Dominican Republic Attractions

For those interested in beaches, the Dominican Republic is one of the prime destinations in the Caribbean. This tropical island has long stretches of pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and beautiful resort areas. Below are descriptions of some of the more popular beach destinations... (more)

For those interested in beaches, the Dominican Republic is one of the prime destinations in the Caribbean. This tropical island has long stretches of pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and beautiful resort areas. Below are descriptions of some of the more popular beach destinations in the Dominican Republic. Puerto Plata Puerto Plata is one of the prime beach destinations in the Dominican Republic. The town itself is small but has a nice colonial feel to it. The main draw of this area is the stunning beach area. The sands are bright white and the waters are turquoise blue. Just offshore are corral reefs teeming with life which make them perfect for diving and snorkeling. In terms of accommodations Puerto Plata has a range of hotels ranging from very high end to budget. For those looking for something a little quieter and more popular with the locals, then head over to Guarapito. This beach offers a tropical beach setting: lots of sun and very relaxing! The town of Puerto Plata is small but does offer some colonial charm. Its main feature is the central park where locals gather and many weekends you can listen to an outdoor concert. If you have time take a trip to the top of Isabel de Torres and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area. Other sites of interest in town include the Amber Museum and the old fort called San Felipe. Sosúa As you travel east from Puerto Plata you come across a small fishing town called Sosúa. The does not offer to much in terms of things to see, but of course that is not why people come here. The reason people come to Sosúa is to enjoy the beach, which locals claim is the nicest in the Dominican Republic. Besides just relaxing on the beach one can also snorkel, water ski, or go wind surfing. Cabarete Windsurfing Central The northern region of the Dominican Republic has great beaches and a steady wind. This means that many places along the northern coastline of the Dominican Republic are ideal for windsurfing. One of the best places to go windsurfing has to be Cabarete. Cabarete is just 25 minutes from Puerto Plata, so getting there is no problem. The beach itself is about 2 miles long and just offshore lie some beautiful corral reefs. Samaná Another extremely popluar beach destination is the Samaná region of the Dominican Repbulic. The area is famous for long stretches of white sand beaches and cystal clear waters. Throughout the region are numerous small towns and sleeply little fishing villages. Getting to Samaná is relatively easy, the trip from Puerto Plata is only 1 hour. Punta Cana Punta Cana is probably the prime beach destination in the Dominican Republic. This area has great beaches, and as such is home to some of the nicest resorts on the island. In the resorts and the surrounding areas are numerous bars, restaurants, night clubs, shops and more. That means you can spend the day in the sun and dance the night away if you like. Barahona The area has been called by many the "Pearl of the South". This region is home to the following beaches, Los Patos, Paraiso, Bahoruco, and Saladilla. These beaches are beautiful and the water is even nicer. What makes this region special is the fact that the area is still relatively undeveloped. It is great for those people who want a beach experience, but not necessarily the "resort" experience. Santo Domingo & The Surrounding Area You don't have to travel far from Santo Domingo to get to the beach. Two of the more popular nearby beaches are Juan Dolia and Boca Chica. Boca Chilca is surrounded by a corral reef that has created a calm area of water that is exceedingly shallow. Due to this, it is very popular with familes due to the safety of the water. Further out from Santo Domingo is Juan Dolio. Just 50 minutes from the city, the beach is a great destination. Many come to just soak up the sun. However the beach offers a variety of water activities including sailing, diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and more! (close)

The Colonial Zone (also known as Zona Colonial or by the locals as "The Zone")in Santo Domingo de Guzmán,the capital of Dominican Republic, has so many things to see. Here one can find some of the oldest buildings in all "The Americas". Walk the same streets as Christopher Columbus. You... (more)

The Colonial Zone (also known as Zona Colonial or by the locals as "The Zone")in Santo Domingo de Guzmán,the capital of Dominican Republic, has so many things to see. Here one can find some of the oldest buildings in all "The Americas". Walk the same streets as Christopher Columbus. You will find so many hidden treasures here in the Colonial Zone, the oldest city in all the Americas. Some of the places include the first cathedral in all the Americas, the first University, Many museums with items dating back to when Columbus and his son were first there. There are parks for relaxing and restaurants to enjoy. All within walking distance. (close)

