The Dominican Republic is more famous for its white beaches, which stretch for many hundreds of kilometers. Travelers from all over the world come here to enjoy a splendid, measured vacation, warm sun and gentle sea. Few know the answer to the question of what to do in the Dominican Republic for a tourist. Here are some examples of possible pastime in this country, in addition to the usual visits to famous beach resorts.
Tours
Excursion programs in the Dominican Republic are very diverse and traditionally include:
- Whale watching in Samana Bay
- Participation in the carnival in the city of La Vega
- Visits to tobacco factories and coffee plantations
- Scuba diving and swimming with stingrays and nurse sharks
- Sightseeing tours of Santa Domingo.
Windsurfing
In the Dominican Republic, there is one of the most visited places for windsurfing - Cabarete, namely Kite Beach. Northeastern winds, the speed of which reaches 10-15 m / s, blow here throughout the year, but still distinguish the most favorable periods - from June to September and from December to April. Surf stations are located along the coast of the resort, offering the services of windsurfing instructors and rental of the necessary equipment.
Surfing
In the period from December to March, the waves on the northern coast of the country reach 4 m in height, so this place is considered the most suitable for practicing this sport.
Paragliding
There are many paragliding launch sites in the Dominican Republic. The southeast wind from the sea, which is typical for the southern coast of the republic, makes it possible to soar on a paraglider throughout the day. The most visited place among fans of this extreme pastime is the town of Matua.
In the central part of the country, paragliding is possible on the mountainous plains, where the movement of air is provided by "thermal" currents formed due to the heating of the earth's surface by the sun.
Fishing
The best fishing spots are Boca Chica, home to barracuda, wahoo and sailfish, and Punto Cana, where you can catch red snappers, marlins and tuna.
Ecotourism
In the territory of the Dominican Republic there are numerous National Nature Parks. Rare species of animals and birds, uninhabited islands, ancient caves, lakes and lagoons are all integral parts of the country's popular hiking trails.
So, the choice of leisure and entertainment in the Dominican Republic is huge, it all depends on the hobbies and preferences of each traveler. But nobody will be bored for sure.
Where can I find cheap tours?
It is better to search for profitable tours through a service that compares prices of more than 120 tour operators and allows you to find the cheapest offers. We do it ourselves and are extremely happy 🙂
Many people ask themselves what interesting things can be visited and seen in the Dominican Republic !? Unlike many other exotic countries, the Dominican Republic has no elephants, hippos, monkeys, tigers, coyotes, or other animals. Cattle, horses, dogs and those were introduced by Christopher Columbus. But the island is rich in an abundance of various species of birds, lizards and, of course, very beautiful, tropical nature with white beaches.
Amazing nature of the Dominican Republic
Surprisingly, on such a small plot of land (which is approximately equal to the area of \u200b\u200bthe Saratov region) there are 9 climatic and 4 ecological zones. About 8,500 plants grow here (this is 3 times more than throughout Europe). Here is the highest point of the Antilles - Mount Duarte Peak, its height is 3087 m above sea level. You can climb the mountain only on foot or by horse. And the lowest point is a salt lake with the beautiful name Enriquillo, located in the western part of the country, where real crocodiles live. The lake itself is a nature reserve, but anyone can visit it. Renting a boat with a professional local guide, you will enjoy an exciting three-hour walk deep into the lake, to a small island where you can watch crocodiles in the wild.
The most picturesque beaches of the Dominican Republic
Huanyo,
Juanilo Beach is one of the ten best beaches in the world, its sand is so dazzling white and the sea plays with so many colors that it remains in the memory of the people who visited it for a long time. The beach is located in the closed complex of Cap Cana, it is not crowded enough, so if you wish, you can find a secluded corner and enjoy the peace and quiet of this extraordinary place.
Macau
Macau's wild beach is far from mass tourism. This municipal beach with golden sand is very popular not only among tourists but also among locals. It differs from the beaches of the east coast in the absence of a reef that would break a large ocean wave. It attracts a large number of fans to ride the wave.
