What to do on vacation to make it interesting, unforgettable, full of impressions? A vacation for most people is not just being on the beach during the day or at the bar in the evening. There can be many exciting, interesting tours, activities, entertainment, especially in the Dominican Republic.
You can have a wide variety of outdoor activities and tours if you go on vacation to the Dominican Republic. Tourists are recommended, including: Day cruises and trips, visiting national parks, horseback riding, snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing (windsurfing and kitesurfing), whale watching and more.
See also: City Tours in the Dominican Republic.
Day Cruises
It is impossible to imagine a vacation on an island, surrounded by the sea, without a trip by the sea on a catamaran boat or sailing yacht. Short sea cruises are offered in many tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic. You just have to choose what you like the most.
A short sea cruise is a great way to spend your free time. The itinerary of such sea voyages usually includes visits to the most beautiful places. The program may also include visiting the beaches, swimming, diving (and possibly fishing).
Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing
The Dominican Republic is a good destination for water sports. Winter is a great time to surf. The best surfing spots are on the north coast of the island, around Puerto Plata, where there are several easily accessible surf spots. There are also surf spots on the south coast of the island, but these are less stable.
Cabarete, located on the north coast, is considered a good place for windsurfing. It is the venue for international competitions.
Surfing waves can also be found in other parts of the island. For example, Macau Beach is a good surfing spot in Punta Cana.
But Uvero Alto is also a good option.
Cabarete is very well known for its stable wind and large kite beach.
Whale watching
The Dominican Republic is one of the places where you can go whale watching. Whales sail from the Atlantic to the shores of the Dominican Republic every winter. They can be seen, for example, in the Bahia de Samana and Silver Banks nature reserve. January and February are considered the best seasons. Although whales can also be seen between mid-December and late March. Whale watching cruises depart, for example, from the city of Samana. You can check the prices and book your boat ticket in advance on the website.
Snorkelling and scuba diving
There are many good diving spots in the Caribbean, off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic.
Bahia de Neiba (east of Barahona) and Isla Catalina (a small island near La Romana) are among the best diving and snorkeling spots along the southern coast.
There are good reefs near Isla Saona, east of Bayahibe and in La Caleta National Park (east of Santo Domingo).
Numerous private travel companies offer trips to reefs, wrecks and caves. Tourists can get diving lessons and instruction.
National Parks
The popularity of visiting National Parks is growing all over the world. Dominican Republic National Parks help preserve the island's unique nature and natural diversity. And you can see it for yourself.
Some popular National Parks have the necessary infrastructure for the convenience of tourists (offices, trails, cabins for spending the night).
There are also more secluded, inaccessible places.
According to the Dominican Ministry of Tourism, Cotubanamá National Park is the most visited of all parks and reserves in the Dominican Republic.
Travel agencies have sales offices in all cities of the Dominican Republic. There you can buy guided tours, cruises, excursions and other activities. You can get acquainted with the offered assortment and prices in advance, online.