19 Breathtaking Locations In The Dominican Republic

1. Punta Cana

This much-loved well-liked 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 liked the way it was each energetic and laid-back, with the right mixture of rest and vibrant nightlife. 

Situated on the jap coast of the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, it has a inhabitants of round 100,000, but it surely thrives as a significant vacationer hub, attracting tens of millions yearly with its trendy 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 beautiful Bavaro Seashore, explored the pure great thing about Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, took a ship journey to the pristine Saona Island, loved water snorkeling and parasailing, skilled the energetic 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 unimaginable sunsets!

• 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: Seashore 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 stay music and unimaginable 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 significantly beautiful with unspoiled seashores stuffed 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 well-liked vacationer locations within the nation. It felt peaceable and laid-back, with an superior mixture of tropical journey and rustic allure! 

positioned 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 necessary space for tourism and agriculture, notably for the whale watching –  it’s a breeding place for humpback whales, and 1000’s 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 beautiful 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.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for whale-watching and cooler temperatures).
• Actions on provide: Whale-watching, seaside hopping, mountaineering, and snorkeling.
• Lodging: Bahia Principe Luxurious Samana, Lodge Bannister, and eco-lodges close to the seashores.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights… 

• Trying out the beautiful Playa Rincón which had the popularity of being one of many world’s most lovely seashores! I liked the way it was framed by lush tropical forests and the towering hills of the Sierra de Samana and the way small native distributors offered contemporary coconut water alongside the seaside entrance!
• Stumbling throughout the small, secluded gem La Playita Seashore – I liked 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 constructed from mashed plantains and sautéed onions was divine!

3. Parque Nacional del Este

This is without doubt one of the largest marine parks within the Caribbean! I additionally thought it was lovely for its lush tropical landscapes, colourful coral reefs, historic Taino cave work, rugged cliffs and paradise-like white sandy seashores. I liked the way it felt each tranquil and adventurous on the identical time!

It was positioned within the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic near Bayahibe which is a small fishing village well-liked with vacationers. It spanned 420 sq. kilometers and featured a wealthy historical past marked by pre-Columbian Taino artifacts. It’s additionally dwelling to endangered sea turtles, manatees, varied chook 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 fantastic 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.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for snug climate and exploring the coral reefs).
• Actions on provide: Scuba diving, birdwatching, exploring caves, and seaside visits.
• Lodging: Casa de Campo Resort, close by inns in Bayahibe, and eco-lodges.
• Map Location and Instructions

4. Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial

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

I liked the enchanting, romantic vibe it in addition to being energetic – it was stuffed with the hum of road musicians, bustling cafes, and a palpable sense of historical past that enveloped me! 

• 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 purchasing.
• Lodging: Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando, Casas del XVI, and boutique inns 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 road corners.

5. Saona Island

I assumed this tropical island was actually breathtaking! I discovered an idyllic island with sprawling white sandy seashores, shimmering turquoise waters, lush palm-fringed coastlines, intensive mangrove swamps and a small fishing village referred to as Mano Juan, which was the one inhabited space on the island. It felt relaxed and paradisiacal, excellent for being actually in a position to unwind! I additionally liked 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 well-liked vacation spot for eco-tourism and marine conservation efforts.

I took a two hour boat day journey from the small fishing village positioned 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.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for splendid seaside climate and catamaran excursions).
• Actions on provide: Swimming, snorkeling, catamaran excursions, and exploring mangroves.
• Lodging: Day journeys solely, with lodging accessible in Bayahibe or La Romana.
• Map Location and Instructions

6. Bahía de las Águilas

That is typically talked about as being some of the lovely seashores on the earth! I found a breathtakingly beautiful spot with pristine, untouched white sand, clear turquoise waters, hanging limestone cliffs, and a secluded, unspoiled setting that to me felt like a hidden paradise!  I liked how peaceable and distant it felt – it was a secluded escape with no crowds, no resorts, simply pure pure magnificence! 

It’s positioned 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 some of the unspoiled coastal areas in complete of  the Caribbean! 

I took a six hour bus experience 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 seaside, went swimming and snorkeling, took a ship experience from Cabo Rojo and admired the dramatic limestone cliffs, noticed wildlife in Jaragua Nationwide Park (it was dwelling 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.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for the very best seaside 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 seaside.
• Map Location and Instructions

7. Paradise Island and The Mangroves

I liked this distinctive hidden gem! It was stuffed with white sandy seashores, engaging coral reefs, glowing turquoise waters and luxurious 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 numerous chook species.

