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Reasons Why You Should Visit the Dominican Republic at Least Once

The Dominican Republic is a mixed bag of cloud-scraping mountains, crumbling colonial architecture, brochure-worthy beaches and desert scrublands. Though it’s most famous for the all-inclusive beach resorts of Punta Cana, anyone looking to escape the sands will never be bored with jungle treks, white water rafting, lively towns and even fascinating museums to choose from. Here are the things you shouldn’t miss when visiting this vibrant Caribbean nation.

Have fun for all the family.

Amusement Park, Park

Tee off at the golf course

Sports Center

Want to guarantee rain won’t stop play? Golfing in the Dominican Republic means long days in the sunshine, year-round, on one of nearly 30 top-notch golf courses. Don’t expect boring, holiday-standard rounds either. There are countless adventurous that make the most of the country’s extraordinary geography. Try the Lakes Barcelo Golf Course lined with mangroves or the oceanfront Teeth of the Dog, designed by Pete Dye.

Go whale watching

Architectural Landmark

December to March is peak season for the Dominican Republic, but not just for tourists. The months are also ideal to spot the thousands of majestic humpback whales who come to the area of Samana to mate near the coast. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring sights imaginable to spy the whales leaping through the year and ‘clapping’ with their tails to attract females. Head out on a boat trip and keep your fingers crossed.

Have a jungle adventure

Natural Feature

With rainforests, mountains and waterfalls all within reach, it would be a shame if you only see the Dominican Republic’s beaches, beautiful though they are. Instead, try white water rafting on Rio Yaque del Norte – twisting and winding through frothing canyons –horse ride through the rainforest or fly over treetops at the Samana Treetop Zipline course. You’ll really feel like you’ve earned that pina colada on the sunlounger.

Hit the capital city

Sultry Santo Domingo throngs with life, part-chaotic urban metropolis, part-blissful beach resort. Zona Colonial is its beating heart, with cobbled streets leading to stately monasteries, humidors serving cigars on every corner and some of the oldest buildings in the Western hemisphere. Throw in exceptional restaurants, enthralling museums and a booming club scene, and you’ll discover Santo Domingo is no ordinary Caribbean capital.

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Try watersports

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Lapped by both the Caribbean Sea in the south and the Atlantic Ocean in the north, thrill seekers don’t need to go far to have fun on the water. Most hotels offer paddle boards, banana boats and kayaks but if you’re keen to kitesurf or windsurf, chilled-out Cabarete is the only place to be. Known for its warm water, steady strong winds and four-mile-long (6.4km) white beach, it’s a magnet for watersport obsessives and beginners.

Head to the beach

With a mere 800 miles (1,300km) of coastline to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the beach of your dreams in the Dominican Republic. Some wrap round sleep fishing villages with boats bobbing in the water, others have coves once commandeered by pirates or wild dunes hugging the coastline. The most popular are tourist-friendly tropical wonderlands of white sand, palm trees and glossy, clear water made for snorkeling and swimming.

Romp through waterfalls

Some countries have waterfalls but the Dominican Republic has a staggering series of 27 falls and rock pools in Puerto Plata that should be a must-do for any nature-loving visitor. Sign up for a tour and you’ll be strapped into a lifejacket and helmet before setting off on a watery assault course to remember – taking in jungle climbs, waterfall sliding and plunging into the pools fed by each torrent.

Join the party

Music is everywhere in the Dominican Republic as the country’s bars, shops and streets pulsate to merengue, a mix of Latin percussion, piano, African drums, brass and traditional instruments. Hear it at its best as one of the many festivals and concerts that happen throughout the year including February’s carnival or the two-week merengue festival in July.

Pick up some amber jewellery

Treat yourself to a holiday souvenir you’ll still love after your tan fades by picking up some amber, the national gem of the Dominican Republic. In Puerto Plata, the Museo Del Ámbar (Amber Museum) offers tours in English and Spanish and a collection of rare amber exhibits, often featuring prehistoric fossils. If you’re in Santo Domingo, head to the Amber World Museum instead, which explains amber’s origins, the history of mining and how amber is turned into a covetable jewel.

Now that you’ve seen what the Dominican Republic’s got to offer, book your stay now through Culture Trip. Check out the best hotels in the Dominican Republic and the best resorts in the country now. For more things to do once you get out there, read how to make the most of your stay .

