Punta Cana - General Info
Where is Punta Cana?
Punta Cana is on the extreme eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. It is a popular tourist resort and is well known for both its beaches, surf and golf courses.
Whilst clearance here is straightforward, as the marina organises everything, this port is not ideal for cruising boats unless conditions are very settled.
Entrance Notes and Cautions
Marina Punta Cana is populated by mostly fishing craft and has a very difficult entrance channel, that is shallow (7-8 feet in places). While the channel is reasonably well marked with buoys, it is very narrow and can be extremely tricky to pass in cross-wind conditions. Inside the marina it is much more protected, but it should be noted that the tidal surge can be extreme.
Alternative nearby clearance ports are Samana to the north and Casa de Campo to the south.
Note that some electronic charts (e.g. Navionics) show no detail of the marina here and its entrance. The buoyed channel can be difficult to see at first as the buoys from the original channel were never removed leaving a confusing array of buoys to the north of the present channel.
The marina provides a pilot service if visibility or conditions are poor. Call them on VHF Ch 16 or 72, or call Edward/WhatsApp +1 (809) 6691250.
Drift Nets
There have been reports of yachts encountering drift nets with chlorine bottle floats when on night-time passage off Punta Cana, heading for Puerto Rico and having to dive to cut the nets free. Be vigilant when 0n passage at night, as you would anywhere in the Caribbean.
Cruiser Highlights
Quiet and comfortable place to relax after a hard passage; peaceful; beach; gym; restaurant; provision by Uber.
Position:
18°29.9’N, 68°21.9’W
Last updated: February 2025
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Related to following destinations: Dominican Republic, Punta Cana
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I was in Cap Cana Marina on a 50ft sailing catamaran from February 5-10, 2025.
The channel into the marina is well marked with buoys, but has a depth of 7-8 feet (2-2.3 meters) sometimes. The channel is narrow, crosswinds and waves make it difficult to pass. Inside the marina is comfortable and quiet. Electricity 110/220 volts, water, showers, restaurants, a beach and a gym are available. It is comfortable to relax here after the passage on clean beaches and without the hustle and bustle of the city. For a trip to the supermarket, use Uber.
You can keep in touch by phone +1 (809) 6691250 via WhatsApp in advance. Edward quickly responds and helps when you arrive at the marina. Before entering the channel, call the marina on VHF 72.
Felt save in Punta Cana! Juan very (!) helpfull and some staff in office as well. Need a rental car (60 $ / day) to get around. You need a visitor pass to get in and out the marina. Immigration is exhausting – also when leaving.
Very nice place! Very good all around shelter, very nice and helpful staff. Renting a car for provisioning and driving around is recommended, as the Marina is part of an Appartement Ressort.
Gasstation in the harbor. No chandler near.
Call Marina on VHF 72 about 10 miles before you enter. They will onform you about the depths. When you see the yellow buoy line up with the entrance channel which is excellent marked. Stay closer to the red buoys, depth 8-8,5 ft !
Let me add, that we spent really wonderful and relaxing days here. I can recommend Cap Cana for all who seek for a pause and relaxing in a really wonderful surrounding. The staff is very polite and helpful at any questions or need. The nights are quiet as there are no discos or clubs around and the harbour is perfectly sheltered. The marvellous beach is close walking distance (max. 5 mins). You can also ask for a transfer with a golf cart. The restaurants are very tasty and classy, the whole area is perfectly maintained and security is 24/7.
When I am close again, I will stop here definitely again.
Save marina with the very friendly habourmaster Juan.
20 Minutes to drive to the very good supermarket National.
Customs, immagrations: expansive, long lasting, indeed up to 7 officals!
Fuel was good, the pilot was good. The slip was very far from everything. Not really walking distance so you need to use their golf card driver up until 6 when the office closes. Beach area was nice but the desk said Marina guests could not use pools. Cute beach bar. $6 regular Presidents. No laundry machines now.
Has to be sent out. Wifi did not work at our slip. Couldn’t get on and off our vessel easily or safely. Check out was good once we got past the desk girl who was always ‘confused’ and reluctant. Our golf cart driver made sure it was well coordinated for our Despacho. Everything was on time. Pre-checkout is the key. No surge here.