetes, and community events besides. It’s recognized as one of the top carnivals in the Caribbean.

The last Sunday in June every year (that’s June 28 in 2020) is time for the Fishermen’s Feast – or Fête Pêche, in French. This Thanksgiving celebration includes church services and, aptly enough, feasting.

In July, Mercury Fest brings people together in the name of one simple thing – partying on the beach. Attendees rock up at a beach at Pigeon Island National Landmark from the neighboring islands and gather for live music, boat parties, and all-around good times.

For something a little less crazy but still super cool, La Rose Flower Festival takes place on August 30. This community-minded cultural event makes up one of the island nation’s two strangely rival flower festivals (the other being La Marguerite). It’s about observing and appreciating St Lucia’s cultural heritage, history, and collective memories.

August 23-25 is when the St Lucia Roots & Soul Festival is about new voices in the realm of music. Free performances occur in various locations across the island, ending with a big party at Pigeon Island National Landmark.

Fall Festivals in St Lucia

Do you like snorkeling or scuba diving? Fall might be one of the best times to visit St Lucia for you. You can now check out the Saint Lucia Dive & Adventure Week – a time to celebrate the island’s world-class dive sites and diverse marine life. This watery bonanza takes place from September 6-13.

Later in September (21-27), St Lucia hosts the Wellness Music Festival. This sustainable and environmentally aware music festival is all about healthy living and being good to yourself – all on good music background.

Celebrated since 1981, Creole Heritage Month is celebrated throughout October. With dance, cuisine, and music taking center stage, it is a celebration of the diversity of the island’s culture, culminating on International Creole Day on October 27.

The second of St Lucia’s flower festivals, the La Marguerite Flower Festival, sees members of a local community dress in blue (as opposed to La Rose’s red) as a display of their pride in the La Marguerite flower. 

Winter Festivals in St Lucia

December 13 is when CECF St Lucia takes place. CECF stands for Caribbean Equine Cultural Festival and spans two days of lifestyle and racing events, all held at the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club.

Also December 13 is the country’s National Day. Celebrating its patron saint of St Luce, it is also called “the Festival of Light.” There’s a lantern competition and parade, as well as a Christmas show (since the festive season is just around the corner) and illuminations galore. It all ends with fireworks. 

February 22 is St Lucia’s Independence Day. Celebrated since 1979 – when St Lucia gained independence from the United Kingdom – there is kite flying, parades, and other festivals throughout the week. One of the events taking place during Independence “Week” is the Independence Squash Open – like a tennis tournament, but with squash instead!

Hopefully, this guide on the best time to visit St Lucia will help you determine when to go! If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and we will respond!

What to Pack for St Lucia?

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Travel Water Bottle

Plastic pollution is a problem in the Caribbean, so it’s best not to contribute to the problem by buying plastic water bottles everywhere. Bottles like the Grayl are great for purifying unsafe water!

The Best Travel Water bottles

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Dry bag

Dry bags are great if you spend time at the beach or find yourself out on a boat. See the best-reviewed dry bags here.

Get a Drybag!

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Rainbow Sandals

Want to fit in on Saint Lucia? Get yourself some Rainbow brand sandals. Seriously, everyone around you will be wearing them – and for a good reason. They are uber comfortable once you break them in and last forever!

Get Rainbow Sandals

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Sunscreen

We highly recommend getting an eco-friendly sun cream that does not contain harmful chemicals when going into the ocean.

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A few other places also came to mind: Seychelles, Canada, and Namibia are certainly up there. However, nothing has blown me away quite like the beautiful Jade Mountain Resort in Saint Lucia.

The whole Jade Mountain Resort is straight out of a honeymooner magazine. Every little detail has been meticulously planned to create the ultimate getaway in a dream destination. It’s hard to put our whole week at Jade Mountain into words, but here is our best attempt!

Jade Mountain Resort Review

Getting to Jade Mountain Resort in Saint Lucia

There are two main airports in Saint Lucia. George FL Charles Airport (SLU), near Castries, and Hewanorra International (UVF), near Vieux Fort. Coming from Puerto Rico, we landed at SLU, and it took almost two hours to get to Jade Mountain Resort, with a pretty windy road.

