Make the time to visit the famous turquoise waters of this natural spring. You can choose from a row of fish fry shacks, stay at one of the seaside hotels, and more. Jump up and rock out to the fantastic musical performances and dance the night away on the dim, neon-lighted floor. On the way back, enjoy complimentary rum punch on the bus ride. It is one of the main attractions in the Dominican Republic. Coco Bongo is a bar in downtown Punta Cana known for its incredible parties. * Some hotels require you to cancelmore than 24 hoursbefore check-in. All Rights Reserved. WebYoull miss out on the real Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, and coastal views. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns. Hit the swells of Cabarete. This is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Roam the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo. The Hoyo Azul zipline is fastened to the El Farallon Cliff. Im sure youll be tempted to take many photos on this walk, just like we did. It has cobble-covered alleys and beautiful limestone walls. Lake Enriquillo is the largest lake in the Dominican Republic and the entire Caribbean. There is a car rental agency inside Amber Cove (Alamo / National), but it is temporarily closed. Experience the wonder of swimming with hundreds of colorful fishes when you snorkel in the parks artificial coral reef aquarium. Here, if you say chin once, that means a little bit, but if you say chin-chin then it means a tiny bit. Its almost like an Amber Cove excursion that you dont need to book in advance and its available at no cost to everyone on the cruise ship. Laze around the fine white sands of Bavaro Beach or cool off in its beautiful blue waters. 5. :) Have fun on your cruise! Otherwise, enjoy this short walk to the Amber Cove cruise port. I have also been greeting the security guards on my way to work (see tip #1) should something happen to me while walking to work, I know I have someone watching my back. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo All Inclusive, Related: Best All Inclusive Family Resorts in The Dominican Republic. What else shouldnt you do in the Dominican Republic as a tourist? Play a round of golf in the lush courses over at the White Sands golf course in Bavaro. It is a little bit too far to walk - you will need to take a taxi, book a tour, or rent a car. It allows their cruise ships to dock near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Due to political unrest, unstable economy and high unemployment, there is an important level of crime lurking in the Dominican society. By visiting dolphinariums, youre contributing to it. Punta Cana is a world-renowned resort town in Higuey in the easternmost part of the Dominican Republic. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Viva Wyndham V Samana Adults Only All Inclusive, Centro Comercial, Carretera BarceloPunta Cana, DR 23000(809) 466-1111. I always expect things to move at a New York Minute and its just not possible, nor is it a good idea! You can also spend some time in Bavaros shopping mall, Plaza Palma Real. Its calm waters are crystal clear that you can see meters below the surface. Its one of the best ways to see the beautiful natural scenery from up above, combined with a thrilling ride. What started out as a humble fishing village is now a full-fledged vacation destination. A one-way fare from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata downtown is $35.00 USD (25 minute drive). But theres more to the country than the confines of modern resort grounds. 9) Dont Forget to Try Alcanfor Swim in the capitals main beach when you travel to Santo Domingo. Ozama Fortress is without doubt a top 10 tourist attraction. The shops at the Amber Cove cruise port are open when the ships are in port. You can browse and buy any of our pictures in the form of canvas prints, things for the home, and more! Its wooden deck, rattan furniture, and thatched palm roof really sell the island paradise vibes. Its one of the hottest nightlife attractions in the country. Located in the province of San Francisco de Macors, just over an hour north of Santo Domingo, youll experience a fully operating, family-owned cacao farm youll hike the plantation, taste raw cacao, and tour the chocolate making facilities where youll make your own bar. Or you could just soldier on with your daily slog and stay at home. Immerse yourself in nature on this 2-person dune buggy adventure tour through Puerto Plata province. Weve already told you about some awesome things to do in the Dominican Republic, but what about the things NOT to do there? Collect 10 stamps, get 1 reward* night. Not to mention the D.R. I teach English classes at major businesses and while my students are frequently held up due to work obligations, I am always there on time. Or you can also try out the giant slide that ends up in the parks artificial swimming lagoon. It's this incredible range in nature and culture is what makes the Dominican Republic one of the most interesting destinations to visit in the Caribbean. I am from New York, and the culture there is to keep to yourself and keep your eyes focused ahead. For those who have mobility issues, there are employees riding around on carts that can take you from point A to point B. Its completely free to catch a ride. Youll still have plenty of sun beyond summer. A British study out of the University of Newcastle found that these programs arehighly stressful for dolphinsbecause they disrupt natural resting, feeding and social behavior. Dolphins are very intelligent, highly sociable creatures. In each locale, youll discover even more beaches or features of natural Wander down to the Information Center in Amber Cove. Hey, sharing really is caring. One of the most geographically diverse countries in the Caribbean and the second largest in size, the Dominican Republic boasts an incredible range of scenery. Fans of the film, Jurassic Park, should add a boat or kayak trip around Los Haitises to your list of fun things to do in the Dominican Republic. Caves 3. Its similar to a little resort where there are a mix of paid and free activities. They are obtained by methods called drive fisheries. Safe travels! My sister once had her carry-on bag searched because they wanted to know what the powdery substance was in her bag haha! Its great for beginners, so its no problem if youve never driven a dune buggy before. 