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Shimon Brathwaite .

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• 6. Excellent cuisine and delicious fruits

The Dominican Republic is an island state where all year round there is a “season” for delicious exotic fruits at affordable prices: mango, papaya, pineapple, lychee, pitahaya, passion fruit, sapote, guanabana and many others.

Dominican mango tree

You really have to try them, and not only because they are exotic, but because they are actually very tasty! Such a huge variety of fresh fruits and vegetables will delight everyone: both vegans and fans of healthy eating, and those who just miss the bright tastes.

Add here an abundance of fresh seafood and fish, and also remember the Dominican rum, which is usually served with ice or in cocktails. More than a dozen varieties are produced here, the most famous brands being Bermudez, Brugal and Barcelo. Local beer is also worth appreciating: foam connoisseurs say that it is of good quality and affordable.

• 7. The most natural coffee, cocoa and chocolate

Dominican cacao

The Dominican Republic is famous for its coffee and cocoa. Fans of these popular drinks should visit the plantations on their next visit and learn how, for example, real cocoa is made.

Locals make it by hand: They roast cocoa beans over an open fire and pound them, always with songs. They say that the secret of the delicious Dominican cocoa lies in the musical accompaniment.

All chocolate lovers should also pay attention to this Dominican product. Local chocolate is the most natural or, as they say, organic.

The Dominican Republic is one of the world leaders in the export of high-quality organic flavored cocoa. According to statistics, in 2017, it exported it to European countries for 86 million euros, of which almost a third went to Belgium. This European state intends to make all chocolate produced in the country organic by 2025 and relies on cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic.

• 8. Excursions: immersion in nature and history

Altos de Chavon

You can come to the Dominican Republic to learn about the history of the Caribbean islands and immerse yourself in the natural diversity of this region.

The Dominican Republic is a paradise for ecotourism visitors: more than 25% of the country’s territory is occupied by national parks and reserves. Most of them have hiking trails for exploring nature, either independently or with a guide. True nature connoisseurs can stay in hotels or hostels located near protected areas.

On the northern coast, it is worth visiting the natural water park of 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, going to the El Choco National Park, on the territory of which there are caves with underground pools, tropical thickets and pastures.

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You can also visit the island of Cayo Arena (sometimes called Paradise Island), next to which there is a beautiful coral reef, a white sand beach and a turquoise ocean of stunning beauty.

On the east coast, on the Puntacana Resort & Club Hotel 5*territory, there is the Ojos Indígenas eco-park. It offers its visitors about 600 hectares of territory, 12 natural lagoons (in most of which you can swim), numerous exotic tropical plants and convenient walking routes.

By the way, in the Dominican Republic there are not only beaches, mountains, waterfalls, but even … a desert. On the road from Santo Domingo to Barahona, there is a unique object – the sand dunes of Bani. It is the only desert in the Caribbean. Dunes occupy most of the Las Calderas Peninsula.

Those who are interested in cultural and educational tourism will delight in the historical discoveries of the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo is officially the first European city in America because when Christopher Columbus made his first (and second, and third) voyage, he sailed to the island of Hispaniola, where the modern Dominican Republic is located.

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Colonial architecture is well preserved in the old city: walking along the small streets, you can feel the spirit of that era, see the first university, and the first Cathedral in America. And of course, the palace of Diego Columbus – the son of Christopher.

• 9. Golf, yachting and other sports

That is really the reason why you should visit the Dominican Republic. This country has excellent conditions for sports! There are modern tennis courts, golf courses, and no better place in the world for sailing. For example, there are 27 golf courses in the country, 9 of which have been included in the top 50 in the Caribbean and Latin America by the authoritative Golfweek Magazine.

When building the golf courses, the architects considered and emphasized the natural features of the landscape—cliffs, lakes, beaches and lagoons, jungle vegetation—so that the game is connected with the passage of numerous landscape obstacles. Most of the courses are 18 holes, but there are also 9 and 27 holes.

The Dominican Republic has created conditions for yachting. Yacht clubs are located on the coast of Boca Chica, Puerto Plata, La Romana, and Punta Cana.