We flew out of UVF, the more popular international airport, as you can easily connect to North America with carriers like Air Canada. UVF is only one hour from Jade Mountain and the much easier airport to get to. I would recommend flying into UVF to avoid wasting more time on a car transfer once you arrive. But with few flight options to St Lucia, you’ll unlikely be spoilt for choice.

The last 15 minutes of the car ride to Jade Mountain is a bit of a rough road, but once you arrive, it is all bliss! You can either rent a car or arrange your own cab, or Jade Mountain will happily set you up with a private transfer that aligns with your flight times.

The Jade Mountain Saint Lucia Property

Jade Mountain Resort sits high on Morne Chastanet, completely overlooking the famous St. Lucia Pitons and the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Every room looks out to the Pitons and is completely secluded away from other guests.

The whole resort design is an architectural masterpiece, which you can try and see from the included photos we took. Long walkways come out from the side of the mountain to lead guests to their rooms as well as the bar, restaurant, and common area. I still can’t believe this resort actually exists.

The whole design concept was dreamt up by owner Nick Troubetzkoy when he visited Saint Lucia in the early 1970s. Since then, he has turned his dream into one of the most impressive properties in the world.

The Jade Mountain Saint Lucia Sanctuaries

Rooms at Jade Mountain are not rooms but are referred to as Sanctuaries and have all been individually designed with the utmost attention. We knew we were in for something unique when we first walked to our room on our private walkway.

All the rooms at Jade Mountain are nothing short of amazing, with a bedroom, living area, and private infinity pool. The fourth wall of each sanctuary here has been essentially removed so that all guests can have amazing open views of nature. That means that little birdies will be singing in your ear in the morning and have easy access to your room – which we loved, but it may not be for everybody.

Each sanctuary has an infinity pool or a sky jacuzzi overlooking the Caribbean landscape. We stayed in room JE1, or other words, the “Galaxy” sanctuary and the highest level room at Jade Mountain.

Our sanctuary was breathtaking and provided us with total panoramic views out to Saint Lucia’s twin Pitons at all times.

In addition to the views, we were provided with a comfortable king-sized canopy bed, huge living space, a jacuzzi, an infinity pool, fast WiFi, a Major Domo (a butler), and full room service on request.

There are no televisions or radios at Jade Mountain, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s so easy to forget about real life here and delve deeper into Saint Lucia.

There was nothing better here than waking up to the sound of the ocean and singing birds, ordering a healthy breakfast, and looking out to the most stunning mountains in the Caribbean. It was honestly hard ever to want to leave our sanctuary!

The Food at Jade Mountain Saint Lucia

We did our research and read reviews about the food at Jade Mountain Resort before we visited, so we knew it would be delicious. However, what we experienced blew us entirely out of the water!

Jade Mountain itself has one main restaurant called the Jade Mountain Club. The Club serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is one of the nicest places to have dinner in the area. Meals here are typically elaborate and have multiple courses with all the wine you could want.

Jade Mountain Resort guests also have Suite Service at any time, which we used multiple times while staying here.

Much of the food is homegrown at Jade Mountain’s very own garden, while the items they can’t grow are typically sourced locally to benefit the community.

Guests at Jade Mountain also have full access to Anse Chastanet restaurants, their sister property down the mountain. Anse Chastanet has more than five restaurants to choose from, and most are beachfront. It’s great to have the best of both worlds here.

All the food, wine, beer, and cocktails you could want are included in the all-inclusive plan at Jade Mountain Resort. However, it’s also possible to book plans without alcohol or half-board meal plans OR book breakfast only and eat the rest of your meals in town if you prefer.

I would suggest going with at least a half-board option as I think it would always be too much of a pain to leave the resort for food. It’s at least a 15-minute drive to town from Jade Mountain.

The Staff at Jade Mountain Saint Lucia

Just like everything else at this well-reviewed, all-inclusive, the Jade Mountain resort staff never disappointed. The staff was courteous, prompt, helpful, and polite at all times. I loved seeing their smiling faces every day.

