ATV Riding in Punta Cana: Off-Road Trails & Water Cave

You operate the machine, not watch from a seat

An off-road ATV and buggy excursion in Punta Cana where you ride your own vehicle through rural trails, stop at a freshwater cenote for swimming, and finish on Macao Beach. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with Dominican tastings at a local ranch and a safety briefing before you start. Choose between a buggy (easy, muddy), an ATV (technical, less splash), or a Kayo (premium power and comfort) depending on your riding style.

Step-by-step itinerary

Off-road adventure and beach visit

• Hotel pickup in safari truck
• Arrive at ranch for safety briefing
• Learn about local coffee and cacao
• Swim and take photos at freshwater cave
• Relax and rinse off at Macao Beach
• Return to ranch for photos and souvenirs
• Hotel drop-off

The experience

You get picked up from your hotel in a safari truck or air-conditioned van. The drive takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on where you're staying and which resorts are on the route that day. Once you arrive at the ranch in Macao, a real Dominican community away from the resort strip, you'll go through a safety orientation, sign liability waivers, and get assigned your vehicle. This is where you pick your ride: a buggy for muddy, splashy fun and easier handling; an ATV for a more technical experience with less water; or a Kayo for the most power and comfort. Everyone gets a helmet.

The ride itself covers countryside off-road trails, starting with a stop at a local plantation where you learn how Dominican coffee, cacao, tea, and mamajuana are grown and produced, tastings are included. From there you head to a crystal-clear freshwater cenote in El Salado, a natural cave where you can swim, cool off, and take photos. The water is the main event here. It's a genuine break in the middle of the ride. You'll then continue on trails to Macao Beach, one of Punta Cana's most recognizable stretches of sand, where you can relax, rinse off the dust and mud, and take more photos. Waves can be strong, so swimming requires care. Independent vendors may approach you at various stops. The operator notes they're not affiliated with the tour, so you can simply decline if you're not interested.

After the beach you ride back through the countryside to the ranch, where you can view and buy professional photos from the day and browse local souvenirs if you want them. Return transportation to your hotel happens after that, with drop-off times varying depending on how many guests are heading to different resorts and traffic conditions. Departures run at 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2:30 PM daily, so you can fit this around your schedule.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Dominican tastings of chocolate, coffee, mamajuana rum, and green tea at a local plantation.
• entrance to the natural freshwater cenote in El Salado.
• safety helmet for your ride.
• access to Macao Beach for swimming and photos.

Options for this experience

7 options

Shared Buggy RideGuide in 7 languages · 08:30, 11:30 and 14:30Shared buggy ride for two-seaters, priced per person: each vehicle carries 2 people. To drive alone, choose the Solo Ride option instead. Pickup is included.

Family buggy for 3–4 peopleGuide in 7 languages · 08:30, 11:30 and 14:30Family buggy (3–4 people): each person needs to book their own place. One person drives while the others ride along as passengers. Priced per person; this option is buggy only, as ATVs are not available for family rides. Pickup is included.

Shared ATV RideGuide in 7 languages · 08:30, 11:30 and 14:30Shared ATV (four-wheeler) ride, priced per person: vehicles are shared by 2 people. To drive alone, choose the Solo Ride option instead. Pickup is included.

See 4 more options

Shared Kayo RideGuide in 7 languages · 08:30, 11:30 and 14:30Premium: these aren't classic buggies but Premium machines, built for a more powerful, comfortable and exclusive experience. Shared Buggy Kayo ride for two-seaters, priced per person: vehicles are shared by 2 people. To drive alone, choose the Solo Kayo Ride option instead. Pickup is included.

Solo Buggy RideGuide in 7 languages · 08:30, 11:30 and 14:30Solo buggy ride for two-seaters, priced per person: you drive your own vehicle alone with no sharing. Pickup is included.

Solo ATV RideGuide in 7 languages · 08:30, 11:30 and 14:30Solo ATV (four-wheeler) ride, priced per person: you drive your own vehicle alone with no sharing. Pickup is included.

Solo Kayo RideGuide in 7 languages · 08:30, 11:30 and 14:30Premium: these aren't classic buggies but Premium machines, built for a more powerful, comfortable and exclusive experience. Solo Buggy Kayo ride for two-seaters, priced per person: you drive your own vehicle alone with no sharing. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 11:30 and 14:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 150

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Canelo Tours

Is this one for you?Pick a solo ride if you want full control of the vehicle and your own pace through the trails. Choose a shared buggy or ATV if you'd rather split the cost and ride alongside someone else. The Kayo suits riders who want the smoothest, most powerful machine; the ATV appeals to those comfortable with technical handling; the buggy is best if you're after the messiest, most playful experience.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the buggy, ATV, and Kayo on this ride?

The buggy is the easiest to operate and delivers the most mud and water splash; the ATV requires more technical skill and keeps you drier; the Kayo offers the most power, comfort, and control. You choose which one suits your experience level and what kind of ride you want.

How long does the whole experience take from hotel pickup to drop-off?

The activity itself runs 3 to 4 hours of riding and stops, but add 30 to 60 minutes for the pickup drive from your hotel depending on where you're staying, so plan for roughly 4 to 5 hours total.

Can I ride alone or do I have to share a vehicle?

You can book a solo ride on any of the three vehicles (buggy, ATV, or Kayo), or you can share a buggy or ATV with another rider if you prefer. Solo Kayo is also available.

What should I bring and wear for this ride?

Bring a bandana and sunglasses because the trails can be dusty or muddy depending on weather. Wear old clothes you don't mind getting dirty, swimwear underneath, and bring sunscreen. The operator provides a safety helmet. Towels are optional and available for purchase.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, Dominican tastings (chocolate, coffee, mamajuana, and green tea), a safety helmet, and entrance to the natural cenote are all included. Professional photos are available for purchase, as are souvenirs at the ranch, and tips for guides and drivers are optional.