A favorite vacationer sizzling spot, the Dominican Republic dwelling to a whole lot of miles of beautiful shoreline, picturesque views, and fairly colonial structure. Here are my favourite locations on this breathtaking nation that I’d like to share…
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1. Punta Cana
Located 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 sensible turquoise waters.
The space has a number of fancy resort resorts (lots of that are all-inclusive), unbelievable golf programs and plenty of alternatives for snorkeling, scuba diving and catamaran excursions.
My favourite highlights…
Exploring the beautiful Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park the place we may swim within the freshwater lagoons.
Watching dwell music and unbelievable dancing on the well-known nightlife sizzling spot Coco Bongo.
Trying zip lining for the primary time, it was a bit hair-raising however the views made it work it!
2. Samana Province
Located on the northeastern coast it is a dreamy area crammed with lush tropical forests, acres of coconut groves, and a whole lot of tiny, sandy alcoves are nonetheless comparatively unexplored by vacationer hordes.
My favourite seashores right here had been Playa Rincón (which has the popularity of being one of many world’s most lovely seashores), the intimate La Playita Beach, 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 may be organized simply from this area and even alternatives to snorkel alongside the whales.
3. Parque Nacional del Este
A go to to Eastern National Park is a particular deal with for any nature fanatic! As one of many largest marine parks within the Caribbean, it has a improbable offshore coral reef system that gives beautiful diving alternatives and permits divers to come across a myriad of marine life.
As a animal lover I liked that it was hundred species of birds in addition to distant seashores, and tropical forests. All the elements for a romantic getaway with a distinction!
There can be proof of early Taino exercise, and guests are handled to the uncommon cave drawings alongside the realm, documenting early indigenous life.
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 Site by UNESCO. It’s positioned on the west financial institution of the Ozama River and I liked 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, courting from 1502, the Sixteenth-century cathedral, the Nineteenth-century bronze statue of Christopher Columbas, and the fabled dwelling of Herman Cortes.
I spent a day steeped in historical past, meandering by means of the realm, sipping sturdy espresso within the roadside cafes and trying out the native crafts on the market within the many little retailers on road corners.
5. Saona Island
Although this little isle is a part of the nationwide park, it deserves some column inches of its personal and is broadly 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 due to its desert island setting and its rise to fame as the situation for filming the Bounty Bar advert! Wow!
6. Bahía de las Águilas
This island’s seashores are identified for his or her crystal clear water. This means ‘Eagle Bay,’ an 8km stretch of sandy and blue water thought-about one of the lovely seashores on the earth by locals and guests alike.
The essential cause for that is that it’s utterly unspoiled and just about remoted, miles away from the main vacationer areas, and must be accessed by boat or by discovering a neighborhood tour information from the tiny fishing village of La Cueva (the cave).
Once right here, a neighborhood villager will oblige you by driving you to the remoted sandy stretch for a small price. Although getting right here is usually a little bit of a mission, it’s value it to lie out on one of many world’s most romantic stretches of shoreline.
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 means of the mangrove forests or get pleasure from lunch in a conventional fishing village’s formal restaurant.
Day journeys to the island function day by day, and a tour information will clarify the pure historical past of marine and land life and the conservation tasks underway.
8. La Romana
La Romana is positioned on the island’s southeast finish, with quite a few golf programs, seashores, diving places, and different out of doors adventures.
Stop by a working cigar manufacturing unit to see how every part is put collectively, or go to the 7,000-acre resort, Casa de Campo, which offers every part that you must make your trip memorable.
The golf programs alone are thought-about a number of the greatest within the Caribbean, however the space offers many actions that may make you by no means need to go away.
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 number of the whitest sand seashores and essentially the most improbable water you’ve ever seen, and it’s usually regarded as one of the lovely seashores in the complete Caribbean.
It is barely a 20-minute boat journey from Las Galeras, which is quite a lot of enjoyable. Most of all, although, it presents a number of alternatives for enjoyable within the solar, no matter what you get pleasure from doing there.
