19 Breathtaking Locations In The Dominican Republic

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 here are my favourite locations on this breathtaking nation that I’d like to share…

1. Punta Cana

This much-loved widespread resort vacation spot actually wowed me! I assumed it was breathtaking with its pristine, white-sand seashores, glowing turquoise waters, upscale beachfront resorts, and dreamy palm timber. I cherished the way it was each full of life and laid-back, with the right mixture of rest and vibrant nightlife. 

Positioned on the japanese coast of the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, it has a inhabitants of round 100,000, nevertheless it thrives as a serious vacationer hub, attracting hundreds of thousands yearly with its fashionable developments and luxurious choices.

I flew from London on to Punta Cana Worldwide Airport (PUJ) and stayed for a paradise-like 10 days. I relaxed on the gorgeous Bavaro Seashore, explored the pure fantastic thing about Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, took a ship journey to the pristine Saona Island, loved water snorkeling and parasailing, skilled the full of life nightlife at Coco Bongo, swam within the attractive turquoise waters of the Hoyo Azul Cenote, and visited the Macao Seashore to look at the surfers and unbelievable sunsets!

Location: East a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for nice climate and to keep away from the hurricane season).
Actions on provide: Seashore actions, snorkeling, scuba diving, {golfing}, and catamaran excursions.
Lodging: Arduous 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 may swim within the freshwater lagoons. 
Watching stay music and unbelievable salsa and merengue 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

I assumed this scenic coastal area was breathtaking! I assumed it was critically gorgeous with unspoiled seashores crammed with golden sands and shimmering blue inexperienced waters, charming coastal villages, a lush tropical jungle, dramatic cliffs, and iconic waterfalls, coconut groves and hidden, sandy alcoves, lots of that are nonetheless comparatively untouched and fewer crowded in comparison with extra widespread vacationer locations within the nation. It felt peaceable and laid-back, with an superior mixture of tropical journey and rustic appeal! 

situated on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cabo Samana peninsula. It has a inhabitants of round 150,000 and has traditionally been an vital space for tourism and agriculture, significantly for the whale watching –  it’s a breeding place for humpback whales, and hundreds of them congregate off the coast of Samana from January to March.

I drove three hours from Santo Domingo and spent a dreamy week right here. I relaxed on the pristine seashores of Cayo Levantado, hiked to the gorgeous El Limón Waterfall, went on a whale watching boat journey in Bahía de Samaná, explored the luxurious landscapes of Los Haitises Nationwide Park, visited the charming city of Santa Bárbara de Samana, and loved kayaking and zip-lining within the tropical rainforests! 

Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for whale-watching and cooler temperatures).
Actions on provide: Whale-watching, seashore hopping, climbing, and snorkeling.
Lodging: Bahia Principe Luxurious Samana, Lodge Bannister, and eco-lodges close to the seashores.
Map Location and Instructions

My highlights… 

Testing the gorgeous Playa Rincón which had the popularity of being one of many world’s most stunning seashores! I cherished the way it was framed by lush tropical forests and the towering hills of the Sierra de Samana and the way small native distributors bought contemporary coconut water alongside the seashore entrance!
Stumbling throughout the small, secluded gem La Playita Seashore – I cherished the way it was dotted with seashells, how distant and uncrowded it was the small laid again La Playita Restaurant which served up contemporary native delicacies. My “Mangu” dish made out of mashed plantains and sautéed onions was divine!

3. Parque Nacional del Este

This is among the largest marine parks within the Caribbean! I additionally thought it was stunning for its lush tropical landscapes, colourful coral reefs, historic Taino cave work, rugged cliffs and paradise-like white sandy seashores. I cherished the way it felt each tranquil and adventurous on the similar time!

It was situated within the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic near Bayahibe which is a small fishing village widespread with vacationers. It spanned 420 sq. kilometers and featured a wealthy historical past marked by pre-Columbian Taino artifacts. It’s additionally residence to endangered sea turtles, manatees, varied hen species and early Taino exercise within the type of uncommon cave drawings that doc early indigenous life.

