Punta Cana: Buggy tour with Macao Beach & lagoon cave

Summary

Buggy rides in Punta Cana, swimming at Macao Beach, and tasting fresh coffee with locals

You’ll drive your own buggy through Punta Cana’s backroads with a local guide, splash into Macao Beach for a swim, taste fresh Dominican coffee at a family farm, and cool off in an underground lagoon cave. Expect muddy fun, real conversations with locals, and moments you’ll remember long after your shoes are clean again.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll get muddy — but that’s the fun part,” our guide Luis grinned as he handed me the keys. I didn’t know what to expect from driving a buggy in Punta Cana, honestly. The engine rumbled under my hands while the air smelled like wet earth and something sweet — maybe the cocoa trees we’d just passed? Luis waved us on, and suddenly we were bouncing down dirt tracks, dust flying everywhere. My sunglasses did nothing against the splatters (bring a scarf if you go). We zipped past small farms where kids waved and shouted “hola!” — I tried to wave back without losing control of the wheel.

Our first stop was Macao Beach. It’s not one of those crowded resort spots; it felt wild, open, with waves crashing and local fishermen hauling nets nearby. I kicked off my shoes and let the water wash off some of the mud — cold at first, then perfect. There was this salty breeze mixed with fried plantains from a shack behind us. I still think about that swim; it woke me up in a way coffee never could.

After drying off (sort of), we drove deeper into the countryside for the coffee and tobacco part of the tour. A woman named Rosa showed us how she roasts beans over an open fire — her hands moved so fast I barely caught it on video. She let us taste fresh coffee (strong, no sugar) and rolled cigars for anyone who wanted to try. Li laughed when I tried to say “gracias” in Spanish — probably butchered it. The whole thing felt relaxed, not rushed or staged.

The last stop was this cenote called Indigenous Springs — basically an underground pool hidden by vines and rocks. The water was so clear you could see your toes even in the shade. Some people jumped right in; I hesitated but ended up floating on my back, listening to everyone’s voices echoing off stone walls. It was cooler down there, almost quiet except for our laughter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buggy Ride and Nature Exploration

• Hotel pickup
• Buggy driving introduction
• Buggy ride through hills and plantations
• Stop at Macao Beach for swimming
• Buggy ride to Indigenous Springs
• Explore and swim in cenote (30)
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Punta Cana buggy tour last?

The tour lasts about four hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this buggy tour?

Yes, transportation from your hotel is included in the experience.

Can children join the buggy tour?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; check if your child meets safety requirements before booking.

Do you visit Macao Beach during this day trip?

Yes, there is free time to swim at Macao Beach during the tour.

Is there a visit to a coffee or tobacco farm?

Yes, you’ll visit a local farm to learn about coffee roasting and cigar rolling.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart conditions.

Will we get dirty during the buggy ride?

You will likely get muddy during parts of the ride—bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Is swimming at Indigenous Springs included?

You have free time to swim in the cenote known as Indigenous Springs during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Punta Cana, all buggy driving instructions and equipment, guided stops at Macao Beach and Indigenous Springs lagoon cave for swimming, plus a visit to a local coffee and tobacco farm where you can taste fresh coffee before heading back home.