A favorite vacationer scorching spot, the Dominican Republic residence to lots of of miles of beautiful shoreline, picturesque views, and fairly colonial structure. Listed here 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 stuffed with dreamy palm-tree lined seashores and sensible turquoise waters.
The realm 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.
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the beautiful Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park the place we might swim within the freshwater lagoons.
- Watching dwell 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 it is a dreamy area stuffed with lush tropical forests, acres of coconut groves, and lots of of tiny, sandy alcoves are nonetheless comparatively unexplored by vacationer hordes.
My favourite seashores right here had been Playa Rincón (which has the repute of being one of many world’s most lovely 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 hundreds of them congregate off the coast of Samana from January to March.
I like to recommend attempting to identify them whereas right here and week-long live-on-board excursions might be organized simply from this area and even alternatives to snorkel alongside the whales.
3. Parque Nacional del Este
A go to to Japanese Nationwide Park is a particular deal with for any nature fanatic! As one of many largest marine parks within the Caribbean, it has a incredible offshore coral reef system that provides beautiful 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 elements for a romantic getaway with a distinction!
There may be additionally proof of early Taino exercise, and guests are handled to the uncommon cave drawings alongside the world, 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 Website 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, fantastically restored mansions, and cobblestone streets.
On my journey I explored Calle Las Damas, the New World’s oldest paved avenue, courting 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 via the world, sipping sturdy espresso within the roadside cafes and testing the native crafts on the market within the many little outlets on avenue corners.
5. Saona Island
Though 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 well 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 implies ‘Eagle Bay,’ an 8km stretch of sandy and blue water thought-about one of the vital lovely seashores on the planet by locals and guests alike.
The principle purpose for that is that it’s fully unspoiled and just about remoted, miles away from the key 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).
As soon as right here, a neighborhood villager will oblige you by driving you to the remoted sandy stretch for a small payment. Though 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 isn’t your factor, take a ship trip via the mangrove forests or get pleasure from lunch in a standard 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 situated on the island’s southeast finish, with quite a few golf programs, seashores, diving places, 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 have to make your trip memorable.
The golf programs alone are thought-about a number of the finest within the Caribbean, however the space offers many actions that may make you by no means wish to go away.
9. Playa Rincon
Some individuals declare that Christopher Columbus first landed on this seaside 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 incredible water you’ve ever seen, and it’s usually considered one of the vital lovely seashores in your entire Caribbean.
It is just a 20-minute boat trip from Las Galeras, which is loads of enjoyable. Most of all, although, it affords 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 affords a lovely seaside a mile from city, a number of the finest scuba diving locations within the nation, and greater than 20 dive websites.
You may also go snorkelling or paddle-boarding, and you may 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 get pleasure from doing outdoors, it’s very doubtless this city will present it to you.
11. Cabarete
Generally known as probably the greatest locations for kite-surfing, the city additionally affords 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 among the high browsing spots in your entire Caribbean. Individuals who love motion sports activities particularly love the city as a result of it affords a lot to do and is sufficiently small that anybody can shortly discover something they need.
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 must cross just a few rivers—however you may soar 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 technique you select, you’ll get pleasure from soaking within the cool water as quickly as you arrive.
13. Jarabacoa
Situated within the Cordillera Central Mountains, the eco-tourism heart consists of quaint little shops and boutiques, mountain climbing and mountaineering trails, beautiful waterfalls, wood shacks, and every little thing else that makes the world distinctive and great.
Generally referred to as the Dominican Alps, the city even affords 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!
14. Las Terrenas
Till 1946, this was a small fishing village. Nonetheless, it’s a vacationer spot unknown to many that provides white sandy seashores, clear, glowing water, and a number of the most lovely landscapes you’ve doubtless ever seen.
Solely a two-hour drive from the capital, Las Terrenas is well-liked with vacationers and locals alike, and the world’s seashores are beautiful.
You may also go to just a few 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.
15. Playa Dorada
Situated roughly three miles east of Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada is a set of 12 totally different resorts, all of that are all-inclusive and supply every little thing you have to stay there to your complete trip if that’s what you need.
With lovely seashores and resorts which are there to your satisfaction solely, you may get pleasure from a number of sights and actions that may preserve you going your entire 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 affords lovely seashores, many distinguished locations to buy, and plenty of areas of historic and cultural significance.
Landmarks resembling Fort San Felipe, Mount Isabel de Torres, and the Previous Quarter are included.
I really like that this metropolis showcases the island’s variety with its distinctive mixture of Victorian, trendy, and colonial constructions all through the world. Whether or not you wish to store, eat, or hang around with some terrific individuals, it has all of it!
17. Lago Enriquillo
This salty relic of an historic oceanic channel is understood for its elusive inhabitants of crocodiles and iguanas. It is among 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 look at many of those charming creatures of their pure habitat.
Vacationers test in on the small customer heart with details about the island’s historical past, and native guided excursions supply boat excursions of the park that lasts about an hour.
Bear in mind to convey 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 seaside resorts; it is among the most geographically and naturally various international locations of the Caribbean, with beautiful surroundings, breathtaking sunsets, and bustling, evocative colonial cities.
Sadly, so many guests spend all their time of their seaside resort; following this checklist of must-sees, there’s a lot extra to be gained by stepping outdoors and experiencing the actual Dominican Republic.
18. Peninsula de Samaná
If you wish to go whale-watching, Samaná is the best 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 consists of Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico. There’s a excessive likelihood 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. Nonetheless, in addition 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 affords 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 have to to go to Scape Park Cap Cana, and after passing via a lovely 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.