Punta Cana: 25 CRITICAL Things To Know Before You Go 

I like this dude. He really just be chilling and traveling the world. Doesn’t bother anybody, just doing his thing traveling, drinking, and eating. Good on him.

Before I plan a trip I do my research thoroughly so that everything from rooms, to the food, the overall resort and excursions are known before we leave. I have watched several vlogger and by far your videos are the most informative and detailed. Thanks

I did a lot of things during my trips to Punta Cana. Went on off road safaris and visited islands. All excursions were purchased at my all inclusive hotels from what I can remember. It is so true that more expensive hotels are not always better.

First time traveling alone to Punta Cana alone, feels weird traveling alone but I need a solo break.

“Is the alcohol safe?” “I drank a lot of it” hahaha best review

You’ve hit 15k subscribers congrats man! I’ve been subbed since 400 subscribers. Keep it going James, love your videos

I just visited Punta Cana. I perhaps should have watched this before I left. However, after watching this video I agree with all 25 points you made. Thank you for an honest review.

Thank you so much! I’m Dominican who lives in USA.

6:08 There are a lot of places to visit in and out of punta cana! Dominican Republic isn't 34 days in a resort. I strongly recommended to explore the Dominican Republic. There are a lot of amazing cenotes, beaches, Rivers you wouldn't want to miss out. Some of them are: ojos indígenas, hoyo azul, cayo Arenas, Bahía de las águilas, el salto del limón, isla saona, Ojos indígenas, hoyo claro, laguna DuDú, pico duarte, los 27 charcos, etc... and of course you must visit Santo Domingo the first city of the hole content ;)

So Awesome! I really appreciate your honesty and genuine personality! Your videos are helping me narrow down my next trip and the tips are very helpful. Looking forward to seeing more of your travels!!

La Romana and Saona island is amazing.

Ya this guy deserves all the views and success! Reviews and tips are always spot on. Thanks man

I’m going on a 10 day trip to punta Cana, we’ll be staying at the aquamarine it’s our first time going

I've been enjoying your videos. You should definitely do this same series at the Luxury AI resorts in the Riviera Maya / Cancun area. There are so many great resorts to try and great value too!! I would love to see that happen on this channel.

Wow!!! I'm going to travel to Punta Cana the next month, and your videos about that were the must interesting videos about the resorts that I could find in youtube! Regards from Mexico!!! You have a new fan here!

Truth…wifi is spotty throughout the country…just know it, accept it and take it as a blessing. Life is too short to stress about that when the country is a tropical oasis with amazing people.

In regards to number 22 when it comes to the a la carte restaurants... we usually just order one of everything

I just watched three of your videos and loved them!! I’ve only done one all inclusive, Excellence Riveria Maya, and it was amazing. Thinking of going to Punta Cana and your videos r extremely helpful!!

Ty for all the great information. Me and my girlfriends are heading there in November.

he is the type of guy when 10 people are showing off in a high end party a, he walks in a jeans and a tee and tells better things based on real experiences by being casual and without any hype. Top notch.

Thanks to this video I was able to navigate here in DR. I just wish I knew to avoid anyone working for employees from the company legendary especially at the airport ! I bought Dolphin Discovery tickets and they told me I would get a complimentary tour and breakfast at the hard rock hotel and that you needed to pick up our official tickets there. Instead they pressured us to a sales presentation , they will try to sell you timeshare! I had such an annoying experience .

Punta Cana my favorite vacation destination I can’t wait to go back in July ❤️❤️🇩🇴🇩🇴

2:03 lol, the resorts don't want you spend money outside the resort bc they get at least half of the ticket price on the excusions.

We are going in a month, I can't wait. Been watching his videos on repeat daily. He's given me lots of tips!

Resort may be safe but the airport is another matter. Going through security the guy in front of me had his wallet and passport stolen from his bag going through the scanner. He noticed them missing when he sat down and went back to complain. Of course they denied everything but after a few threats they miraculously appeared.

I'm dominican and been honest this guy is the goat lol. Really nice advices.

Cool video thanks pal 👍

My wife and I honeymooned in Punta Cana 5 years ago. We stayed at Dreams Palm Beach, it was a fantastic resort for the money. We went all out ocean view suite I think we paid $4,000 for everything including flights. It would have been a lot cheaper if we wanted but we splurged. This resort had amazing restaurants on site. This guy's video is spot on with what we experienced. Culture of the Dominicans is great, their attitude and demeanor is great. We found quite a bit to do off our resort, we did snorkeling, side by side adventure, swam with sharks and sting rays, had a blast. We didn't have issues leaving our resort, we went out the gates 2 or 3 times there was a lot of shops right outside the resort. My wife bartered for this beautiful painted turtle. They initially wanted $300 she talked them down to $50 and a bottle coke from the resort. Probably still overpaid but never pay initial price. As for the alcohol, it seemed legit to me as well...what I noticed was the coke and soft drinks they used in them made them taste a little funky. So we tried to stick to drinks that didn't require soda of any kind. Our overall experience was amazing. We want to go back for our 10 year anniversary. We wanted to go for our 5th but Covid got in the way.