I drove an hour from Punta Cana to Bayahibe and caught a ship to the park, when right here I explored the great underwater world snorkeling at Saona Island, found the traditional Taino cave work in Cueva del Puente, relaxed on the pristine seashores of Isla Catalina, and had the magical expertise of recognizing wild dolphins and cute sea turtles! 

Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
Greatest 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 lodges in Bayahibe, and eco-lodges.
Map Location and Instructions

4. Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial

That is thought of to be the oldest European settlement within the New World! I assumed it was very picturesque with a formidable mix of historic structure (together with the oldest cathedral within the Americas), pastel-colored buildings, colourful hanging baskets, fantastically restored mansions, quaint cobblestone streets, and bustling public squares.

I cherished the enchanting, romantic vibe it in addition to being full of life – it was crammed with the hum of avenue musicians, bustling cafes, and a palpable sense of historical past that enveloped me! 

Location: South a part of the nation.
Greatest 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 lodges within the colonial zone.
Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights… 

Meandering alongside Calle El Conde, sipping sturdy espresso within the roadside cafes (my favourite was Café Museo del Cacao) and trying out the native crafts on the market within the many little retailers on avenue corners.

5. Saona Island

I assumed this tropical island was really breathtaking! I discovered an idyllic island with sprawling white sandy seashores, shimmering turquoise waters, lush palm-fringed coastlines, in depth mangrove swamps and a small fishing village known as Mano Juan, which was the one inhabited space on the island. It felt relaxed and paradisiacal, good for being actually capable of unwind! I additionally cherished that it was famously used as a filming location for the Bounty chocolate bar industrial! 

It was nestled off the southeastern coast of the nation, close to La Romana. A part of Cotubanamá Nationwide Park, it had a small inhabitants of round 300 inhabitants. It was as soon as a former Taino settlement, however is now a preferred vacation spot for eco-tourism and marine conservation efforts.

I took a two hour boat day journey from the small fishing village situated of Bayahibe on the southeastern coast and relaxed on the pristine seashores of Playa de Palmilla, snorkeled within the clear waters across the Catuano Channel, explored the mangroves for birdwatching, loved a ship tour of the pure swimming pool “El Peñón,” and skilled the native tradition within the small village of Mano Juan!

Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for preferrred seashore climate and catamaran excursions).
Actions on provide: Swimming, snorkeling, catamaran excursions, and exploring mangroves.
Lodging: Day journeys solely, with lodging out there in Bayahibe or La Romana.
Map Location and Instructions

6. Bahía de las Águilas

That is usually talked about as being one of the stunning seashores on this planet! I found a breathtakingly gorgeous spot with pristine, untouched white sand, clear turquoise waters, putting limestone cliffs, and a secluded, unspoiled setting that to me felt like a hidden paradise!  I cherished how peaceable and distant it felt – it was a secluded escape with no crowds, no resorts, simply pure pure magnificence! 

It’s situated within the southwestern a part of the nation, close to the city of Pedernales, inside Jaragua Nationwide Park. Jaragua Nationwide Park is a part of the Dominican Republic’s Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve, which is acknowledged by UNESCO for its wealthy biodiversity and ecological significance.

It’s additionally traditionally important for its indigenous Taino heritage, and stays one of the unspoiled coastal areas in entire of  the Caribbean! 

I took a six hour bus trip from Santo Domingo to Pedernales after which a ship from Cabo Rojo which took simply quarter-hour and stayed for an idyllic three days. I relaxed on the stark white sand seashore, went swimming and snorkeling, took a ship trip from Cabo Rojo and admired the dramatic limestone cliffs, noticed wildlife in Jaragua Nationwide Park (it was residence to rhinoceros iguanas, West Indian manatees, hawksbill and inexperienced sea turtles!) and visited Laguna de Oviedo the place I noticed flamingos and brown pelicans! 

Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for the perfect seashore situations and decrease humidity).
Actions on provide: Seashore rest, 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

I cherished this distinctive hidden gem! It was crammed with white sandy seashores, engaging coral reefs, glowing turquoise waters and plush mangrove tunnels. To me, it felt peaceable and otherworldly, like a secluded and rustic escape! 