We also learned that almost all staff at Jade Mountain are local Saint Lucians and have one of the lowest turnover rates for jobs on the island. We truly felt that everyone loved their careers and lives here!

Our favorite staff members were the attentive manager, Jonathan, who always ensured we were accounted for. Also, our Major Domos were our private room butlers for the duration of our stay.

They were always on call for guests and happy to attend to visitors’ needs. They even brought me ear drops at 11 pm as I could sense an ear infection coming on after diving.

The Scuba Diving

Continuing with this Jade Mountain Resort review, I want to mention scuba diving. Of course, we have always wanted to travel to Saint Lucia for the views and beauty, but the biggest reason we were so keen was to scuba dive.

We recently completed our open water course in Bali and have been hooked on diving. Ever since, we’ve been seeking out the best dive sites in the world, with our last big trip being in the Maldives.

Saint Lucia ranks pretty far up there in terms of diving in the Caribbean, and you can jump right into the ocean from Jade Mountain Resort to experience it!

Scuba St. Lucia is headquartered at Anse Chastanet and is a five-star dive center that operates dives three times a day and two nights a week.

We went diving with Scuba St. Lucia a total of six times, including a night dive, and every time was exhilarating. While we didn’t find any sizeable marine life, we couldn’t get enough of the colorful fish and even saw a sea horse, frogfish (our second since diving at Kuramathi in the Maldives), and a turtle!

The staff at the dive shop were all friendly and helpful. As new divers, we felt completely comfortable at all times. The diving experience varies month to month, so make sure to pay attention to the best time to visit St Lucia when planning.

Activities at Jade Mountain Saint Lucia

There are so many activities at Jade Mountain it’s nearly impossible to ever get bored. We had five full days here, but honestly, even with 10, you wouldn’t find us complaining.

While we spent many hours under the water scuba diving, there are also many other things to do at Jade Mountain Resort.

Snorkeling around the house reef, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sugar plantation tours are all free activities to participate in. There’s also a gym and daily complimentary sunrise and sunset yoga at Jade Mountain at Anse Chastanet. (So bring a travel yoga mat if you want your own mat).

In addition, there is an event on offer every single day, whether that be a Chocolate Sensory Tasting or Saint Lucian Mixology class.

You’ll even find live entertainment at the bar a few times a week – we loved the Saint Lucian steel drum band!

In addition to these complementary activities, there are also many paid excursions. Things like hiking the Pitons, zip-lining, champagne sunset cruises, mountain biking, deep-sea fishing, rum tasting, bird watching, or really anything are on offer at Jade Mountain. Or you can always do absolutely nothing at all – Jade Mountain Resort is the perfect place for that.

Wellness at Jade Mountain Saint Lucia

Being a fancy resort, I knew that Jade Mountain Resort would offer plenty of spa services, but I was shocked by the sheer amount of different treatments.

It’s easy to indulge here and get lost in the many spa packages. Just to name a few are the Summer Skin Cooler, Chakra Balancing Massage, the Sea Salt Body Scrub, and Saint Lucian Chocolate Massage. We decided to go with a couples massage in the privacy and comfort of our room and never wanted it to end!

Our Recommendation For Travel Insurance

We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country, and it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo offers excellent short and long-term travel insurance policies.

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An Overall Review of Jade Mountain Resort in Saint Lucia

I wouldn’t hesitate to book a fantastic vacation or honeymoon at Jade Mountain, as it’s definitely one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. The views of The Pitons are to die for, and I can assure you that you will never get sick of them.

On top of the views, everything from the food to the beautiful Saint Lucian staff and all-around beach fun in the sun is top-notch. I doubt we’ll ever stay at a resort quite like this one!

An Alternative Option to Jade Mountain: Anse Chastanet

I also want to take a moment to mention an alternative, but just as a fantastic option to Jade Mountain, and that’s Anse Chastanet. Anse Chastanet is the sister property to Jade Mountain and is located just down the hill.

