Things to Do in Dominican Republic

Amber Cove, opened in November 2015, may be newer than most cruise ports in the Caribbean, but its nearby attractions are far from rookie. Carnival Cruise Lines built the port, located on the Dominican Republic’s so-called Amber Coast and servicing Puerto Plata, for the use of their cruise ships along with other large-capacity liners that the the Carnival Corporation owns.

Amber Cove is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the Dominican Republic’s rife offerings of tropical adventures. Zipline courses through the Monkey Jungle, horseback rides through the countryside, and thrilling waterfall slides at Damajagua Waterfalls are among the more popular options, but Puerto Plata city tours and trips to Mundo King Creole Castle don’t disappoint. Though cruise guests don’t even have to leave Amber Cove to have a good time, as the port itself is full of amenities like bars, retail shops, and even a full-scale water park. And if you don’t want to take on outdoor challenges, you can just chill—made easy with the port’s waterfront cabanas. 

Amber Cove has a convenient transportation hub, with access to rental cars and taxi services that let you get around and explore with ease. Most shore excursions include pick-up from the cruise port for a hassle-free outing.

Although Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, most shore excursions are offered in English, as are other services catered to tourists. However, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on your Spanish. The currency for the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso, but some businesses around Amber Cove accept American dollars.

Recognized as one of the oldest churches in the Americas, Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor is Santo Domingo’s most famous religious structure. Tucked into the old-world streets of the city’s Colonial Zone, Santa Maria was built in the early 1500s and remains an icon of the country’s Catholic community. Its classic Gothic and Baroque features are a nod to the church’s European roots and an extensive collection of woodcarvings and religious artifacts make a visit well worth the trip.

If you’re wondering what it was like several centuries ago on the island of the Dominican Republic, then you should head to Altos de Chavón, a recreated 16th-century village built in La Romana near the Chavón River. Sculpted in stone, the site is an impressive example of what a Mediterranean-inspired village would have looked like on the island long ago.

Construction began in 1976 with the goal of having Altos de Chavón serve as a center for Dominican Republic culture. The site was created using the local handiwork of the people of the island; much of the stonework and metal carvings seen here were handcrafted by local artisans, which continues to draw attention to the craftwork that was once so prominent in island life. Much of Altos de Chavón is made of stone, and its coastal location provides a dramatic and inspiring backdrop. Visitors to Altos de Chavón will find restaurants, shops and even a 5,000-seat amphitheater where concerts and other performances are held. 

Altos de Chavón still focuses on the cultural and artistic elements of the island, making it a great spot for visitors to explore.

Cayo Arena, off the Dominican Republic’s northern coast, is a faint whisper of a Caribbean island that barely even exists. This sandy dollop rising up from the reef measures 2,100 square feet—which makes it less than a tenth of an acre of fine, sparkling white sand. After racing across the cobalt sea in a speedboat from Punta Rucia, arrive on the fringes of the coral reef that surrounds the patch of sand.  The island itself is undeveloped—save for some thatched roof huts—and snorkeling in the calm, turquoise lagoon is a way to literally come face to face with curious Caribbean fish. Also known as “Paradise Island,” Cayo Arena is truly a place that’s out of a tropical dream, where sand, sky, and crystal clear water combine to create a Caribbean outpost that seems too beautiful to be real.

Travelers looking to dance the night away while sipping strong tropical cocktails under flashing lights with thumping beats will love the classic island party experience at CoCo Bongo Punta Cana.

This lively disco combines the best of a Las Vegas stage show with the music and dance floor of a contemporary club. Every night feels like Saturday night at CoCo Bongo, and guests can opt for VIP packages that include prime seating and skip-the-line options. Whether it’s the first stop of the night, or the last stop in Dominican Republic, CoCo Bongo guarantees a fun, memorable and entertaining night out!

Santiago De Los Caballeros is the tobacco capital of the Dominica Republic, home to the country’s cigar barons, so it’s no surprise that one of the city’s greatest museums was built by the tobacco fortunes of the León Jimenez family. Centro León has one of the best collections of Dominican art and culture housed in a stunning building with Caribbean sunlight streaming from the crystal dome, and three permanent exhibitions describing the island’s biodiversity, the history of the native Taino people, and Dominican culture, including a beautiful collection of Dominican art and photography. There are also galleries with temporary exhibits and a sculpture garden and aviary outside.