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Suppose you suddenly don’t want to look at the sea surface. In that case, you can go to the rope park, ride a buggy, arrange horseback riding in local reserves, or look at the surrounding beauty, descending under the paragliding canopy. A very cool exotic is also possible: helicopter flights, meeting the dawn in a hot air balloon, aircraft driving lessons.

Along with this, in the Dominican Republic, you can go rock climbing, go down into numerous caves and raft along mountain rivers – all this is offered in the form of excursions to beginners and more “advanced” athletes in the form of hiking accompanied by professional guides.

Also, lovers of hiking and horseback riding, fans of buggy or jeep safaris on dirt roads will find an outlet, that can dilute their extreme with visiting beaches and caves.

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• 10. Visit a real carnival

Caribbean culture is renowned for its vibrant carnivals. The Dominican Republic Carnival is the oldest in the Caribbean region, which is why you have to visit this country at least once. The Spaniards introduced this tradition in the 16th century.

Gradually, the holiday was transformed, its own Dominican version appeared, telling about the history and folklore of different provinces of the country. There are impressive costumes of the north coast, which are dominated by motives of the Taino Indians, and hot African traditions.

Celebrations and carnival entertainment are held throughout the country in February and March and vary from city to city, including Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Rio San Juan, Bonao, Constanta, La Vega, Montecristi, Samana, Higuey, La Romana, Santiago and Santo Domingo.

Festival in Santo Domingo

The carnival is also attended by many of the country’s carnival groups in colorful costumes and masks and demonstrate to thousands of locals and tourists from all over the world the skill of reincarnation and fiery dance. The grandiose processions will end with a concert of live music in the styles of merengue, bachata and reggaeton.

• 11. Whales watching

Samana, the Dominican Republic

Every year, from the end of January to March, huge humpback whales come to the shores of the Dominican Republic, more precisely to the Samana Peninsula. Some of them are 17-18 meters long, and the average weight is about 30 tons. According to various estimates, up to five thousand whales gather at Samana during the mating season. They are unafraid of people and calmly swim to tourist boats. The cost of such whale excursions is from $149. Depending on the hotel’s location (in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo), travelers to Samana are transported by bus or plane.

This is one of the most demanded excursions in the Dominican Republic, so almost everyone who plans to visit this country at least once can see these perfect sea creatures in real life!

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• 12. The oldest buildings in America

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is officially the first city in America because he sailed to the Dominican Republic when Christopher Columbus made his first (and second, and third) voyage. In the old town, colonial architecture is well preserved, walking along the small streets, you can feel the spirit of that era. You will see the first university, and the first Cathedral, and the palace of Diego Columbus – the son of Christopher.

Another city attraction is Las Damas Street, which was named after representatives of noble European families who promenaded along it in the 15th century. The excursion from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo takes a whole day, and it is better to allocate two days to fully explore the city and take a leisurely walk around it.

13. Excursion to a neighboring country – Haiti

Those who cannot sit still should look closer at excursions from the Dominican Republic to neighboring countries – for instance, to visit Haiti. Of course, this pleasure is not cheap. From the DR, you can go to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Chile, Venezuela or Haiti. Most often, of course, tourists go to Haiti.

Occupying a third of Haiti’s island, the Dominican Republic is strikingly different from its neighbor. This can be seen even in images from space. The Dominican Republic is a green country; a significant part of the territory falls on specially protected natural zones. In Haiti, local residents almost completely cut down trees and bushes and generally exterminated everything that could be exterminated.

The difference in the standard of living is also striking. The Dominicans do not live well away from the tourist centers, but in Haiti it is just poverty. Many leave to work with their neighbors, where they work on reed plantations for minimal money, which, however, is enough to live in the Dominican Republic and support a family in Haiti.

By the way, if you have an American visa, you can fly to the USA – the travel time is only two hours.

• 14. Tasty sugarcane

Sugar is the main export product of the Dominican Republic. A typical landscape of the country is many kilometers of sugarcane plantations. Plantations along the roads are usually not protected. All you need is a machine and a machete to chop up a cane that you can taste right away (it tastes sweet).

You can chop cane as part of the tour. It will cost about $100. But, for example, in Punta Cana, as a bonus, a tourist can drive a huge SUV, visit the production of cigars, coffee, chocolate, and relax on one of the most beautiful beaches. On the reed plantations, there are always a couple of Haitians willing to show tourists how to cut the plants properly.

