Punta Cana College Spring Break | 2024 Full Guide

Punta Cana throws an epic spring break party season year after year as it's the ultimate blend of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and adventure. Imagine trading textbooks for turquoise waters, swapping exams for electrifying dance floors, and fueling memories with all-inclusive resorts with your friends. Budget-friendly? Check. Direct flights? Check. Adventure activities like ziplining and catamaran cruises? Double check!

This 7-day travel itinerary unlocks the secrets to an unforgettable Spring Break in Punta Cana, catering to both beach bums and thrill-seekers. From pulse-pounding ziplines to electrifying poolside foam parties, we'll guide you through the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and partying, to ensure you’ll have unforgettable college spring break memories that will last a lifetime.

General Punta Cana Spring Break Must Dos

• RIU Republica pool parties
• Famous nightclubs: Coco Bongo, Imagine, Oro
• Party boat cruise with open bar
• Ziplining + ATV adventures
• Soana island tour

Resort Selection

• RIU Republica: The best party resort in Punta Cana, very well known for its legendary “RIU Parties”. Expect a younger crowd as it is know as THE college spring break resort in Punta Cana. Guests may be asked to show passports/ID to prove that they are 21 years of age or older.
• Royalton CHIC: Typically younger crowd. Very social, casual, and open-minded. Great alternative to the RIU Republica in Punta Cana.
• Breathless: More luxurious and more expensive resort. At the higher price point, expect a slightly older crowd who can afford to spend a bit more for better rooms, amenities, service, etc.
• Occidental Caribe: Budget-friendly resort, typically more affordable for college students. Not as well-known for wild parties and nightclubs.
• Hard Rock Punta Cana: Family-friendly, feel-good hotel. Open to both children and adults. No crazy parties and more events designed for family-friendly fun.

Restaurants (RIU Republica)

• La Altagracia: Main buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Wide variety of international cuisine.
• Mangú: Main buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Main focus on Dominican and Caribbean cuisine.
• Tarantella: Italian a la carte restaurant.
• Kaori: Asian a la carte restaurant featuring teppanyaki, sushi, etc.
• Taj Mahal: Indian a la carte restaurant serving curries, tandoori dishes, etc.
• Ole: Spanish a la carte restaurant serving tapas, paellas, and other Spanish dishes.
• Kulinarium: 2 locations (East & West). Fine dining experience with tasting menus and a la carte options. RESERVATIONS and semi-formal wear required!
• Quisqueya: Poolside restaurant serving grilled meats, seafood, salads, and snacks.

Snack Bars (RIU Republica)

• Jerk Station: Beachside shack serving Caribbean jerk chicken, grilled fish, and other snacks.
• Sports Bar: Open 24 hours a day, serving burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and other pub fare.
• Ice Cream Bar: Serving refreshing ice cream and milkshakes.

Drinks & Bars (RIU Republica)

• La Güira: Lobby bar with a relaxed atmosphere and live music.
• Latino: Lounge bar with a terrace and stunning ocean views.
• Sports Bar: Also serves as a bar with a variety of drinks and cocktails.
• Macao: Bar located by the main pool.
• Plaza: Chill-out bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Aquamar: Poolside bar with swim-up access.
• La Ola: Poolside bar with swim-up access.
• Saona: Poolside bar + Plaza bar with a stage.
• Coco's Bar: Beach bar with a lively atmosphere and live music.

Day 1: Arrival & Resort Rush

Time Schedule

• 11:00 AM: Arrive in Punta Cana, check into your resort (ideally RIU Republica), and drop off your baggage. Visit the concierge desk to make restaurant reservations. Very important to secure restaurant reservations as early as possible.
• 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Waste no time - head straight to the pool and join the legendary RIU Republica pool party! Expect DJs, dancing, games, and endless drinks.
• 6:00 PM: Explore the resort, grab dinner with your crew, and get ready for your first Punta Cana night out.
• 9:00 PM: Pre-game drinking at the resort, gather your energy for an epic night out.
• 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM: Visit Imagine nightclub (known for its futuristic setting, thumping electronic music, and wild laser shows).