Follow the same winding waterway as popular films like Jurassic Park, Rambo and Apocalypse Now along the Chavón River, arguably the most picturesque river in the country. The best way to see the river is aboard one of the river cruises that pass through steeps gorges, up to 250 feet tall in places, and offer glimpses of the unique wildlife that lives along the riverbank, including freshwater turtles and hawks. The Chavón River also passes by the interesting and beautiful Altos de Chavón, an artist’s colony perched high on a hill above the river that was designed to look like an ancient Mediterranean village, complete with cobblestone streets and an Greek-style amphitheater.

Tiny Catalina Island (Isla Catalina), just 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) off the Dominican Republic’s mainland, is an idyllic sandy speck in the turquoise Caribbean waters. Known for its well-populated coral reefs, Catalina is a peaceful respite for those looking to escape bustling Punta Cana and La Romana.

 

Catalina Island is home to a diverse ecosystem of sand dunes, mangroves, and reefs populated by many species of sea birds and tropical fish. The island’s main draws are its white sandy beaches and its beautiful underwater ecosystem. Snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly good here, and the Wall and the Aquarium are two of the top dive sites. 

 

Tours from the Dominican Republic’s mainland (originating in Bayahibe, Punta Cana, La Romana, or even as far-flung as Santo Domingo) are plentiful and usually last all day. Some tours combine a trip to Catalina Island with visits to other area highlights such as Altos de Chavon, the more populated Saona Island, or Casa de Campo. Snorkeling tours and scuba diving tours usually include use of equipment. 

 

 

Catalina Island, located just a few miles off the coast of La Romana, can be reached only by boat from the Dominican Republic mainland.

 

Catalina is a popular destination for group tours, so if you’re in search of peace and quiet, arrive early. To scuba dive or snorkel, you’ll find the best visibility on calm, hot days between December and May, when the diving on the south coast is the best.

 

Captain William Kidd’s ship Quedagh Merchant is wrecked about 70 feet (21 meters) off the coast of Catalina Island. The pirate’s ship sank in the 17th century but was discovered only in 2007. Now preserved as a Living Museum of the Sea, the shipwreck offers a unique scuba diving opportunity.

With its powder-soft white sands and warm waters, Boca Chica is the ultimate beach resort and at less than half an hour from Santo Domingo, it makes a popular escape from the capital. The main attraction of Boca Chica is its calm, shallow swimming waters, but nearby Catalina Lake is also a hotspot for water sports including water-skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing, and the coastal lagoon is fringed by a colorful coral reef ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Boca Chica is also renowned for its nightlife, especially during the summer months when the waterfront bars and nightclubs blast music into the early hours, and the party often spills over onto the beach. Alternatively, take a trip to the nearby Matica Island, where the mangrove forests harbor an impressive variety of birdlife, or explore the coast by kayak or on horseback.

Hidden in a lush Dominican Republic jungle, Damajagua Falls—otherwise known as the 27 Waterfalls of Rio Damajagua—are a series of 27 cascading waterfalls that were discovered in the 1990s. Located in the midst of sugarcane fields in the Northern Corridor mountain range, the hidden falls are a true off-the-beaten-path experience.

 

You can climb, jump off, and slide down natural waterslides on this obstacle course created by Mother Nature and the Damajagua River. Tour guides will take you as far as the seventh waterfall and provide appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets. It is possible to explore beyond the seventh waterfall, but interested adrenaline seekers will need to arrange private transportation from Puerto Plata or Cabarete, then a private guide and safety equipment upon arrival at Damajagua Falls.

 

 

Most visitors arrive at the 27 Waterfalls base camp via organized tour from Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Sosua, or the Amber Cove cruise port. If you’re arriving via car, look for the AGRD kiosk opposite the entrance to the falls. Buses are available from Puerto Plata or Santiago; look for the stop “27 Charcos, La Cascada.” 