• 15. This is a fantastic wedding venue!

There is no more important event in a person’s life than a wedding. As a rule, it copes only once in life and should be spent so that everyone remembers it as best as possible. Considering the weather and the surrounding beauty – why not? Why not get married in a tropical paradise? A wedding in the Dominican Republic is truly unforgettable.

Night Romantic Wigwam Marriage Proposal Punta Cana

Most of the Dominican Republic hotels offer a complete wedding planning package, taking all the headache of organizing the ceremony. And, of course, this place is also suitable for a honeymoon. You will want to review wedding photos in the Dominican Republic every day!

The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular destinations today. Tourists come here all year round. Excursions in the Dominican Republic are varied, interesting, and bright. There are more than enough opportunities to spend your leisure time and get a lot of positive emotions! Well, the real connoisseurs of exotic and hot countries know that they will get the most real pleasure from the rest in the Dominican Republic! As you see, there are a lot of reasons why you should definitely visit the Dominican Republic!

Frequently asked questions about reasons to visit the Dominican Republic

Why do tourists visit the dominican republic.

Tourists are drawn to the Dominican Republic for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse activities. The country’s picturesque coastlines, particularly in Punta Cana and Bávaro, are perfect for relaxation and water sports. Additionally, the Dominican Republic offers a rich cultural experience with its lively music, dance, and delicious cuisine​. Adventure seekers also find plenty of opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, and exploring national parks.

Why should you go to the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. Its warm climate, friendly locals, and affordability make it appealing for families, couples, and solo travelers alike​. With a range of all-inclusive resorts, luxury villas, and local attractions, there’s something for everyone​.

What is special in the Dominican Republic?

What sets the Dominican Republic apart is its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Visitors can explore breathtaking landscapes, from lush mountains to beautiful beaches, and enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, including music festivals and traditional dance​. The country is also home to the oldest European settlement in the Americas, providing a fascinating glimpse into its history​.

Why is the Dominican Republic so famous?

The Dominican Republic is famous for its picturesque beaches, particularly in Punta Cana, which are considered some of the best in the world​. It is also known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, making it a top tourist destination in the Caribbean. Additionally, the Dominican Republic hosts several international sporting events, adding to its global appeal​.

What is the Dominican Republic like for tourists?

The Dominican Republic offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for tourists. With a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay.

Tourists can partake in numerous activities, such as water sports, excursions to national parks, and cultural experiences​. The country is generally safe for travelers, which enhances the overall experience​.

Why is the Dominican Republic so happy?

The Dominican Republic is often characterized by its joyful and vibrant culture, which can be attributed to the local people’s love for music, dance, and community gatherings. The warm climate, stunning natural surroundings, and a strong sense of community contribute to a generally positive and cheerful atmosphere​.

Additionally, the Dominican Republic’s focus on family and friendship plays a crucial role in the happiness of its people.

What is cool about the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic is known for its stunning natural beauty, including beautiful beaches, lush mountains, and diverse ecosystems. It offers a range of activities, from water sports like snorkeling and surfing to exploring lush rainforests and waterfalls​. The rich culture, characterized by vibrant music, dance (such as merengue and bachata), and delicious cuisine, adds to its charm​.

Additionally, the country is home to historical sites, such as the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the New World​.

Is the Dominican Republic a good island to visit?

Yes, the Dominican Republic is considered an excellent island to visit. It boasts some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches and offers a variety of activities for all types of travelers, including families, couples, and adventure seekers​. The country’s friendly locals, affordable accommodations, and rich cultural experiences make it a popular tourist destination​. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore both resort life and authentic local culture, providing a well-rounded vacation experience.

What's the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?

The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is typically from December to April, which is considered the high season. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm with less humidity and minimal rainfall​. Visitors can expect average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)​.

However, the shoulder months of November and early December can also be a good option, as prices may be lower and crowds thinner.

What is unique about Dominicans?

Dominicans are known for their warmth and hospitality. The country’s rich cultural heritage is a blend of Taino, African, and Spanish influences, which is reflected in their music, dance, and cuisine. Dominicans are also famous for their lively celebrations, including Carnaval, where colorful parades and traditional music fill the streets. This sense of community and joy is a defining characteristic of Dominican culture​.

