Is Punta Cana Safe? Should You Leave Your Hotel?

[@yanniatx]

I’m American & I’m biracial (black & white), not Dominican at all but when I was there everyone including the locals assumed I was Dominican. I’ve never been to a place where the majority of its people looks similar to me. It was definitely surreal, I blended right in and felt like I was where I belonged 🥰

[@jrb5704]

That’s cool and glad to hear you felt naturally accepted. I’m going in a few weeks and I’m excited to see and learn more about their rich culture.

[@luiscurbelo5851]

Hi coolist I love your content, but I want to explain something to you. There is a big difference between punta cana and bávaro (where more tourist go). Bavaro is where the majority of the all inclusive are located and the majority of time tourist go directly from the airport to the hotels and spent all their days at the hotels. Punta cana on the other hand, is divided between 2 big housing developments which are capcana and punta cana resort&club, this is where mid to high class people live here in the punta cana área, but there is also a large part of tourist that rent houses and stay in these houses. Inside this neighborhood you have amenities like restaurants, tennis courts, private beaches, hotels, and the best golf courses in this area of the country. There is also the ‘ojos Indígenas’ and the ‘scape park’ located in this developments witch are worth it of checking out. Punta cana and bávaro are two different types of tourism, but you should check both out so you can have a bigger perspective of the puntacana/bávaro area as a whole. I live at puntacana resort&club, let me know the next time yo come to DR and I can show you around.

[@life107familyfitnessboxing8]

I am due there next year. You can show me around

[@mentonerodominicano]

Yes! The Bávaro/Punta Cana distinction is very important!

[@TrudeausBlackFace]

I'm building my house in the Bavaro area. A lot of new developments being built, whole new neighborhoods & residential areas.

[@djlesthegreat9581]

@@TrudeausBlackFace I’m building mine and Macao and also a nightclub so the grand opening is in May you are welcome to come to my nightclub.

[@djlesthegreat9581]

@@life107familyfitnessboxing8 I’m opening a nightclub over there so you more than welcome to come enjoy yourself when you come to punta cana

[@ninga55]

U are absolutely right! Im from Philly.. & when ppl say I'm crazy for going to Punta Cana all the time, It makes me laugh. They say "I heard it's really bad there" I'm like really?? Hello, have u walked down the streets in Philly? Ur Crazy! U have to be careful ANYWHERE u go, especially when u are unfamiliar w/ an area!

[@gez4270]

Lol

[@BeMobile414]

@@gez4270 im usually walking in times square at 3am my head is on a swivel my back to the wall every 15 ft im leaving the resort next week def

[@ashishpandya429]

The sheer quality of these videos are going to grow this channel. I already told my fam to consider Dominican Republic for our next vacay.

[@Coolist]

Ashish 🤝

[@Spaceghost4201]

I want to know more about what happened in that taxi, you can't leave us hanging like that!

[@jamconnell1377]

If you want a caribbean vacation where you dont want to worry about danger and you want to explore outside your hotel without worrying about crime then go to Barbados...... The island is one of the safest in the caribbean and is safer than your home country. Of course crime happens everywhere but in barbados the crime rate is extremely low and tourists can literally go anywhere on island and can even go to any night spots and bars. I felt safer in barbados than anywhere europe put it that way. And bajans speak english and are some of the most friendliest people you will ever meet. And what i like the most is bajan locals don't get in your personal space and get really pushy when trying to sell you stuff they are so chill and laid back..... you get some who will offer you things but if you say no thank you i'm good they leave you alone straight away.

[@margobeltre5482]

Well can’t say the same about barbaros Horrible experience with the locals 🥴🥴

[@doodles3075]

Absolutely agree on this one! Felt extremely safe. Did Fish Friday with all the crowds at night no problem. Went to the Garocen (horse racing) had an owner come up and ask if I wanted to sit on the winning race horse! Definitely wouldn't get that in the UK

[@xeniibishi2840]

Cayman islands is the safest of all

[@nannydpurcell2315]

@@margobeltre5482 spent a couple days there. Very unfriendly people including the front desk staff at the hotel. I rode the bus without any problem tho and walked around the town unbothered. Prob cause I'm Caribbean?

