So, I just got back from my trip to Punta Cana, and I can't stop thinking about all the little moments that made it unforgettable. Spoiler: the best things to do in Punta Cana aren't always what you'd expect. It's wild how a little spontaneity can turn an ordinary day into something magical—like a scene straight out of a movie.
This spot? Total surprise.
Okay, so picture this. I'm lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun in my little spot near the clear blue water. I had this whole plan to go snorkeling, because, you know, I thought that was the “thing” to do. But then I met this couple who raved about this local spot called “Los Tres Ojos.” I hadn't heard of it before, and honestly, I was feeling a bit skeptical. I mean, how often does a tourist trap hold up against the crystal waters of Punta Cana?
But, whatever. I decided to tag along. So we pile into this tiny cab—three of us crammed into the backseat like sardines—and I'm rolling my eyes a bit. Turns out, who needs a fancy underwater adventure when you have an underground lagoon? The moment we stepped into Los Tres Ojos, with its lush greenery and the way the light spilled into the caves, I was floored. I don't know why I ended up there, really—maybe it was fate, or maybe just the allure of adventure—but I was so glad I did.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Now, let me backtrack to earlier that day. I was feeling kind of moody, just one of those days where nothing seemed right. I almost skipped breakfast, which would have been a HUGE mistake. I'm telling you, the breakfast spread at the resort was something out of a culinary dream. Fresh fruit, omelets made to order, and this unbelievably creamy avocado spread that I could've bathed in.
While I was eating, I overheard a couple talking about a beach volleyball game happening at noon, and, despite my general aversion to exercise, I found myself saying yes when they invited me to join. I don't know what came over me. Maybe the tropical vibes had finally kicked in. But that afternoon, I dove headfirst (literal diving, not just metaphorical) into the game, and before I knew it, I was laughing so hard that the earlier clouds hanging over my mood were blown away like those fluffy white islands in the sky.
The sheer joy of being utterly terrible at volleyball—and still having people cheer me on—was liberating. I ended up meeting a bunch of other travelers, and as the sun dipped down, we all gathered for drinks. Suddenly, I wasn't a lone traveler anymore; I was part of this goofy, impromptu family soaking up the moment.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
So, after the volleyball game and impromptu friendships, I thought I should really check off the “go to a swim-up bar” thing from my list. That's a thing, right? I had heard all the buzz around Barcelo, and, of course, I got lost trying to find it because I can't seem to follow even the simplest navigation directions without failing spectacularly. “Follow the palm trees? What does that even mean?”
When I finally arrived—sweaty and feeling a bit defeated—I was greeted by a view that was beyond worth it. I mean, there's just something about sipping a coconut drink while half-bobbing in the water that feels like a glimpse into paradise. They had this special cocktail made with local rum—Tropical Bliss, they called it—even though it felt more like a taste of heaven.
Sipping on that drink and soaking in the good vibes was the perfect remedy after that whole detour. I ended up making new friends again—two locals who taught me how to dance merengue right there, in the water. Little detours like that defined my trip; like the universe had conspired to keep me off the beaten path so I could stumble into the genuine soul of the place.
Something memorable to chew on
Now, let's talk food, because honestly, it's one of the best things to do in Punta Cana—if not the best. There was this little roadside shack called “El Abanico” that looked like a hole-in-the-wall, and you know those places are usually the gems. I went there on a whim one evening, mainly because I found myself too curious not to.
I ordered this coconut shrimp dish that made me rethink how I would eat shrimp for the rest of my life. It was just the right balance of spices, sweet and savory with a tangy dipping sauce. I remember thinking, “I want to take this back home, but how do I even explain that?” A few locals sat nearby, laughing, and my waiter was so friendly that it somehow felt like I was crashing a party but was welcomed with open arms.
Eating alone is sometimes awkward, but here? It felt like being part of something way bigger—a piece of communal joy wrapped up in every delicious bite. There were young kids running around, waves crashing just nearby, and laughter filling the air. It was one of those moments that will stick with me long after my tan fades.
Final thoughts over coffee
As I sit here now, sipping this coffee and trying to piece everything together in my mind, it strikes me how unpredictable and beautiful life can be. I tapped into a side of myself I didn't expect while running after volleyballs and joining these spontaneous adventures. Sure, it was messy, and I had my moments of confusion—like losing my way or nearly missing out on the amazing food. But in retrospect, those “mistakes” ultimately led to some of the best experiences I ever had.
If you find yourself in Punta Cana, trust me, let go of the plans a little. Chase those random moments; dive into the unknown, because that's where the magic really is. Now, what's next up on my travel list? I guess I'll figure it out over another cup of coffee.
