Punta Cana Buggy Adventure & Macao Beach Tour

Summary

Macao Beach Buggy Ride with Cave Swim & Local Flavors

Drive your own buggy through Punta Cana’s countryside, swim at Macao Beach, taste fresh coffee and cocoa at a local home, and cool off in a hidden cenote. With hotel pickup and a friendly guide included, expect moments of laughter, splashes of mud, and Dominican flavors you’ll remember long after the ride.

What’s the experience like?

I still had mud on my shoes when we pulled up to Macao Beach — not that I cared, honestly. The morning started with the sound of engines and a quick rundown from our guide, Rafael, who grinned like he knew exactly how dirty we’d get. Driving the buggy felt wild, bouncing over ruts and through puddles that smelled like wet earth and sugarcane. At one point, I caught myself laughing out loud as water splashed up into my face (my shirt never really dried after that).

We stopped at this little house tucked between palm trees where Rafael introduced us to his aunt — or maybe she was just everyone’s aunt, it was hard to tell. She handed us tiny cups of coffee so strong it made my eyes water, then explained how they roast cocoa and roll cigars right there. I tried saying “mamajuana” but mangled it; Rafael just shook his head and poured me a taste anyway. It burned in a good way.

The cave was next — cool air hit my skin as soon as we climbed down. The water looked almost black until you got close, then it turned this deep blue-green under the rocks. I hesitated before jumping in (it’s colder than you’d think), but once you’re in, you don’t want to get out. The echo of voices bouncing off stone walls stuck with me for hours after we left.

Driving back through the countryside, wind drying the last bits of mud on my arms, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all day. There’s something about the mix of chaos and quiet here — the way locals wave as you pass by, or how the sea air clings to your skin even after you towel off at Macao Beach — that makes Punta Cana feel realer than any postcard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buggy Tour and Macao Beach Visit

• Buggy tour through Punta Cana interior
• Swim and enjoy Macao Beach
• Visit typical Dominican house to see cocoa, tobacco, and coffee production

Top questions

How long does the Punta Cana buggy tour last?

The buggy adventure lasts about 3 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for the Macao Beach buggy tour?

Yes, transportation to and from your hotel is included in the tour price.

Do I need special clothes for the buggy ride?

It’s best to wear old clothes and sneakers since you’ll get muddy during the ride.

Can I swim during this Punta Cana day trip?

You can swim both at Macao Beach and in the cenote cave during the tour.

Is this buggy tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, this activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What will we see besides Macao Beach?

You’ll visit a typical Dominican house to learn about coffee, cocoa, mamajuana, and spices grown locally.

Are there bathrooms available during the tour?

Yes, there are bathrooms available at the Taino cave stop along the route.

Is lunch included on this Punta Cana buggy adventure?

No lunch is provided; however, you’ll sample local drinks like coffee and mamajuana at one stop.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Punta Cana, a guided buggy ride through farm fields to Macao Beach for swimming time, a visit inside a typical Dominican home for tastings of coffee and cocoa plus an intro to mamajuana making (with samples), entry to a mineral-water cenote cave for swimming (with bathroom access), all led by an easygoing local guide before returning muddy but happy to your hotel.