 

The falls are open from 8:30am to 4pm daily. The round-trip hike all the way to the seventh fall takes about four hours. If you want to avoid crowds, arrive early in the day.

 

Recognized as a protected area and natural monument, the authorities who run the Damajagua Falls tours are committed to preserving the environment. One US dollar of every entrance fee goes to a fund directly invested in the surrounding communities.

Just 10 miles to the east of La Romana lies the relaxing beach town of Bayahibe. Originally a sleepy fishing village, Bayahibe has retained its laidback atmosphere and has a small, easily walkable downtown area. Visitors to the town will enjoy the colorful buildings, the excellent seafood and the shops sellings artisan crafts.

While the town of Bayahibe is fun to explore and walk around, the real draw is its gorgeous coastline. The beach has soft, nearly white sand that borders clear turquoise water. The clarity of the water makes this an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving, and there is a conveniently located local dive shop where you can rent equipment. Others may choose just to relax on the sand underneath the many palm trees growing around the beach. 

Bayahibe is also a gateway to the nearby island of Saona, located 45 minutes away.

This UNESCO World Heritage site located in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, is the oldest Viceroy residency in all of the Americas. Once the home of the famous Columbus family, the symmetrical structure was built by the famous explorers son is 1515.

This historic site, which is now home to the Museo Alcazar de Diego Colon, was once an architectural constellation of fifty rooms, gardens and courtyards. While this once impressive palace is today approximately half the size, the artifacts, tapestries and documents on display in the museum showcase a rich and colorful history that grants travelers a deeper understanding of the culture and stories of Santo Domingo, as well as one of the world’s most well-known explorers.

Ocean World’s Bravissimo Show is one of the highlights of a visit to Puerto Plata. An international dance show choreographed to Caribbean rhythms, the Las Vegas-meets-the-Caribbean extravaganza features nearly 30 dancers and over 100 costumes. Guests are provided with unlimited rum, wine and beer during the show and free access to Ocean World’s casino and admission to the Ocean World Disco as well.

The disco features 360-degree ocean views and is located on the fourth floor of the main casino building. If you are a fan of karaoke, stop by on Wednesday nights; Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are tropical themed.

The casino includes a variety of games, including blackjack, three-card and Texas Hold ’em poker, while roulette, big six, craps and a selection of popular slot machines are also available.

Juan Ponce de Léon House Museum (Casa Museo Juan Ponce de Léon) 

The former home of explorer and governor of Puerto Rico Juan Ponce de Léon, Casa Ponce de Léon is a simple stone building with an important place in history. Visitors come to travel over 500 years back in time to the days of great oceanic exploration and see an important landmark in the history of the Americas. 

Explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de Léon first visited the Americas as part of Christopher Columbus’ second mission in 1493. He remained in Hispaniola (now the Dominican Republic and Haiti) and was named the first governor of Puerto Rico in 1509. From 1502 to 1508 he, his wife, and their three daughters lived in the simple, fortified stone house near San Rafael de Yuma designed with small doors and windows for additional safety against intruders. Today the Ponce de Léon House museum still contains some of the family’s possessions, including furniture, chests, and even his suit of armor. 

You can visit the museum independently or as part of a guided tour from Punta Cana, some of which also explore nearby beaches and caves.

Within driving distance of the resorts of Punta Cana and La Romana, the house is in a fairly isolated area near the town of Boca de Yuma. Most visitors drive to the house, take a taxi, or arrive with a guided tour that includes transportation.

The house is open from 10am to 1pm Tuesday through Sunday.

On the Dominican Republic’s southeast coast, the resort town of Punta Cana has it all—white-sand beaches, water that’s ideal for swimming, lively restaurants and resort bars, and a wide variety of water sports. It’s a very popular choice for vacationers looking for a sunny getaway, especially in winter. 

Dominican amber is considered to be some of the finest and clearest in the world. Housed in a Victorian-era mansion that once belonged to a wealthy local family, Puerto Plata’s Amber Museum (Museo de Ambar Dominicano) has an extensive collection of the semi-precious gemstone.   

