Cap Cana – A Stunning Tourist Destination in the Dominican Republic
Located on the eastern shores of the Dominican Republic, Cap Cana is an exclusive real estate and tourist destination recognized among the best in the Caribbean. This elite development of over 6,200 acres includes more than three miles of powder-soft beaches, a protected harbor marina, and the Punta Espada Golf Course — an award-winning Jack Nicklaus design still ranked the #1 golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico by GolfWeek. Add a school district, first-class spas, and an array of five-star hotels including Eden Roc Cap Cana, the Sanctuary Cap Cana, Secrets Cap Cana, Hyatt Ziva and Zilara, and the new St. Regis Cap Cana, and it’s easy to see why Cap Cana offers a different tier of experience than the rest of Punta Cana.
With over 30 restaurants, including several AAA Four Diamond-awarded venues, plus fitness centers, convention facilities, and an Eco-Adventure Park, there’s genuinely something here for everyone, not just beach-and-resort visitors.
Here are some of the top things to see and do in Cap Cana:
Juanillo Beach
Juanillo Beach is a private beach that offers visitors a chance to relax and soak up the sun. It’s less crowded than other beaches in the area, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful, tranquil experience. The crystal-clear waters are shallow, making it a great spot for swimming, even for beginners.
Scape Park
One of the most popular attractions in Cap Cana, Scape Park draws nearly every visitor at some point. You can zip-line off a cliff into the turquoise water below, snorkel, take a boat cruise, or explore muddy trails in a 4×4 off-road buggy. There’s also the Cultural Route, which walks visitors through the history of the Taíno people who once called this area home.
Punta Espada Golf Club
This Jack Nicklaus-designed course opened in 2006 and has held GolfWeek’s #1 ranking in the Caribbean and Mexico for years running. Eight of its eighteen holes play directly along the coastline, and it hosted the PGA Tour’s Champions Tour — the Cap Cana Championship — giving it a genuine competitive pedigree to go with the views.
Los Establos Ciudad Ecuestre
Los Establos is a one-stop destination for equestrian lovers — the first project of its kind in Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing multiple riding disciplines together in one place. It has an indoor arena plus five outdoor arenas certified for international events, polo fields designed by Alejandro Battro, and trails for enduro and cross-country riding. Whether you’re an experienced rider or trying it for the first time, there’s a way in here.
Cap Cana Marina
Cap Cana Marina has over 150 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet. Because it’s built inland, it functions as a protected harbor, and its location near prime fishing and diving grounds makes it a regular host for fishing tournaments throughout the year.
Yachting
A luxury charter out of Cap Cana is one of the better ways to see the coastline — pristine white beaches and dramatic cliffs from the water, often timed around sunset for the best light. It’s a straightforward way to turn an ordinary afternoon into something memorable.
Fishing
The Dominican Republic’s east coast has been named the top billfish area by The Billfish Report, with strong populations of blue and white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and tuna. Cap Cana Marina offers boat slips and catch-and-release fishing, and as a member of the Billfish Foundation, supports sustainable angling practices while hosting numerous tournaments each year.
Art and Culture
Cap Cana is a top sponsor of the annual Dominican Republic Global Film Festival held each November, and hosts art exhibitions throughout the year. Two permanent pieces are worth seeking out: “Huellas Taínas,” a tile mural by Dominican artist Thimo Pimentel at the Caletón beach club, and Aquiles Azar’s collection of sea fossils, conch, and snails.
Gastronomy
Dining in Cap Cana ranges from fine dining to casual beachside spots, covering everything from authentic Italian to fresh seafood and international fare. Between the views, the atmosphere, and the service, the restaurant scene here is a highlight in its own right — whether you’re after a romantic dinner or a relaxed lunch with friends.
Real Estate
Cap Cana’s real estate ranges from villas and apartments to full estates, alongside its golf courses, marinas, and beaches. What sets it apart is the combination of exclusivity, security, and amenities that most other Punta Cana developments simply don’t offer at the same level, which is why it consistently draws buyers looking for a tropical property that also functions as a long-term investment.
The Resorts
Cap Cana is home to several of the Dominican Republic’s best resorts, spanning everything from all-inclusive family stays to adults-only European-plan luxury.
The St. Regis Cap Cana
The newest arrival in Cap Cana, The St. Regis Cap Cana opened in May 2025 as Marriott’s first St. Regis property in the Dominican Republic. It’s a European-plan resort — room-only rather than all-inclusive, a genuine departure from the all-inclusive model that dominates this area — with 200 rooms and suites, four pools, nine dining venues, and full St. Regis butler service, sitting right next to the Punta Espada golf course.
The Sanctuary Cap Cana
The Sanctuary Cap Cana blends Caribbean design with a Spanish colonial village feel. Guests get a world-class casino, five bars, five restaurants, and a private beach, plus recreational facilities suited to both business meetings and social events.
Eden Roc Cap Cana
Eden Roc is the only hotel in the country belonging to the Relais & Châteaux association of independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants. Its 65 accommodations range from boutique villas with private pools to beachfront suites and secluded ocean villas.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Hyatt Ziva, on Juanillo Beach, is built for guests of every age — multiple pools, a water park, several dining options, and a fitness center, with golf, the marina, and eco-parks all nearby. It’s about 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.
Secrets Cap Cana Resort
Also on Juanillo Beach, Secrets Cap Cana runs on an Unlimited-Luxury, all-inclusive model — gourmet dining, drinks, and 24-hour service included. Expect daily activities, nightly entertainment, and the kind of concierge service that lets you not think about logistics at all.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
This all-inclusive resort splits into two zones — Hammock (adults-only) and Wave (families) — each with its own pool, restaurant, and service. Choose from 228 guestrooms or 40 luxury villas with private balcony pools, all in an island-inspired style, with the St. Somewhere Spa on site.
TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel
This 5-star, adults-only property includes 24-hour room service through its Infinite Indulgence program and the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness Center for guests looking to unwind. Its waterfront location adds ocean views most hotels in the area can’t match.
Ancora Cap Cana
A Four Diamond Award winner about 10 minutes from the airport, Ancora includes the Juanillo Scape Beach Club with a free shuttle to Juanillo Beach. Suites feature private balconies or patios (some with plunge pools on request), and the resort runs six on-site restaurants, including four thematic dining concepts.
Beyond the resorts, Cap Cana’s shops, local art galleries, dance lessons, live music, and sports — tennis, fishing, boating — round out what’s genuinely a full destination in its own right, not just a collection of hotels.
Curious about related topics? See Macao Beach / Playa Macao, Cocotal Golf & Country Club and Golf Courses.