A favorite vacationer scorching spot, the Dominican Republic residence to a whole bunch of miles of gorgeous shoreline, picturesque views, and fairly colonial structure. Listed below are my favourite locations on this breathtaking nation that I’d like to share…
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1. Punta Cana
Situated on the alternative facet of Haiti on the jap coast, Punta Cana is a well-liked vacationer resort crammed with dreamy palm-tree lined seashores and good turquoise waters.
The world has a number of fancy lodge resorts (lots of that are all-inclusive), unbelievable golf programs and many alternatives for snorkeling, scuba diving and catamaran excursions.
- Location: East a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for nice climate and to keep away from the hurricane season).
- Actions on provide: Seaside actions, snorkeling, scuba diving, {golfing}, and catamaran excursions.
- Lodging: Exhausting Rock Lodge & On line casino, Excellence Punta Cana, and quite a few all-inclusive beachfront resorts.
- Map Location and Instructions
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the attractive Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park the place we might swim within the freshwater lagoons.
- Watching reside music and unbelievable dancing on the well-known nightlife scorching spot Coco Bongo.
- Attempting zip lining for the primary time, it was a bit hair-raising however the views made it work it!
2. Samana Province
Situated on the northeastern coast this can be a dreamy area crammed with lush tropical forests, acres of coconut groves, and a whole bunch of tiny, sandy alcoves are nonetheless comparatively unexplored by vacationer hordes.
My favourite seashores right here have been Playa Rincón (which has the repute of being one of many world’s most stunning seashores), the intimate La Playita Seaside, and Cayo Levantado which made a dreamy day journey.
It’s additionally a particular breeding place for humpback whales, and 1000’s of them congregate off the coast of Samana from January to March.
I like to recommend making an attempt to identify them whereas right here and week-long live-on-board excursions will be organized simply from this area and even alternatives to snorkel alongside the whales.
- Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for whale-watching and cooler temperatures).
- Actions on provide: Whale-watching, seashore hopping, mountaineering, and snorkeling.
- Lodging: Bahia Principe Luxurious Samana, Lodge Bannister, and eco-lodges close to the seashores.
- Map Location and Instructions
3. Parque Nacional del Este
A go to to Jap Nationwide Park is a particular deal with for any nature fanatic! As one of many largest marine parks within the Caribbean, it has a unbelievable offshore coral reef system that provides gorgeous diving alternatives and permits divers to come across a myriad of marine life.
As a animal lover I beloved that it was hundred species of birds in addition to distant seashores, and tropical forests. All of the substances for a romantic getaway with a distinction!
There’s additionally proof of early Taino exercise, and guests are handled to the uncommon cave drawings alongside the realm, documenting early indigenous life.
- Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for comfy climate and exploring the coral reefs).
- Actions on provide: Scuba diving, birdwatching, exploring caves, and seashore visits.
- Lodging: Casa de Campo Resort, close by motels in Bayahibe, and eco-lodges.
- Map Location and Instructions
4. Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial
This historic neighborhood of Santo Domingo is the oldest European settlement within the New World and has been declared a World Heritage Web site by UNESCO. It’s situated on the west financial institution of the Ozama River and I beloved the vibe right here – it exudes romance with pleasant pastel-colored buildings, colourful hanging baskets, superbly restored mansions, and cobblestone streets.
On my journey I explored Calle Las Damas, the New World’s oldest paved road, relationship from 1502, the Sixteenth-century cathedral, the Nineteenth-century bronze statue of Christopher Columbas, and the fabled residence of Herman Cortes.
I spent a day steeped in historical past, meandering by the realm, sipping sturdy espresso within the roadside cafes and trying out the native crafts on the market within the many little outlets on road corners.
- Location: South a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for strolling excursions and sightseeing in cooler temperatures).
- Actions on provide: Strolling excursions, exploring colonial structure, visiting museums, and procuring.
- Lodging: Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando, Casas del XVI, and boutique motels within the colonial zone.