I never ever ever feel like the all inclusive walls are coming in on me. Again we stay for 15 nights and I still never want to go home on the 15th day! There is literally nothing better than being at the swim up bar drinking all day and meeting such amazing people from all over the world then going up getting ready for a great 5 star dinner, drinks after, then a show.... paradise!

Yeaaaaahhhhh Canada!!! Woohoo! :D

I hope that you are able to make a trip to Jamaica and do your reviews...you will not only have a banging time but you will also get some of the greatest foods around..on property but also off property... hint hint. Yes..am jamaican. Keep the videos coming. Thanks for the detailed and concise reviews

Great Info

Another Excellent Video!

We just got back from our 2nd time in Punta Cana. Everything you said is true! As far as FOMO and leaving the resort there is a very popular disco/nightclub not too far away that people really enjoy. As far as meeting people from different countries this time we met up with 2 pairs of Brits, they are by far the biggest party animals we have ever met!

thanks man. great tips!

Great video as always. Have to disagree with you on the food. I have stayed at 3 star, 4 star, and 5 star resorts in punta cana all inclusives and the food has always been amazing. Remember these properties bring in some of the top chefs in the world. Why? Because food is such an important element for the consumer in the all inclusives. I am going to the 5 star iberostar coral upgrade bavaro suites in january 2025 for 15 nights and couldnt be more excited!!!!!! We always go for 15 nights to truly relax. Anything less you just can get truly relaxed!

Did you go to Coco Bongo? That seemed to be a very popular place that my hotel was pushing. I stayed at one of the Rius.

Thank you 🙌🏽

Have you heard of Cap Cana? More expensive, higher end than Punta Cana - would love for you to check it out. They have private villas too that are amazing.

Hi, thank you very much for your advice! Have you ever been to Grand Palladium Palace resort and spa in Punta Cana? If yes, how do you find this experience? Thank you

Just like you I have always have had amazing experiences with the unlimited alcohol!

Your Punta Cana series helped me plan my B day trip coming up in march and made me hit the subscribe button. thank you Great content!

I did 2 weeks trip in so many places in Dominican Republic. I was sleeping every 2 days in different village and city. It was amazing, I could see real Dominican Republic, because staying in hotel you can't explore it :). I could see real life, real public transport and amazing food. I spend 1000 pounds including flight, airbnb, food and transport. And no. I didnt have bad standard of airbnb. You would be surprised :)

I would never go on a vacation if it wasnt an all inclusive at the beach...ever! Why would you? We go for 2 weeks every year in January and we hit a different all inclusive resort all throughout the carribean.

Love Cuba! To me it's a 100 times better 😀 You can leave the resort anytime and visit!

Yo 11:18-11:22 the girl on the right had me dead 💀 😂😂

Lost me on #11 no place regardless of cost is trustworthy enough to leave your valuables out. You have just been lucky ..Eventually you are going to get burned.

I was wondering if you've ever stayed at the melia caribe resort in punta cana. Headed there in 3 weeks

Can you suggest a safe and private airport transfer for my family of five from Punta Cana airport? I’d like to think that any of the top rated companies on TripAdviser are reputable but travelling with our 3 young kids, I only want safe and reliable. I’m not worried about the cost. Thank you!

About the wifi, I lived in the DR, stayed in resorts, and it's a resort problem. They typically subcontract this infrastructure to tech firms and the coverage of the property is less than ideal, as you found. It probably varies from one resort to the other, but many are lagging a few years in that respect. If wifi is important to you, scan the comments on the resorts you're considering to weed out the bad apples.

Any tips on Airport transfers? Will be visiting Royalton Chic.

I just got home from the Hyatt in punta Cana. Only thing o disagree with was the alcohol. We went for a wedding and the reception and restaurants were the only places I got 100% alcohol. By the pool and beach it was watered down I even caught someone watering down a bottle of Malibu. After he saw me catch him I was catered to on another level the rest of the day.

Your videos help to decided on which hotel I’m planning to book and of course I’m booking on Riu Republica. Thank you

Okay, crazy question: Can one bring away (home) any alcohol thats stocked in your room fridge (from vacay)? If yes, does the airlines/airport make u pay duty or declare it? Im just asking bc i dont drink and i obviously feel like im not making use of or getting the full due of my PAID all inclusive trip since im not getting any alcohol so it would be nice if i can bring it for my family or friends who does drink.

I can thank you enough for your time and money spent in my country and glad you had awesome time in those properties

Dominican food is great there’s tons of places to eat you don’t stay on the resort hello

Is there cigars at the hotels? If so why leave, if not i gotta get my fix.

Uh I had 16 shots of tequila last night at an all inclusive in PC, and I was absolutely fine, that alcohol had to be watered down 😂

My wife and I are at the Royalton currently celebrating our honeymoon. My biggest issue so far was the guy on the beach with the parrot. He came up to us and started to take pictures of us with the parrot. He used my phone and I thought “this is cool” until when he was done he wanted $80! I finally got him down to $40 to get him to go away. Curious if that other happened to you. We saw him doing it again a couple days later. I learned to say no thanks!

