Buggies, ziplines, caves and snorkeling in Punta Cana: what to know

Punta Cana is not just beach. A short drive from the resorts there are dirt tracks for buggies, ziplines between hills, freshwater caves and coral reefs. These are the most common questions about each activity, with prices and requirements taken from the Jhoraji Tours tour pages.

Prices per person taken from each tour page on November 10, 2026. Check the price on the linked page before booking.

What is the buggy excursion like and what should I wear?

It takes about 4 hours: you drive a buggy along rural dirt and mud tracks, swim in a cave with crystal-clear water, taste coffee and cacao, and finish at Macao Beach. Wear clothes that can get dirty and closed shoes, and bring a swimsuit and a towel.

The buggy excursion costs US$35 per person in a shared buggy, with the option to change to a single or family one. Before setting off there is a safety briefing with driving instructions.

Add sunglasses and a bandana to cover your face: depending on the rain, you will end up covered in dust or in mud. No driving license is needed. An adult, aged 18 or over, drives, and minors can ride as passengers. The tour page advises against it for pregnant women and people with back problems.

What is the difference between the buggy and the ATV?

The buggy has a steering wheel and seats and is shared; the ATV, or quad bike, is ridden like a motorcycle and is for one person, with a double option. The route and the price are practically the same: US$35.

Both excursions last 4 hours, stop at a cave for a swim, include coffee and cacao tasting (the ATV adds tobacco) and finish at Macao Beach. On both, an adult drives, with no license needed, and minors ride as passengers.

If you want more activities on the same day, there are combos: Buggy and catamaran (US$95), Buggies and Montaña Redonda (US$90) or Jhoraji Adventure (US$95), which adds ziplines and horses.

Where can I go ziplining in Punta Cana?

In the hills of Higüey, inland: the Higüey Zipline has a circuit of 8 ziplines with hanging bridges, costs US$60 and takes 5 hours including the transfer.

There is a morning shift (pickup 7:30 to 8:00 am) and an afternoon shift (12:30 to 1:00 pm). It includes a safety briefing, a visit to cacao and coffee plantations and fruit tasting.

Requirements on the tour page: minimum age 6 and maximum weight 120 kg (265 lb). Not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart or back problems.

If you want ziplines, buggy and horses in one day, look at Jhoraji Adventure (US$95) or Hacienda Tuko (US$99), both from age 8.

Where can I swim in a cenote or a cave in Punta Cana?

With Jhoraji Tours there are three options: the Cueva Azul (Blue Cave), part of the Mundo Taíno excursion (US$35); the lagoons of the Ojos Indígenas reserve (US$90); and the cave where the buggy and ATV excursions stop (US$35).

The well-known Hoyo Azul is a different place: it is inside Scape Park, in Cap Cana, and you visit it with that park's ticket. We explain it in how to visit Hoyo Azul and what the alternatives are.

Can you go horseback riding on the beach in Punta Cana?

Yes. The horseback ride on Macao Beach follows rural trails and the shoreline: it lasts 3 hours and costs US$55, with a helmet and a guide for beginners.

The minimum age is 6, and the tour page advises against it for pregnant women and people with back or neck problems. Wear closed shoes and a cap, and bring insect repellent.

Other options: Montaña Redonda with a horseback ride on Limón Beach (US$82, 6 hours with lunch) and the Cultural Safari (US$60), which includes some time on horseback in the countryside.

Where is the best snorkeling in Punta Cana?

On the reefs you reach by boat. The Catalina Island excursion (US$70) is the one most focused on snorkeling, with a stop at a coral reef and gear included.

Other options with snorkeling:

• Party Boat (US$60): a catamaran along the Bávaro coast, with snorkel gear and a stop at the natural pool. 4 hours.
• Saona Island VIP (US$120): guided snorkeling with gear, as part of a day of beaches.
• Scuba Doo (US$60): 25 to 30 minutes underwater on a scooter with a helmet. You must know how to swim and be at least 10.
• Catalina Island with scuba diving (US$140): a dive with full equipment at The Wall or The Aquarium.

From the resort beaches you usually see little: the reef is offshore.

What is included in the Punta Cana Party Boat?

Four hours on a catamaran along the Bávaro coast with an open bar of local drinks (rum, beer and soft drinks), snorkel gear, a stop at a natural pool, snacks or fruit and transfers from your hotel. It costs US$60.

The Party Boat is the shortest and most festive sea excursion, with music and entertainment on board. Tips and photos are not included.

To fill the whole day, Buggy and catamaran (US$95) combines buggies in the morning with a catamaran and snorkeling in the afternoon: pickup is between 7:00 and 8:00 am and you are back around 6:00 pm.

How much do parasailing and deep sea fishing cost in Punta Cana?

Parasailing costs US$80 per person and sport fishing US$110. Both include hotel pickup.

Parasailing. A 10 to 15-minute flight towed by a speedboat, with a harness and life jacket; the whole activity takes about 2 hours. According to the tour page, the minimum age is 10 and the maximum weight is 180 kg (397 lb). It is not suitable for people with heart problems, and you should not drink alcohol before the flight.

Sport fishing. A 4-hour trip on a boat with rods, tackle, captain and crew, in a morning or afternoon shift. The catch can be mahi-mahi, marlin, wahoo and tuna. Soft drinks are included; food is not. If you get seasick, bring your medication.

Every activity, with its price and duration, is in the guide to excursions. Before choosing, check which excursions have a minimum age or weight limit. And if you were looking for dolphins, Monkeyland or a private catamaran, see what the alternatives are.