What is special about the DR.?

The Dominican Republic is special for its combination of beautiful landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture. It is home to the highest mountain in the Caribbean (Pico Duarte) and the largest lake (Lake Enriquillo). The country also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking in national parks to relaxing on pristine beaches. The unique blend of cultural experiences, from traditional music and dance to culinary delights, makes it a captivating destination for travelers.

What do they spend in the Dominican Republic?

In the Dominican Republic, spending can vary widely depending on lifestyle and location. Tourists typically spend on accommodations, meals, transportation, and activities.

• On average, a budget traveler might spend around $50-$100 per day, while mid-range travelers might spend $100-$200 daily​.
• Dining out can range from affordable local eateries to high-end restaurants, with meals costing anywhere from $5 to $30 or more​.

Overall, the Dominican Republic is known for being a relatively affordable travel destination compared to other Caribbean islands.

Updated on: 2024-10-06 . Author: Karina Volf

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Dominican Republic Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 18, 2024, dominican republic - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

Country Summary:  Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic. The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo. The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality on the broader scale.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Dominican Republic.

If you decide to travel to the Dominican Republic:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Follow the advice of resort and tour operators regarding local safety and security concerns.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for the Dominican Republic.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

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The top 8 places to visit in the Dominican Republic

Jan 21, 2022 • 7 min read

Get off the beaten path and explore the Dominican Republic's less developed natural enclaves © B Cruz / Shutterstock

Rollicking turquoise waves, swaying palms and some of the finest rum on the planet – the Dominican Republic is just as famous for its natural beauty as it is for the abundant all-inclusive resorts that call the island home.

While there’s no shortage of places with swim-up bars built for serene weeks of lounging by the water, getting off hotel property is one of the best ways to truly take in the Dominican experience.

Spending some time in major cities – like Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros – is ideal for sampling the island culture, while getting off the beaten path and exploring less developed natural enclaves will reward you with waterfalls, whale watching and flora-filled rainforest hikes.

Traveling from region to region is fairly common – you’ll find Dominicans commuting for business, going to visit family in the country or navigating their way to school. Taxis can be found just about everywhere, and ride-sharing services are available in the three major cities: Santo Domingo, Santiago and Puerto Plata . Public transportation in the form of bus service is both an affordable and memorable way to experience island life.

If you aren't sure where to begin exploring everything the Dominican Republic has to offer, here's a list of eight can't-miss sites.

1. Punta Cana is best for casinos and resort life

When most people think of the Dominican Republic, it’s Punta Cana they have in mind. It’s the resort capital of the island, with an avalanche of all-inclusives catering to the bottomless-bar set.

But beyond the tourist-focused, theme park–level accommodations, Punta Cana plays host to beaches that rival some of the Caribbean 's best. Punta Cana’s 97km (60 miles) of coastline face both Atlantic and Caribbean waters, inviting you to hop on a catamaran, go deep-sea fishing or get lost in a book while baking under the warm sun.

The area also has a vibrant party scene that pulsates late into the night, thanks to the various resorts’ casinos and clubs.

2. Santo Domingo is best for culture buffs

The gritty hustle and bustle of city life collide with vibrant Dominican culture in the island’s capital (“El Capital”), Santo Domingo . It’s one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities, making it ideal for history aficionados looking to explore colonial-era architecture and take a deep dive into the country’s past.

You'll find the Zona Colonial in the city's center, which the island's oldest church, European fortress, monastery, university and hospital all call home. But step outside the cobblestone streets of the Zona, and a metropolitan joyride awaits, with elegant restaurants, raucous nightclubs and plenty of cultural institutions to add to your itinerary.

Reserve a table at the elegant El Mesón de la Cava for dinner in an ancient Taino cave, and afterward, hit the edgy, strobe-lit club Jet Set ; Onno’s , a local bar chain, is also a popular spot for a casual night of beer and cocktails.

Do I need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic?

3. Samaná is best for whale watching

The Samaná Peninsula is where the unspoiled natural beauty of the Dominican Republic mingles with friendly small-town sensibilities – a stark contrast to the glitzy resorts of Punta Cana and the bustling grind of Santo Domingo.