[@juanjsalcedo6745]

Hey I just wanted to say thank you for all you're amazing content!! I'm Dominican and you're true on point and honest when you refer to Punta Cana or how the Dominican people are!

[@1926fordtv]

Thanks for the info . i like that your honesty i have watch a few of your vids . I'm going to punta cana in a few weeks !! woo hoo ..I'm just a factory worker so its a big cost for me . i won't be at the five stars like your at, but im sure i will have a great time .I like your input so will try to have a great time !

[@doodles3075]

We stayed at the Baiha Principe Fantasia in Punta Cana. We only went on organised trips. It was several of their hotels on the same grounds. The hotel by the entrance ( can't remember it's name) has a shop/ market place in it. One of the stall holders became aggressive because we didn't want our children to sit in the chair with a VCR head set on. It ruined a large part of our holiday as I love to shop even more local crafts. As this man was right at the entrance we were too scared to go back as we didn't want the same man doing it again. Ubers and taxis are not allowed in the compounds you have to get them from outside. This is where you will get about 25 men sat outside the entrance. To walk into a huge crowd like that is absolutely terrifying. I would go back to Punta cana tomorrow, its a gorgeous place. To come off the compounds with children? Unless you are in a group. Sorry I wouldn't

[@RayOpp1]

Glad you mentioned pharmacy, I been thinking about going there for a vacation. I have asthma so I was wondering if I could get any of my meds if I lost my inhaler so it ran. I hadn’t seen much on pharmacies when looking into the place

[@AndreaWilde01]

As a solo female traveler, this is not reassuring since there have been assaults on women in Punta Cana by RESORT EMPLOYEES! There have been assaults at some of the very resorts you’re reviewing.

[@Thailand-mt9op]

I am worried about this too. I really want to go to a resort here, I am a female solo traveller

[@COCOGROCOSHOW]

OK . In my opinion people who leave the resort/hotel are asking for trouble, especially naive and stupid attractive young ladies who looking for fun and adventure. When I heard that some of them end up robed, raped or killed, I don't feel sorry for them. You already mention guards around resorts with long guns, I so them too. They are not there for no reason. All those Caribbean destinations are safe haven for drug dealers that escaped from Europe Police and Interpol. Not even resorts are 100% safe anymore as we have more and more reports of tourist robed or even killed . Two Canadian girls went to Jamaica and they we're approached first night by hotel stuff trying to take them to bed . They told them NO and they are trying to go back to their room but are followed by them . Those guys we're even knocking on their door all night trying to get in . Girls called hotel reception but nobody answer their calls . Scared girls check out in the morning after only one day in the hotel . When I was with my family in one DR resort my 13 year old daughter was approached by hotel stuff there . That's how "SAFE" those places are .

[@Thailand-mt9op]

@@COCOGROCOSHOW very informative, thank you, but as a survivor of rape, no one deserves to be raped or sexually assaulted🙏🏻

[@Mimlou]

Found your channel yesterday searching for DR videos..Stayed for the content, subbed, and now binging all your content! lol!!

[@Coolist]

Welcome Michelle - glad you're here 🙏🏻

[@saurabhgupta9430]

The worst experience - Our jewelry was stolen at the airport when we reached Punta Cana. They went through our luggage which was not expected. Even our perfume was stolen. Then our daughter forgot her purse at the hotel lobby and when they did return it, the Samsung Air Buds were missing. Over all very bad experience - but I guess can happen anywhere.

[@anonymoususer1824]

How does somebody forget a purse in a hotel lobby? The lesson of having something stolen seems appropriate. Can't imagine being so careless.

