Choose Cabo if…
- you want special-occasion restaurants for a splurge night
- you love the setting: desert meets sea at the tip of Baja: El Arco, whale season, farm-to-table dinners and a 30 km resort corridor between two towns
Choose Punta Cana if…
- your guests lean relaxed (7 relaxed picks versus 5)
- guests are staying longer and want day trips
- you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat
Side by side
| Cabo | Punta Cana | |
|---|---|---|
| Best season | November to May | December to April |
| Getting there | Los Cabos International (SJD) is 15 minutes from San José del Cabo and 40 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. | Punta Cana International (PUJ) is 15 to 30 minutes from most resorts, with direct flights from the US, Canada and Europe. |
| Car needed? | Not usually | Not usually |
| Activity prices | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Group-friendly activities | 11 of 12 | 11 of 12 |
| Relaxed activities | 5 | 7 |
| Foodie activities | 3 | 4 |
| Adventure activities | 6 | 6 |
| Full-day trips | 1 | 3 |
| Seasonal activities | 1 | 0 |
| Budget eats on our list | 2 | 3 |
| Currency | Mexican peso (MXN). US dollars are often accepted in resort areas at a worse rate. | Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted at resorts and tourist businesses. |
| Tipping | Expected: 10 to 15% in restaurants, plus tips for guides, drivers and boat crews. | Restaurant bills include a 10% service charge by law, plus tax. An extra 5 to 10% for good service is appreciated, as are small tips for resort staff. |
| Dinner time | Dinner from about 7 to 10 pm. | Dinner usually from 7 to 10 pm. Resort à la carte restaurants often need a reservation. |
Top group activities in Cabo
- Glass-bottom boat to El Arco and Lover's Beach. See the famous rock arch and sea lions, with drop-off at Lover's Beach.
- Sunset dinner cruise. Dinner and drinks on the water as the sun sets behind the arch.
- Whale watching tour. Humpback whales breach right off the coast in winter. A highlight of the season.
- Snorkeling at Santa Maria and Chileno Bay. Calm protected bays full of tropical fish. Gear and snacks included.
Top group activities in Punta Cana
- Saona Island catamaran day trip. Sail to a palm-fringed island in a national park, stop at the natural pool with starfish, and have lunch on the beach.
- Catamaran snorkel cruise along the reef. Snorkel the coral reef off Bávaro, then cruise back with music and an open bar.
- Dune buggy tour to Macao Beach and a cave pool. Drive muddy country tracks, swim in a cenote-style cave and visit a local ranch.
- Scape Park: Hoyo Azul and zip lines. Swim in the bright blue Hoyo Azul pool at the foot of a cliff and fly over the forest on zip lines.
Questions couples ask
Is Cabo or Punta Cana better for a destination wedding?
Choose Cabo if you want special-occasion restaurants for a splurge night. Choose Punta Cana if your guests lean relaxed (7 relaxed picks versus 5).
When is the best time for a wedding in Cabo and Punta Cana?
Cabo: November to May. Punta Cana: December to April.
Which is easier for guests to reach, Cabo or Punta Cana?
Cabo: Los Cabos International (SJD) is 15 minutes from San José del Cabo and 40 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Punta Cana: Punta Cana International (PUJ) is 15 to 30 minutes from most resorts, with direct flights from the US, Canada and Europe.
Made your choice?
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