Punta Cana is on the eastern tip of Dominican Republic and near the capital city Santa Domingo and Samana.  Punta Cana has beaches facing both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.  The ocean waters are shallow with an average temperature of 86 degrees.  The mostly flat landscape and mountains with very little rainfall offers a dry climate. Each person must pay a $10 fee to obtain a tourist card that is a requirement for passing through the customs pass point control point.  The exit fee is included in the fee of your airline ticket.  Most Dominican speak or understand some English.  The electrical voltage on this island is highly irregular.

We stayed twice at the beautiful Riu Palace Balvaro located on the of Arena Gorga.  This is a 4 1/2 star all-inclusive resort with exchange privileges with Riu Palace Punta Cana, Riu Bambu and Riu Naiboa.  This includes access to pools, restaurants, bars, beaches, casino and transportation services; excluding dinner.  The live entertainment was fantastic!

The facility is located on the Barcelona Bavaro Beach.  This beach was lined with trees which provide natural shade.  The beach is loaded with coral and other aquatic life everywhere which provided excellent snorkeling opportunities.

One of the many dining options offered at Riu Palace Balvaro is a beach BBQ.  The beachside BBQ is located directly on the beach and the entire area is decorated like an large Caribbean festival.  The vendors were conveniently setup on the outskirts of the evening activities providing lots of reasonably priced local finds.   The tables were set up like an outdoor restaurant.  The performance and/or dance floor was in the center of the tables.  There were large open flamed grilling areas serving lobster, shrimp, fish, pork, chicken and a variety of vegetables.  This provides magnificent aromas throughout the air.  Live bands played Caribbean music, natives colorfully dressed told narratives through performance, song and dance.  There were fire dancers and other dramatic native performers. There are plenty of opportunities for participation throughout the evening.  We participated in dancing the bachata, merengue and salsa on the dance floor, and even on a tabletop.  It was an exuberating and unforgettable experience?