[@DraganaLakic-do5yr]

You are super helpful 🙏❤️

[@thomasfilak7740]

Agree 100 % . Dominicans are great . Some areas of Punta Cana looks scary but we enjoy spending time in the city of Bavaro

[@igorberam]

I'm from Toronto, went to Santo Domingo last September. It was insane! Got stabbed in the back and leg. I've travelled all over Dominican. If you leave the resort you better be aware you are putting yourself in danger. Around the court house Santo Domingo Este all cops are fully armed and carry weapons loaded a cocked. It is pure insanity. The ambulance took half hour and I almost bled to death. the hospital is a butcher shop. I can tell you the craziest truth about this country but this is the third world. Punta Cana is Disneyland. If you wanna great time with your buds, go to Sosua.

[@kaimichaelsen9465]

About the meeting a person outside of the hotel, you can go to a cabana hour hotel. The look dubious but absolutely normal for Dominicans.

[@andrewtudose4392]

Keep up the great work brother. Watched a few of your Vegas videos and a couple of your DR ones and they're very well done. My buddy and I are booking a trip to Riu Republica for next month. Hope the pool party's as live as it was when you were there. Cheers

[@Coolist]

Awesome Andrew 🤝

[@customswithyou]

I love the word "encounter" bwahahaa Like an animal encounter! And for some its fitting! lmbo

[@kazanova17]

Amazing videos and super helpful for my trip with my girlfriend! Thanks a lot pal!! :)

[@scott6421]

Riu Republica will let you bring someone in.. as long as you pay for them per night.. was $93 but that was in August... I think it's higher now and during winter season and march.

[@mentonerodominicano]

I would agree there are some areas of Bávaro that can be a little bewildering because they are so far away from the hotels themselves, so probably locals will look at you weird since you stand out from the crowd as if you were lost. It might be worth it to exit the hotel to go to Scape Park, Indigenous Eyes Reserve or outside bars/clubs like Soles, Imagine or Onnos, but as you said if you're looking to meet someone and can't bring them in to your room it sort of defeats the purpose. I'm glad you got your haircut outside, that's an experience worth having. Legacy is totally one of the best clubs in the area (can't wait to go back there). Very fun and very open. Drink Point can be very boring if you don't have anyone to dance with lol What I'm curious about is your experience with Uber in Punta Cana/Bávaro? Were they allowed inside the hotel premises? We've had some very nasty situations with the local taxis unions butting heads with the Uber drivers (although a recent a agreement was reached, so I'm not sure if that situation has been resolved).

[@georgschultz2582]

Could you compare Cancun and Punta Cana, which one is currently more dangerous?

[@carlosrivera7800]

No even close my Friend. Punta Cana is 100% Safer than Cancun. The Drug Cartels completely destroyed Cancun for tourists.

[@eliasdelvillar5712]

I love you message and I love the you like my country🎉🥂🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴👍👍

[@rezah.2718]

Like you videos a lot, I live in the DR and go to hotels almost weekly. You must try the Hyatt Zilara. I think you find it’s the best hotel en Punta Cana/Bavaro. Expensive but the best. NOT a party hotel, but definitely high end.

[@pabloacevedo1570]

great info !! any good shopping mall you recommend or not really?? you hairstylist deserves a good tip..:)) Cheers from Argentina

[@ashleythao8593]

Hi coolist!! Thank you for your informative contents. My girls and I are visiting punta cana this year and is planning to book an excursion. Do you recommend it and is it safe?

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

Thanks for making and thanks for sharing. I would like to visit Punta Cana oneday. But, for one, my main concern is I want a less party resort.

[@Coolist]

There are lots of calm resorts!

[@jonipayne585]

Can you talk about the gym/fitness centers at the hotels? Do they have any yoga or fitness classes? Just hoping to work off the drinks ahead of time, LOL.

[@Coolist]

Every resort has a fitness center, allowing you to mitigate your indulgence from the night before 😎. The classes vary, however - not every resort offers them.

[@misschardonnay6989]

Have stayed at Breathless and Majestic Elegance last November. Majestic gym is stoneage, equipement broken, old, shabby and Breathless was tiptop, up to date and super clean. We loved Breathless gym and return this november

[@chrisroach1238]

Great vids! Did you end up going to Imagine club?

