Punta Cana: Bavaro Buggy Ride, Zipline Splash & Cenote Combo

Summary

Buggy rides, zipline splashes and cenote swims at Bavaro Adventure Park with lunch and local stories

You’ll roar through muddy trails on a Bavaro buggy ride in Punta Cana, taste fresh cacao in a countryside village, leap into a cenote lagoon and fly down ziplines that end with a splash. With local guides leading the way and lunch by a waterfall pool included, you’ll leave smiling (and maybe still a little muddy).

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to get mud on my teeth so early in the day. The buggy ride at Bavaro Adventure Park in Punta Cana is not some gentle cruise — it’s more like a jolt awake. Our guide, Carlos, grinned as he handed us helmets and warned us about the “Dominican massage” (that’s what he called the bumpy track through the old mine). The air smelled like wet earth and sugarcane, and every time we hit a puddle I could taste a bit of grit. Honestly? It was hilarious — especially when my partner tried to steer and almost took out a bush.

After that, we stopped at this little Dominican village setup where Maria showed us how cacao gets roasted. She let me try grinding some beans but I mostly just made a mess. There was coffee too — strong enough to wake up anyone still dazed from the buggy ride — and they passed around mamajuana (I’m still not sure what’s in it). I liked how everyone just laughed at my attempts to speak Spanish; it felt easygoing, not like a show.

The cenote was next: Blue Lagoon is what they call it, but honestly it’s more green than blue if you ask me. Still, jumping into that cool water after sweating in the sun was perfect. Then came the zipline — six lines strung through palms and one wild drop straight into water. My heart was pounding but by the last line I just let go (literally) and splashed down laughing. There’s something about dangling over treetops that makes you forget your phone exists for a while.

Lunch was simple — rice, chicken, fried plantains — nothing fancy but after all that running around it tasted better than most things I’ve had at home. We ate near the waterfall pool with our feet still damp and just watched kids try to out-cannonball each other. I keep thinking about that moment: sun on my face, mouth full of sweet plantain, no hurry to be anywhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buggy tour, zipline, and waterfall fun

• Off-road buggy tour through jungle
• Explore abandoned mine circuit
• Visit Dominican Village museum
• Taste local products and culture
• Visit Cenote Blue Lagoon
• Zipline Mega Splash circuit
• Relax at waterfall pool
• Enjoy typical Dominican lunch

Top questions

How long does the Bavaro Adventure Park combo tour take?

The main activities take about two hours plus time for lunch and relaxing at the pool.

Is hotel pickup included for this Punta Cana buggy ride tour?

Yes, round trip shared bus transfers from your hotel are included.

Do I need any special license or skills to drive the buggy?

You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license to drive.

What should I wear for the buggy ride and zipline?

Wear light comfortable clothes, closed sports shoes (mandatory), swimsuit under your clothes, sunscreen—and bring an extra change of clothes.

Are there height or weight restrictions for ziplining?

You must be at least 1.30 meters tall (4.27 ft) and weigh no more than 130 kg (280 lb).

Can children join all activities?

Children taller than 1.30 meters can join as passengers; infants cannot participate in the buggy or zipline activities due to safety policies.

Is lunch provided during this day trip from Punta Cana?

Yes, an authentic Dominican lunch is included (drinks not included).

Can I bring my camera or phone during activities?

No personal items are allowed during activities for safety reasons; lockers are available for storage (additional cost).

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup by shared bus from Punta Cana hotels, all equipment and training for buggy rides and ziplines with bilingual guides looking out for you every step of the way, entry to Bavaro Adventure Park including access to Blue Lagoon cenote and waterfall pool areas—and a traditional Dominican lunch before heading back still grinning (and maybe still damp).