Punta Cana

The place where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea is Punta Cana. 

City Overview

Summer or winter, Punta Cana on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic is always a good choice. Its tropical climate always offers high temperatures and refreshing waters of a brilliant turquoise blue colour.

If you like to get to know the history and traditions of a destination when you visit it, and if you are looking for, in addition to pure rest there is plenty of entertainment and fun. The Punta Cana area has 12 different beaches.

Punta Cana has developed a reputation as the Caribbean’s most gay-friendly destination, thanks to its friendly and open-minded locals and the Caribbean Pride held here each year! The country is still an extremely Catholic country so take in display affection in public places outside of the resort you are staying at.

Getting Around

Public transport in Punta Cana might be tricky – but it is fun for getting around in Punta Cana if you know how it works. Explain at your resort where you want to go and they will explain the different types of option.

Airport Transfer

In Punta Cana there is the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), the country 's main airport, located about 30 km inland, on the highway that leads from Higuey to La Romana. This airport receives 64% of all the flights that arrive in the country, which is why it receives more passengers than the Las Americas International Airport, located in Santo Domingo, the country's capital.

Private transfer is normally included if staying a one of the adults only resorts and if not is relatively cheap.

Places to stay

While most resorts in Punta Cana are gay-friendly chose of the adults only resorts on a place recommended by a friendly. The Punta Cana areas is lush golden sand on the beaches and very comfortable pool side accommodation at the resorts.

You are likely to find many other LGBTQ travellers at these lively and ultra-contemporary resorts with world-class restaurants, bars/lounges, nightclubs, incredible outdoor pools, a spa and hot tubs

Prices are cheap compared to North American and European hotels, and standards are high – so it’s a great place to splurge!

Sightseeing

Excursions and safaris in the region are frequent, and some of the most important stopping places include the Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country, the local cigar factory Don Lucas Cigars, the Chocolate Museum, the Indigenous Museum Yucayeke, or the house where the 16th century Spanish explorer Ponce de Léon lived.

Bars, Clubs & Parties

At night you can seek pure fun in one of Punta Cana's many nightlife establishments. Most of these gay-friendly Punta Cana hotels can also help you discover the local LGBT businesses or find the small community here, while also updating you on the latest gay-friendly clubs and bars

Saunas\Hammam

Whilst the gay scene is growing as the Dominican Republic become more popular with LGBTQ tourists there is no gay sauna\hammam

Shopping

The shopping in Punta Cana is not exactly what brings the tourists in but it is still something that you can add to your list of things to do.

Punta Cana has many shopping plazas, stocked with Dominican & Caribbean crafts and unique gift ideas: silver and handmade souvenirs, hand-rolled cigars, rum and ceramics. Shopping plazas in Punta Cana are in the open air and consist of many small shops.

In addition to the shopping plaza there are many large shopping American style shopping malls

Main LGBT Events

The hottest and most luxurious gay pride celebration in the Caribbean takes place annually in September in Punta Cana. A whole new level of sexy entertainment and non-stop Pride action that likes of which the Dominican Republic has never seen complete with fabulous pool parties and thrilling excursions.

This Pride has nothing to do with political expression and is designed for the international visitors. For seven-days one of the luxury adults-only resorts, that changes annually, hosts numerous Pride events\themed parties packed with hundreds of gorgeous people ready to party.

Other

Currency – Dominican Peso (DOP)

Language – Spanish 

Visas – Most visitors arriving to the Dominican Republic–including those from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, the European Union, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mexico, many South American countries, Central America, Japan, Israel, etc. do not need a visa to enter the country.

Best Time To Visit – All year

Timezone –  Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4)

Homosexual Activity – Legal with generally relaxed attitude. Be discreet in company of old generation to not offend them.