When it comes to vacation destinations in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic stands out as a top choice for travelers seeking a blend of sun, culture, and adventure. Known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant local culture, this island paradise offers a diverse range of activities to suit every type of traveler.
Whether you're an adrenaline junkie looking for outdoor adventures, a history buff wanting to explore colonial architecture, or simply someone seeking a relaxing beach getaway, the Dominican Republic has something for you.
One of the most popular destinations is Punta Cana, famous for its all-inclusive resorts and crystal-clear waters, ideal for water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. But the Dominican Republic isn't just about beaches; you can explore the historic Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of ancient monuments and museums that tell the story of the New World’s first European settlement. If you’re looking for a more nature-focused experience, don’t miss the Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean, where you can hike through lush forests and see breathtaking landscapes.
In this article, we’ll uncover the best things to do and places to see in the Dominican Republic, ensuring you make the most of your trip to this captivating Caribbean nation.
What to see and do in the Dominican Republic
Surely, if you think of the Dominican Republic, the first thing that comes to mind is Punta Cana : all-inclusive beachfront resorts, stunning beaches and turquoise waters, right? Well, even if you're right, the reality is that the Dominican Republic is much more, and in fact, Punta Cana is just the tip of the iceberg of what this country has to offer you.
That's why today I want to show you the charms of the country by telling you which are the must-sees that you shouldn't miss during your first trip to the Dominican Republic, the 10 best experiences that will leave you speechless, I assure you.
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Best Things to do & Places to See in the Dominican Republic
1. Relax in Punta Cana
Obviously this list had to start with Punta Cana, the most touristic place in the whole country . The most famous area, and whose name you have surely heard before, is Playa Bávaro . This is where most of the “all-inclusive” resorts are concentrated, where you can spend a week sunbathing, stuffing yourself with food as if there were no tomorrow and drinking daiquiris, mojitos and margaritas until you can’t control your laughter.
And although it is undeniable that living like a marquis without lifting a finger for 7 days sounds very attractive, in this country it is worth leaving behind a captivating plan and getting to know other corners. So the ideal is to combine a few days of relaxation with others of exploration , even using this area as a “base camp” to go on daily excursions in case you have little time.
2. Enjoy the best beaches of the Samaná Peninsula
If there is one thing that the country is famous for, it is its beaches… And they are simply spectacular . In a country with more than 1,500 kilometers of coastline, there are hundreds of beaches that could be the perfect image for a swimsuit ad, but in my opinion, the most impressive beaches are concentrated in the north of the country, specifically on the Samaná peninsula .
These are the ones you cannot miss under any circumstances if you travel to this area of the country:
- Coson Beach
- Las Terrenas Beach
- Las Galeras Beach
- Rincon Beach
- Fronton Beach
Wherever you go, you'll enjoy countries that will leave you breathless. Backpacker's word.
3. Be amazed by the best waterfall in the country
They say that Salto El Limón is the most impressive waterfall in the entire Dominican Republic, and with good reason! Its height of more than 50 meters makes this waterfall a truly beautiful spectacle of nature.
Like the beaches I just mentioned, this waterfall is also located on the Samaná Peninsula , and to get to it, you will have to take a good 30 or 40 minute walk through the jungle . Although there is the option of doing it on horseback, I recommend walking and enjoying the scenery, and leaving the horses alone.
Once at the waterfall, you can take a bath to cool off from the heat and relax as if you were in a small natural pool .
If you like nature, visiting Salto del Limón is definitely one of the things you can do in the Dominican Republic without fail.
4. See Humpback Whales, an incredible thing to do in the Dominican Republic
Did you know that every year, between mid-January and the end of March, you can experience one of the coolest experiences in the country? During this time, hundreds of whales come to Samaná Bay , in the northeast of the island, to reproduce. It is estimated that during their migration they can travel more than 8,000 km , which means that this species undertakes the longest migration of all mammals.
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If you are lucky enough to travel to the Dominican Republic during these dates, do not hesitate to live this experience. The sightings are carried out from Samaná and although along the dock you will find many agencies that offer the excursion, I recommend that you do not go with just anyone .
They will all sell you the same story: that they respect the whales, that they do not harass them, that a specialist in marine mammals travels on board the boat... etc. But the truth is that they ignore all these rules and do not usually comply with the promised times. But of course, you will realize this too late.
So, if you want to have a real and ethical experience with whales, I recommend you do it with Kim Beddall , a biologist who has been studying them for over 40 years. I'm sure you won't regret it.
5. Explore Los Haitises National Park
Do you want to see such impressive places that will make you feel like you're in the Jurassic Park movie itself ? Then Los Haitises National Park is another place to visit on your route through the Dominican Republic. Here you can enjoy mangroves, tropical forests, caves and limestone karst rocks that will leave you speechless.