- Map Location and Instructions
5. Saona Island
Though this little isle is a part of the nationwide park, it deserves some column inches of its personal and is extensively thought-about the most well-liked a part of the park.
The panorama alternates between idyllic stretches of shoreline, acres of mangrove swamp, and the tiny fishing hamlet—the one inhabited a part of the island.
For vacationers, this tropical paradise island is definitely accessible by boat or catamaran. Tourism has elevated considerably because of its desert island setting and its rise to fame as the placement for filming the Bounty Bar advert! Wow!
- Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for superb seashore climate and catamaran excursions).
- Actions on provide: Swimming, snorkeling, catamaran excursions, and exploring mangroves.
- Lodging: Day journeys solely, with lodging obtainable in Bayahibe or La Romana.
- Map Location and Instructions
6. Bahía de las Águilas
This island’s seashores are identified for his or her crystal clear water. This implies ‘Eagle Bay,’ an 8km stretch of sandy and blue water thought-about one of the crucial stunning seashores on the planet by locals and guests alike.
The primary cause for that is that it’s utterly unspoiled and nearly remoted, miles away from the foremost vacationer areas, and must be accessed by boat or by discovering an area tour information from the tiny fishing village of La Cueva (the cave).
As soon as right here, an area villager will oblige you by driving you to the remoted sandy stretch for a small charge. Though getting right here could be a little bit of a mission, it’s price it to lie out on one of many world’s most romantic stretches of shoreline.
- Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for the perfect seashore situations and decrease humidity).
- Actions on provide: Seaside leisure, swimming, and boat excursions.
- Lodging: Eco-lodges in close by La Cueva village or tenting on the seashore.
- Map Location and Instructions
7. Paradise Island and The Mangroves
Speedboats take you to this breathtaking abandoned island with rolling, white sandy seashores, excellent coral reefs, and glowing turquoise waters.
I extremely suggest snorkelling with a information and permitting the tropical fish to eat out of your hand! If snorkelling is just not your factor, take a ship journey by the mangrove forests or take pleasure in lunch in a standard fishing village’s formal restaurant.
Day journeys to the island function every day, and a tour information will clarify the pure historical past of marine and land life and the conservation initiatives underway.
- Location: Northwest a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for calm seas and optimum snorkeling situations).
- Actions on provide: Snorkeling, boat excursions, mangrove exploration, and wildlife viewing.
- Lodging: Accommodations in Puerto Plata or seashore resorts in close by Punta Rucia.
- Map Location and Instructions
8. La Romana
La Romana is situated on the island’s southeast finish, with quite a few golf programs, seashores, diving areas, and different out of doors adventures.
Cease by a working cigar manufacturing unit to see how every little thing is put collectively, or go to the 7,000-acre resort, Casa de Campo, which offers every little thing you want to make your trip memorable.
The golf programs alone are thought-about a few of the finest within the Caribbean, however the space offers many actions that may make you by no means wish to go away.
- Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for nice climate and out of doors actions like golf and diving).
- Actions on provide: {Golfing}, visiting seashores, scuba diving, and touring a cigar manufacturing unit.
- Lodging: Casa de Campo Resort, Goals La Romana Resort & Spa, and luxurious villas.
- Map Location and Instructions
9. Playa Rincon
Some folks declare that Christopher Columbus first landed on this seashore in 1492, however even when this can’t be confirmed, Playa Rincon is a spot I extremely suggest including to your itinerary!
It consists of two miles of a few of the whitest sand seashores and probably the most unbelievable water you’ve ever seen, and it’s typically considered one of the crucial stunning seashores in the whole Caribbean.
It is just a 20-minute boat journey from Las Galeras, which is a whole lot of enjoyable. Most of all, although, it gives a number of alternatives for enjoyable within the solar, no matter what you take pleasure in doing there.
- Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for sunny seashore days and cooler temperatures).
- Actions on provide: Swimming, snorkeling, seashore actions, and boat rides.
- Lodging: Boutique motels in Las Galeras, comparable to Chalet Tropical Village, and close by guesthouses.
