« CARIBBEAN • Discover the Caribbean • Dominican Republic
Discover the magical Dominican Republic
A handful of new streamlined highways allow faster travel from the airport in the southern, capital city of Santo Domingo, which itself is full of Colonial-era attractions. Head west and explore the wildlife reserves at saltwater Lago Enriquillo, or climb Pico Duarte, the Caribbean's tallest mountain. Or, head northeast to the wild Samaná Peninsula, home to Los Haitises National Park.
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» Altos de Chavón
If you're wondering what it was like several centuries ago on the island of the Dominican Republic, then you should head to Altos de Chavón, a recreated 16th-century village built in La Romana near the Chavón River. Sculpted in stone, the site is an impressive example of what a Mediterranean-inspired village would have looked like on the island long ago. Construction began in 1976 with the goal of having Altos de Chavón serve as a center for Dominican Republic culture …
» Amber Museum (Museo de Ambar Dominicano)
Housed in a fine Victorian mansion with an interesting history of its own, the Amber Museum (Museo de Ambar Dominicano) is worth a visit to see some rare and fascinating amber pieces and to understand more about this semi-precious gem. Formed out of the fossilized resin of ancient trees some 25 to 40 million years ago, the resin perfectly preserved whatever it covered. Amber-covered fossils, such as insects and plant remains are still being discovered today …
» Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro)
The unrivaled beaches of Punta Cana focus on Bavaro, the home of resort vacations in the Dominican Republic. Most of Punta Cana's resort hotels cluster around the long stretch of white sand Bavaro Beach (or Playa Bavaro) and its small collection of shopping plazas. Along with its aquamarine waters and sandy beaches, Bavaro has world-class golf courses and offshore reef diving sites …
» Bayahibe
Just 10 miles to the east of La Romana lies the relaxing beach town of Bayahibe. Originally a sleepy fishing village, Bayahibe has retained its laidback atmosphere and has a small, easily walkable downtown area. Visitors to the town will enjoy the colorful buildings, the excellent seafood and the shops sellings artisan crafts. While the town of Bayahibe is fun to explore and walk around, the real draw is its gorgeous coastline. The beach has soft, nearly white sand that borders clear turquoise water …
» Bay of Sosua
Between Puerto Plata and Cabarete, lies the Bay of Sosua. Known for its sheltered calm waters, coral reefs and wide variety of fish and marine life, the Bay attracts many snorkelers and divers and is a popular spot for a cruise. Even if you don't dive or snorkel, the Bay's clear waters enable you to catch a glimpse of some of the richness of sea life below. Getting out on the Bay is also a relaxing way to spend a few hours and view some the Dominican Republic's picturesque northern coastline …
» Boca de Yuma
Boca de Yuma is a small fishing village located on the northeastern tip of Parque Nacional del Este. The village is a bit off the beaten track for tourists, meaning you'll find a peaceful place to hang among the locals. The harbor provides an easy stroll, with many small restaurants that serve fresh seafood. Though there is a small stretch of sand, Boca de Yuma is mainly about experiencing the local way of life, rather hitting the beach …
» Brugal Rum Center
Named after Catalonian expatriate Andres Brugal, a visit to the Brugal Rum Center offers visitors a chance to see the magic of turning sugarcane into one of the Dominican Republic's chief exports - rum. From golden brown to crystal clear, the rum you'll see, smell, and taste at the Brugal rum center will open your eyes to the possibility of what a refined drink rum can be. Families enjoy the wondrous automated distilling and bottling process and marvel at the mechanics …
» Cayo Levantado
Travelers looking for a true piece of paradise will love the remote tropical island of Cayo Levantado. Home to a beautiful luxury hotel, white sandy beaches, lush rainforest and incredible snorkeling and diving, Cayo Levantado is a true Caribbean experience. Sip tall tropical drinks beachside or dance the night away to one of the energetic local salsa bands. Wander the hillsides for epic views of the surrounding ocean, then comb through local gift shops for interesting finds …
» Dolphin Island
Dolphin Island Punta Cana is a destination island attraction aimed at giving visitors what they want - an experience swimming with man's most beloved sea mammal - the dolphin. Jump into these amazing creatures' natural habitat and begin your experience swimming, playing, and being propelled through the azure water with these fantastic soul-touching animals. Watch them jump a clean five feet out of the Caribbean, spin, twirl, ride waves, dance and shake …
» El Limón Waterfall
