Cheap Activities to Do as a Tourist in Punta Cana ($35 or Less)

Punta Cana is famous for luxury resorts and turquoise waters—but you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. With a bit of planning, you can explore beaches, local food, eco parks, and culture for $35 or less per activity. Below are practical, low-cost ideas with tips to help you spend smart and still have an amazing time.

Quick Tip: Carry small bills in Dominican pesos, use local transport when possible, and bring a reusable water bottle and snacks to stretch your budget.

1) Beach Day at Playa Macao (Free–$10)

Why go: Public, wide, and lively—loved by locals and visitors alike. Swim, sunbathe, or stroll the golden sand.

Costs: Free if you bring a towel and snacks. Chairs/umbrellas often ~$5–$10.
Food: Fried fish plates and a cold Presidente beer cost far less than resort prices.
Bonus: Beginner surf lessons sometimes start around $25–$30.

2) Visit Local Fruit Stands & Colmados ($5–$10)

Grab ripe mango, pineapple, chinola (passion fruit), or a fresh-cut coconut. Vendors often slice fruit on the spot—simple, delicious, and cheap.

3) Cultural Stroll in Higüey ($10–$15)

Hop a guagua (local bus) to nearby Higüey for ~$2–$3 each way.

See the striking Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia.
Browse bustling markets for spices and souvenirs.
Eat a local lunch (rice, beans, chicken) for ~$4–$6.

4) Turn Transport into an Experience ($1–$5)

Guaguas: Cheap and lively (usually $1–$2). Moto taxis: Fast, short rides often under $3—great for close hops.

Safety note: Wear a helmet on moto taxis; if it doesn’t feel safe, opt for a bus or shared van.

5) Shore Snorkeling at Los Corales or Cabeza de Toro ($10–$20)

Skip the pricey catamaran and wade in from shore to spot colorful fish. Bring your own snorkel set or rent locally for the day.

6) Eat Like a Local: Comedores & Fondas ($5–$10)

Order la bandera—rice, beans, stewed chicken or pork—and tostones. Add fresh juice and stay well under $10.

7) Ecological Parks & Nature Walks ($10–$20)

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve (Ojos Indígenas): Entry ~$15–$20 for trails and fresh-water lagoons—cool off in crystal-clear cenotes.

8) Coffee, Chocolate & Rum Mini-Tastings ($15–$25)

Small shops and farms host short tastings with samples and local insights. Many include a small souvenir bag of coffee or cacao.

9) Merengue & Bachata Dance Class ($20–$30)

One-hour beginner classes teach the basics—and give you a fun story to bring home. Ask beach bars or small studios for schedules.

10) Kayak or Paddleboard by the Hour ($20–$30)

Calm waters make it easy for first-timers. Rent from local outfitters on public beaches and explore the coastline at your own pace.

11) Nightlife the Local Way: Colmado Hangouts ($5–$15)

Colmados (corner stores with music) are where neighborhoods gather. Buy a cold beer for $2–$3, dance, and people-watch for free.

12) DIY Waterfall Adventure (Under $35 with Local Transport)

Dominican waterfalls can be accessible without a tour if you’re adventurous. Plan your route, bring water and snacks, and aim to keep transport under budget with buses and moto taxis.

13) Street Food Mini-Tour ($10–$15)

Chimis (DR burgers): $3–$4
Empanadas: ~$1
Yaniqueques: $1–$2
Frituras (pork & plantains): $5–$7

14) Free Resort or Bar Entertainment (If You’re a Guest or with Drink Purchase)

All-inclusives often include shows, karaoke, and live bands at no extra cost. Off-resort bars sometimes have live music with free entry—just buy a drink.

15) Beach Volleyball or Pickup Baseball (Free)

Join a game, make new friends, and get a workout—with the Caribbean as your backdrop.

Smart Budget Tips

Use pesos: You’ll usually get better prices than paying in USD.
Ask locals: For hidden gems and fair prices.
Pack light essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, water bottle, snacks.
Plan transport: Buses and shared vans beat taxis for savings.

Before You Go: Don’t Forget the DR E-Ticket

All travelers must complete the Dominican Republic E-Ticket for immigration, customs, and health. It’s free to do on your own and generates a QR code you’ll show at the airport.

Official portal: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do

Need help? You can also use our guided form to avoid mistakes and save time: Start your E-Ticket →

Bottom Line

Punta Cana isn’t just for luxury travelers. With these ideas, you can swim, snorkel, dance, kayak, eat like a local, and soak up authentic Dominican culture—each for $35 or less. Paradise on a budget is absolutely possible.