- Map Location and Instructions
10. Bayahibe
This attractive resort city and former fishing village gives a lovely seashore a mile from city, a few of the finest scuba diving locations within the nation, and greater than 20 dive websites.
You can too go snorkelling or paddle-boarding, and you’ll even catch a ship and go to Saona and the close by nationwide park. Bayahibe is conveniently situated and straightforward to get to, and its tree-lined seashores are one thing to behold.
No matter what you take pleasure in doing exterior, it’s very probably this city will present it to you.
- Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for excellent diving and snorkeling situations).
- Actions on provide: Scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and boat journeys.
- Lodging: Goals Dominicus La Romana, Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, and beachfront resorts.
- Map Location and Instructions
11. Cabarete
Often known as the most effective locations for kite-surfing, the city additionally gives kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and cave exploring, to not point out sufficient eateries and procuring alternatives to maintain you busy for a very long time.
It has even hosted a number of worldwide kite-surfing occasions and is without doubt one of the prime browsing spots in the whole Caribbean. Individuals who love motion sports activities particularly love the city as a result of it gives a lot to do and is sufficiently small that anybody can rapidly discover something they need.
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for prime windsurfing and kitesurfing situations).
- Actions on provide: Kite-surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and cave exploring.
- Lodging: Velero Seaside Resort, Millennium Resort & Spa, and beachfront motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
12. El Limon Waterfall
Discovered close to the Atlantic Coast facet of the island, this waterfall has a 170-foot drop that doesn’t look spectacular.
Getting there’s a problem—you’ll should cross a couple of rivers—however you’ll be able to leap proper in as quickly as you attain the waterfall, and the swimming gap on the backside is simply as extraordinary.
You can too stroll the 40-mile path to get there, however no matter which methodology you select, you’ll take pleasure in soaking within the cool water as quickly as you arrive.
- Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for simpler hikes and refreshing swimming situations).
- Actions on provide: Mountaineering, horseback using, and swimming.
- Lodging: Lodges and guesthouses in El Limón or Las Terrenas, comparable to Clave Verde Ecolodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Jarabacoa
Situated within the Cordillera Central Mountains, the eco-tourism middle consists of quaint little shops and boutiques, mountaineering and mountaineering trails, attractive waterfalls, picket shacks, and every little thing else that makes the realm distinctive and great.
Generally known as the Dominican Alps, the city even gives rafting alternatives on the Yaque del Norte River, and the view of the waterfalls alone is definitely worth the journey.
When you love lush inexperienced out of doors areas and recognize nature, I extremely suggest it right here!
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for rafting, mountaineering, and having fun with the cooler mountain local weather).
- Actions on provide: Rafting, mountaineering, mountaineering, and waterfall visits.
- Lodging: Rancho Baiguate, Jarabacoa Mountain Hostel, and eco-lodges within the space.
- Map Location and Instructions
14. Las Terrenas
Till 1946, this was a small fishing village. Nevertheless, it’s a vacationer spot unknown to many that provides white sandy seashores, clear, glowing water, and a few of the most stunning landscapes you’ve probably ever seen.
Solely a two-hour drive from the capital, Las Terrenas is common with vacationers and locals alike, and the realm’s seashores are gorgeous.
You can too go to a couple of seashores to look at the dolphins or the whales. When you’re going to style what makes the native areas distinctive and you like spending time within the water, that is the city for you.
- Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for the perfect seashore climate and whale-watching season).
- Actions on provide: Seaside actions, dolphin watching, snorkeling, and whale-watching.
- Lodging: Elegant Samana Lodge & Residences, Balcones del Atlántico, and boutique seashore motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
15. Playa Dorada
Situated roughly three miles east of Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada is a set of 12 completely different resorts, all of that are all-inclusive and provide every little thing you want to stay there to your whole trip if that’s what you need.
With stunning seashores and resorts which might be there to your satisfaction solely, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a number of sights and actions that may maintain you going the whole time, no matter how lengthy you keep there and what you have been in search of within the first place.
