According to forum posts, travelers have diverse preferences for resorts in Punta Cana. For those seeking lively environments, CHIC, Breathless, and RIU Republica are recommended. For a romantic and luxurious honeymoon experience, the TRS Turquesa and Majestic Elegance are frequently mentioned, with the latter offering a club level for added exclusivity.

For families traveling with teenagers, specific resorts have not been directly recommended, but users suggest considering resorts based on available activities, beach conditions, and an overall atmosphere suitable for teens.

Travelers have called out adults-only options like the TRS Turquesa for those seeking tranquility and exclusivity. The Excellence Punta Cana and Excellence El Carmen are highlighted for their luxury offerings and beachfront locations, providing a mix of romance and quality amenities.

For those preferring non-all-inclusive resorts, the Westin in Punta Cana is suggested, known for arranging spa visits and providing a high-quality experience without the all-inclusive format.

Several major rental car companies operate out of Punta Cana, including Avis, Hertz, Dollar, Budget, and Europcar. Travelers have noted that while these companies are conveniently located at the Punta Cana International Airport, the service quality and charges can vary, with some reporting overcharges and issues with the reservation of vehicles.

Some travelers have recommended using local car rental services such as Tropicana Car Rental, which is noted for being cost-effective compared to airport rental companies. Tropicana Car Rental offers services like airport pickup and provides vehicles suitable for larger groups, such as minivans.

Customer experiences with car rentals in Punta Cana have been mixed. Issues cited include overcharging, especially with companies like Alamo, and inconsistent service quality across even well-known rental brands. However, Europcar has received some positive feedback for its reliability.

When renting a car in Punta Cana, it may be beneficial to consider both international and local rental companies, compare their reviews and prices, and prepare for potential inconsistencies in service. Booking in advance and confirming reservations can help avoid some common issues encountered by travelers.

For travelers heading to Punta Cana, an E-Ticket is a mandatory online document required both for entry and exit. It's essential to fill this out before your travel, and it can be done as soon as you have your flight details. Some travelers mentioned completing it months in advance without issues.

It's crucial to use the official website for the E-Ticket application to avoid unnecessary charges. Some users reported encountering fraudulent sites trying to charge for the otherwise free E-Ticket. The official site is https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/.

The E-Ticket process may require an application code, particularly if you need to retrieve or modify your ticket. This code is provided at the beginning of the application process and is necessary if you need to access your form again.

Travelers have suggested taking screenshots or printing the E-Ticket for backup, even though it is linked to your passport and typically scanned automatically by immigration authorities. It is recommended to complete the E-Ticket at least 72 hours before travel, aligning with health questionnaires that might be part of the process.

According to forum posts, while Punta Cana itself does not offer close proximity whale watching, nearby Samana Bay is a popular location for this activity. Some travelers mentioned that they have occasionally seen whales off the coast of Punta Cana, but these sightings are rare and the whales are usually far out.

Travelers have recommended specific operators for whale watching excursions, such as Whale Samana with Kim Beddall, who is noted as an expert in the field. Tours typically involve early morning departures and include transportation from Punta Cana to Samana. Another operator mentioned was Mike Fisher Tours, which offers tours departing from Miches, closer to Punta Cana, reducing travel time.

It was noted that the waters can be rough, which might affect those who are prone to seasickness. Therefore, travelers looking to book whale watching tours should be prepared for potentially bumpy rides on the water.

Some travelers have recommended using private transfer services from Punta Cana airport to various destinations. Companies frequently mentioned include Dominican Airport Transfers, Punta Cana Mike, and eTransfers Punta Cana. These services are noted for their reliability and the convenience of pre-booking online.

According to forum posts, many users have had positive experiences with these transfer services, citing timely pickups and professional service. However, some travelers called out instances where pre-booked services did not show up, leading them to opt for readily available taxis instead.

For those looking for immediate transport upon arrival without prior booking, taxis are readily available at the airport. Travelers have called out the ease of finding taxis, though prices can vary and some have experienced fare discrepancies upon reaching their destination.

A few users have suggested using Uber as a cost-effective alternative, although there were mentions of certain resorts not allowing Uber pickups on their properties. This could affect the convenience of using such services depending on the accommodation.

According to forum posts, most travelers recommend using US dollars (USD) for transactions in Punta Cana, especially for tipping at resorts and for general expenditures on the resort. USD is widely accepted and convenient for most visitors.

For those planning to spend time off the resort or interact more with local shops and services, some users suggested exchanging a portion of USD to Dominican Pesos (DOP). This might yield better value for purchases outside of tourist areas.

Travelers have advised against exchanging currency at airports or hotels due to poor exchange rates. Instead, using banks or local casas de cambio (exchange houses) is recommended for getting a more favorable exchange rate.

According to forum posts, Punta Cana generally experiences warm weather with temperatures ranging from 23°C at night to around 30°C during the day in February. The summer months are hotter and more humid.

Some travelers said that while Punta Cana does have a rainy season, the rain is usually short-lived and occurs overnight. Hurricane season spans from June to November, but direct hits are rare, and any storms typically move away quickly.

Travelers have called out that the weather in May is very nice, not too humid, and generally sunny. In contrast, February weather is cooler than the summer months but still pleasantly warm and breezy.

For many users, the temperature during winter months can feel slightly cooler in the evenings, suggesting that a light jacket might be useful then. The difference in temperature throughout the year is about 10 degrees, with warmer days from late spring to early fall.

According to forum posts, Dreams Onyx in Punta Cana is generally well-received by guests. Some travelers highlighted the resort's beautiful beach and very good food options. The adults-only Preferred Club area is particularly praised for its amenities and swim-out rooms.

However, some users expressed concerns over additional costs for specific amenities, such as renting Bali beds in the pool area, which left a negative impression. Additionally, while some guests preferred dining at the neighboring Breathless resort, others found the food at Dreams Onyx satisfactory, with varied options including Italian, steakhouse, and Mexican cuisines.

Dreams Onyx also offers access to the lively adults-only Breathless resort next door, which is considered a bonus by many guests, providing additional dining and entertainment options.