Baia de las Aguilas beach (bay of eagles)
In the south-west of the country, in the Jaragua National Park, there is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic, Baia de las Aguilas, translated from Spanish as the Bay of Eagles. It got its name not because of the accumulation of these magnificent birds, you will not see them there. It's just that the shape of this beach from a height resembles the wings of an eagle. The great distance from the tourist center makes this one not crowded, the beach is surrounded by a coral reef, which is home to many marine life, including the Caribbean manatee and turtles.
Dominican Islands
Saona
Saona Island is the largest island in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by white beaches. Once this little piece of paradise was discovered by Christopher Columbus. Due to the wide variety of vegetation, the island is part of the Del Este National Reserve; many plant species grow only here. Anyone can get to this paradise for one day with a guided tour. There are no large and comfortable hotels here, construction is prohibited here, but there is everything you need for a beach holiday.
Catalina
The island is not inferior in its beauty to Fr. Saona. The same snow-white beaches and beautiful palm trees, the sea and the tranquility of the wild. The island is currently uninhabited, but its beaches are also visited by thousands of tourists. This small piece of paradise is surrounded by a large coral reef. It attracts more snorkeling and diving lovers here.
Beata
This name was given to the island by Christopher Columbus, calling it "Madame Beata". During the days of exploration and conquest, this island served as a battle arena between pirates and Spanish troops, and is now uninhabited. More precisely, it will be said that the inhabitants of this island are iguanas, a large number of species of birds and sea turtles. Movement around the island is difficult due to mangrove swamps and erosion. A very beautiful view opens up on the island during boat trips, you can see the impregnable coast, the wild beauty of the mangroves and sandy beaches.
Not very accessible due to its "neglected" nature, but very beautiful island of Beata
In the footsteps of the pirates of the caribbean
What associations do you have with the word Caribbean? Of course - pirates! There are many places in the Dominican Republic that are more or less associated with pirates. There are forts that protected villages and towns from pirate raids. There are models of pirate ships of that time. There are many underwater museums with sunken pirate ships. The famous island of Saona, known for its snow-white shores, is also famous for the fact that the island was a favorite place for pirates. On it they prepared for the next attacks, shared the loot and, of course, hid their treasures. Many of which have not yet been found!
Dominican caves
The Dominican Republic is famous for its caves and lagoons, there are a huge number of them here. The most famous cave with lakes is located in Santo Domingo, Los tres Ojos, translated from Spanish as "three eyes". There are three lakes inside the caves, thanks to which it got its name. The water in the lakes is crystal clear and unusually blue, each of the lakes has a different chemical composition. There is even a real raft inside the cave that you can ride.
Dominican lagoons
On the territory of the Dominican Republic, in the real jungle, there are a very large number of lagoons with crystal clear water. In many of them you can swim. The water in them is fresh and very clear; the inhabitants of these lagoons are most often turtles and fish. Lagoons can be found both on the open surface and in various kinds of caves, which makes them mysterious and beautiful.
Historical and cultural sites of the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo
Colonial city of Santo Domingo, the first city of the new world. Having got here on an excursion, you will find yourself in the 15th century, there are more than three hundred monuments of the colonial era. Its historic districts have been declared by UNESCO as the "Property of Humanity".
Columbus lighthouse
Faro a Colon (Columbus lighthouse) is a huge structure in the shape of a cross. So they decided to perpetuate the memory of the great navigator, discoverer Christopher Columbus. Inside there is a mausoleum with the remains of the great discoverer. A large number of searchlights are placed on the roof, the column of light from which is visible for several tens of kilometers.
Where to go with children?
Manati park
One of the places where you can go with children in the Dominican Republic is Manati Park. A very exciting program with interesting performances, where you will see one of the rituals of the Taino Indians, a performance with parrots and a show with dolphins, and if you wish, you can even swim with them. And between the shows, see the rest of the numerous inhabitants of the park, pink flamingos, crocodiles, iguanas and turtles.
