Punta Cana - General Info

Where is Punta Cana?

Punta Cana is on the extreme eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. It is a popular tourist resort and is well known for both its beaches, surf and golf courses.

Whilst clearance here is straightforward, as the marina organises everything, this port is not ideal for cruising boats unless conditions are very settled.

Entrance Notes and Cautions

Marina Punta Cana is populated by mostly fishing craft and has a very difficult entrance channel, that is shallow (7-8 feet in places). While the channel is reasonably well marked with buoys, it is very narrow and can be extremely tricky to pass in cross-wind conditions. Inside the marina it is much more protected, but it should be noted that the tidal surge can be extreme.

Alternative nearby clearance ports are Samana to the north and Casa de Campo to the south.

Note that some electronic charts (e.g. Navionics) show no detail of the marina here and its entrance. The buoyed channel can be difficult to see at first as the buoys from the original channel were never removed leaving a confusing array of buoys to the north of the present channel.

The marina provides a pilot service if visibility or conditions are poor. Call them on VHF Ch 16 or 72, or call Edward/WhatsApp +1 (809) 6691250.

Drift Nets

There have been reports of yachts encountering drift nets with chlorine bottle floats when on night-time passage off Punta Cana, heading for Puerto Rico and having to dive to cut the nets free.  Be vigilant when 0n passage at night, as you would anywhere in the Caribbean.

Cruiser Highlights

Quiet and comfortable place to relax after a hard passage; peaceful; beach; gym; restaurant; provision by Uber.

Position:

18°29.9’N, 68°21.9’W

Last updated:  February 2025