Our first two nights in Saint Lucia were spent in the Beach House suite at Anse Chastanet – steps away from the ocean. During the day, we didn’t have to walk far to jump in the water, and at night we could be whisked away to sleep by the sound of the waves.

Anse Chastanet is the more affordable resort, but it is still mega luxurious. Rooms are tastefully decorated and comfortable, and the resort itself is well situated.

Anse Chastanet guests always have many restaurants to choose from and activities to participate in. All the activities that Jade Mountain guests get to experience are also available to Anse Chastanet guests, and all of the same restaurants are on offer besides the Jade Mountain Club.

It’s worth noting that many of the rooms at Anse Chastanet still provide astonishing views of the Pitons as well.

I’m so happy we could get a feeling of both resorts as both were simply unbelievable. While Anse Chastanet is marketed as a slightly less exclusive (and less expensive) resort, this property is by no means a poor choice to stay at in Saint Lucia.

Punta Cana is a resort town blessed with so much beauty to offer. We’ve picked all the best pastimes to partake in paradise with the best things to do in Punta Cana. 

Where is Punta Cana?

Punta Cana is a resort town located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is well known to travelers for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and all-inclusive resorts.

Punta Canada is located in the province of La Altagracia, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Santo Domingo, which is the capital of the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination for people from around the world who want to enjoy clear blue water, white sand beaches, and the Caribbean Sea.

The Best Things to Do in Punta Cana

Macao Beach

Start your adventure off right and head straight to one of the most breathtaking beaches around. Macao is a public shore, meaning locals and visitors will often flock here to enjoy the sun and the sea, especially on weekends.

The soft white sand and crystal clear waters make for an unforgettable experience here, even if all you do is kick back and relax. For a more active endeavor, it’s one of the best spots to grab a board and catch some serious waves.  

Saona Island

A pristine island off the coast of Punta Cana, this is a serene spot for soaking up all the untouched beauty the Caribbean offers. It’s a great way to escape the crowds, as it’s a protected nature preserve and part of East National Park.

Keep your eyes out for native wildlife as you explore this enchanting landscape. It’s the perfect place to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive around the island’s reefs. You can arrive by catamaran, speed boat, or book a private and all-inclusive tour. 

Saona Island: Full-Day Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch & Drinks

Los Haitises

Los Haitises is a stunning national park in Punta Cana. It’s marked by impressive rock formations, rushing rivers, and towering mountain tops to explore. There’s plenty of local wildlife within this rugged wilderness reserve.

It’s the ideal itinerary item for any nature lovers, and it’s easy to navigate by boat or foot, traveling through various terrains like caves and mangroves. You’ll even see some ancient rock paintings here as well. 

Bavaro Beach

Bavaro Beach is a tropical haven for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. With stark white sands and calm turquoise seas, it’s become one of the most spectacular shores.

The strip of fancy hotels along the back offers any equipment you may need for snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, or paragliding. The natural pools created by the reefs below are also idyllic for swimming. 

Venture Around Higuey

One of the larger cities in the Dominican Republic is just a short journey away from Punta Cana. It’s famous for its unique and alluring architecture, with beautiful buildings such as the Basilica Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de La Altagracia.

Fascinating techniques were used to construct the ancient local tobacco plantations as well. Strolling around here and admiring the architecture is one of the best things to do in Punta Cana.

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve

Visiting the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve is one of the coolest things to do in Punta Cana, with 1,500 acres of subtropical forest and freshwater lagoons making for a gorgeous getaway into the wondrous wilds of the region. It’s a protected nature reserve that’s privately owned yet open to the public.

It’s a great way to learn more about the special ecology of the land, with educational opportunities abounding. Hike to your heart’s content and then cool off with a cliff jump into one of the refreshing natural pools below. 

Visit the ChocoMuseo

The Dominican Republic is known for its thriving cocoa plantations and the delicious chocolate crafted here as a result. It may be no surprise then that there’s an entire chocolate museum dedicated to chocolate called ChocoMuseo!

Displays delve deep into the history of the famous treat beloved by all, and some more interactive exhibits like making your very own chocolate by hand!