Whether it's hiking up the rugged terrain of Dominican Republic's tallest falls on foot or riding horseback through the steep mountain passes, a trip to the El Limón waterfall is a quintessential Dominican Republic experience. Crested mountaintops stretch some 2,100 feet into the sky, and tropical plants, like coffee and cocoa, line trails that lead to the impressive cascade. And if picturesque Caribbean landscape isn't enough, a crystal-clear natural pool at the foot of the falls …
» Fort San Felipe
Fort San Felipe was built in 1564 by order of Philip II of Spain and is Puerto Plata's oldest surviving building. It was a formidable construction, designed to strike fear into any would-be-invader's heart. Its 2m- (7ft) thick walls, squat doorways and moat filled with sharp coral and swords served to keep people out and, when the fort later became a prison, worked just as effectively at keeping people in - including one of its most notable captives - Juan Pablo Duarte, who served time here in 1844 …
» Fun Fun Cave
Adventure in the tropical forests of the Dominican Republic is just a quick ride away to the magnificent underground tunnels of Fun Fun Cave. Nestled in the Los Haitises National Park, these landmark treasures wind 65 feet underground and make some of the best exploring in the region (hence the name). Filled with West Indian rock art and the requisite cavernous stalagmite and stalactite mounds, an eerie repel to the base, a day spent learning about the history of the region …
» Higuey
In the Dominican Republic's eastern-most province of La Altagracia Province lies the city of Higuey. A busy, bustling area that has been rapidly growing over the past decade, Higuey is also home to some must-see historical and religious sites. The Basilica of Altagracia, a Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in 1972, serves as the city's biggest attraction. Despite its fairly recent development, the church holds a strong religious presence and is the place of pilgrimages each year …
» Hoyo Azul
The natural beauty of this scenic lagoon has made it one of Dominican Republic's top travel destinations. Just a few minutes from Punta Cana International Airport in peaceful Scape Park, Hoya Azul is simply the best of what this country has to offer. A rugged trail weaves through towering forests of indigenous trees and rare plants, ending at this 37-meter deep turquoise escape. Visitors can take a calming dip to cool off, or dive in from one of the towering cliff's rocky edges for a real adrenaline rush …
» Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (Parque Ojos Indigenas)
The privately run Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park (or Parque Ojos Indigenas) preserves 45 acres (18 hectares) of tropical paradise, part of the larger 1,500 acre (600 hectare) Punta Cana Ecological Park. The park is named for the crystal-clear freshwater lagoons (called 'eyes') that run underground to emerge here near the sea. Trails lead around the park, or you can take a guided tour. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast …
» Isla Catalina
This tiny island just 1.5 miles off the mainland provides a peaceful respite for those looking to escape the hustle of Dominican Republic's busier city streets. Most hotels offer shuttle buses to boat docks. A reasonable ride delivers passengers to the sand dunes, mangroves and coral reefs that make this island a destination for visitors. Avid divers will enjoy weaving in and out of the numerous reefs that surround Isla Cantina. Stingrays and tropical fish are a near guarantee here …
» Isla Saona
The national park-protected Saona Island (or Isla Saona) lies just off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic. Lovely beaches fringe this remote slice of heaven, with the best swimming at Mano Juan and Punta Gorda. It's an ideal beach getaway for a day's excursion by catamaran. The population numbers little more than 300 lucky souls, and beach and eco-touring activities are the main drawcards, along with the island's lagoons, caves and offshore snorkeling …
» Jarabacoa Waterfalls
Take a trip into the country's lush interior to Jarabacoa, the heart of the Dominican Republic's emerging eco-tourism scene. Set in the Cordillera Central mountains (referred to as the Dominican Alps) Jarabacoa is a great spot for mountain biking and exploring the alpine trails. White-water rafting is also popular at the nearby Yaque del Norte River. Jarabacoa's biggest attraction, however, is its waterfalls. There are three waterfalls around Jarabacoa …
» Lemon Lagoon Bay
The palm tree-lined sand and turquoise-blue water await you in Lemon Lagoon Bay. Known for dreamy water , beautiful coastline and one of the best beaches in all of the Domincan Republic, Lemon Lagoon Bay is a paradisaical escape into the virgin sun. Underwater coral reefs house abundant tropical wildlife and so Lemon Lagoon Bay is a popular place to spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, lounging by the beach, or even romping through the sand on a bumbling dune buggy …
