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PUERTO PLATA
PUERTO PLATA
Named after the silver clouds surrounding Mt. Isabel de Torres, which stands proudly behind Puerto Plata, at the top of which visitors can find the botanical gardens as well as amazing views over the port city.
SANTUARIO DE MAMIFEROS MARINOS
Located in the western part of the province, this sanctuary is a great spot for some wildlife watching: rent a kayak and follow the trail of the manatees, or simply observe the bird species in this protected habitat.
SALTOS DE DAMAJAGUA
Located half an hour away from the Puerto Plata city, this expedition starts with an hour long walk up the mountain, to then jump and slide your way down the 27 waterfalls. An adventure for individuals who are physically fit.
MUSEO DEL ÁMBAR
A beautiful and fascinating display of amber, including 15 to 20 million years old fossil pieces such as a 42.5cm lizard fossil, a centipede, a scorpion, a wasp's nest, and two beetles mating. There are also stones with flowers, butterflies, and one with a mosquito that was used for Stephen Spielberg's Jurassic Park.
MALECÓN DE PUERTO PLATA
A recently renovated seafront boulevard with bicycle trails, stretching from the Fortaleza San Felipe to the Long Beach along the Atlantic ocean coast.
WHALE ENCOUNTERS
The best months for snorkelling and diving are June to September, when the waters are at their calmest, meaning visibility is at its best. However, divers wishing to get the experience of a lifetime of a whale encounter in the Silver Banks should consider to plan their trip during the humpback whale mating period, from mid-January to mid-March.
DOWNTOWN PUERTO PLATA
Find the unique architectural beauty of Puerto Plata in this harmonious and charming mix of Neoclassical and Victorian style late 19th century houses, now home to a variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Take a stroll around the town and embrace the local history through beautiful edifices such as the San Felipe Cathedral, the Club de Comercio, Ayuntamiento, Club Fe en el Porvenir and the central gazebo.
MONKEY JUNGLE
Situated off the El Choco National Park road, between Sosúa and Cabarete, the Monkey Jungle is the home to the squirrel capuchin monkey and boasts a seven stations zip line.
JARABACOA
This piece of natural wonder is located in the Cordillera Central mountain range. Various tours take you through the dramatic landscapes of this side of the country, boasting some of the most stunning pine trees and waterfalls of Dominican Republic.
BRUGAL RUM FACTORY
Located in Puerto Plata city, this factory is the largest producer of traditionally made rum, where the liqueur is aged onsite in about 200,000 American white oak barrels. The tour ends with a rum tasting and is a great occasion to snap up some quality rum at a great price.
OCEAN WORLD ADVENTURE PARK
Located in Cofresí, this is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. Meet the park's sea lions, sharks, fish, take a swim with the dolphins, and explore the coral reef aquarium, bird sanctuary and tropical jungles.
DIVING IN PUERTO PLATA
Due to its position facing the Atlantic Ocean, the north coast is a highway for dolphins, humpback whales, mantas, wahoo, and kingfish, and diving and snorkelling sites can be found in Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Rio San Juan and Laguna Grí Grí. Great snorkelling is also available at Cayo Arena, a short boat trip away from Punta Rucia.
FORTALEZA SAN FELIPE
Considered to be one of the Caribbean's most important military constructions, this 16th century fort was built by the Spaniards to defend the country's north coast against the French, English and Dutch pirates.
LOMA ISABEL DE TORRES
Hop on the cable car for a trip to the top of the mountain, where you will find a gigantic statue of Christ, as well as the beautiful botanical gardens, and stunning vistas of the province and its beaches.
RUINAS DE LA ISABELA
The very first European settlement in the Americas was created here, by Christopher Columbus and approximately 1,500 Spaniards, on the riverbank of the Bajabonico river. Historical facts are all explained at the museum, next to la Isabela's ruins, and a modern church was inaugurated there in 1994, to mark the 500th anniversary of the first Catholic mass that was celebrated at the settlement.
FUN CITY
Close to the Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada hotels, this is a fun activity to enjoy with small and big kids alike, with go-kart tracks and a bumper cars course.
KITESURFING AT CABARETE BEACH
Dominican Republic 's north coast offers the perfect mix of water, waves and breezes, which all together make this country the kiteboarding capital of the world. Using just a board and a large controllable kite, the surfer relies on wind and heavy gusts to propel him over the water and waves - it's no wonder this is one of the fastest growing water sports.
CAVE DIVING
Inland, diving tour operators take advanced divers to the many freshwater caves, tunnels, grottos and caverns network that Dominican Republic sits onto.
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LA ROMANA
CUEVA FUN FUN
Add a touch of adventure to your exploration of the local natural wonders, and plunge yourself in the darkness of the Caribbean's biggest caves, stretching over 6 kilometres and displaying beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as petroglyphs, cave art and an underground river.
