QUICK JUMP TO: Punta Cana / Samana / Las Terrenas / Puerto Plata / La Romana / Golf
You may know it by now: Dominican Republic is a large, very large island, meaning that the country benefits from an equally large variety of landscapes, topography and, therefore, activities. Want to take it easy after a long flight? Take the time to rejuvenate at one of the world-class spas, or soaking up the rays on one of the island's picturesque beaches.
Wishing to reconnect with Mother Nature? Take a hike into the breathtaking Jarabacoa mountains, explore the island's network of underground caves and tunnels, go canyoning in its majestic waterfalls, or make unique encounters at the whale watching points and diving sites.
SANTO DOMINGO
THE CAPITAL
Cobblestone lanes leading to a variety of shops, bars and museums, in an architectural landscape ranging from the 16th to the early 20th century so stunning it gained Santo Domingo the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MIRADOR DEL SUR
Stretching over 8km from Luperón to Winston Churchill avenue, this park is a popular spot amongst marathon runners, joggers, skaters, and cyclists.
MALECÓN
This 14.5km promenade along the Caribbean Sea is a national park and protected area on which to enjoy a beautiful sunset stroll.
MUSEO BELLAPART
This private museum has a rich collection of work by famous 19th and 20th century Dominican artists, and the most complete collection of work by internationally acclaimed modernist painter Jaime Colson, as well as works by Spanish great masters who came to the island to escape Franco's dictatorship.
FARO A COLÓN
This impressive cross-shaped landmark is home to a museum and a mausoleum where Columbus' remains are buried. The lighthouse, built in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the explorer's discovery of the island, guards the east side of Santo Domingo.
SANTO DOMINGO COLONIAL CITY TOUR
A trip to the city wouldn't be complete without a visit to its most famous points of interest.
NATIONAL ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS
The country's fauna and flora has been gathered in this 2km2 of tropical lushness, ideal for a long, leisurely stroll. You can also visit the gardens sitting back on a mini open train ride also taking you around the zoo.
PARQUE INDEPENDENCIA
Also known as the city's largest open art gallery, the park is mostly famous for its large white marble mausoleum where are buried the remains of the Dominican Republic's foundign fathers, Juan Pablo Duarte, Matías Ramon Mella and Francisco del Rosario Sánchez.
CONVENTO DE LOS DOMINICOS
This historic 16th century building in the heart of the capital's colonial zone was not only home to the Americas' first university, but was also the place where Fray Antón de Montesinos spoke out against the abuses suffered by the Taino Indians, becoming the Americas' first advocate for human rights.
MUSEO DE ARTE MODERNO
Located near the National Theatre, on Plaza de la Cultura, this museum has a vast collection of 20th century Dominican art work. An absolute must if you're planning on purchasing some local artwork.
FORTALEZA OZAMA
This fort was the first permanent military structure built by the Spaniards at the beginning of the Spanish colonisation. Dated early 16th century, the complex has a five floor tower erected at its centre, with a lookout platform offering stunning views over the Ozama River.
LOS TRES OJOS
A piece of natural beauty to explore with the whole family: take the stairway leading you down a cave, where three beautiful, clear water lagoons lay peacefully. The cave also comprises a fourth lagoon which is accessible by boat.
ACUARIO NACIONAL
Located beside the sea, near the Sans Souci Port Terminal, the National Aquarium has a long shark tunnel as well as a manatee petting area.
ALCAZAR DE COLON
This 1512 Gothic and Renaissance style palace was built for Columbus' son, Diego and his wife, the King of Spain's niece, Maria de Toledo, and is where all plans of expeditions and conquest of the Americas were elaborated. It is also the Americas' oldest vice regal residence.
MUSEO DEL HOMBRE DOMINICANO
A museum of the Dominican Man retracing the life of Dominican Republic, from the very first Taino Indians to the Spanish colonisers, and the island's African roots. A great insight into the country's unique culture.
CATEDRAL PRIMADA DE AMÉRICA
A favourite amongst tourists, who often find themselves admiring the beautiful ornate details of this 500 years old edifice. The first cathedral of the Americas boasts an impressive gothic ceiling as well as colonial period oil paintings.
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PUNTA CANA
ZIP-LINES
With two locations to choose from, zip-lining is always a fun way to explore the island's lush landscapes, with that added bit of adrenalin! Available in the Anamuya Forest and at El Farallón.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Take a ride along the beautiful Macao and deep into the forest, where you'll be able to explore Punta Cana's beautiful fauna and flora.
CARIBBEAN BUCCANEER ADVENTURE
This tour starts at a pirate village where you can mingle with the local, practise your arm-wrestling, learn a bit of pirate slang and lift cannon balls, before boarding the Hispaniola, a replica of a 16th century vessel. The galleon takes you to Shark Island, in the middle of the Caribbean sea, where you'll enjoy a feast under the stars.
PUNTA CANA CARNIVAL
If you're planning an early March trip to Dominican Republic, make sure to include the Punta Cana Carnival into your itinerary, a selection of the country's best carnival gathering in a vibrant and uplifting parade in the Punta Cana village.
SPEEDBOATS
A fun way to go explore the coral reefs and all the marine life - movie star-style!