Amber is formed from the resin of trees that became fossilized between 25 and 40 million years ago, covering and preserving whatever lay in its path, from insects to leaves and even small animals. Situated in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, the Amber Museum has many excellent examples of the naturally formed stone. One of the most popular items on display is a 16-inch-long (40-centimeter-long) lizard, perfectly preserved in clear resin. 

Information panels explain in both English and Spanish how the gemstone is formed and share the history of the family who owned the house. Many Puerto Plata tours include a visit to the museum in addition to such popular attractions as Fortaleza San Felipe and the cable car on Mt. Isabel de Torres. 

The Amber Museum is located at 61 Calle Duarte, close to the cathedral in the center of Puerto Plata. It’s walking distance from other points in the center and can be visited as part of a guided tour of the town. 

The museum is open daily and is busiest mid-mornings. Guides offer tours throughout the day, but visit first thing or in the afternoon for a quieter experience. 

To see more of the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty, head to the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve (Parque Ecológico Ojos Indígenas), about 270 miles (430 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Plata. Here you can learn about the island’s plants and animals, swim in crystal clear freshwater lagoons, and walk along forest trails to an almost deserted beach. 

Calle de las Damas is one of the Colonial Zone’s most picturesque destinations. The cobblestone street—said to be the first ever in the New World—is lined with classic Spanish-style houses and beautiful European churches that are a nod to the city’s ancient past. Travelers can venture back in time as they wander past Fortaleza Ozama, Calle El Conde and Hoeyl Sofitel—the first solar clock on the continent. While the scenic street is worth checking out, visitors agree that the surrounding shops, quiet restaurants and colonial charm make Calle de las Damas.

Travelers looking for a true piece of paradise will love the remote tropical island of Cayo Levantado. Home to a beautiful luxury hotel, white sandy beaches, lush rainforest and incredible snorkeling and diving, Cayo Levantado is a true Caribbean experience.

Sip tall tropical drinks beachside or dance the night away to one of the energetic local salsa bands. Wander the hillsides for epic views of the surrounding ocean, then comb through local gift shops for interesting finds to commemorate a trip to one of Dominican Republic’s most 

incredible islands. Later, relax in one of the handmade hammocks while the ocean breeze lulls you to sleep.

While the island is a perfect escape from the hustle of the Dominican Republic’s more urban cities, there’s still plenty to do, see and experience. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak, snorkel, rent pedal 

boats and even get up close with friendly sea lions.

In Punta Cana, an idyllic resort town on the Dominican Republic’s east coast, all roads lead to Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro). Visitors flock to this beach not just for its aquamarine waters, white-sand strip, and coconut palm forest, but also for its abundance of fun—from water activities to watering holes.

The roughly seven-mile (14-kilometer) stretch of Bavaro Beach offers much more than just sunbathing and sipping piña coladas—although these are excellent options. Take advantage of Bavaro’s popularity and ease of access by sailing the day away on a catamaran tour or booze cruise, snorkeling at offshore coral reefs, or parasailing or windsurfing over the crystal-clear water. Those looking to stay dry can opt for a dune buggy adventure along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, play a few rounds at a beachfront golf course, or take in the views from a helicopter tour over the Dominican Republic’s southeastern tip. Nearby attractions such as Macao Beach and Catalina Island make for easy and popular day tours from Bavaro as well.

Bavaro Beach is a 20-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport; book an airport arrival transfer for peace of mind, or hop on a shuttle. Those arriving from Santo Domingo can choose to make the three-hour drive themselves, hire a local driver, or take a bus. Taxis within and around Bavaro are plentiful, and the beach itself is free and accessible to the public, although large portions are reserved for resort guests.

High season runs from December to March and from July to August, but to avoid the spring break and summer crowds, consider visiting between April and June or between September and December. Budget travelers will like Bavaro beach during these times due to the plentiful deals on accommodations and activities. Warm weather year-round means that the beach is always available.

Luxury hotels and resorts flood the Punta Cana area, and Bavaro Beach is no exception. Opt for an all-inclusive resort for guaranteed entertainment in the form of night clubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, restaurants, and recreational facilities, all in the same place. Budget options such as vacation home rentals and B&Bs are ideal for those who want to experience local culture and explore all that the town of Bavaro has to offer.