Arena Gorda beach

Seeing is believing. The palm trees that grow down as far as the sea’s edge, and the transparency and intense turquoise colour of its waters make this beach one of the most beautiful and photographed in the world. The absence of waves means it is ideal for young children to play in safety.

You can also practise a wide variety of water sports here: windsurfing, sailing, kayaks, pedaloes, bodyboarding or snorkelling. You can hire the necessary material near the Riu hotels in the area: Clubhotel Riu Bambú, Hotel Riu Naiboa, Hotel Riu Palace Macao and Hotel Riu Palace Punta Cana.
Another option is to admire the privileged surroundings of this interminable beach simply by strolling along the soft white sand.

Cabo Engaño beach

A beautiful, quiet beach, ideal for those who love peace and quiet. As with other beaches in the area, this one is bathed by turquoise waters and you will find a multitude of large shells on the sand. It is 20 minutes by car from Cabeza de Toro. The best way to access this beach is in a 4x4 due to the poor state of the road.

Punta Cana Ecological Park

A protected area covering over 900 hectares and containing 80 species of birds, 160 species of insects, 500 plant varieties and a maritime area that includes 8km of coral reef.
The park organises guided tours that enable you to discover this wonderful natural zone. Particularly outstanding is the area known as Ojos Indígenas, because of its 11 freshwater lagoons. Excursions on horseback in the interior of the park or along the coast are also available.

Marinarium

This marine park is near the coast of Cabeza de Toro, a few kilometres from Arena Gorda.
Glass-bottom boats leave from Cabeza de Toro and in just a few minutes will bring you to this place, which is ideal for the whole family.

Higüey

Surrounded by sugar fields, Higüey is famous for the basilica of Nuestra Señora de Altagracia, a monumental concrete cathedral. The small image of the Virgin of Altagracia, to which miraculous healing powers are attributed, has turned this church into a place of pilgrimage.

Del Este National Park

A natural sanctuary formed mainly by semi-humid forests and the island of Isla Saona, with heavenly beaches of white sand and crystalline waters.
The area is also remarkable for its 400 or so caves. Many of them contain cave paintings by the Tainos, the inhabitants of the island until the Spanish settlers arrived.
The park contains 539 species of flora (55 of them endemic), 112 species of birds, 250 types of insects and 120 species of fish. It is 60 km. from Arena Gorda.

Water sports

In any of the RIU hotels in this area you can hire the material you need to practise a large variety of water sports: windsurfing, sailing, bodyboarding or even pedaloes.

Diving and snorkelling

Without doubt the best place for diving in the country is the Parque Nacional del Este, 37 miles south of Arena Gorda:

Isla de Saona: In the waters of this island you can see over 150 species of tropical fish, as well as manatees from the West Indies and bottlenose dolphins, endangered species that have sought refuge in this region. Saona is also remarkable for its spectacular beaches.

Isla Catalinita: Isla Catalinita has a coral reef at a depth of just a few metres which is ideal for inexperienced divers who prefer snorkelling.
Many sharks are to be found at Cabo del Tiburón, between Saona and Catalinita, and it is a good place for more experienced divers.

The Padre Nuestro cave: Here you can dive through a narrow 951-feet freshwater tunnel. This immersion is only recommended for expert divers with a great deal of cave diving experience.

Go-kart racing

A short distance from Arena Gorda there is a go-kart circuit just over half a mile long. The vehicles are 9cv and reach speeds of up to 46 miles an hour. This place is recommended for the whole family as the safety measures are strict: crash helmets are compulsory and the speed of children’s karts can be limited. The proprietors offer a hotel collection service if you reserve far enough in advance.

Golf

Punta Cana Resort & Club's La Cana: Marvellous course with 14 different views of the ocean and four holes facing the sea. You can contract private lessons in the club’s golf academy.

Golf de Bávaro: Perfect for beginners, it is next to the Bávaro lagoon.

Cabeza de Toro Golf Club: Two courses with 18 and 9 holes. Several lakes and numerous trees make this course extremely pleasant. It has a practise course.

Cocotal Golf and Country Club: There are numerous palm trees on this course, which has 27 holes and is par 72, as it is located on the site of a former coconut palm plantation.

White Sands Golf Course: Located in the heart of Bávaro and designed by José “Pepe” Gancedo, this course is a par 72 with 18 holes.

Punta Espada: The first Jack Nicklaus course in the Dominican Republic runs along the beach, beside lakes and through lush vegetation, and has eight holes directly facing the ocean.

Specialities

La bandera: This dish consists of plain rice, beans, beef or pork and fried green plantains. Goat is also very popular in the Dominican Republic, and may be cooked with tomato sauce, rum or beer.

Dominican rum: Outstanding for its quality and smoothness. There are different varieties to try (white, golden and ‘añejo’) with cola, in a ‘cubalibre’ or with lemon-lime, the ‘santo libre’.

Shopping

"La calle Caribeña": In this shopping centre designed by Riu you will find all kinds of fashion shops and restaurants.