Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Are you considering a trip to the idyllic coasts of the Dominican Republic? If so, one of the top questions on your mind might be, “Is Punta Cana safe?”
Fortunately, yes! Although nowhere is 100% safe, Punta Cana is a moderately low-risk destination for travelers.
The gorgeous white sand beaches and turquoise waters draw millions of tourists every year.
In fact, about seven of the ten million people who visited the Dominican Republic in 2023 went to Punta Cana.
Although the Dominican as a whole suffers from high crime rates, including violent crimes such as armed robbery, the statistics in Punta Cana paint a far more promising picture.
Dominican authorities work hard to keep Punta Cana safe.
Besides having police officers, they’ve also implemented safety measures in Punta Cana resorts and increased food and beverage safety checks.
However, as with any trip to a foreign country, it’s important to follow safety precautions.
Tourists can still be victims of opportunistic crimes, such as petty theft and scams.
Visitors should also safeguard their health through Centers for Disease Control-recommended vaccines, preventing mosquito-borne illnesses, drinking purified water, and avoiding overexposure to the sun.
This popular tourist destination on the east coast of the Dominican Republic is well worth a visit.
Let’s dive into more considerations to ensure you make the most informed decision possible regarding whether Punta Cana is a safe place for you.
Is Punta Cana Safe For Visitors?
Yes–Punta Cana is generally safe for visitors. However, it’s always a good idea to follow common sense precautions to avoid becoming a victim of a crime or suffering from health issues.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing bag snatching, and sexual harassment can affect visitors.
To avoid problems, don’t leave cell phones or personal belongings unattended.
Avoid bringing expensive jewelry, electronic devices, and other valuable items on your vacation.
Stick to populated tourist areas, especially after dark, and avoid isolated locations.
There are health risks in Punta Cana. Drinking bottled water rather than tap water is best to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Use insect repellent and loose-fitting clothing at dawn and dusk to prevent mosquito bites, which could carry Zika, Dengue, and Malaria.
Limit sun exposure, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen to avoid heatstroke.
You may also want to take malaria prophylaxis since Punta Cana is in a malaria transmission area.
Fortunately, tourist safety is pretty high in the Punta Cana. This is even more true at the all-inclusive resorts.
With 24-hour security, medical services, fire safety measures, employee background checks, lifeguards at the beaches and pools, security cameras, and restricted access, Punta Cana’s luxurious resorts are among the safest places to be.
Safety For Families
If you have extra safety concerns about traveling to Punta Cana with your family, I have good news! This beautiful destination is fairly safe for families.
The best way to keep your family safe and have an awesome time on the stunning beaches of Punta Cana is to follow the safety precautions I mention in the rest of this article.
For example, take extra care to protect your kids from the fierce tropical sun.
Supervise them when they’re swimming, ensure they only drink purified water (no brushing their teeth with tap water), and keep an eye on what they eat.
Protect them from mosquito bites and make sure they wash their hands to avoid unnecessary health concerns.
Also, if you choose to meander further afield than the resorts, ensure your kids stay close and don’t put themselves at risk from the crazy traffic.
Follow these essential tips, and there’s no reason Punta Cana can’t be a memorable travel destination for the whole family.
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Safety For Solo Travelers
Punta Cana is moderately safe for solo travelers, but take additional precautions to avoid any high-risk scenarios, especially if you aren’t staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts.
Solo female travelers should be especially vigilant. Unfortunately, females can experience cat-calling and harassment.
Solo Traveler Safety Tips
Don’t walk alone at night or in remote areas.
Share your travel itinerary with family or trusted friends from home and check in with them regularly.
Let them know what to do if they don’t hear from you within a specified amount of time.
Choose reputable accommodations in safe areas, preferably where there are other guests staying as well (rather than an isolated vacation rental).
Choose reputable transportation services such as Uber and licensed taxis.
Ask your hotel staff about safety guidelines and recommendations for your area.
Although it’s fine to be friendly with the locals, don’t be suggestive, go home with anyone, invite anyone into your hotel room, or give out details about where you’re staying, your room number, or your travel plans.
If you want to enjoy the nightlife, do so with other travelers, and don’t get drunk so you can keep using your best judgment.
Don’t accept drinks that have already been poured or leave your drink unattended. Cover it when you’re talking or otherwise distracted.
As a female traveler, if a man makes advances on you, be firm but polite. For example, say “No thanks.” or “Sorry, I need to go.“
Is Punta Cana Safe For A Girls’ Trip?
Yes–Punta Cana is generally safe for a girls’ trip. The resort areas are considered quite safe, but you should take precautions.
For example, keep your hotel room locked, don’t tell anyone your room number, stick together, and watch out for each other.
Don’t accept drinks or rides from strangers or separate from your group. Use licensed taxis to travel around and go on excursions with reputable tour services.
Catcalling and conversational advances are fairly common, even in touristy spots, and might sometimes escalate into sexual assault.
Check the section above for safety tips.
How About Safety At Night?