It was nestled off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, close to the small fishing village of Punta Rucia. It was a distant sandbar and mangrove ecosystem, a part of Monte Cristi Nationwide Park, and is traditionally important for its position in marine conservation, and is thought for its wealthy biodiversity and various hen species.

I took a 2.5 hour from Puerto Plata to Punta Rucia after which it was a 20 minute boat trip to Paradise Island. I snorkeled within the clear waters of Cayo Area and noticed coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, relaxed on the tiny white sandbar surrounded by turquoise waters, took a ship tour by means of the luxurious mangrove forests of Monte Cristi Nationwide Park, and went hen recognizing – I managed to see herons! 

Location: Northwest a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for calm seas and optimum snorkeling situations).
Actions on provide: Snorkeling, boat excursions, mangrove exploration, and wildlife viewing.
Lodging: Motels in Puerto Plata or seashore resorts in close by Punta Rucia.
Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights… 

Snorkelling with a information and permitting the tropical fish to eat out of my hand!

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 facility to see how all the things is put collectively, or go to the 7,000-acre resort, Casa de Campo, which gives all the things you should make your trip memorable.

The golf programs alone are thought of among the greatest within the Caribbean, however the space gives many actions that can make you by no means need to depart.

Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
Greatest 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 facility.
Lodging: Casa de Campo Resort, Goals La Romana Resort & Spa, and luxurious villas.
Map Location and Instructions

9. Playa Rincon

That is usually considered one of the stunning seashores within the Caribbean! I assumed it was very stunning because of its gorgeous smooth, wonderful, white sands, very clear and shallow aquamarine waters, attractive coconut palm timber and the quaint, artisan-crafted Altos de Chavón village that missed the Chavón River. I actually loved its laid again vibe and the way uncrowded it was!

It was nestled within the southeastern a part of the nation, immediately throughout from Catalina Island and about 80 kilometers from the capital, Santo Domingo. It’s the third-largest metropolis within the nation with a bustling port and a wealthy historical past that dates again to its institution in 1897. Initially an oil city, then recognized for its massive sugar mill, it’s not a much-loved vacationer vacation spot crammed with upscale resorts and has a everlasting inhabitants of round 215,000. Legends tells of tales of Christopher Columbus first touchdown on Playa Rincón in 1492, however sadly this may’t be confirmed!

I flew immediately from London to Santo Domingo and from there it was a 3 hour journey and stayed for a blissful week! I explored the enchanting Altos de Chavón, a duplicate of a Sixteenth-century Mediterranean village that hosts an array of creative endeavors and live shows; my associate tried out the world-renowned golf course, Enamel of the Canine; I loved the pristine seashores and snorkeling and dined within the enormous and really spectacular resort complicated of Casa de Campo, which had its personal marina! 

Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for sunny seashore days and cooler temperatures).
Actions on provide: Swimming, snorkeling, seashore actions, and boat rides.
Lodging: Boutique lodges in Las Galeras, similar to Chalet Tropical Village, and close by guesthouses.
Map Location and Instructions

10. Bayahibe

This attractive resort city and former fishing village provides a lovely seashore a mile from city, among the greatest scuba diving locations within the nation, and greater than 20 dive websites.

It’s also possible to 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 simple 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.

Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
Greatest 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

Referred to as among the best locations for kite-surfing, the city additionally provides 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 prime browsing spots in the whole Caribbean. Individuals who love motion sports activities particularly love the city as a result of it provides a lot to do and is sufficiently small that anybody can shortly discover something they need.

Location: North a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for prime windsurfing and kitesurfing situations).
Actions on provide: Kite-surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and cave exploring.
Lodging: Velero Seashore Resort, Millennium Resort & Spa, and beachfront lodges.
Map Location and Instructions

12. El Limon Waterfall

Discovered close to the Atlantic Coast aspect of the island, this waterfall has a 170-foot drop that doesn’t look spectacular.

Getting there’s a problem—you’ll need to cross just a few rivers—however you’ll be able to soar proper in as quickly as you attain the waterfall, and the swimming gap on the backside is simply as extraordinary.