Zoo
The zoo (Parque Zoologico Nacional) is located within the city of Santo Domingo. Its territory is so huge, and it is 1250 square kilometers, that a day is not enough to get around it. If you don’t like to walk a lot, there’s a small train for you. There are practically no cages in this park, the habitat for animals is as close as possible to natural.
Marinarium
If you want to swim with sharks, rays, then you are here. The uniqueness of this place is that it is located in the ocean. A practically floating island equipped with sun loungers for those wishing to soak up the sun and taste exotic cocktails.
Water parks
In the Dominican Republic, water parks are located in the open air, the weather is good here all year round. And most of them are located in hotels. There are water parks in almost all parts of the Dominican Republic. One of the newest is located in the east of the country, in Punta Cana, called "Sirenis Aqualand". The next one is in the north, not far from the Puerto Plata resort, "Columbus". "Agua Splash Caribe" this water park is located in the south, in the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo.
Dolphinarium
Dolphin Explorer Dolphinarium is another place for those wishing to swim with dolphins, located in Punta Cana, and is located in the open ocean. A very rich program, you will not only swim with dolphins, watch a sea lion show and a parrot show.
Leisure
What about sports, extreme, water and underwater activities? Order! For lovers of extreme and sports activities in the Dominican Republic there is complete expanse! Since half of the island is washed by the Atlantic, there are large waves, reaching a height of several meters. For kite surfers and wine surfers, there are also places to hone their craft.
Dominican Diving certainly cannot be compared with the red sea, but not every sea can boast of sunken PIRATE ships!
Also in the Dominican Republic there is rafting, hot air ballooning, helicopter flights, horseback riding and much more. But there are no jet skis, but there are small sports boats on which you can make group rides and compete with friends. And of course no less exciting Buggy racing! What Russian doesn't like driving fast !?
P.S.
Dear readers, this information is described about the country as a whole. Some excursions take more than one day. For lack of knowledge of the area, language, it is better to buy a tour from a hotel guide or use the services of a private guide. The main thing is that after the vacation there will be bright and unforgettable impressions. Enjoy your stay!
It is the most visited country in the Caribbean and for good reason. Here you will find a variety of activities for tourists who come here, from surfers to animal lovers, cyclists with cultural enthusiasts and much more. However, unlike other Caribbean countries, the Dominican Republic is large enough to fully explore in just one trip, so Ok THERE provided a succinct list of some of the best attractions the Dominican Republic has to offer.
1 Watch whales
Samana is home to humpback whales, where every year from December to March about 2,000 humpback whales come here to breed in the warm waters off the coast. Studies show that all populations of Atlantic humpback whales swim to breed in the waters near the Dominican Republic. Humpback whales can weigh up to 40 tons and still perform a variety of acrobatic feats during mating, such as jumping out of the water, and some male whales sing "songs" to attract females to mate.
Samana, Dominican Republic
2 Visit the Colonial Zone
Colonial Zone(Zona Colonial) is a small town located in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. The area is home to many important historic buildings such as the cathedral, monastery, university, customs office and hospital in Novy Svet. In addition to its historical sites, the Zona Colonial has a variety of restaurants and is known for its clubs and vibrant nightlife.
Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
3 Stay in the Costa del Coco
Costa del Coco known in the Dominican Republic as a resort for seclusion. La Costa del Coco is located at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic and is a long coastline of white sand and palm trees, home to an extensive all-inclusive resort complex.
