Sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the Dominican Republic revels in its year-round summer reputation. On its perimeter are powdery sand beaches dotted with palm trees, colorful coral coves teeming with a kaleidoscope of fish flittering in warm, crystal-clear waters, and large seaside resorts and quaint fishing villages. Away from the beach is an island rich in Spanish Colonial history, lush rainforests, and peaks where you can see the entire island. Sound fun? Try our top 10 Domincan Republic excursions.
Surf, Sand, and Sun in the Dominican Republic
1. Gallery hopping in Altos de Chavon
Lovers of arts and crafts will have much to sift through on a visit to this recreated 16th-century Spanish village. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with coral block and terra-cotta brick buildings, which house art galleries, artisan studios, restaurants, and shops, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. On the main plaza stands the Church of St. Stanislaus, from where spectacular panoramic views the Caribbean and the countryside unfold.
2. See Island Marine Life at Manati Park
Kids of all ages will love this park, inland from the coast of Punta Cana. Swim with dolphins, see native Taino dancing, check out a sea lion show, and wander with ducks through a colorful garden dotted with tropical orchids and Dominican art. On the way, you can see iguanas, birds, and crocodiles. A half-day tour captures the highlights.
Lovers of arts and crafts will have much to sift through on a visit to this recreated 16th-century Spanish village. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with coral block and terra-cotta brick buildings, which house art galleries, artisan studios, restaurants, and shops, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. On the main plaza stands the Church of St. Stanislaus, from where spectacular panoramic views the Caribbean and the countryside unfold.
2. See Island Marine Life at Manati Park
Kids of all ages will love this park, inland from the coast of Punta Cana. Swim with dolphins, see native Taino dancing, check out a sea lion show, and wander with ducks through a colorful garden dotted with tropical orchids and Dominican art. On the way, you can see iguanas, birds, and crocodiles. A half-day tour captures the highlights.
3. Head Inland on a Dominican Outback Safari
The amazing “Amber coast” beaches notwithstanding, Puerto Plata is a perfect base to explore the verdant Dominican countryside. Your guide will regale you with amusing anecdotes about the island and its people, as you motor along in an all-terrain vehicle. You’ll see sugar cane fields, pass through small villages, and then stop for a buffet lunch at a secluded beach, where you can boogie board and sip rum. Then it’s back to Puerto Plata.
The amazing “Amber coast” beaches notwithstanding, Puerto Plata is a perfect base to explore the verdant Dominican countryside. Your guide will regale you with amusing anecdotes about the island and its people, as you motor along in an all-terrain vehicle. You’ll see sugar cane fields, pass through small villages, and then stop for a buffet lunch at a secluded beach, where you can boogie board and sip rum. Then it’s back to Puerto Plata.
Dune Buggy Safari in Punta Cana
4. Explore Old Santo Domingo
When you want break from the sunny beaches, head to Santo Domingo’s 16th century Zona Colonial. Spanish history abounds on its cobblestone streets, lined with a historic treasure trove of monuments and churches. In fact, Calle Las Damas (Street of the Ladies) is the first paved street in the Americas. The Museo de las Cassa Reales, along this street, holds tapestries and artifacts, tracing Santo Domingo’s history fro 1492 to 1821.
5. Take a Riverboat ride on the Chavon River
Spend the day on a riverboat, cruising on Chavon River, as it winds its way through lush bluffs bursting with spectacular scenery. The river flows near La Romana, on southeastern corner of the island. While on your cruise, you can visit a house and mingle with locals, while sampling luscious island fruits. A true taste of Dominican culture.
When you want break from the sunny beaches, head to Santo Domingo’s 16th century Zona Colonial. Spanish history abounds on its cobblestone streets, lined with a historic treasure trove of monuments and churches. In fact, Calle Las Damas (Street of the Ladies) is the first paved street in the Americas. The Museo de las Cassa Reales, along this street, holds tapestries and artifacts, tracing Santo Domingo’s history fro 1492 to 1821.