This waterslide park is located 2 km west of Sosua and is the largest waterslide park in the Caribbean. The park has many different types (levels) of slides, as well as swimming pools, restaurants and shops. The park is generally open from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm daily and occasionally... (more)

This waterslide park is located 2 km west of Sosua and is the largest waterslide park in the Caribbean. The park has many different types (levels) of slides, as well as swimming pools, restaurants and shops. The park is generally open from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm daily and occasionally hosts live musical performances on weekends. (close)

DR Jazz Festival: 6-9 November The DR Jazz Festival will be held again this November, with stages in Cabarete Beach in Puerto Plata, as well as in Santiago. Since its first year, the festival has featured a number of world famous jazz musicians including Chuck Mangione, David Sanchez, Ray... (more)

DR Jazz Festival: 6-9 November The DR Jazz Festival will be held again this November, with stages in Cabarete Beach in Puerto Plata, as well as in Santiago. Since its first year, the festival has featured a number of world famous jazz musicians including Chuck Mangione, David Sanchez, Ray Baretto, Nestor Torres, Chucho Valdes and Arturo Sandoval. "What makes this event even more special is that it moves to a different city every day, giving the public an opportunity to experience jazz at different venues and with a variety of performers," said the festival organizers. Now in its seventh year, the Jazz Festival is the most highly anticipated cultural event on the north coast and is the only festival that is directed at both tourists and local residents. As part of the five-day festival, performers will lead educational workshops for local youngsters, aimed at encouraging them to get involved in the arts. (close)

This lush and diverse protected area was named a national monument in 1992 . The park is comprised of pasture land, a lagoon, and jungle area that contains lush tropical plants, exotic birds, fresh water springs and solution caves (caves dissolved out of solid rock by acidic waters - usually... (more)

This lush and diverse protected area was named a national monument in 1992 . The park is comprised of pasture land, a lagoon, and jungle area that contains lush tropical plants, exotic birds, fresh water springs and solution caves (caves dissolved out of solid rock by acidic waters - usually due to their time under the water table). The park's entrance is located 2 km from Cabarete, on the North Coast, and can be visited for an hour or two, or for the entire day. Due to the maze of unmarked paths and lush vegetation, its recommended you visit the park with a Tour Operator or Park guide who can not only guide you through but also provide you with information about the area. (close)

This go-kart racing park is located 15 km east of Puerto Plata. The park offers 4 racing tracks with go-kart, sprint, midget, grand prix and bumper cars. There is a restaurant/snack bar on site. The park is generally open between 10 am and 8 pm every day.

Glass bottom boat tours are available from Sosua, on the North Coast, and are a fun excursion for the whole family. These boats travel the clear waters of Sosua Bay, allowing you to peak at the magnificence and beauty of the underwater world.

Islabon is located 5 km east of Cabarete. This tour allows kids to explore the river area by boat and also walk through jungle trails to a mini zoo that includes iguanas, snakes, turtles, ravens and North American crocodiles.

aquarium park

Located 5 km west of Puerto Plata, in the resort area of Cofresi. It has the world's largest dolphin lagoon, the only sea lion encounter of its kind, the world's first shark interaction pool, along with tigers, exotic birds, reptiles and tropical fish.

Set on the less-developed north coast of the Samana peninsula, here is one of those jewels that will be more difficult to find on foot. Past thick palm forests and curvy mountain roads, the best way to get to this secluded beach is to hire a boat or taxi. Usually... (more)

Set on the less-developed north coast of the Samana peninsula, here is one of those jewels that will be more difficult to find on foot. Past thick palm forests and curvy mountain roads, the best way to get to this secluded beach is to hire a boat or taxi. Usually deserted and with no hotels in sight, it's the ideal location for solitude and sleep! (close)