Samana

The Samana Peninsula of Punta Cana offers abundant natural beauty to bask in. It’s home to the iconic El Limon National Park and Waterfall. There are several local fishing villages to wander around as well that have everything from authentic markets to fancy resorts.

Depending on your time frame, you can arrive by land, boat, plane, or helicopter. Samana also happens to be the best spot for whale watching. These gorgeous and gentle giants of the sea spend the beginning of the year breeding in the bay here, and it’s an unreal sight to behold. 

Coco Bongo

Coco Bongo is the world-famous hotspot for nightlife in the Dominican Republic. So if you’re into that on vacation, this is one of the best things to do in Punta Cana for you! It’s a vibrant club (to say the least) that always has some sort of spectacle on show, from elaborate cover performances to trapeze artists to professional dancers.

You can pay a single entrance fee at the door and enjoy the open bar all night long. It’s one of the most impressive venues in the Caribbean and an amazing way to experience the area’s colorful rhythms (and drinks). 

Coco Bongo Nightclub Experience with Transfer

Juanillo Beach

Home to a stunning natural cenote, Juanillo Beach is another enchanting choice for a tropical excursion in Punta Cana.

There’s plenty of local food and drink to indulge in here and waterfront sports like beach volleyball. As a lesser-known shore, you’re likely to avoid some crowds of tourists and have a more authentic experience. 

Altos de Chavon

Altos de Chavon replicates an entire Mediterranean village from the 16th century. It’s on a rocky outcrop above the Chavon River on the southern coast. It was originally designed by a Dominican architect and Italian cinematographer and carefully handcrafted with meticulous detail by local artisans in 1982.

Inside you’ll find many charming attractions like the amphitheater, archeological museum, art galleries, and eateries along picturesque cobblestone streets. 

Bahía de Las Águilas 

Local experts offer tours of what’s been deemed one of the must-see seashores of the world, Aguilas Bay. It’s a pristine stretch of sandy shore that looks like something off of a computer desktop.

It’s located in Jaragua National Park, the largest protected national area in the Caribbean, covering many habitats and terrains. It’s home to caves, salty lakes, mangroves, subtropical forests, and miles of untouched beaches. It can be reached by boat or rugged road. 

Montana Redonda

Montana Redonda is famous for massive swings atop the picturesque peak, offering sweeping 360 vistas looking out over the verdant hillsides. Heading here at any time of the day is one of the best things to do in Punta Cana!

It’s a photo op that will make it onto your main feed, with pastoral panoramas as far as the eye can see. It’s a short but steep climb to reach the scenic edge, though you can also take a safari tour up to the top.

Anamuya Mountain

Anamuya Mountain is jungle hiking for those who prefer a leisurely stroll in nature to the hardcore trekking trails. Enjoy a relaxing exploration of nature, and soak up all of the scenery without having to break a serious sweat.

The views from the peak are breathtaking, and there’s plenty to stop and see along the way besides the lush landscape, like coffee plantations and a ziplining course. 

Scape Park

Scape Park is a natural theme park unlike any other. Limestone formations and pristine jungle cover the land, providing impressive trails, vistas, and even historical attractions, such as replica homes of the ancient Taino tribes.

The Farallon Cliff is especially famous, extending over 2,000 feet along the coast. There’s also a zipline course and some caves, though Hoyo Aotye, a captivating hidden cenote and natural phenomenon, is often the main draw. 

Punta Cana Beach

On the eastern side of Hispaniola, Punta Cana Beach is one of the most recognizable stretches of shore. As the town’s namesake, it can get quite crowded, with visitors from the resorts seeking a beach chair and some sun in their own little slice of paradise. The Corales Golf Club is also nearby if you wish to play a round with a scenic backdrop. 

Seaquarium

As the name suggests, Seaquarium is the place to go for underwater adventures in Punta Cana. It’s a theme park dedicated entirely to marine life and offers various engaging activities.

You can walk underneath the sea and snorkel with the fish, manta rays, and sharks. There’s a natural sea pool for a relaxing swim as well. If feeling festive, you can also indulge in one of their party cruises aboard a catamaran. 