» Los Haitises National Park
About 12km down a dirt road and tucked into a corner of the Dominican Republic lies one of the country's most spectacular hidden gems: Los Haitises National Park. Extravagant landscapes and postcard-worthy waters make this place one of the Hispaniola's most hallowed (and protected) sites. Untouched virgin rainforests house untold pleasures, while the unforgettable waters of shimmering Lorenzo Bay, the petroglyphs of the caverns, and the wilds of the mangrove swamps …
» Macao Beach
Clear blue waters and white sandy beaches make Macao an ideal spot to experience the real Caribbean. Because it's public, this beach attracts both far-off travelers and close-to-home locals. Visitors won't have to worry about aggressive vendors or crowded shores, either, making this an ideal spot for a peaceful morning stroll or an active outdoor afternoon. Travelers can lounge in the sand, boogie board or learn to surf near Macao Beach's bigger breakers …
» Manati Park
Dolphins, parrots and tropical orchids are the star attractions at the Manati theme park, inland from the coast at Punta Cana. You'll have the chance to swim with dolphins, watch a sea lion show, witness Taino dancing and horseback-riding skills, or see performing parrots! The other wildlife on show at this family-friendly theme park includes snakes, iguanas, flamingos and multicolored macaws. The park also has on-site dining and souvenir shops …
» Marinarium
The marine life of the Dominican Republic's prized offshore reefs is preserved and exhibited at the Marinarium marine park. Marinarium snorkel cruises head out to the reef, and the Reef Explorer provides all the facilities of a mini island at sea. Arrange a stingray encounter, kayak across the waves, sunbathe on flotation mats, and enjoy snacks and drinks on-board the explorer …
» Ocean World Adventure Park
Hailed as 'the biggest attraction in the Caribbean', Ocean World Adventure Park is a great day out of the whole family. Ocean World prides itself on its point of difference from other marine parks that are generally not set up to enable people to physically interact with the animals. At Ocean World Adventure Park you are encouraged through a series of experiences to have direct contact with some of the animals. And who could resist the opportunity to swim and play with dolphins …
» Parque Nacional del Este
The sandy beaches of Saona island are a highlight of a visit to Parque Nacional del Este, along with the tropical moist forest and limestone karst landscape of the mainland. The range of biodiversity preserved in this park is incredible, including more than 570 species of plants and 163 species of birds. Much of this habitat is found in the mangroves fringing the peninsula and the sea grasses wafting in the water. The offshore coral reefs are popular with divers …
» Punta Cana Ecological Reserve
The privately run 1,500 acre (600 hectare) Punta Cana Ecological Park protects coastal and inland habitats. Around 80 species of birds live here, along with more than 500 types of plants. Within the park is the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, named for the crystal-clear freshwater lagoons (called 'eyes') that run underground to emerge near the sea. Trails lead around the park, or you can take a guided tour. Tours on horseback go through the park and along the coast …
» Rincon Beach (Playa Rincon)
There's a reason this pristine stretch of white sand has been rated one of the top beaches in the world by magazines, travel guides and globetrotters alike. The scenic shores of Rincon Beach are some of the country's most idyllic, and visitors say it's not uncommon to have the crystal blue waters and open expanse of ocean all to yourself. Enjoy an afternoon of horseback riding, or a relaxing snorkeling excursion into the pristine sea, where colorful fish and unique aquatic life abound …
» Santo Domingo
The capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo provides a cosmopolitan experience for travelers to contrast with the island's otherwise relaxing beach vibes. There is much political history to be found here, and Santo Domingo has a few different corresponding claims to fame. The city is considered what was the first European city in the New World, as it has been continuously inhabited by Europeans since 1496 after Spanish explorers landed on its shores …
» Scape Park at Cap Cana
Scape Park is an eco-adventure park located in Cap Cana on the gorgeous Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic. Centrally located just seven miles from the Punta Cana airport, Scape Park is easy to get to and provides entertainment for adventure minded travelers. At Scape Park, you can go ziplining over the treetops, horseback riding along the beach, off-roading in an adventure buggy plus go scuba diving and snorkeling to discover underwater sea life …
« CARIBBEAN • Discover the Caribbean • Dominican Republic
