Marquis Villas Resort

Anyone been to Punta Cana in the Dominican Rep. How safe is the area outside of the resorts for tourists?

Going there in September for a couple of weeks. I've read the usual info from the travel brouchers and Tripadvisor but they don't mention anything outside of the resorts. Just fancied a wander. Safer by day or evening.

Public Comments

1. If you purchase a tour through your hotel concierge, they will provide you with the safest and best way to travel or do tours. Depends on what part of Punta Cana...They are not industrialized yet, the hotels and resorts are secluded...most of the nicer resorts are so full of things to do that you wont need to travel off the property. You CAN go shopping, but be careful doing so...If you go to the "shopping Mall" you may pay more for the same thing that you can buy less at your hotel. If you take some cheap items with you...like you state t-shirts...hats...they love to bargain with you and trade...we took several hats with us....we were them shopping...and traded in our used hats for new things...This works for the locals with kiosks set up on the beach area... Better to travel through out the day of course. Outback safari-this is a fun way to see Punta Cana...all terrain vehicle going through mountains....go to Macao beach...the Self Drive speed boat is FUN....go snorkeling... there are alot of things to do... email me at ...cruise@tpiharrodsburg.com for more information
2. I can't speak for Punta Cana, but we were in Sosua last year. We heard non stop horror stories about not being able to leave the hotels and resorts for fear of mugging. It was nonsense. Mostly Be sensible. You are travelling to a country where people make very little money and will therefore probably be jealous of anyone with more, as is the way with human nature. Don't leave the hotel with too much money or jewellery. If you're not carrying it, it can't be stolen. We went out night and day. Go on some organised trips and you will have a great time. I recommend (from my own experience): Dolphin swimming at ocean world Jeep safari (involves water fall climbing) Quad biking, Whale watching depending on time of year Monster truck safari Visiting Santo Domingo
3. when you catch free bus into town there will be Dominican people who work as guides , they will want tipping and take you to their auntie , uncles , brothers, and every ones shop you get the idea ! beware of sellers especially children , if you don't go to touristy then they will think your a Pat and leave you alone . it is dangerous don't wear jewelry out of the hotel and be aware of whats around you . i don't want to make it out to be bad but you do have to be care full , they see us all as rich people and you are sometimes taken advantage of . but go find a bar they will do anything for you always go there last and ask them to find you a taxi , they will get one to the bar for you .day time is best but if you meet people in the hotel i.e. staff they will invite you out with them and they really look after you .
4. Only in group tours during the day. Crime rate is pretty high there due to the poverty and unemployment However, the resorts are very safe because Tourism in the main industry in DR so the government protects it well.