Catamaran Tour

A tropical paradise like Punta Cana offers an array of amazing options to head out onto the crystalline waters. One popular way to do it in style is to take a Catamaran tour. Along the way, you can snorkel, scuba, parasail, swim, or simply soak up rays from aboard your beautiful vessel, ideally with a cold beverage.

There are so many options easily arranged with charter companies all over town. Pick a theme based on interest, like a sustainable cruise, deep-sea fishing, or a rum-tasting day sail.  

Uvero Alto

Uvero Alto provides a dramatic coastline setting to take in all of the stunning scenery of Punta Cana. It’s a laid-back environment with a few high-end resorts and casinos that are always fun to visit.

With a decent swell, it’s super popular for water sports like surfing. Plus, it is home to Sirenis Aquagames, a waterpark that’s a great time for the whole family. It’s an amazing spot to try some locally caught seafood and go horseback riding on the beach. 

Punta Cana Resort and Club

Punta Cana Resort and Club is both a resort and residential community in the area. It offers a wide range of activities, including a tennis center, kite surfing, golf, a PADI scuba diving center, water skiing, deep-sea fishing, horseback riding, natural springs, kayaks, a petting zoo, and more (if you can believe it).

It’s a hub for tourist adventures, and they’ll plan any excursion desired down to the smallest detail. Set on 15,000 acres, it is the ultimate playground in paradise. 

Go Shopping

The Dominican Republic is famous for its specialty products, like coffee, chocolate, rum, cigars, jewelry, and more. It makes it hard to want to leave this Caribbean paradise without going on a major shopping spree to stock up and find the perfect souvenirs.

Palma Real Shopping Center is an upscale destination with plenty of trendy stores. BlueMall is one of the largest shopping centers in the Caribbean, so you’re sure to find whatever you need here. 

Check Out Santo Domingo

The island’s capital is Santo Domingo, and it’s worth checking out while in the area. Zona Colonial is the oldest part of the city and is filled with charming streets lined with beautiful examples of ancient architecture.

Take a walking tour or wander on your own, and there are a lot of lovely little cafes and bars to stop and try out along the journey. 

One of the best things to do in Punta Cana? Santo Domingo Day Trip with Tickets and Lunch

Arena Gorda Beach

Arena Gorda Beach is a gorgeous stretch of sugary coastline in Punta Cana. It boasts a peaceful vibe, with a stunning sea that’s as calm and warm as a pool.

Lifeguards are on duty here, and there are many free and fun waterfront activities to partake in with designated volleyball and soccer spaces. It’s also a popular place to kayak, swim, snorkel, or kitesurf. 

Cueva de las Maravillas

A national park named after its cave of wonders, the allure of this site speaks for itself. It’s known for its ancient cave paintings and is set on the nearby island of Hispaniola. There are over 500 historic etchings made in black and red on stone walls by the original inhabitants, the Tainos.

It has more than just pictographs, with an expansive network of rock formations and bodies of water to discover. 

Where Are the Best Places to Stay in Punta Cana?

Ranging from all-inclusive resorts to villas and apartments there are plenty of places to stay in Punta Cana. After you’re done exploring all these things to in Punta Cana, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to lay your head. Here are a few of our favorites!

1. Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa: Adults Only beachfront resort that offers 6 swimming pools, 2 outdoor hot tubs, spa treatments and free WiFi throughout, as well as a nightclub.
2. Majestic Colonial Punta Cana: This all-inclusive resort offers a variety of room options, including family rooms and swim-up suites. It also has a casino, multiple pools, and several restaurants and bars.
3. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana: Adults-only, all-inclusive resort located on a private beach with multiple restaurants and a luxurious spa.
4. Melia Caribe Tropical: For luxurious swim up rooms and delicious restaurants consider booking a few nights here.

Where Are the Best Places to Eat in Punta Cana?

• The Jellyfish Restaurant
• Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
• La Yola
• Bamboo

Best Things to do in Punta Cana Map

PUNTA CANA THINGS TO DO