I think they give you the best alcohol because they know you will make a video about them on RU-vid.

Hi James I'm looking to book up a trip to DR next April but can't decide between Melia Wellness Spa resort Adults only or Punta Cana Princess all suite spa resort Adults Only any advice on either 1 many thanks?

Thank you very much for all the advise! Me and my husband going in July for the first time! 😀

Good information. My wife and I are planning our trip there for March right after the March break/ spring break. We're from Canada, so I laughed when you said there's lots of Canadians.

I'm going next month but the dates I'll be there Riu Republica is booked out. Which other do you suggest that I can have a grand time at? I'm leaving from Jamaica 🇯🇲 I would need something fun.

Went to DR in 2021 and it was one of the best vacations I’ve ever been on. GREAT bang for your buck. Food/drink was meh at the all-inclusive we stayed at (Excellence) but the accommodations and overall experience was awesome.

Glad you like punta cana . Next time go to samana.

Do you recommend booking directly from the resorts website, or through a 3rd party?

ANY COMMENTS FOR CIGARS?

I agree, Dominicans are very happy, polite and cater to guests at resorts. I was so disappointed when I went to Jamaica. No excellent service there.

I always wondered why it was so cheap lol but the reality is that its not safe .... i was looking for cheap vay cay that won't destroy me but its difficult

You have talent to summarize a lot of info into a short video. Thanks.

love your videos have you done any on cuba

Hello, I'm Dominican and proud of your video Thank You god bless.

I'm going next week. Just have a quick question. I'm in Canada going to punta cana, do I need to take us dollar currency or pesos?

Nice work James. There is a thriving local scene along Bavaro Beach that are not all-inclusive . La Piazzetta is our community in El Cortecito- visit us next time. Cheers!

Dead on about the food. The steak houses are awful. The seafood is usually pretty good. I will say this, they have the best coffee I've ever had, anywhere, ever.

What is the name of the transfer company that you recommend from the airport to the hotel located at Bavaro Beach area and the approx. cost one way? I know in one of your videos, I think you mentioned the name, but could not find it again? Also, I assume you can book in advance and the driver will be waiting for you with a sign? I know our tour bus will take us to the hotel, but it could be a long wait if other passengers are inside waiting for their luggage. Thanks very much for responding and really enjoy your RU-vid postings for the various locations

*Punta Cana is not better than Greece or Turkey value wise.*

How is punta cana the first week of November? Are the resorts pretty empty?

the alcohol didn't make me drunk i just slept it off for 4 days straight

So would you say that when choosing your resort that they offer free airport shuttle is worth it? There's very few places that offer that service?! Any suggestions?

i did rent a car, big mistake. like you said, there is not thing out there but old country roads and some towns don't have street lights and stop sign . the cop charge me 500 peso to find my hotel.

Great advice. My wife and I are heading out that way. Based on your advice we are heading to RIU Republica.

Headed that way on March 7th , so excited, thanks for the info

Greatest gratitude for your amazing excellence in your work J.W. Punta Cana ♥️⚘️🥂

I from London. I got hooked to your videos .your just the greatest

Try La Romana,much better than Punta Cana☺️I go every year

No special friend allowed to bring back to room ?

I like this guy because he tells you what it all about. He breaks it down the best.

The gates to get an Uber is like 1/2 miles, lol. I laughing so loud with this comments, lol.

I am from Kamloops British Columbia Canada and I love your videos. I have been to Punta Cana twice and am going for my third in March 2023 staying at Breathless. Watching your videos I have learned a lot. Just throwing this out there, you are a great looking guy, you need to find a nice lady to tour with. Did you check out the casino at Breathless. What is it like?

I just heard you on a video that they make it hard to take an Uber from the hotel… but can I take one Uber from the airport and get to the lobby or do I have to walk from the gate?

You mentioned that there isn't much to see outside the resorts in Punta Cana. Did you eventually venture out into town to eat some local food? I'm a so called foodie and part of traveling for me is to try local street food. Did you see any worth the trip outside the resorts? I'm staying at the Punta Cana Occidental later on this year and would like to know about the street food there.

I would love to know what else he does for a living to stay at for 36 days lol man! We’re going on our honeymoon this year for only 9 days lol I thought that was a good amount of time.

Also, Majestic Elegance& Mirage u not only have to wear a collared shirt & closed toe shoes but long pants as well. Which I thought was weird bc it was the Italian restaurant where men had to wear long pants & that was not their nicest restaurant

What about the COVID testing? You don’t mention the procedures.

so bad i found you after book , but next time i will try the riu republica, going in 3 week and staying at bahia principe

Punta Cana is a beautiful paradise, I saw a photograph coffee table book on Amazon about this place full of beautiful photos and is gorgeous!

Tip - Don't go to resorts where you have to book dinner.

Can yo get an Uber at the airport? Or do you need to walk outside the airport.