Bavaro Beach is on the Eastern side of the country, just North of the Eastern-most point which makes its waters more Atlantic than Caribbean. Still very clear and beautiful turquoise waters and wonderfully soft, fine white sands. The beaches are lined with thousands of African palm trees, grown from the coconuts that were used as ballast on Columbus' ships when he brought his family (and African slaves) to settle there. The coconuts were thrown from the ship when it approached the bay, and have populated the entire shoreline.
Bavaro Beach is protected by a coral barrier reef, when the winds picked up (and they do!) you can see the waves crashing over the reef, but the waters stay relatively calm and smooth inside (see photo below at hi-res). We had the opportunity to be on a boat outside the reef when a storm approached.. a speedy ride over some seriously rough waters and a little rain made it quite an adventure getting back around the reef and in to shore!
The rest of the area is very dense and jungle-like, with stretches of cleared fields for farming and ranching. Roads are very rough, and the houses and little businesses are built right at the shoulder, it's like driving through their front yards!! Houses are open, you see families sitting about eating, working, and playing games.
The resorts are very nearly islands to themselves amidst the jungle, they are far removed from civilization. There are homes along the way, but more in the line of small neighborhoods, or clusters of homes with an occasional small diner or market, distinguishable from a home only by lots of tables and chairs, or a sign. Buildings are all gaily painted with bright colors, and the open configuration is very appealing.. you know they all must work very hard but it appears as if they're having a party all the time!!
Feel free to view my Punta Cana photo album at yahoo photos under the same user name.
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