I took a 2.5 hour from Puerto Plata to Punta Rucia after which it was a 20 minute boat experience 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 way of the luxurious mangrove forests of Monte Cristi Nationwide Park, and went chook recognizing – I managed to see herons! 

• 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: Motels in Puerto Plata or seaside 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 positioned 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 the whole lot is put collectively, or go to the 7,000-acre resort, Casa de Campo, which offers the whole lot you could 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 can make you by no means need 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 facility.
• Lodging: Casa de Campo Resort, Desires La Romana Resort & Spa, and luxurious villas.
• Map Location and Instructions

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 few of the whitest sand seashores and probably the most incredible water you’ve ever seen, and it’s typically considered some of the lovely seashores in the complete Caribbean.

It’s only a 20-minute boat experience from Las Galeras, which is a whole lot of enjoyable. Most of all, although, it affords plenty of alternatives for enjoyable within the solar, no matter what you get pleasure from doing there.

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

10. Bayahibe

This attractive resort city and former fishing village affords an exquisite seaside a mile from city, a few of the finest scuba diving locations within the nation, and greater than 20 dive websites.

It’s also possible to 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 positioned 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 probably this city will present it to you.

• Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for nice diving and snorkeling situations).
• Actions on provide: Scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and boat journeys.
• Lodging: Desires 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 affords kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and cave exploring, to not point out sufficient eateries and purchasing 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. 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 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 Seashore Resort, Millennium Resort & Spa, and beachfront inns.
• 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 just a few 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.

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.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for simpler hikes and refreshing swimming situations).
• Actions on provide: Mountain climbing, horseback driving, and swimming.
• Lodging: Lodges and guesthouses in El Limón or Las Terrenas, corresponding 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, wood shacks, and the whole lot else that makes the world distinctive and fantastic.

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 well worth the journey.

In the event 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. Nonetheless, it’s a vacationer spot unknown to many that gives white sandy seashores, clear, glowing water, and a few of the most lovely landscapes you’ve probably 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.

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.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for the very best seaside climate and whale-watching season).
• Actions on provide: Seashore actions, dolphin watching, snorkeling, and whale-watching.
• Lodging: Chic Samana Lodge & Residences, Balcones del Atlántico, and boutique seaside inns.
• Map Location and Instructions

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 provide the whole lot you could stay there in your complete trip if that’s what you need.

With lovely seashores and resorts which are there in your satisfaction solely, you may get pleasure from a number of sights and actions that can 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.

• Location: North a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for seaside 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 affords lovely seashores, many distinguished locations to buy, and lots of areas of historic and cultural significance.

Landmarks corresponding to Fort San Felipe, Mount Isabel de Torres, and the Previous Quarter are included.

I like that this metropolis showcases the island’s variety with its distinctive mixture of Victorian, trendy, and colonial buildings all through the world. Whether or not you need to store, eat, or hang around with some terrific individuals, it has all of it!

• Location: North a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for snug climate and sightseeing).
• Actions on provide: Sightseeing, seaside actions, visiting historic landmarks, and cable automobile rides.
• Lodging: Casa Colonial Seashore & Spa, Iberostar Costa Dorada, and metropolis inns.
• Map Location and Instructions

17. Lago Enriquillo

This salty relic of an historic 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 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.

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

The Dominican Republic is a lot extra than simply seaside resorts; it is without doubt one of the most geographically and naturally numerous nations 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 record 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.
• 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 corresponding 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 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.

• Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for whale-watching and seaside climate).
• Actions on provide: Whale-watching, seaside actions, and mountaineering.
• Lodging: Luxurious villas, eco-lodges, and inns in Samaná or Las Terrenas.
• Map Location and Instructions

19. Hoyo Azul Lagoon

In case you are in search of a well-known vacation spot, Hoyo Azul Lagoon is your choose. 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 by way of an exquisite 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.

• Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for clear skies and splendid lagoon situations).
• Actions on provide: Swimming, mountaineering, and nature exploration.
• Lodging: Motels and resorts in Cap Cana, corresponding to Eden Roc Cap Cana and Sanctuary Cap Cana.
• Map Location and Instructions

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