Punta Cana: Buggy Adventure, Cave Swim & Macao Beach Tasting

Summary

Buggy ride through Dominican countryside with cave swim and beach stop

You’ll get muddy tearing through Punta Cana’s countryside by buggy, taste bold Dominican coffee and chocolate at a local ranch, take a chilly dip in an underground cave pool, then end up sandy and happy at Macao Beach. Expect laughter, surprises (and maybe some mud in your shoes) — this is one day trip you’ll remember every time you smell fresh coffee or hear crashing waves.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous when we first got to the ranch in Macao. The buggies looked like they’d seen some wild days, and the air smelled like wet earth and coffee — not a bad combo. Our guide, José, grinned as he handed us our bandanas (“You’ll need these,” he said, half-joking), and right away I felt that kind of jittery excitement you get before something messy. We rumbled out past rows of palm trees and tobacco fields, the engine noise mixing with birdsong and the occasional shout from kids waving by the roadside. It’s hard to describe how green everything is out here.

The first stop was this little countryside ranch where we tried Dominican chocolate and coffee — both stronger than I expected. Someone passed around a bottle of Mamajuana (José called it “Dominican power juice”), and I tried to say thank you in Spanish but probably messed it up. There was this earthy smell from drying tobacco leaves hanging nearby. After that we bounced back into the buggies — honestly, by then my shirt was already splattered with mud but nobody cared. The next part was all rocky paths and sudden puddles; at one point I just closed my eyes for a second and hoped for the best.

Then came the cave. You hear about these things but stepping down into that cool darkness after all the dust felt unreal. Water echoed against stone walls while everyone’s voices got quiet for once — except for one guy who cannonballed in (splash everywhere). The water was freezing at first but so clear you could see your toes, even way down deep. I still think about how peaceful it felt there, just floating for a minute before heading back out into sunlight.

The last stretch took us straight to Macao Beach. The sand stuck to my legs because I forgot a towel (classic me), but honestly? Didn’t matter at all. Waves were loud, kids were running everywhere, someone was selling fresh coconuts near the edge of the parking lot. We just sat there for a while, salty and tired in that good way you only get after doing something totally different from your normal life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buggy tour with cave and beach visit

• Start at ranch in Macao
• Traverse northern Punta Cana farmlands
• Visit ranch for local product tasting
• Explore cave with natural well
• Swim in underground waters
• Drive to Macao Beach
• Enjoy Macao Beach scenery

Top questions

How long does the Punta Cana buggy tour last?

The buggy adventure is a half-day experience starting from Macao ranch with several stops along the way.

Is hotel pickup included for this Punta Cana buggy tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can children join the buggy tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; drivers must be at least 18 years old.

What should I wear on the Punta Cana buggy adventure?

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty—mud is pretty much guaranteed!

Do we swim during this day trip from Punta Cana?

Yes—you’ll swim in a natural cave pool (Taino Cave) and have time to swim at Macao Beach.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included but you will taste Dominican coffee, chocolate, and Mamajuana at a local ranch.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Will there be opportunities to buy souvenirs?

You may find independent souvenir sellers at both the cave site and Macao Beach.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana hotels, a guided buggy ride through countryside trails with stops for tasting handmade Dominican coffee and chocolate plus Mamajuana liqueur sampling at a rural ranch; swimming time inside Taino Cave’s natural pool; free time to enjoy Macao Beach before heading back muddy but happy.