SAFARIS
Many companies organise jeep tours taking you off the beaten track to explore the area's natural beauty.
SIRENIS AQUAGAMES
Located within the Sirenis Cocotal Beach Resort, this 11,200m2 large water park offers aquatic activities to enjoy with the whole family, including slides, swimming pool, toboggans and water tower.
DOLPHIN ISLAND PARK
Between Bávaro's coral reef an beach is this dolphin park where, with the help of trained professionals, you will be able to approach and swim with the friendly animals in their natural habitat. Sea lions, stingrays and sharks are can also be spotted.
MACAO SURF CAM
If you're looking to ride some Dominican waves, this surf school provides step by step lessons to learn or improve your surfing skills before heading out by yourself.
KITESURFING
If you wish to practise or simply gain some kitesurfing skills, book yourself a session with the Puntacana Resort & Club and make the most of the beautiful Playa Blanca.
PARQUE ECOLOGICO OJOS INDIGENAS
A natural reserve located inside the Puntacana Resort and Club residential and tourist complex, with trails taking visitors around 12 lagoons through the tropical forest. Some of the lagoons are swimmable and one even features a diving platform.
MANATI PARK
An entertainment park with Dolphin swim and show, a Taino village, animal shows and nature walks.
MARINARIUM
A multi-activity tour to be enjoyed at the Reef Explorer, with snorkelling as well as interacting with sharks and stingrays.
SUP, SURFING & SNORKELLING
A tour starting at Playa Blanca in the Puntacana Resort and Club, where you will learn how to SUP Paddle, to then head to Punta Cana beach's coral gardens and reefs, where you will snorkel and admire Punta Cana's sub-aquatic wildlife.
SAILING & FISHING
Sports fishing enthusiasts should head to the Cap Cana Marina, the Puntacana Marina and the Cabeza de Toro Yacht Club, where billfish, white and blue marlin and sailfish tournaments are held from March to September.
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SAMANA
NATURAL BEAUTY
With a relaxed cosmopolitan vibe and an equally easy going set of activities to enjoy, from wading and body-boarding to strolling around the mountains and taking a dip in a waterfall, Samaná caters perfectly for individuals looking for a balance between relaxation and exploration.
ZIP-LINES
Two zip-lines enable you to discover the region from sky high: Samaná Ziplines’ El Valle trip takes you down to the Lulú Waterfall swimming spot at the 13th station, whilst the Dominican Republic Runners offer the El Limón ride across 20 platforms, departing from Juana Vicente.
DIVING & SNORKELLING
Samaná offers a few great diving spots, with dramatic vertical walls, coral caves and caverns, undersea pinnacles, and a visibility of 46 meters plus, with a mix of both shallow and deep sites off the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula.
SALTO EL LIMÓN
A 2.5km long trail, travelled either by foot or on horseback, takes you through the thick jungle before leading you to its beautiful reward: a dip in the cool waters under the majestic El Limón waterfall, dropping from the 40 metres-high top of Sierra Samaná.
HUMPBACK WHALE WATCHING
The Dominican Republic is one of the best places in the world to whale-watch. During mating season, which runs mid-January through mid-March, thousands of humpbacks migrate here. You can catch a boat to Samaná Bay and hope to see as many as 300 whales frolicking just a few yards away as they race underwater, launch into the air, and crash back into the water- an amazing sight you'll never forget.
SNORKELLING
For those staying in Las Terrenas, great snorkelling can be enjoyed just off Las Ballenas, and its three cays featuring underwater caves and tunnels. Another great site in the area is the Du Dú underwater cave, located to the west, or the wall at La Farola Cay, nearer Samaná city, as well as El Ferry and Victoria shipwrecks for those staying in the southern part of the peninsula, or in Cayo Levantado.
ACUARIO NATURAL KAIO
Situated off the Grand Paradise Resort in Las Galeras, this aquarium offers the opportunity to observe large tame fish swimming around coral gardens, and living in their natural habitat.
PARQUE NACIONAL LOS HAITISES
Translating from Taino as the national park of "hilly land", this reserve is one of the best out of the Dominican Republic National Park system, and protects one of the country's few remaining rainforests. Stretching over 1,600 km2, this natural wonder counts many keys, caves and mangroves, and was even used as a filming location for Jurassic Park.
MUSEO TAÍNO
An hour entertaining walk-through tour takes you through the lives of the Taíno Indians, and their first encounter with the Spanish conquistadors.
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LAS TERRENAS
LAS TERRENAS
This town is the area's most developed and touristy section, with many small hotels, restaurants, bars and shops that reflect the cosmopolitan character of the area, which is home to many expats.
LA CHURCHA
Located in Samaná city, this 19th century wooden church was built by freed African-American slaves who moved to Samaná after being offered a free piece of land to farm.
PUEBLO DE LOS PESCADORES
Originally a landing site for the local fishermen, this part of town located right on the Las Terrenas Beach has now evolved into a vibrant hub with many bars and restaurants for people to socialise.
SHOPPING
If you wish to indulge in a bit of shopping whilst in Samaná, head to downtown Las Terrenas, where you'll find many local crafts, jewellery, clothing and woodwork.
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