The capital of this peninsular province is the eponymous Samaná, located in northern Samaná Bay. Eco-tourism is popular here, with one major star attraction: whales. The best time to go is between January and March, when thousands of humpback whales descend upon the bay to give birth to their calves.

El Museo de las Ballenas (Whale Museum) in the neighboring town of Salinas is an attraction in its own right, with guided tours of marine mammal exhibits, handcrafted souvenirs and a full 12m (40-ft) skeleton of a humpback whale found along the rocky coastline between Las Galeras and Santa Bárbara de Samaná in 1993.

4. Sosúa is best for late-night partying

By day, Sosúa is your typical sleepy beach town – large swaths of sandy shores gently lapped by the Atlantic’s cerulean waves. It’s also the island’s dairy and cheese capital, courtesy of a 1938 presidential decree that allowed 100,000 Jewish refugees to settle in the area.

Some 800 people took the offer and launched a dairy and cheese factory, many of whose products you can purchase today.

While this all seems quite bucolic and mellow, Sosúa by night is an entirely different beast. After dark, the main strip (Calle Pedro Clisante) closes off to traffic, and revelers spill out onto the streets from the resident bars, lounges and nightclubs, many of which feature local live music, including the Blue Ice Piano Bar and the popular Jolly Roger .

But a word of caution: the area is also known for sex tourism. Dominican and Haitian sex workers are known to approach and proposition tourists in the area, so practice a fair amount of caution.

The 12 best beaches in the Dominican Republic

5. Cabarete is best for thrill seekers

Sure, sipping cocktails by the beach is nice. But there’s only so much relaxing you can do, right? When you’re ready to shift your vacation into high gear , set your coordinates for Cabarete , a beach town located on the Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic.

Founded in 1835 by a British merchant and former enslaver, Cabarete is now an adrenaline junkie’s dream, a haven for kayakers, snorkelers and wind and kite surfers (several international competitions are hosted here). It’s also a popular spot for avid surfers, thanks to some of the best winds and tides in the Caribbean.

6. El Limón waterfall is the perfect adventurous hike

Tighten your shoelaces and summon your balance – the 2.4km (1.5-mile) trail to get to Cascada El Limón is mostly wet and rocky terrain that visitors traverse on horseback. But it can also be accessed by foot – you’ll cross rivers and hop over muddy rocks to make it to your destination, so be sure to pack some rubber footwear.

After a 30 to 60-minute walk or horseback ride from the small town of El Limón, you’ll arrive at your destination – a spectacular 46m (150-ft) waterfall that flows into the cool waters of an expansive swimming hole. You can book a tour with one of the companies in Las Terrenas , a 30-minute drive from El Limón; the excursion typically includes a guide, horse and lunch.

7. Bayahibe is best for scuba diving

Situated on the Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic, Bayahibe is a former fishing village turned quiet resort town with access to some of the island’s most lively (and spectacular) beaches.

Just a few miles from town, you’ll find Bayahibe Beach , Dominicus Beach and boat launches that ferry you to Isla Saona , a national park that’s more booze-cruise layover than uninhabited sanctuary. Your best bet: stay in Bayahibe and take advantage of one of some 20 different dive sites in the area – it’s one of the most active areas for scuba divers in the country. If scuba diving isn’t in the cards, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or snorkeling the reefs instead.

8. Jarabacoa offers mountainous hikes and whitewater river rafting

Jarabacoa is the antithesis of the Dominican Republic’s oceanside towns. So when you’ve had your fill of lounging on the beach, head to Jarabacoa’s soaring peaks for verdant hikes, whitewater rafting on a roaring river and warm mugs of irresistible Dominican coffee on cool, misty mountain mornings.

Known as the City of Everlasting Spring, Jarabacoa has no shortage of activities: waterfall hikes, rope-bridge crossings over the Jimenoa River, plentiful rounds of golf and visits to the Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria del Evangelio.

The area is also home to the Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve , where more than 600 species of flora and fauna populate one of the most humid areas on the island (you can arrange a tour of the reserve before you visit). Jarabacao is also known for its Carnaval festivities in February – one of the most famous celebrations in the Dominican Republic.

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