4 Go to a party in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and the most visited city in the Caribbean, as well as the oldest permanently inhabited European settlement on the American continent. Here you will find some of the largest and most unspoiled beaches in the Caribbean, as well as the highest concentration of all inclusive resorts. The city is a combination of old world colonial charm combined with modern Latin architecture. Santo Domingorenowned for having a very lively nightlife with a huge number of clubs and lounges to choose from.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
5 Explore the Dominican Alps
Dominican Alps are located 80 km from the capital city of Santo Domingo. This mountain range forms a kind of "backbone" of the island. The central part of the Alps is a nature lover's paradise, with protected national parks, rivers and valleys. Here you will find the very best views the Dominican Republic has to offer. In the mountains, you can take a break from the intense heat that accompanies you in the rest of the country. The cooler climate encourages the growth of fruits such as strawberries, which are difficult to find in other parts of the country. The highest mountain, Peak Duarte, green meadows and pine forests grow here, these are rare species in the Caribbean.
Peak Duarte, Dominican Republic
6 Visit Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata is a lovely area filled with pristine beaches and stunning mountain scenery. Here you will find the best water activities in the country. Cabarete, one of the cities in the region known as the windsurfing capital, the beaches in this part of the country have waves that attract surfers from all over the world. Puerto Plata It is also well known for its vibrant nightlife and very rich culture and is a great place to learn about some of the country's traditions.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
7 Head to Los Gaitis National Park
Haititranslates to "mountain land" and it is one of the few remaining rainforests in the Dominican Republic. The park has a huge number of mangroves covering an area of \u200b\u200b1600 km². Los Gaitisfamous for its large number of caves, as well as a variety of wildlife such as the endangered hawk, the Espanchol picklet, the Hispanic woodpecker, the Spanish emerald, pelicans, frigate birds, herons and many other majestic birds.
The jungle of the park was used in the making of the movie "Jurassic Park"
The hills in the park can be up to 40 meters and offer stunning views, this is information for those who want to try their hand at rock climbing.
Los Gaitis National Park, Dominican Republic
8 Attractions on Lake Enriquillo
Lake Enriquillo is the largest lake in the Caribbean and is home to a diverse array of wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles, pink flamingos and lizards, but the list is certainly not limited to these animals. This is a great place to visit if you are interested in wildlife. We highly recommend that those who are interested in visiting this place be sure to contact trusted travel agencies, since this is a rather remote place located almost on the border with Haiti and you still find yourself in a dangerous wildlife.
Lake Enriquillo, Dominican Republic
9 Travel to Saona Island
Saona is a tropical island located southeast of the Dominican Republic. Saona Island is a great day trip destination. It is home to about 300 people, which makes it a great place for a calm and relaxing holiday. You can safely walk along the coast, relax in the shallow waters or sunbathe on the white sand. This is considered one of the most beautiful island excursions that the Dominican Republic offers. Boats leave Bayahiba every morning, and round trip (including hotel check-in) can range from $ 50 to $ 80.
Saona Island, Dominican Republic
10 Swim in the cascades of Damajagua Falls
Damajagua Falls (or 27 waterfalls) is one of the biggest attractions for nature lovers in the Dominican Republic. More than 50,000 people visit these falls every year, take pictures and swim in the natural pools formed below. A total of 27 waterfalls are found in the northern hills of the mountain range, which were created by mother nature from hard limestone.
Damajagua Falls, Dominican Republic
Before you are thinking of going on vacation to the Dominican Republic, it is still advisable (but not necessary) to get yourself vaccinated against malaria and yellow fever. It is not a fact, of course, that you will get these diseases, but caution will not hurt. Don't forget to bring a supply of essential medicines with you. In addition to the ones that you may already be taking, you may need something else to improve the digestive process, since you will have to consume foods you are not familiar with. Take some more pills for conjunctivitis and headaches just in case. After all, you have a major climate change ahead.
On the territory of the Dominican Republic, you should not drink tap water. It is advisable to purchase it in plastic or glass bottles in supermarkets or grocery stores. The same goes for the water you use to brush your teeth. Try to use peeled or boiled as well.