CASA PONCE DE LEÓN
This museum retraces the life of Juan Ponce de León, a courageous Spanish explorer of noble origins who built this home in San Rafael de Yuma as a base for his exploration, during which he discovered Puerto Rico and Florida.
DIVING AND SNORKELLING
Considered to be one of the country's best spots for its water clarity, availability of dive sites, its pristine coral reefs, walls and wrecks, make the most of the diving and snorkelling opportunities around Bayahibe, Dominicus, Catalina Island National Park, and Sanoa Island.
LA ROMANA
One of the country's favourite destinations amongst tourists, and originally known for being home to the Caribbean's largest sugar mill, La Romana is famous for its world-class golf, beautiful beaches, and its picturesque artists' village, Altos de Chavón. The region also has its own airports, with both international and domestic flights.
CIGAR COUNTRY TOUR
Visit the various local cigar factories and witness the proud handwork of some of the cigar industry’s most experienced craftsmen and women, at La Flor Dominicana and at Tabacalera de Garcia, both at a 5 minutes drive distance from Casa de Campo.
GO BACK IN TIME AT ALTOS DE CHAVÓN
One of Dominican Republic's best known tourist attractions, it’s said that in 1976 Altos de Chavón was built as a gift for the daughter of the late Charles Bludorn- a wealthy Gulf & Western President who wanted this little Mediterranean Village erected as an extravagant birthday present!
CUEVA DE LA MARAVILLAS
Take a 25 meters deep walk down below in this beautiful cave unravelling an impressive display of more than 400 Taino Indian paintings and engravings on the walls.
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golf
SANTO DOMINGO COUNTRY CLUB
The island's very first golf club was built in 1947 by foreign executives who wished to carry on playing during their stay in Dominican Republic. Although this is Santo Domingo's most exclusive club, some hotels do have agreements with the Country Club for their clients to be able to book some tee time.
PUNTA ESPADA GOLF CLUB
Regarded as one of the Caribbean's best courses, this 72 par Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course indulges players with stunning views over the Caribbean's turquoise sea and lush flora.
CORALES GOLF CLUB
Set along the natural cliffs, bays, coves, inland lakes and coralline quarries, this par 72, 18 holes course features six seaside holes, and ends with the Devil's Elbow, the final shot over the rocky turquoise Corales Bay.
CASA DE CAMPO - A GOLFER'S DREAM
This award-winning course was developed by Pete Dye, who is considered the world's most renowned golf course architect. Play the Teeth of the Dog, the Links or the new Dye Fore in the beautiful sunshine. Ranked in the world's top 30 for more than 25 years- the courses here have gained international recognition. In April 2008, Golf Magazine ranked Casa de Campo as having the best golf in the whole of the Caribbean!
ISABEL VILLAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
A simple 9 par 3 holes course located near the city's residential communities and along the Isabela River. The course has lighting facilities, perfect for an evening game.
LA CANA GOLF CLUB
Three scenic courses across 27 holes making the most of the dramatic landscape that surrounds it, by charming its players with a mix of inland and coastal colourful sceneries.
PUNTA BLANCA GOLF CLUB
A challenging, fun and exciting 72 par course designed by South African player Nick Price.
PLAYA GRANDE GOLF COURSE
A must-play 18 holes course with amazingly open vistas, sloping greens and cliff-side fairways, it was the last to be designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and is considered as his masterpiece.
PLAYA DORANDA GOLF CLUB
An 18 holes course surrounded by lush vegetation, including a mangrove forest, a 50 years old palm tree and a small rainforest, and boasting dramatic views of the Isabel de Torres mountain.
CAYACOA GOLF CLUB
Home to the Dominican Golf Federation's academy, this 18 holes offers a challenging game in beautiful settings, taking you from lush greenery to beautiful lakes. A breath of fresh air located 15 minutes away from the city.
THE LAKES BARCELO GOLF COURSE
This 72 par, 18 holes course was the very first one to open in the Punta Cana tourist region. It features 25 lakes as well as ibis birds, flamingos, turtles and tarpons in the lakes.
LOS MANGOD GOLF COURSE
Located in the Costambar residential development, ten minutes from Puerto Plata city, this 9 holes, par 32 course features beautiful leafy fruit trees with Spanish limes, mangoes and coconut groves, enabling players to snack as they play during the summer months!
GUAVABERRY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
A beautiful 18-hole course close to the Juan Dolio tourist area and set next to a natural reserve and tropical forest, and featuring lush vegetations and a waterfall throughout the game.
PLAYA NUEVA ROMANA GOLF CLUB
Part of the Playa Nueva Romana residential project, this 9-hole course covers 13 acres of Seashore Paspalum grass, and has strategically placed greens challenging players to the coastal winds.
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