Home to an impressive array of cenote pools, nature parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, the Dominican Republic protects nearly a quarter of its land and 35% of its marine areas. Pairing your stay at Dreams^® Cap Cana Resort & Spa with visits to nearby natural attractions* is a wonderful way to experience even more of what Punta Cana has to offer.

Just minutes from Punta Cana’s resort district, a series of nearby nature reserves invites travelers into vibrant, untouched ecosystems. Among them is Hoyo Azul, located inside Scape Park.* Spanish for “Blue Hole,” this turquoise oasis proves you don’t need to head to the shore to experience Punta Cana’s signature aqua waters. Nestled deep in the rainforest, the 45‑foot‑deep pool was formed when groundwater filled an eroded limestone basin. It’s one of the more spectacular cenotes, owing to the 250-foot-tall cliffs surrounding the pool, and the suspension bridge to access it. 

Visitors to Scape Park can also spend a half or full day exploring Iguabonita Cave. It’s home to impressive natural formations, waterfalls, petroglyphs created by the Taíno people, and a unique zip‑line course that incorporates refreshing water features.

Spanning more than 600 square miles, Los Haitises National Park* offers multiple opportunities to explore the Dominican Republic’s northeast coast. There’s a lot to see and do on a full-day visit—from viewing Taíno petroglyphs in caves like Cueva de la Línea to paddling kayaks through coastal mangroves or spotting wildlife in the tropical rainforest.

Another spot to explore is Montaña Redonda.* This peak can be reached via a mile-long hike that rewards you with 360-degree views of the Anamuya and Cordillera Oriental mountains. Or drive to Montaña Redonda using a 4x4 vehicle (for a fee), with the option to return by hiking down or via a zip line from the summit. Start or end your day by visiting the laid-back beach town of Miches, where you can relax at peaceful Playa Esmeralda before returning to Punta Cana.

Travelers seeking a quieter escape from the busier tourist hubs will find it at Salto de la Jalda.* This 400-foot waterfall is remarkably uncrowded, largely due to the 9-mile round-trip hike required to reach it. It’s a long but not especially difficult trail, with the promise of plunging into a refreshing waterfall pool at the midpoint. Visiting Salto de la Jalda takes most of the day if you’re coming from Punta Cana; the trailhead is near the Magua village, where local guides are available to lead you to the cascade.

Previously known as East National Park, Cotubanamá National Park* offers a multitude of the Dominican Republic’s most alluring natural attractions, including subtropical forests, mangroves, beaches, and caves. Named for a Taíno chieftain who led a 16th-century revolt against the Spanish conquistadors, the park occupies more than 460 square miles of the Hispaniola mainland and two offshore islands: Isla Saona and Isla Catalina.

The park is richly intertwined with Taíno history and culture. You can view ancient pictographs and petroglyphs in extensive cave systems. Ceremonial plazas and indigenous cemeteries are also among the park’s treasures. 

And don’t forget its 50 miles of coastline. Imagine long stretches of unspoiled beaches, where swimmers, snorkelers, and divers frequently share the water with dolphins and manatees. Certified scuba divers can join guided tours* of underground lakes in some of the park’s 400-plus known caves along the Sendero Ecológico y Arqueológico Padre Nuestro, which provides access to natural wonders both above and below ground. Boat tours* to some of the more remote areas of the park are also available to visitors. 

Robert Curley writes regularly about the Caribbean and other travel destinations for publications including Coastal Living, AFAR, and Business Traveller.

* No inquiry has been made into the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, or the qualifications, safety, or quality of the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, and WHV Resort Group, Inc. and HV Global Group, Inc. (collectively, “HVC”) make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of such off-site locations, activities, events, or service providers listed herein. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the off-site locations, activities, services, events, or providers. Neither WHV Resort Group, Inc. nor HV Global Group, Inc. assumes liability for attendance at, or visits to, any off-site locations, or the products, activities, or services furnished by independent service providers. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.

** All hotel stays and other benefits offered through the World of Hyatt® program are also subject to the terms and conditions and limitations that apply to the World of Hyatt program generally, as determined by Hyatt from time to time.

Eligible Owners can convert their Platinum Points, Portfolio Points, or Club Points to World of Hyatt Bonus Points subject to applicable terms and conditions, limitations, and payment of any applicable transaction fees. All hotel stays and other benefits offered through the World of Hyatt program are also subject to the terms and conditions and limitations that apply to the World of Hyatt program generally, as determined by Hyatt in its sole discretion. World of Hyatt is owned and operated by Hyatt.