To visit Los Haitises National Park, you need to book a tour . There are two options: go to the National Park on your own and hire a guide once there, or book a tour where you are picked up directly at your hotel. Below I will explain a little more:
› If you want to do it on your own , you will have to go to Sabana de la Mar and once there, book an excursion or talk to a boatman to take you to explore Los Haitises.
› Book a day tour where they pick you up at your hotel and take you to visit the coolest parts of the park with a guide. You can look for a local agency on site or book it online to avoid wasting time. In this case, I recommend these:
- Excursion to Los Haitises National Park and Cayo Levantado from Samaná
- Tour to Los Haitises National Park from La Romana
- Excursion to Los Haitises National Park from Punta Cana
- Or even from Santo Domingo
6. Fall in love with the Bay of Eagles
Las Águilas Bay is part of the Jaragua National Park and is said to be the most beautiful beach in the country . The reason? Its 8 km of white sand, its turquoise waters and the impressive rocky landscapes that surround it. This beach is truly amazing and without a doubt, one of the best things to see and do in the Dominican Republic.
If these reasons don't seem enough to you (although I think they should be hehe), wait because I have a little surprise for you. Its difficult access and the lack of infrastructure such as hotels and restaurants mean that very few people dare to come here, so you will be practically alone in a virgin place !
To visit this area, it is best to go by car to the Cueva de los Pescadores settlement , 5 km from this beach, since the closest accommodations are there. At the hotel itself you can hire a boat to take you to visit the places of interest, although if you want to make sure you visit on a specific date, it would also be interesting to book an excursion like this one.
7. Take day trips to paradisiacal keys
If we talk about paradises, another of the things to do in the Dominican Republic is to visit one of its beautiful keys : super small islands surrounded by coral reefs . Of all those scattered along the Dominican coast, there are two that are the most famous:
- Cayo Levantado : it is located in Samaná, so if you go to the peninsula, remember to include it in your itinerary. Unfortunately, it is not possible to go there on your own, but don't worry, as it is very common to include it in other excursions such as whale watching.
- Cayo Arena : also located in the north of the country, exactly in Punta Rucia. If you want to visit it, I recommend that you go early to avoid crowds and enjoy its sandbar and mangroves to the fullest.
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8. Get to know Puerto Plata
It is located on the way to Punta Rucia, so it is a perfect stop if you are planning to visit Cayo Arena. It has a mix of everything: paradisiacal beaches , a historic center with colonial buildings, charming natural landscapes and even resorts , if you are looking for a little luxury.
One of the most original spots in the area is the Charcos de Damajagua , natural pools with no less than 27 waterfalls . To visit them, you will have to do so on a day trip. If you are interested, take a look at this tour that picks you up at your hotel in Puerto Plata.
If you still have time and want to see this part of the country in a different way, you can take the cable car up to Isabel de Torres Hill . You'll have spectacular views of the city and the sea.
9. Visit the Bayahibe Islands, one of the best things to see and do in the Dominican Republic
Regardless of the type of trip you are looking for, a stop in Bayahibe is almost obligatory. This town is in the southeast of the Dominican Republic and due to the large resorts that are being built in the vicinity, it is slowly becoming a kind of new Punta Cana . Why do I recommend it? Because excursions depart from here to visit two paradises of white sand and crystal-clear waters:
- Saona Island : one of the many natural gems that can be visited in the Dominican Republic. As it is a very typical destination for one-day tours, I recommend that you try to spend at least one night and thus enjoy the place when there are very few people. I assure you that it will be an unforgettable experience!
- Catalina Island : This is a bit further away than Saona Island if you are going from Punta Cana and is popular especially for snorkelling and diving. If you want to visit it, you should keep in mind that it is a National Park, so it is not possible to stay overnight and the restaurant offer is quite limited.
If you don't have enough days, you can book excursions from Punta Cana, like this one on a catamaran , or this day trip with snorkeling.
10. Visit the country's capital: Santo Domingo
To finish this list of the best things to see and do in the Dominican Republic, I have decided to include the capital, since Santo Domingo offers a handful of very interesting attractions . And in doing so, you can add a cultural touch to your vacation in the country.
Don't miss the Colonial Zone, where you can visit the Ozama Fortress , the Catedral Primada de América (the first cathedral built on the entire American continent), the Alcázar de Colón (which was the home of the island's first rulers) and the Museo de las Casas Reales (where you can learn about the history of the Dominican Republic). Another thing you can't miss is taking a stroll along the Malecón, which is always lively.
Map with places to see in the Dominican Republic
Below is a map with all the places you can't miss in the Dominican Republic.
Do you know of any other must-see and must-do things in the Dominican Republic? I hope you found this article useful and that it helps you plan your route through the most impressive places in the Dominican Republic. Enjoy your trip and this incredible country.
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