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for seashore actions and all-inclusive resort experiences).
- Actions on provide: Seaside leisure, water sports activities, and resort actions.
- Lodging: BlueBay Villas Doradas, Sunscape Puerto Plata, and all-inclusive resorts.
- Map Location and Instructions
16. Puerto Plata
A famend metropolis, Puerto Plata was as soon as a really affluent port metropolis however nonetheless gives stunning seashores, many distinguished locations to buy, and plenty of areas of historic and cultural significance.
Landmarks comparable to Fort San Felipe, Mount Isabel de Torres, and the Outdated Quarter are included.
I like that this metropolis showcases the island’s range with its distinctive mixture of Victorian, trendy, and colonial constructions all through the realm. Whether or not you wish to store, eat, or hang around with some terrific folks, it has all of it!
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for comfy climate and sightseeing).
- Actions on provide: Sightseeing, seashore actions, visiting historic landmarks, and cable automobile rides.
- Lodging: Casa Colonial Seaside & Spa, Iberostar Costa Dorada, and metropolis motels.
- Map Location and Instructions
17. Lago Enriquillo
This salty relic of an historic oceanic channel is understood for its elusive inhabitants of crocodiles and iguanas. It is without doubt one of the few lakes on the planet that’s residence to crocodiles and has been declared a wild reserve providing sanctuary to many species of birds, giving guests an opportunity to watch many of those fascinating creatures of their pure habitat.
Vacationers examine in on the small customer middle with details about the island’s historical past, and native guided excursions provide boat excursions of the park that lasts about an hour.
Bear in mind to deliver suntan lotion (temperatures in summer time have been recorded as upwards of 45 levels) and put on lined sneakers, because the odd scorpion abounds.
The Dominican Republic is a lot extra than simply seashore resorts; it is without doubt one of the most geographically and naturally numerous international locations of the Caribbean, with gorgeous surroundings, breathtaking sunsets, and bustling, evocative colonial cities.
Sadly, so many guests spend all their time of their seashore resort; following this checklist of must-sees, there’s a lot extra to be gained by stepping exterior and experiencing the actual Dominican Republic.
- Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for wildlife viewing and avoiding excessive warmth).
- Actions on provide: Boat excursions, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.
- Lodging: Eco-lodges or guesthouses in close by cities comparable to Jimaní or Duvergé.
- Map Location and Instructions
18. Peninsula de Samaná
If you wish to go whale-watching, Samaná is the perfect place. Throughout peak season, between January and March, over 300 whales come from Greenland and Iceland to the bay.
As soon as they begin their journey in the direction of Samaná Bay, their route contains Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico. There’s a excessive probability that it is possible for you to to witness their acrobatic strikes.
The whale nursery is strongly protected; solely credited boats can enter the bay. Nevertheless, additionally they have restrictions. As you’ll be able to think about, the bay turns into a birthing centre the place they want all of the care and peace as the brand new calves are born.
- Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for whale-watching and seashore climate).
- Actions on provide: Whale-watching, seashore actions, and mountaineering.
- Lodging: Luxurious villas, eco-lodges, and motels in Samaná or Las Terrenas.
- Map Location and Instructions
19. Hoyo Azul Lagoon
If you’re in search of a well-known vacation spot, Hoyo Azul Lagoon is your decide. This gorgeous place gives crystal-clear water and memorable moments.
The lagoon is in Punta Cana, particularly within the south, the place you’ll be able to keep in luxurious resorts and villas. To entry the lagoon, you’ll need to go to Scape Park Cap Cana, and after passing by a lovely path with loads of fauna and flora, you’ll attain the lagoon in lower than 10 minutes.
A few issues price noting is that the deepest level of those blue waters is 37 meters.
- Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for clear skies and superb lagoon situations).
- Actions on provide: Swimming, mountaineering, and nature exploration.
- Lodging: Accommodations and resorts in Cap Cana, comparable to Eden Roc Cap Cana and Sanctuary Cap Cana.
- Map Location and Instructions