Day 2: Beach & Booze Cruise

Time Schedule

• 10:30 AM: Fuel up with a breakfast buffet, then hit the beach for some relaxation and sunshine. Participate in beach volleyball, water sports, or just chill under an umbrella.
• 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Board shuttle transport to a 4-hour party boat cruise. Expect DJ sets, an open bar, dancing on deck, and breathtaking ocean views. Get ready to mingle, make new friends, and party hard at sea!
• 6:30 PM: Head back to the resort for dinner and pre-game at the pool bar with casual drinks and conversation.
• 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM: Dress to impress and head to Oro nightclub, Punta Cana's premier upscale club. Enjoy VIP sections, renowned DJs, and a sophisticated party scene.

Day 3: Relax & Recharge

Time Schedule

• 10:00 AM: Sleep in after the late-night partying. Enjoy a leisurely brunch and poolside lounging.
• 2:30 PM: Go on an off-road ATV dune buggy adventure tour. Explore local Dominican farms, swim in water cave cenotes, and visit the famous Macao beach.
• 7:00 PM: Have dinner at the resort and relax.
• 9:00 PM: Enjoy the resort’s live music performances and themed party night.

Day 4: Adventure & Adrenaline

Time Schedule

• 6:30 AM: Casual breakfast at the resort buffet.
• 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Board transport to Runner’s Ranch full-day zipline adventure in the Anamuya mountains. Enjoy the 12-zipline circuit and play with the squirrel monkeys in the world-famous Monkeyland.
• 3:30 PM: Come back to the resort. Spend a few moments to relax by the pool, take a nap by the beach, read a nice book, and enjoy casual time with friends.
• 6:30 PM: Have dinner at the resort at one of the reserve-only restaurants with your group.
• 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM: Prepare for the legendary Coco Bongo show and disco. Immerse yourselves in the high-energy acrobatics, live music, and vibrant dance performances. After the show, hit the dance floor and party until the early hours.

Day 5: Beach Day & Chill Vibes

Time Schedule

• 10:30 AM: Recover from the previous night with a relaxed day at the beach. Soak up the sun, play beach volleyball, and build sandcastles.
• 12:00 PM: Enjoy more pool-side parties, hang out at the swim-up bars, use the property waterpark water slides, or enjoy the Renova Spa for extra relaxation and rejuvenation.
• 6:30 PM: Have a fun and festive dinner at the resort. Enjoy casual Dominican dancing and beach games.
• 8:00 PM: Enjoy a low-key night at the resort's bar or enjoy live music and performances for a more chill vibe.

Day 6: Explore Punta Cana

Time Schedule

• 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Sip on morning coffee and embark on a full-day Saona Island tour. Snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs and savor a traditional Dominican-style meal.
• 3:30 PM: In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery and consider trying an on-beach horseback ride.
• 6:30 PM: Have a celebratory farewell dinner with your spring break crew and scroll through fun photos of the amazing memories you’ve created.
• 10:00 PM: Consider one last night-themed party at the legendary RIU Republica grounds. 

Day 7: Departure Day

Time Schedule

• 7:00 AM: Enjoy a final breakfast at the resort and pack your bags. Relax by the pool or beach until your departure time.
• 12:00 PM: Board flights to head back home!

Bonus Tips:

• Look out for special spring break events and parties happening at your resort or other venues.
• Consider attending themed nights at nightclubs for an extra dose of fun. (Ex. Pink Party, All-White Night, Neon Splash, etc.).
• Learn some basic Spanish phrases to connect with locals and enhance your experience.
• Consider giving out cash tips to resort staff (Check-in desk, butlers, bartenders). The extra level of appreciation can go a long way and can sometimes lead to extra favors and preferred service!
• Pack light, breezy clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Budget-friendly travelers can save on travel costs by using hotel and airfare bundles.

Other Articles You Might Find Helpful

• Top 10 Party Resorts in Punta Cana
• Top 5 Ziplines in Punta Cana
• Top 10 Party Boats in Punta Cana
• Top 13 Luxury Resorts in Punta Cana
• Top 12 Nightclubs in Punta Cana