The Dominican Republic is a very sunny country. The sun is scorching and burning here. Don't forget to grab a glitchy sunburn cream or buy it locally. Dermatologists generally strongly advise against sunbathing from 10 am to 3 pm. And in the first 4 days, when you go through the acclimatization process, try not to sunbathe at all. Well, the main rule to help avoid sunstroke is to drink plenty of fluids (but not alcoholic beverages).
Since you will naturally be on a variety of excursions during your holiday, do not forget about comfortable shoes - something on a low run, trainers or comfortable sports slippers. Take with you on vacation clothes made from natural fabrics, since it is very difficult to withstand the heat in synthetics.
You should be aware that the Dominican Republic has a rather confusing address system. Together, the addresses here most often indicate street intersections instead of house numbers, or else two adjacent streets will be recorded, between which the place you are looking for may be located between.
Do not, under any circumstances, exchange money on the street or in the markets. Foreign exchange fraud in the country constitutes the bulk of crime in the Dominican Republic. It is best to exchange money at banks or inside hotels. It is best to take American dollars with you, since the euro has a very unfavorable exchange rate here. Do not forget to grab small money as well, otherwise sellers often "do not have" change.
In the Dominican Republic, in addition to supermarkets, you can and should bargain almost everywhere. Considering visiting tourists, almost all sellers initially inflate prices, so as a result of bargaining, you can easily bring down the original price by almost half.
On the territory of the Dominican Republic, there is a ban on photography - you can not take pictures of the military while they are on duty. Some museums also have restrictions on filming, usually there are warning signs in such places.
Don't be intimidated by the fact that you can often meet armed people on the city streets. The country is legally allowed to carry and store short-barreled firearms. However, this is often only an external attribute. Such weapons are rarely used, except in slum areas.
If you are planning to rent a car on vacation, then be extremely careful on the Dominican roads - local drivers are distinguished by an extremely extreme way of driving vehicles. If you smash easier, then they do not follow any traffic rules. On the other hand, they use horns very loudly and everywhere, under almost any circumstances, probably by pressing them sometimes instead of the brake or gas pedal. And remember, traffic cops are unmistakable in identifying tourist-rented cars and never miss an opportunity to stop and, if possible, fine a wealthy (in their opinion) traveler.
In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately. The tourist police in the Dominican Republic arrive very quickly and their response can be very effective.
Just in case, try to carry with you a photocopy of your passport (first pages with a photo) and a copy of your air ticket. To contact your relatives by phone from the Dominican Republic, it is best to buy a local GSM SIM card. For this purpose, you can use the services of the "Orange" company, it has a fairly confident reception signal in almost all places, one way or another related to recreation. To buy such a SIM card, you will need a passport. And remember that all incoming calls from this company are free.
As for electrical appliances, the voltage in the network here is different from ours and is 110 Volts, and the frequency is 60 Hertz. So that you can charge your phone, laptop, tablet, use a hair dryer and the like, you will need an adapter, since all sockets in hotels are made according to the American standard - that is, they have flat plugs. In theory, such an adapter must be given to you by the hotel administration, but, as a last resort, you can buy it in a supermarket or in a grocery store. It will cost between $ 2.5 and $ 4.
The country's monetary unit is the Dominican peso. Almost everywhere, dollars and euros are accepted as payment, but you can also be given change in pesos. In the Dominican Republic, it is prohibited to import alcoholic beverages of more than one liter (strength 22%) and more than 2 liters of low alcohol drinks, over 500 grams of coffee and over 200 cigarettes (or boxes of cigars). The import of any kind of food, drugs and some medicines is prohibited. It is also prohibited to export (without a special permit) objects and things that are of artistic and historical value (especially those raised from the bottom of the sea), some types of orchids and the heart of a palm tree. It is also not allowed to export more than 50 cigars per person.
As for the size of the tip in the Dominican Republic, usually 10% service and sales tax is added to the invoice amount. If you want to leave something else, then this amount is determined solely at your discretion.
