Welcome to the Dominican Republic! With this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information to plan a fantastic and adventurous trip on the island! Make sure to follow this list of all the best things you can do in DR!
The Dominican Republic is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, very close to Miami and New York (only a 2 to 3-hour flight), known for our warm and hospitable people, the Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring marvelous nature, interesting history, and rich culture.
Top 17 things to do in the Dominican Republic.
PART 1
1. Visit the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo (Zona Colonial)
Take a walk in the oldest part city of the Capital of the DR and enjoy a little trip in the history of the country!
With its cobbled streets and palaces, churches, and beautifully restored forts, many of which are now interesting museums.
The Zona Colonial is so special because of its characteristic neighborhood, from the atmosphere, to the colorful streets filled up with restaurants, shops and cafes, to the charm of the Spanish Empire influence from the sixteenth century. Present and past find the perfect mix in the largest city of the island.
2. Bahía de Las Aguilas.
A remote and solitary location in the Dominican Republic, a must-see spot for all nature lover! Bahía de Las Aguilas is one of the island’s most charming and peculiar destinations, somewhere hidden and located quite far away from the beaten path. A true gem to discover, you won’t regret it!
Considered by many the most beautiful beach on the entire island, Bahía de las Aguilas is a 10 km long beach, that embraces a little side of Haiti, right on the corner of the Peninsula de Pedernales.
For this adventurous trip, you’ll get the chance to admire the beautiful landscape on a boat, by zigzagging between rugged cliffs, and maybe you’ll be able to stare at pelicans diving into the sea and fly away. A spectacular experience!
3. Hike to Pico Duarte
From the beach to the mountains. The Dominican Republic is also home to deserts, rainforests, lakes, caves, stunning waterfalls, and even cold regions in the higher mountains (known as the Dominican Alps), home to the tallest mountain in the Caribbean: El Pico Duarte.
The Central Cordillera of Hispaniola is characterized by a very tricky path, covered with pines up to the Pico Duarte, the highest in the Caribbean (3087 m).
For nature lovers interested in a non-usual experience in the Dominican Republic, consider a hiking tour trip to Pico Duarte.
4. Sun, sand and sea in Playa Rincon
A little piece of Paradise, Playa Rincón is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Stretching along almost 3 km of white sand and waters with various shades of blue, Playa Rincon is a tropical wonder that you must visit on your trip to Samaná Bay.
Its popularity is due to its turquoise-blue water and lush surroundings. Visit Playa Rincon on horseback, by car or by boat and relax under the coconut trees!
You will fall in love with Playa Rincón as it is a coastal paradise and a romantic spot if you are looking to surprise your other half!
5. Whale-watching
Samaná is considered one of the best 10 destinations in the world for whale-watching.
Every year between December and March, thousands of humpback whales gather in the warm waters off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. During the whale watching season these incredible mammals prepare to mate, give birth, and nurse their young calves.
It’s one of nature’s and the Dominican Republic’s most spectacular annual events!
The Sanctuary of the Humpback Whales in Samaná, located in the northeast corner of the Dominican Republic is a unique place where humpbacks are treated with the greatest respect. Because of the limited boat traffic in these waters, the whales are comfortable and friendly.
This is another unforgettable experience to enjoy on the island to stay in contact with nature and the local fauna.
6. Mountain bike in the Dominican Alps
The rough slopes of the central area of the island are a great spot for mountain bike lovers.
The Dominican Republic hides incredible trails to discover, with a wide variety of paths with a range of difficulties and different, sometimes tricky terrains. The mountains offer traffic-free trails through lush forests, and breathtaking views of the hills and plantations.
Explore all hidden routes that will take you to some beautiful rivers, cold waterfalls, and cave systems, all located off the beaten path. If you are an adventurous person, you’ll have a blast! Make sure you are prepared for the craziest mountain bike adventure, and bring along all necessary equipment for all kinds of weather conditions, or if you get a flat-tire.
Prepare to discover something wonderful.
Good to know:
- 29 national parks and protected wilderness areas
- Wild forests, raging rivers, caves, waterfalls, plantations, and wildlife.
- Mountain, forest, river, and coastal trails to be discovered.
7. Baseball
Baseball is the Dominican Republic’s national sport. For Dominicans “pelota” is more than a sport, it’s a big community, passion, love for the country and a moment of happiness.
For the young generation, baseball symbolizes a dream and hope for a better future, and a chance to become a legend worldwide, just like Sammy Sosa, Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, Robinson Canó, José Reyes, Juan Marichal, and Bartolo Colón, just to name a few.
Major League Baseball (MLB) games are home to different local teams. Baseball season in the DR starts in October and ends in late January, featuring six teams competing at professional baseball stadiums around the country. Make sure you go watch a Dominican “juego de pelota”, you’re going to enjoy the cheerful atmosphere.
8. Peace and Relax in Las Galeras
Visit Las Galeras and its tropical beach while you take a road trip around the Samaná Peninsula, on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, located between the capes of Cabrón and Samaná.
A charming town with its peculiar Dominican style that features little houses surrounded by coconut trees.
To do around the area:
Drive to Playa El Valle if you’re looking to surf. You can learn to surf here with Pirata Surf School, right from Punta Cana, make sure to book in advance!
Wine and dine at Restaurant Las Galeras for a taste of real Dominican cuisine, owned and run by a local family.
Take an Excursion in Las Galeras, or go fishing, take a bike ride or dive into the blue sea!
9. Mountain views in Constanza
Visit Constanza, La Vega, if you love being in contact with nature and breathing fresh air. Immerse yourself in this ecotourism paradise and enjoy the sound of birds.
This idyllic place is located in the Central Cordillera of the Dominican Republic at about 1,250 meters high and is popular for its cold temperature and the high location in the middle of the island.
Here you’ll be able to hike, go camping, ride a bike, and go on a horseback riding tour. Perfect for adventurous souls that enjoy extreme land sports such as mountain biking, four-wheel, paragliding, enduro, mountaineering, and jeep safari.
Keep reading about the Top 17 things to do in the Dominican Republic.
4 Comments
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interesting news