5. Take a Riverboat ride on the Chavon River
Spend the day on a riverboat, cruising on Chavon River, as it winds its way through lush bluffs bursting with spectacular scenery. The river flows near La Romana, on southeastern corner of the island. While on your cruise, you can visit a house and mingle with locals, while sampling luscious island fruits. A true taste of Dominican culture.
6. Uncover the Coral Coves in the Bay of Sosua
In the clear waters off Sosua Beach, between Puerto Plata and Cabarete, calm sheltered waters harbor a spectacular underwater world of coral reefs and an array of marine life. Don snorkelling or diving gear and explore the coral coves and wrecks. Afterward, sip rum in one of the beachside cafes or play in the placid surf.
In the clear waters off Sosua Beach, between Puerto Plata and Cabarete, calm sheltered waters harbor a spectacular underwater world of coral reefs and an array of marine life. Don snorkelling or diving gear and explore the coral coves and wrecks. Afterward, sip rum in one of the beachside cafes or play in the placid surf.
7. Taste the Flavors
Island flavors abound in the Dominican Republic, and you should try as much as you can. In Santo Domingo, you can find zesty braised snapper, while in Puerto Plata, the right-from-the-ocean crayfish and shrimp are hardly bettered. Be sure to try the national dish La Bandera, comprised of rice, beans, meat, vegetables, and friend plantains. Wash it down with local Presidente beer or a rum cocktail.
Island flavors abound in the Dominican Republic, and you should try as much as you can. In Santo Domingo, you can find zesty braised snapper, while in Puerto Plata, the right-from-the-ocean crayfish and shrimp are hardly bettered. Be sure to try the national dish La Bandera, comprised of rice, beans, meat, vegetables, and friend plantains. Wash it down with local Presidente beer or a rum cocktail.
Catamaran Cruise
8. Catamaran Cruise
Hop aboard a catamaran for a relaxing cruise to Saona Island, just south of Bavaro Beach. Once your on the island, you can immerse yourself in the tropical surrounds of white sandy beaches, shade-sheltering palm trees, and the ever-clear waters. A barbeque buffet lunch, Merengue dancing, and rum cocktails round out this day trip adventure.
Hop aboard a catamaran for a relaxing cruise to Saona Island, just south of Bavaro Beach. Once your on the island, you can immerse yourself in the tropical surrounds of white sandy beaches, shade-sheltering palm trees, and the ever-clear waters. A barbeque buffet lunch, Merengue dancing, and rum cocktails round out this day trip adventure.
9. Get high for waterfalls and views
Domincan’s lush interior rewards the soft-adventure explorer. In the Cordillera Central mountains, alpine trails lead to one of the islands most awesome sites: the rushing waterfalls of Jarabacoa. The icy waters from these falls crash from as high as 196 feet (60m). And if you want to get higher, take the 7-mintue cable car ride up the vertical slope of Mount Isabel des Torres. At its peak of 2,600 feet (780m), you’re reward with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the entire island.
10. Stroll the beach at Playa Bavaro
Highlighting the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Playa Bavaro is one of the hottest stretches of beaches in Punta Cana. Jammed with all-inclusive resorts, Playa Bavaro’s wide expanse of golden sands goes on for 20 miles (32km). The scene is great, too, as the warm waters invite swimming, windsurfing, beach volleyball, and snorkeling, plus an unlimited selectio
Domincan’s lush interior rewards the soft-adventure explorer. In the Cordillera Central mountains, alpine trails lead to one of the islands most awesome sites: the rushing waterfalls of Jarabacoa. The icy waters from these falls crash from as high as 196 feet (60m). And if you want to get higher, take the 7-mintue cable car ride up the vertical slope of Mount Isabel des Torres. At its peak of 2,600 feet (780m), you’re reward with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the entire island.
10. Stroll the beach at Playa Bavaro
Highlighting the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Playa Bavaro is one of the hottest stretches of beaches in Punta Cana. Jammed with all-inclusive resorts, Playa Bavaro’s wide expanse of golden sands goes on for 20 miles (32km). The scene is great, too, as the warm waters invite swimming, windsurfing, beach volleyball, and snorkeling, plus an unlimited selectio
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