According to Numbeo, people feel safe walking alone around Punta Cana during the day and moderately safe at night.
If you’re heading out and about after dark, it’s best to go in a group and stick to more frequented or crowded areas.
Avoid isolated locations like the beaches, dark shadowy roads, and neighborhoods in Verón and Friusa.
If you’re staying at a resort, it’s generally safe to walk the grounds at night, but female travelers would be advised to do so in the company of other travelers.
Which Parts Of Punta Cana Are Safe, Risky?
Regarding risky areas in Punta Cana, exercise extra caution in Verón and Friusa and avoid remote areas like beaches and quiet roads after dark.
Fortunately, safe locations abound! Cap Cana, Bávaro, Punta Cana Village, and Uvero Alto are among the best secure spots.
Cap Cana is a tranquil and exclusive community with great levels of safety.
It’s a favorite thanks to the golf courses, marina, private beaches, upscale resorts, and gated communities.
Bávaro is also very tourist-friendly, with heightened security. This area boasts numerous resorts and pristine beaches.
Punta Cana Village is a safe community featuring a mixture of residences and businesses.
There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and services available here. Local authorities ensure the area is secure through regular patrols.
Uvero Alto is another resort area in Punta Cana.
It is less busy than Bávaro but also has great security measures in place, fancy resorts, and lovely beaches.
Is Punta Cana’s Crime Rate High?
According to Numbeo, Punta Cana has a moderate safety rating of 52 out of 100–comparable to places like Denver in the United States or Liverpool in the United Kingdom.
Crime statistics emitted by the Dominican Security Data Analysis Center (CADSECI) state that there were 41 homicides in La Altagracia province—where Punta Cana is located-–in 2022.
Of these, only two occurred in hotels, and zero occurred on beaches.
In 2021, there were 13 armed robberies in the province.
In 2023, the homicide rate dropped from 4% to 3% in La Altagracia.
According to the Eastern regional director of the National Police in La Altagracia, crimes other than homicide were down by 270%.
Besides petty theft, hardly any crimes in Punta Cana target tourists specifically.
Most crimes in the Dominican Republic occur in five main provinces: Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Puerto Plata, Santiago, and San Cristobal.
As a point of comparison, in the same year that there were 41 homicides in La Altagracias, there were 1389 in Santo Domingo.
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Is It Safe To Travel To Punta Cana?
Yes–it is fairly safe to travel to Punta Cana. If you do, you’ll be in good company!
In fact, over 10 million visitors traveled to the Dominican Republic in 2023, with an estimated seven million visiting the resort towns of Punta Cana.
Although violent crimes do occur, tourists are most likely to encounter petty theft.
This Latin American tropical paradise is considered a safe destination, but not all locations in the Dominican are advisable to visit.
The U.S. State Department has issued a level 2 travel advisory for the Dominican due to the higher crime rates in recent years, especially in major cities and urban areas like the capital, Santo Domingo.
They recommend American tourists join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to register with the closest U.S. Embassy.
Is Punta Cana Swimmable?
Absolutely! Punta Cana’s beaches are famous for their incredible white sand, turquoise waters, and elegant coconut palms.
Punta Cana is like a necklace where each bead represents another delightful sandy shore and luxurious blue water.
Some of the best beaches to check out include Playa Blanca, Juanillo Beach, Playa Bavaro, and Macaco Beach.
Just be sure to stay alert to water conditions, keep an eye on the flags (green means you’re good to go), and protect yourself from the harsh UV rays.
Is It Expensive?
Punta Cana lands in the moderate range when it comes to price. It’s cheaper than other Caribbean destinations and caters to various budgets.
On average, the per-day cost of a trip to this region is $269 for a solo traveler, $484 for a couple, and $908 for a family of six.
Super budget travelers may be able to drop costs to an average of $116 per person per day.
Punta Cana hotels vary from $45 to $406 per night, with an average cost of $167.
Vacation rentals typically cost between $120 to $1000 a night, but about 3% of them are under $100. Some are available for as little as $20 but will be in less desirable areas.
Why Is Punta Cana So Popular?
Punta Cana is popular because of its amazing white-sand beaches with stunning turquoise water, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, fun water activities, and popping nightlife.
The scenery and attractions scream “Caribbean” but are often offered at more affordable prices than many other islands in the region.
Visitors to Punta Cana enjoy snorkeling, scuba-diving, wakeboarding, parasailing, and zip-lining through the jungle canopy.
Dominican dishes like sancocho, chicharrón, and mofongo add extra appeal.
Booking with an all-inclusive resort makes budgeting and logistics easy and often includes fun activities and all-you-can-eat buffets.
Punta Cana Safety Tips
Just mentioning Punta Cana conjures images of pristine beaches and tropical bliss.
However, like any travel destination, safety should be a top priority (whether or not the U.S. State Department says to “exercise increased caution”).
Let’s delve into some essential safety tips to ensure a worry-free and enjoyable stay in this Dominican paradise.
