Punta Cana: ATV & Buggy Adventure with Macao Beach, Cave Swim

Summary

ATV rides, cave swims and local flavors near Macao Beach

You’ll rumble through Punta Cana’s backroads on an ATV or buggy, swim at turquoise Macao Beach, slip into a Taíno cave for a cool dip, then taste fresh Dominican coffee and chocolate at a family home—with plenty of laughs along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw how muddy the ATVs were lined up outside the ranch in Punta Cana. But our guide, Luis, just grinned and handed me a helmet that smelled faintly like coconut oil and sunscreen. “You’ll love it,” he promised. So I climbed in next to my friend and off we went—roaring down bumpy trails with palm fronds slapping at our arms and the engine rattling my teeth. The air was thick and sweet, kind of like overripe mangoes mixed with exhaust (not as bad as it sounds). I kept thinking, “Is this what freedom feels like?”

We stopped at Macao Beach first—the main keyword here is “stopped” because I could’ve stayed all day. The sand was warm but not burning, and the water was that unreal turquoise you see in travel ads but never believe until you’re standing ankle-deep in it. There were a few locals surfing out past the break; one waved at us before disappearing under a wave. Luis pointed out some cliffs covered in wild green vines and told us about his cousin who fishes there at sunrise. I tried to imagine waking up that early on purpose.

Next came the Taíno cave—honestly, I didn’t expect much, but stepping inside was like walking into another world. It was cool and echoey, with little drips from above landing on my shoulder now and then. The walls had these ancient drawings (Luis called them petroglyphs) that he explained were made by the island’s first people. We swam in water so clear it barely looked real—kind of chilly but weirdly refreshing after all that dust from the trail.

After rinsing off most of the mud back at the ranch (not all of it—I found some behind my ear hours later), we sat around a table tasting Dominican coffee, chocolate, and something called Mama Juana that burned going down but left me grinning anyway. Luis teased me about my Spanish accent—fair enough—and showed us how his family dries cocoa beans right outside their house. I still think about that view from their porch sometimes: chickens pecking around, kids laughing somewhere out back… It felt less like a tour and more like being let in on a secret.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore beaches, caves, and local ranch

• Visit Macau Beach
• Swim and explore Taín Cave
• See typical rural Dominican house
• Clean up and relax at ranch

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Punta Cana ATV & buggy adventure?

Yes, roundtrip transportation is included from hotels or Airbnbs in Punta Cana, Bavaro and nearby tourist areas.

Do we visit Macao Beach during this ATV tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at Macao Beach with free time to swim or relax on the sand.

What else is included besides ATV riding?

The tour includes visiting a Taíno cave for swimming, stopping at a typical rural house for tastings of coffee, chocolate and Mama Juana.

Are guides local on this Punta Cana adventure?

Yes, you’ll have a professional local guide throughout your experience.

Is this ATV & buggy tour suitable for families?

It’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride with adults and specialized seats are available.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—all areas including transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

How long do we spend at each stop?

You get free time at each location; there’s about 30 minutes to relax or swim before heading back.

Can I try Dominican coffee or chocolate on this tour?

Yes—tastings of local products like coffee, chocolate and Mama Juana are included during your visit to the rural house.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel or Airbnb pickup in Punta Cana or Bavaro areas; all entry fees; guided stops at Macao Beach for swimming or relaxing; time to explore the Taíno cave with its ancient art (and take a dip if you want); plus tastings of Dominican coffee, chocolate and Mama Juana at a traditional family home before heading back muddy but happy.