10. Bayahibe
This beautiful resort city and former fishing village presents an attractive seashore a mile from city, a number of the greatest scuba diving locations within the nation, and greater than 20 dive websites.
You may also 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 positioned and simple to get to, and its tree-lined seashores are one thing to behold.
Regardless of what you get pleasure from doing exterior, it’s very doubtless this city will present it to you.
11. Cabarete
Known as top-of-the-line locations for kite-surfing, the city additionally presents kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and cave exploring, to not point out sufficient eateries and buying 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 complete Caribbean. People who love motion sports activities particularly love the city as a result of it presents a lot to do and is sufficiently small that anybody can rapidly discover something they need.
12. El Limon Waterfall
Found 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 must cross a couple of rivers—however you may bounce proper in as quickly as you attain the waterfall, and the swimming gap on the backside is simply as extraordinary.
You may also stroll the 40-mile path to get there, however no matter which methodology you select, you’ll get pleasure from soaking within the cool water as quickly as you arrive.
13. Jarabacoa
Located within the Cordillera Central Mountains, the eco-tourism middle consists of quaint little shops and boutiques, climbing and mountaineering trails, beautiful waterfalls, picket shacks, and every part else that makes the realm distinctive and fantastic.
Commonly known as the Dominican Alps, the city even presents rafting alternatives on the Yaque del Norte River, and the view of the waterfalls alone is definitely worth the journey.
If you like lush inexperienced out of doors areas and recognize nature, I extremely suggest it right here!
14. Las Terrenas
Until 1946, this was a small fishing village. However, it’s a vacationer spot unknown to many that gives white sandy seashores, clear, glowing water, and a number of the most lovely landscapes you’ve doubtless ever seen.
Only a two-hour drive from the capital, Las Terrenas is fashionable with vacationers and locals alike, and the realm’s seashores are beautiful.
You may also go to a couple of seashores to look at the dolphins or the whales. If 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.
15. Playa Dorada
Located 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 part that you must stay there in your total trip if that’s what you need.
With lovely seashores and resorts which can be there in your satisfaction solely, you may get pleasure from a bunch of sights and actions that may maintain you going the complete time, no matter how lengthy you keep there and what you had been in search of within the first place.
16. Puerto Plata
A famend metropolis, Puerto Plata was as soon as a really affluent port metropolis however nonetheless presents lovely seashores, many distinguished locations to buy, and lots of areas of historic and cultural significance.
Landmarks akin to Fort San Felipe, Mount Isabel de Torres, and the Old Quarter are included.
I like that this metropolis showcases the island’s variety with its distinctive mixture of Victorian, fashionable, and colonial buildings all through the realm. Whether you need to store, eat, or hang around with some terrific folks, it has all of it!
17. Lago Enriquillo
This salty relic of an historical oceanic channel is thought for its elusive inhabitants of crocodiles and iguanas. It is without doubt one of the few lakes on the earth that’s dwelling 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 charming creatures of their pure habitat.
Tourists test 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.
Remember to carry suntan lotion (temperatures in summer season 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 various nations of the Caribbean, with beautiful surroundings, breathtaking sunsets, and bustling, evocative colonial cities.
Unfortunately, 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 true Dominican Republic.
18. Peninsula de Samaná
If you need to go whale-watching, Samaná is the best place. During peak season, between January and March, over 300 whales come from Greenland and Iceland to the bay.
Once they begin their journey in the direction of Samaná Bay, their route contains Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico. There is 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. However, additionally they have restrictions. As you may 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.
19. Hoyo Azul Lagoon
If you’re in search of a well-known vacation spot, Hoyo Azul Lagoon is your decide. This beautiful place presents crystal-clear water and memorable moments.
The lagoon is in Punta Cana, particularly within the south, the place you may keep in luxurious resorts and villas. To entry the lagoon, you will have to go to Scape Park Cap Cana, and after passing by means of an attractive path with loads of fauna and flora, you’ll attain the lagoon in lower than 10 minutes.
A few issues value noting is that the deepest level of those blue waters is 37 meters.