Personal Safety
✓ Avoiding Theft
Punta Cana, known for its stunning beaches and all-inclusive resorts, is generally safe. However, opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can happen.
Follow these guidelines to keep your belongings secure:
Stay vigilant and alert to what’s happening around you, especially in crowded areas.
Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and carrying large sums of cash: Get local currency if you can, and carry cash in multiple pockets to make it harder for pickpockets.
Use a crossbody bag and hold it securely.
Avoid using credit/debit cards in public areas: and be cautious when using public wifi. Cloning and identity theft are prevalent.
Make copies of your ID and passport: take those with you when you go out so you can leave the originals in your hotel safe.
Theft from hotel rooms is not uncommon, even in resorts.
Always lock your room: close the windows and balcony doors when you leave, and keep your valuables in either the room safe or the front desk safe.
Beware of Scams: some people in Punta Cana pretend to be lawyers or police officers.
It’s okay to ask for proof of their identity. Do your research before using a local lawyer.
Fake excursions are another potential scam: Do your best to choose reputable tour companies and avoid depositing money to companies or tour guides you haven’t researched.
✓ Traveling Smart
Refrain from walking in the streets alone: especially after dark, and don’t go to isolated and remote areas.
If you plan to enjoy the nightlife, go with a group of friends or fellow travelers.
Drink responsibly: It’s important not to get drunk so you can maintain full use of your judgment, stay alert to potential risks, and prevent anyone from tampering with your food or drink.
Avoid sharing personal information: such as where you’re staying, your room number, or details about your itinerary.
Share your itinerary with family and friends: check in with them regularly, and let them know where you’re staying and what numbers to contact if you miss a check-in.
Familiarize yourself with the local public transportation system: or use reputable rideshare services like Uber instead of taxis.
If possible, learn some of the local official language (Spanish) so you can ask for directions, ask for help, and avoid scams.
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Health and Environmental Safety
✓ Sun Protection
The sun and tropical climate in the Dominican Republic are intense. So be sure to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
Avoid the intense midday sun from 11 am to 3 pm to prevent sunstroke.
✓ Tropical Storms
Stay updated on weather conditions, especially during the rainy season (June to November).
There is a possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes during this time, so consider insuring your trip for peace of mind.
✓ Preventing Illness
The tap water in Punta Cana isn’t safe to drink, so stick to bottled water. Staying hydrated will help keep you healthy and feeling your best.
Guard against mosquito-borne diseases by using repellent and appropriate clothing.
Consider the CDC’s recommendation for malaria medication.
Ensure you’re up to date on all your standard vaccines, consider getting a typhoid vaccine, and decide whether or not to take a malaria prophylaxis during your trip.
Don’t buy food from street vendors or any other questionable source.
The last thing you want is to get a stomach bug or food poisoning! Always wash your hands before eating as well.
Buy comprehensive travel insurance before your trip to make sure any health-related issues that might come up are covered.
Transportation Safety
Use licensed taxis or rideshares like Uber.
Steer clear of local motorcycle taxis (a.k.a. motorcoaches), as they can be unsafe.
There are a lot of road deaths in the Dominican, and motorcycles are a contributing factor.
Safe Places To Stay In Punta Cana
Photo credit – Expedia
⭐️ Rating: 7.7/10 📌 Location: Highway Macao Uvero Alto Beach, Punta Cana Check Rates Here
Situated on a gorgeous beachfront in in Punta Cana, the Royalton CHIC Punta Cana is a 5-star resort that features a stellar outdoor pool, a spa and wellness center, upscale restaurants, a bar, and a private beach area.
I stayed in this resort during my vacation in Punta Cana and I can assure you, this place is worth it!
From their world-class service, top-notch food, and amazing views, the Royalton CHIC is truly a tropical paradise.
Photo credit – Expedia
⭐️ Rating: 9.0/10 📌 Location: Uvero Alto, Punta Cana Check Rates Here
If you’re looking for the best luxury and more private accommodation in Punta Cama, Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana is your best choice.
This luxury resort features a huge outdoor swimming pool and relaxing indoor pools in each accommodation.
It also offers a beautiful private beach area, a bar and garden for guests to relax and unwind.
The impecable service and stunning amenities will make your stay in Punta Cana truly memorable.
Photo credit – Expedia
⭐️ Rating: 8.5/10 📌 Location: Av. Pastor Domingo de la Cruz, Punta Cana Check Rates Here
For budget-friendly accommodation in Punta Cana, I highly recommend the Costa Love Aparta Hotel.
This aparthotel offers complete room amenities and features an in-house restaurant and bar for an affordable price.
Final Thoughts: Is Punta Cana Safe?
Punta Cana is a fairly safe destination in the Dominican Republic.
Although nowhere is completely safe, taking a few precautions will go a long way to ensuring you have the best time possible on your trip.
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Top Tours in Punta Cana
Half-Day Tour: Dominican Republic at Punta Cana (Mixed Tour with 4×4 ATV, Water Cave and Dominican Republic Culture)
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Top Rated Hotels & Accommodations – Booking.com
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