Buggy driving and swimming in Punta Cana: Macao Beach and cenote

You drive the buggy yourself, not a guide.

A half-day buggy activity in Punta Cana where you drive your own ATV through forests and rural trails to Los Hoyos del Salado cenote and Macao Beach. The tour includes pickup, a safety briefing, a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French, and entrance to both the water cave and the beach. You swim at the cenote and relax on the sand surrounded by limestone cliffs before returning to the ranch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Buggy tour to cenote and beach

• Pickup and transport to Buggy Ranch
• Health and safety briefing
• Drive buggy through forests and gardens
• Visit Los Hoyos del Salado cenote
• Swim and admire cenote
• Drive buggy to Macao Beach
• Relax at Macao Beach
• Return to ATV ranch
• Transport back to pickup location

The Experience

The day starts with a 30-minute pickup and transfer to the Buggy Ranch, where you'll meet your guide for a 15-minute safety briefing before climbing into your own ATV. From there, the group travels in a rally-style caravan along rugged forest roads and through tropical gardens for about 20 minutes to reach Los Hoyos del Salado, a 25-foot-deep water cenote. You'll have time to jump in and swim, then climb back out and ride to your next stop. The whole cenote visit runs about 50 minutes.

The final leg takes you to Macao Beach, where you drive alongside your guide to the shoreline backed by limestone cliffs. You get roughly 40 minutes to swim in the waves and walk the sand before the group heads back to the ranch. The return transfer to your pickup location takes about 20 minutes. Total time on the activity is around four and a half hours from start to finish.

Bring a towel, sunscreen and sunglasses—these aren't provided. Professional photography is available for purchase if you want shots of yourself on the buggy or in the water. Children from age 3 are welcome; specialized infant seats are available. The guide speaks your language and will lead the group through the day, but you're in control of the buggy itself.

What’s included

• Pickup and return transfer to the Buggy Ranch.
• safety briefing and guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French.
• your own ATV for the drive.
• entrance to Los Hoyos del Salado cenote and Macao Beach.
• tastings of organic coffee and chocolate at the ranch.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dominican Pride Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to drive yourself instead of sitting as a passenger—the buggy is yours to control, and the guide leads the group through the route. Choose the one-buggy-per-person option if you prefer to ride solo; pick a shared buggy if you're traveling with someone and want to split the cost.

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Top questions

Can I drive the buggy if I've never done it before?

Yes. The tour includes a safety briefing at the ranch before you start, and you'll travel in a rally-style caravan with your guide leading the way, so you're not navigating alone. The route follows established dirt trails through forests and rural areas.

What is Los Hoyos del Salado cenote like?

Los Hoyos del Salado is a water-filled cave about 25 feet deep where you can swim and float. The cenote is a natural sinkhole surrounded by rock, and you'll have roughly 30 minutes in the water before returning to your buggy for the ride to Macao Beach.

Is Macao Beach crowded, or is it a quiet spot?

Macao Beach is a real public beach on the Dominican coast, backed by limestone cliffs. The tour gives you about 40 minutes there to swim and relax; it's not a private beach, but you'll have time to enjoy the waves and sand before heading back.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting muddy and bring a towel, sunscreen and sunglasses. The buggy ride crosses muddy paths and dirt trails, so plan for dust and splashes. A change of clothes or a dry shirt for the ride back is a good idea.

Does the tour include lunch or drinks?

The tour includes tastings of organic products like coffee and chocolate at the ranch, but not a full meal. Bring water and snacks if you want them during the activity.

Can I book a private buggy, or do I share one?

You have the option to book one buggy per person, so you drive solo, or you can arrange a shared buggy with someone else in your group. Choose at checkout based on your preference and budget.