[@Coolist]

I didn't but I heard it was a fantastic venue.

[@debbiebialer9003]

Some all inclusive absolutely state that all tips are included. That is probably why some people do not tip.

[@life107familyfitnessboxing8]

Thanks for sharing very useful info

[@skullqc706]

How did you mitigate the 'solo americano' situation?

[@Black_Benz2023]

You are absolutely correct Punta Cana. Great advice. Glad to see you are "back"

[@Coolist]

Yo BB! 🤝

[@kellypond9377]

If it's mostly all inclusives...that sends a strong message. I've been caught in a taxi, once, he wouldn't stop and let me out, it seems he was looking for someone he knew to get in...I bailed at a red light. Don't let the driver put any of your gear in the empty front seat, they might rob you.

[@philshyu5248]

The golf course is not actually ON our resort, but rather it is just kind of near it (looks like 2km away). I assume it’s OK to leave the resort to go to the golf course? I don’t know if there is a shuttle to get there, but if not, it would be maybe 1/2 hour walk?

[@toni24000]

Ortiz was shot in st Domingo not punta cana

[@therealbuba]

I always find it odd when people say I find the X people followed by a bunch of positive attributes. Is there some large group of people / nationalities that people generally hate? Without that all those types of praises fall pretty flat

[@new2this533]

What about the reports of Ubers cancelling your ride and trying to charge you more. Have you experienced this? Also do you Uber to/from the airport?

[@nickrotolo]

What about excursions? i seen there are a few offered online, would you consider those worth leaving for?

[@ericgeorgetruckgrilling]

Glad with the honest review of Punta Cana. Most people don't venture off the resort no matter where they go. Or if they do they take the guided professional tours. You really don't get to see the real community if you do that. This is why I prefer Mexico over all the places I have been to. It's safe to take public transportation walk around at night and of course I don't have to mention about the food and the cost. I feel like a prisoner at most all inclusive hotels.

[@IanCassanova]

Are cigars available on property or is it a road trip out?

[@luvetteconerly1371]

Thanks for this info! I know the alcohol is free at the resort but what if I want to bring full bottles back with me? Can these be purchased at the resort or do I have to go into town?

[@jpmulder5691]

Just got back from the Radisson where I had an penthouse airbnb. All inclusive day passes are available for $75 and considering a drink would cost $10 alone, well worth it. Back to your question...I would take Uber for about $8 to Jumbo (their walmart) and purchase full cases of beer or bottles if you'd like, and take them back to the hotel. Another thing no one talks about is that there is a 18% charge added when you use a credit/debit machine. Keep pesos and save yourself some money.

[@joelthebarber.8753]

Thanks bro! I’m a Dominican and I live in LA 🙌✌️😎

[@Coolist]

😎🙏🏻

[@nikki4911]

Thx i was going to do an AIRBNB now i changed my mind

[@janyva]

Off property, should one carry both dollars and pesos? Advice on tipping?

[@ochenhetree]

Compare Chicago to Vegas. Try walking on south Ashland even in the daytime in Chicago. Vegas is nothing .

[@dzwanderlust5232]

Love the videos but need to fix those audio issues

[@ymReal]

😂😂🤣🤣 he didn't know how to drive the blind dude

[@tati29ec]

Thanks for the information, I´m going to PC in 3 weeks. t

[@jimwalters1964]

You may be there now or just back - experiences? We head there soon, Thanks!

[@robertgross9580]

First time i ever heard "grassy knoll" not in reference to tge JFK assassination Also, i suggest the reason to leave is to meet local girls. Its a pretty big loss to be couped up in a hotelroom ig you are a healt red blooded sociable man.

[@juliososa4286]

Have u been to finest punta cana same company as excellent and if so which is better ? Pls help me here

[@zach7676]

What about the excursions? Me and my fiancé are going in October and we’re looking at excursions like snorkeling, zip lining, etc

[@Coolist]

Excursions in my experience are very safe as most are sponsored or coordinated by the hotels. What I was referring to in this video was taking individual trips off-property - where you leave the safety, security, Affiliation, and guidance of your hotel - and venture on your own into the city of punta Cana.

