Adrenaline-Inducing Punta Cana

Punta Cana, on the Eastern ridge of the Dominican Republic, is a honeymooner’s paradise with soft white sands that slope gently in to azure crystal-clear waters and a whole host of sprawling all inclusive resorts where relaxation is the name of the game. However, if chilling on a sunlounger sounds a bit bland to you, it’s easy to add in some adrenaline-pumping activities in Punta Cana!

Ziplining

Ziplining has gained in popularity in recent years and it’s not hard to understand why when you can zip out over verdant vistas and rushing waterfalls in gorgeous, tropical locations. Canopy Adventure Ziplines in Punta Cana has its own course with 12 platforms and eight cable lines, one of which stretches over 2,100 feet. The course is located in the Oriental Mountain range and so offers incredible views of the lush green rainforest below and the rolling hills beyond.

If you’re less interested in scenic views than getting your heart pumping, they also offer a Tarzan swing which sees you leap off a ledge before swinging above the trees below.

[Photo by Billtacular – Flickr]

Diving at a Shipwreck

Plunging beneath the waves to the eerie underwater world below is always an exciting experience but when there is a shipwreck involved, there’s always so much more to explore. There are an impressive number of shipwrecks to explore from Punta Cana including the famous Astron shipwreck and the Punta Cana Scuba Diving Centre offers dives to several of these sites.

The Atlantic Princess which washed out to sea during a big storm and promptly sank is well suited to beginners due to its position in shallow waters. Alternatively, holidaymakers can dive the St George’s Wreck which was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef and is now home to an impressive ray of marine life including barracudas.

For the incredibly bold, there are trips to Shark Point where divers can swim alongside reef sharks and huge looming sting rays.

[Photo by Andrew Roberts – Flickr]

Parasailing

Parasailing feels an awful lot like flying – there is a feeling of weightlessness as your soar above the sea. There are a number of companies offering parasailing in Punta Cana. Those who feel brave enough head out in a boat before being strapped in to a harness attached to a parachute which is tied to the boat. As the wind picks up, the parachute ascends taking you with it. This is one adrenaline-inducing activity that can be slotted in neatly with a day lounging on the beach. Meaning that you can add excitement to your day without compromising on your tan.

[Photo by Oscar Moreira D. – Flickr]

Helicopter Tour

To live the life of a celebrity whilst on holiday in Punta Cana, why not book on to a helicopter tour? Punta Cana Helicopters offer tours over this picturesque Caribbean landscape from just $95 but for a longer ride, you may need to flash the cash. Zipping about in the sky in these bug-like machines provides a great opportunity to take some incredible photos and make all your friends very, very envious.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Hot air balloon rides conjure up picture-perfect scenes in the English countryside. However, you can enjoy these rides all around the world and they’re not as relaxing as they may seem. The views are indeed magnificent but pulses are likely to be raised as you’re propelled in to the air in a wicker basket. Dominican Balloons offer tours out of Punta Cana and pride themselves on their immaculate safety record.