Things To Do in Punta Cana

Manati Park

This animal park, opening in 1997, is the most controversial in the Caribbean. It's your choice if you want to patronize it or not. It features an array of sea lions, parrots, and even a dancing horse show, inspired by the traditional equestrian performances in the Spanish city of Jerez de la Frontera. There's even a crocodile cage, a parade of elegant pink flamingos, and a collection of caged snakes and iguanas. There's also a fenced-in area where brave animal lovers can get close to a colony of iguanas, although we strongly discourage any reader from attempting this, particularly since we've been told that the iguanas tend to attack anything orange and, by extension, anyone wearing clothing that's colored orange. The park is controversial because of its policy of allowing people to swim with dolphins. Marine biologists have claimed that the tank holding the dolphins is too small and that the animals are forced into regular contact with humans. This, it is believed, upsets their natural bacteria levels. That, in turn, can lead to a breakdown in their immune systems. Already, four "stressed-out" dolphins have died since the park opened. Many countries, including Canada, have requested that the Dominican Republic close this exhibit, calling the park's policy "inhumane." If you must visit, the park is open daily from 9am to 6pm, charging adults RD$1,117 and ages 2 to 12 RD$559. A swim with the dolphins costs RD$3,539 with advance booking required. Call tel. 809/221-9444, or log on to www.manatipark.com.

We'd not pursue shopping as a serious activity, although all the mega-resorts feature gift shops for those inevitable souvenirs. If you look beyond your hotel, you'll find an upmarket shopping complex, Plaza Bávaro, lying between the Allegro Flamenco Bávaro Resort and Fiesta Palace Beach Resort.

There's another shopping complex, mainly for crafts, on the beach along the northern tier of this shopping complex, reached along a dirt road labeled MERCADO, meaning "market." This leads to a bustling crafts market open daily 8am to sunset.

If you're staying at an all-inclusive, your nightly entertainment is already provided. You need not leave the grounds for action. Depending on the night of the week, many hotels present Las Vegas-type revues. As mentioned, many hotels don't like to issue night passes because it is difficult to maintain security and keep track of nonguests. If you don't like the entertainment provided on any given night at your hotel, ask around at the reception desk and see what alternative you might come up with. It's a bit of a hassle. The sprawling Bávaro complex is your all-around best bet if you want to flee your own hotel at night.

Bávaro Disco, on the grounds of the Barceló Bávaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort (tel. 809/686-5797), has emerged as the hottest and sexiest dance club in Punta Cana, thanks to a superb sound system. The venue is more European than North American, thanks to a heavy concentration of clients from Italy, Spain, and Holland. If you've been tempted to dress provocatively but never had the courage, the permissive and sexually charged ambience at this enormous club will give you the confidence to try. Painted black, with simulated stars overhead and lots of mirrors, the place is open nightly from 11pm to 5am. Entrance is free for guests of the Barceló Hotel complex; nonguests pay RD$1,200.