Punta Cana, situated on the south east coast of the Dominican Republic with miles of powdery white sand beaches, & great golf courses is a perfect vacation getaway

I recently spent 4 days here, and trust me that's not enough time to fully experience all that Punta Cana has to offer.

Some Quick Facts
Language: Spanish; some English spoken in tourist areas
Location: On the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic
Currency: Dominican Peso, US dollars helpful for tipping, ATM machines located at banks, the airport and some resorts.
Electricity: 110V-60 cycles, some older hotels may have recessed outlets and only two pronged outlet, difficult to connect items such as BlackBerry chargers that have plug built into them, best bet take a small 2 pronged extension cord with you.

Arrived at Punta Cana International airport on a charter flight and upon arrival in the customs myself and all the passengers were greeted by smiling Dominican Ladies posing beside us individually for photographs. You pay nothing here but at the end of your vacation when you return to the airport your pictures are posted on a wall and you may purchase at that point.

Get ready to clear customs & immigration, make sure to have your passport in hand and landing card filled out, in addition you will be asked for your tourist card which has been given to you by your tour operator, if you've lost it or need to by one, it will cost you $10.
Immigration clearance is quite quick, luggage delivery isn't as fast but it does arrive. As you leave the arrivals hall you will be approached by "malateros" they want to help carry your bags but only for a short distance and then expect money in return, a polite "no gracias" is all you need to say unless you really want them to help you.

Search out your respective tour operator at clearly marked booths and they will guide you to your transportation to your selected hotel.
If you have flown on a scheduled airline flight chances are you will need to arrange your own transportation

Depending on where your hotel is located it can be anywhere from a 15 minute to 75 minute transfer. I had the privilege of staying at the Riu Palace Punta Cana All Inclusive Resort (most resorts here tend to be all inclusive) For me it was about a 30 minute transfer, other hotels close by - the Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro, Majestic and Grand Paradise Bavaro, tack on about another 10 minutes for the transfer time.

The "Riu Palace Punta Cana" has 612 junior suites, all with irons and ironing boards for getting the wrinkles out of your linen shirts, hairdryers in the bathrooms, in room liquor dispensers, and a mini fridge containing soft drinks, beer and water, in case you don't want to party by the pool.

FREE Wireless internet is available in the lobby and sports bar so if you need to stay in touch on the web bring your laptop, or if you want to travel light then your IPod Touch or IPhone, their built in web browsers and email will work here. There is also internet service available at standalone computers for an additional charge. Free Wireless is also available at the Riu Palace Macao, the other Riu properties here have internet cafes at an additional charge.

Room service 24 hours a day and 24-hour All-Inclusive (snacks and beverages) and the Don Manuel buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner complement these à la carte restaurants, one note though, you need to make reservations for the following.
"Yokohama" Japanese restaurant, Grill and steakhouse,
"Krystal" Fusion restaurant
"La Bodega" Brazilian restaurant
"Luigi" Italian restaurant

The hotel also has a Kid's Club, Gym and a Spa facility, plus a spectacular pool, in addition as a guest of the Palace your are entitled to use he facilities of the other 4 Riu Resorts.

That was a quick overview of the hotel, so let's get some more info on Bavaro or Punta Cana.
Several Golf Courses in the area, here's info for Cocotal Golf , shopping, try the modern Palma Real Shopping Center a modern covered shopping village with the latest designer shops, restaurants, a Hard Rock Cafe and a movie theatre.

There is no real central town area with a church and a town square here in Bavaro, instead you will find small plazas that contain small restaurants/bars, souvenir shops, and car rental agencies and of course the Palma Real Shopping Center mentioned above. There are also some small grocery stores, and pharmacies with more coming to meet the demands of the ever increasing tourist population.

So what do you do with yourself if you're tired of the beach?
Choose from a variety of excursions that will let you try something a little different, everything from a speedboat ride to a tour over Bavaro in a helicopter.
I have taken info from several printed sources compiled this chart for a quick overview of what's available. Check with your tour rep for current pricing.
As far as I know all these tours will pick you up from your hotel and bring you back at the completion.

When you're ready to leave Punta Cana hop on your bus that your tour operator has included, make sure to check ahead for pickup times an you'll be back at Punta Cana International Airport. Remember not to bring any liquids (like Rum) in your carry on, officials will confiscate it, make sure it's packed in your luggage or you can purchase at the Duty Free shops once you clear customs. You'll find two departures buildings here, no long walks except to get to your plane, no jetways either, you walk outside to board your flight.

If you have a craving for hamburgers and fries you'll find a Wendy's here, a pizza restaurant and a few other small eateries, and as with all airports, prices are a little high.
In addition there are a few souvenir shops, duty free liquor and perfume stores, and don't forget to check out the wall for the pictures they took of you when you arrived.

Hope to get some video posted shortly .... and please  let me know if you prefer to have more video and pictures or more descriptive copy.

You can email me at chuck@chuckontour.ca