El Cortecito is what was here before the resorts — a small fishing village that somehow survived being surrounded on all sides by international hotel brands. It sits at the centre of the Bávaro beach strip and functions as the nearest thing Punta Cana has to a town centre. Fishing boats still come in in the morning and the catch is often sold directly off the beach.
The main street and beach access are lined with independent restaurants serving grilled fish, lobster, shrimp, and Dominican staples at prices far below what the resorts charge. Jellyfish Restaurant and Capitan Cook are two of the more reliable spots. The beach in front of El Cortecito is public access and less manicured than the resort sections — a good spot to sit with a cold beer and feel marginally less enclosed by the tourist infrastructure.