[@jimwalters1964]

Hi - what are your thoughts on the Zoetry Agua resort? Also, is it do-able or advisable to have a rental car for the duration and can one travel safely to different beaches for snorkeling? Thinking a car would be great to drive up to Las Terrenas, etc. Appreciate your reply - we leave for the DR in 4 days.

[@xoAnimeLoverxo]

how did your stay at zoetry end up being? i am planning a trip there in the upcoming year

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

it rained only 1 day when i went there, but i also had food poisoning and had to take 3 injections definitely don't recommend to leave the resort and try the restaurants there, i don't think there is any fine dining just poverty

[@JustADreamer25]

you can get food poisoning anywhere.

[@Bangaly16kaba]

3:00 He has to be talking about kurt caz 😭😭😭that guy goes everywhere and doesn’t listen to the locals but survives so th the “camera man” loophole

[@platano01]

You should go to bávaro palace deluxe

[@tulocotech]

Brother you need to visit las terrenas is beautiful

[@WorkPlayToronto]

Toronto...yup.

[@vincentantonacci3394]

Even the non all inclusive hotels you can’t have visitors?

[@mattnewman1981]

Is it safe to have dental work done in punta cana?

[@nickelite]

You have to be talking about Sabbatical, with regards to the youtuber.

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

i went snorkelling, it was okay not like mexico

[@joseph6948]

Don't ever get tempted and do illicit drugs...that's a place you don't want to end up in Dominican custody!

[@MiaMichele9696]

@Joseph...Is this from personal experience? 😳 🤔 😅

[@Thailand-mt9op]

Do you think the resorts are safe for female solo traveler?

[@COCOGROCOSHOW]

You will be approached by locals who work in the resorts very aggressively. My 13 year old daughter was approached by member of so called "entertainment team " and he give me dirty look for not allowing my daughter to go dance with him . He was clearly over 25 .

[@wmeade100]

Hey! Love your videos. My wife and I are going to Riu Republica in April. Our reservation doesn't include airport transfers. How would you recommend get to the hotel?

[@lcapo9175]

How was riu republica

[@wmeade100]

@@lcapo9175 Amazing. That was our second time and it will definitely not be the last. There is something for everyone.

[@jrb5704]

How did your transportation to Rui go? I’m going in a few weeks and staying at Palace and have been wanting to know what’s the best way to get from the airport too.

[@LazyJay147]

Is Coco Bongo worth going to in Punta Cana?

[@Jwonumero1]

Yeah it is good

[@jairozapata566]

What happened to el Papi was not I Punta Cana. Shove it! Don’t speak what you don’t know.

[@dmillzzz1918]

Yo punta Cana is coo but can you go to another island. Im living through you right now .. lol

[@Thailand-mt9op]

Do you think the resorts are safe for females? I have seen that women have been assaulted by staff

[@shahryarpahore1134]

Yes I think that guy in Pakistan too

[@doug7745]

Armed guards? Outside the resorts DM is not safe.

[@Coolist]

I'm not sure the guards were armed... in regards to your other question - I use a medley of cameras: mobile, action, and regular.

[@starent3777]

Much rather armed gaurds than mall cops.

[@MrVictor444]

Armed police everywhere in the USA does that mean the USA is not safe? Punta cana is very safe if you don't do stupid 💩

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

i think women would have a different experience

[@firstandlastname2390]

It is ever safer than Haiti.

[@meena1294]

8:54

[@Superj343]

Enemies of the Dominican Republic should not be allowed to visit that country. This gentleman is the living example of the enemy of the Dominican Republic

[@COCOGROCOSHOW]

We should just send you our daughters and sisters, especially if they are blondes, RIGHT????

[@Superj343]

@@COCOGROCOSHOW Don’t send nothing. We don’t need nothing from you pedophile.

[@enocmusic486]

Detroit is more dangerous....you'll be fine ;)

[@Jwonumero1]

Curt kaz lol