Punta Cana: ATV & Buggy 4x4 Tour, Cenote Swim & Macao Beach

Summary

ATV trails, cenote swims and Macao Beach from Bávaro

You’ll ride through Punta Cana’s countryside by ATV or buggy with a local guide, sample Dominican chocolate and coffee at a ranch, swim in a cool cenote cave near El Salado, and finish with free time at Macao Beach. Expect laughter, splashes of mud or sun on your skin—and maybe one moment you’ll remember longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through the first dusty trail outside Bávaro when I realized how much I’d underestimated the power of these ATVs. Our guide—Miguel, always grinning—had just handed me a tiny cup of chocolate at the ranch before we picked our rides. I still had the taste on my tongue, sweet and earthy, when he shouted over the engines that we should tie our bandanas tight unless we wanted to eat dust for lunch. He wasn’t joking. The air was thick with that dry mineral smell you get after a hot morning rain, but somehow it felt good—like you’re finally out of your own head for a while.

I picked the buggy because it looked less intimidating (I’m not exactly coordinated), but watching my friend handle the ATV made me wish I’d gone for it. Either way, everyone was laughing by the time we hit the muddy patch near El Salado. Miguel slowed us down at this spot where sunlight cut through palm leaves and bounced off the water—he called it a cenote, but to me it felt like stumbling into someone’s secret swimming hole. The water was cold enough to make me gasp, and there were vendors nearby selling bracelets and coconuts (I just smiled and shook my head). I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed floating there with all that noise fading out behind me.

After drying off on rocks that felt warm under my hands, we followed Miguel back onto the trail—he kept pointing out little things about Dominican life: tobacco drying in sheds, kids waving from doorways. There’s something about seeing Macao Beach appear after all that dust and mud; you come out of the trees and suddenly it’s just blue everywhere. Some people ran straight for the waves; I just stood there for a second trying to take it in. We didn’t stay long—enough time for salty air and sand between my toes—but honestly I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV and Buggy Tour in Punta Cana

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Visit traditional Dominican ranch
• Taste coffee, chocolate, tea, mamajuana
• Ride off-road to natural cave
• Swim in natural cave
• Stop at Macao Beach
• Relax, take photos, shop at beach
• Return to ranch for photos and souvenirs

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Punta Cana ATV & Buggy tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is included.

Do I need to bring anything special for the ATV tour?

A bandana and sunglasses are recommended due to dust or mud on the trails.

Can I choose between an ATV or buggy?

Yes, you can pick between an easy-to-drive buggy or an ATV before starting.

Is swimming at the cenote part of every tour?

Yes, all tours include a stop at a natural cenote where you can swim.

Are there food or drink tastings during this day trip?

You’ll taste Dominican chocolate, coffee, green tea, and mamajuana rum at the ranch.

How long do we spend at Macao Beach?

You’ll have free time to relax or explore Macao Beach during the tour.

Are photos available after the tour?

You can view and purchase photos taken during your tour back at the ranch.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Punta Cana or Bávaro, tastings of local chocolate, coffee, mamajuana rum and green tea at a traditional ranch stop, entry to swim in a crystal-clear cenote near El Salado, plus free time on Macao Beach before returning in comfort.