It’s also possible to 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.

Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for simpler hikes and refreshing swimming situations).
Actions on provide: Climbing, horseback using, and swimming.
Lodging: Lodges and guesthouses in El Limón or Las Terrenas, similar to Clave Verde Ecolodge.
Map Location and Instructions

13. Jarabacoa

Positioned within the Cordillera Central Mountains, the eco-tourism middle consists of quaint little shops and boutiques, climbing and mountaineering trails, attractive waterfalls, picket shacks, and all the things else that makes the realm distinctive and great.

Generally known as the Dominican Alps, the city even provides rafting alternatives on the Yaque del Norte River, and the view of the waterfalls alone is definitely worth the journey.

In the event you love lush inexperienced out of doors areas and admire nature, I extremely advocate it right here!

Location: Central a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for rafting, climbing, and having fun with the cooler mountain local weather).
Actions on provide: Rafting, climbing, 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. Nonetheless, it’s a vacationer spot unknown to many that provides white sandy seashores, clear, glowing water, and among the most stunning landscapes you’ve doubtless ever seen.

Solely a two-hour drive from the capital, Las Terrenas is widespread with vacationers and locals alike, and the realm’s seashores are gorgeous.

It’s also possible to go to just a few seashores to look at the dolphins or the whales. In the event you’re going to style what makes the native areas distinctive and you’re keen on spending time within the water, that is the city for you.

Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for the perfect seashore climate and whale-watching season).
Actions on provide: Seashore actions, dolphin watching, snorkeling, and whale-watching.
Lodging: Elegant Samana Lodge & Residences, Balcones del Atlántico, and boutique seashore lodges.
Map Location and Instructions

15. Playa Dorada

Positioned 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 all the things you should stay there on your complete trip if that’s what you need.

With stunning seashores and resorts which are there on your satisfaction solely, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a bunch of sights and actions that can maintain you going the whole time, no matter how lengthy you keep there and what you had been searching for within the first place.

Location: North a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for seashore actions and all-inclusive resort experiences).
Actions on provide: Seashore rest, 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 provides stunning seashores, many distinguished locations to buy, and plenty of areas of historic and cultural significance.

Landmarks similar to 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, fashionable, and colonial buildings all through the realm. Whether or not you need to store, eat, or hang around with some terrific folks, it has all of it!

Location: North a part of the nation.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for comfy climate and sightseeing).
Actions on provide: Sightseeing, seashore actions, visiting historic landmarks, and cable automotive rides.
Lodging: Casa Colonial Seashore & Spa, Iberostar Costa Dorada, and metropolis lodges.
Map Location and Instructions

17. Lago Enriquillo

This salty relic of an historical oceanic channel is thought for its elusive inhabitants of crocodiles and iguanas. It is among the few lakes on this 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 middle with details about the island’s historical past, and native guided excursions provide boat excursions of the park that lasts about an hour.

Keep in mind to deliver suntan lotion (temperatures in summer season have been recorded as upwards of 45 levels) and put on lined footwear, because the odd scorpion abounds.

The Dominican Republic is a lot extra than simply seashore resorts; it is among the most geographically and naturally various 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 listing of must-sees, there’s a lot extra to be gained by stepping outdoors and experiencing the actual Dominican Republic.

Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
Greatest 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 similar 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 direction of Samaná Bay, their route consists of 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. Nonetheless, in addition 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.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for whale-watching and seashore climate).
Actions on provide: Whale-watching, seashore actions, and climbing.
Lodging: Luxurious villas, eco-lodges, and lodges in Samaná or Las Terrenas.
Map Location and Instructions

19. Hoyo Azul Lagoon

If you’re searching for a well-known vacation spot, Hoyo Azul Lagoon is your choose. This gorgeous place provides 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 have to to go to Scape Park Cap Cana, and after passing by means of 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.
Greatest time to go to: Winter (for clear skies and preferrred lagoon situations).
Actions on provide: Swimming, climbing, and nature exploration.
Lodging: Motels and resorts in Cap Cana, similar to Eden Roc Cap Cana and Sanctuary Cap Cana.
Map Location and Instructions

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