Sports
Golf
There are five golf courses in operation the area, and another slated for opening in 2005: El Golf de Bavaro 18 holes par 72 (Barcelo hotels), Cocotal 27 holes par 72 (Melia hotels), Punta Cana Golf (Club Med, Punta Cana Resort & Club, Cabeza de Toro Golf (Catalonia Resort), White Sands Golf (Blue Ocean resort), Punta Espada Golf opening first 9 holes summer 2005 (Cap Cana).
Punta Cana features the longest coral reef in the whole island - about 30 kilometers long.
Snorkeling is so-so from shore, decent out at select areas near the reef. Snorkeling excursions take groups out to The Aquarium (east of Club Med) and towards the reef off El Cortecito beach or to the area near the Riu Taino hotel.
Scuba
Diving is good, not great, because right off shore from the Punta Cana side the water is riddled with barrier reefs. The area though is most appropriate for beginning divers. It is a great place to learn since the waters, even far out, are so shallow. Excursions will take you to discover a shipwreck and lots of nice coral formations, channels and tunnels. Not a large variety of fish, due to the spear fishermen you pass on the way out. Water temp 75 F.
If you are serious about scuba diving, but still want to vacation in the Punta Cana area you may participate in dive excursions to Catalina and Saona islands, a two hour drive away. These dives are attractive to both beginners and advanced scuba divers.
Fishing
In this region, big game fishing is very good and annual tournaments draw international participants in the summer. Punta Cana counts within the world's Top 5 Destinations in case of the Famous White Marlin Fishing with it's peak season late March-end June. You can look forward to catching blue marlin, white marlin, dorado(mahi), wahoo, yellowfin tunas, bonitos, barracudas and others. Best fishing is the long lasting Billfish season end March til mid September. Arrangements can be made at the Marinas Punta Cana and Cap Cana, the still only secure and professional operating Marinas on the Dominican East Coast. summer 2009 they will get acompanied by the newest top Marina at the Westin RocoKi in Macao, right aside all Bavaro/Punta Cana Hotels. the professional operating Marinas also started to offer their services with a few touroperators and at the guest services of some hotels. just make always sure that you really get contacted/hooked up by a fully insured Outfitter operating at a real Marina. end May 2009 the German Big Game Championship will be held at the Punta Cana Marina.
Horseback riding
Several Ranches are located in the Punta Cana/Bavaro for all tastes and price ranges. In Punta Cana itself you have PUNTACANA Ranch which belong to PUNTACANA Resort & Club. The horses here are well taken care of and for beginner or advanced riders alike and all groups are always accompanied by 2 guides. The rides go down to the beach and through part of the gated community, offering a bit of everything and for all tastes.