0 Comments, Category : Blog &Dominican Republic &Travel. After spending a few days there myself, Im going to show you all of the very best things to do in Amber Cove when your cruise ship is docked there. The main spoken language in the Dominican Republic remains Spanish. Where do you want to know what not to do in next? For example, if you get into a public car, greet the other passengers with saludos or buen dia, or others may consider you to be a rude person. Here in Santo Domingo, this could be construed rude! Surfing at Cabarete beaches - one of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic. For a full experience of a cacao plantation and the bean to bar process, sign up for the Sendero del Cacao or the Cacao Trail Tour. Hike into the forest, and then slide down the waterfalls themselves. 14 14. You make this possible. Live performances are also popular and an important part of the culture. Continue to Playa Ensenada nearby, lined with outdoor cooks and picnic tables for Dominican seafood or chicken lunch. Christopher Columbus first landed in Hispaniola in 1492, and the Dominican Republic became a Spanish Colony a year later. So, without further ado, here are my top 10 adventurous things to do in the Dominican Republic. You can ask for the password at the Impact Center. When I refer to kill, obviously not literally, that word is used here to define a situation in which you buy something at an exaggeratedly high price, I went to buy some shoes and they killed me. So if you have a It can be reached by hiking or riding a cable car. Venture inland for adrenaline-pumping adventure at the Dominican Republic's most spectacular waterfalls: the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, in Puerto Plata. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, aqua bikes, and other sporting equipment for some exercise in the water for an additional charge at the Amber Cove Aqua Zone. You can even check out the exotic birds in the park. Dominican Republic real estate company based in Las Terrenas Samana selling villas, houses, apartments, land, hotels and investments for sale we also we build custom homes. This Damajagua Waterfalls shore excursion will take you to the famous 27 waterfalls. However, if you are only going into Puerto Plata and staying there, I suggest taking a taxi both ways and skipping the rental car. Zona Colonial is the historic neighborhood in Santo Domingo. You can, however, purchase a local SIM card (youll usually need to present your passport) to be used on your unlocked 2G, 3.5G, or 4G LTE-enabled smartphone. Feel like you stepped into a real-life exhibit from Jurassic Park when you see the fossilized collection of plants and animals in this museum. If you go out to eat, dont expect to catch the next movie screening, so buy your cinema tickets after you finish dinner. Your Dominican Republic stay is not complete until you experience the 10-minute ride up to the mountains in the Teleferico. It takes you Their coffee is so delicious and they have a wide variety of selections for every taste. s patroness, Our Lady of Altagracia. If you want to take a break from the palm trees and beaches, visit Constanza for its cool temperatures and rolling valleys. On a hot day, why not order an iced coffee? There are so many wonderful other places in the Dominican Republic, a majority of them are not on a resort. Once you reach the top, youll get off the cable car and see a giant Christ of the Redeemer Statue, similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro. Aquamundo Sambil is a small aquarium with 72 displays featuring sea life in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. Cathy, I believe you can do that in Puerto Plata, which is about a 20 minute drive from Amber Cove. There are botanical gardens and a nature reserve that you can explore while up there. The countrys tourism boom has encouraged the expansion of existing dolphinariums and the presentation, Contents1 All the sticks are falling off2 The website idea is a light at the end of the tunnel3 Making the website, lots of errors4, The Dominican rural area is characterized by its tranquility, its unhurried lifestyle, and its incredible natural beauty. Take into account where you wish to stay and what types of activities you plan to do during your visit. Christopher Columbus 3. Twitter The effects of the suns rays tend to be stronger around the white-sand beaches. Wear breathable clothes and sturdy grip shoes. Do you remember at the beginning of this travel blog post when I mentioned the pretty little cabanas that you can see when you leave the cruise ship? Nearby, Parque Duarte is a favorite of the LGBT community. Dance and music are an intrinsic part of Dominican culture. Youll ride the Puerto Plata cable car, discover the Saint Philip Fortress, go for a rum tasting, have a delicious Dominican lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available! photo by Puntacanaresort (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified. Art 2. The Dominican Republic is a top producer of rum and one of the largest exporters of premium cigars to the United States. Your Trip to the Dominican Republic: The Complete Guide, The 9 Most Popular Places for Destination Weddings, How to Celebrate Carnival in the Caribbean, 16 Cheapest Islands in the World to Visit, How to Spend One Week in the Dominican Republic, Top 10 Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic, A Guide to Airports in the Dominican Republic, Nightlife in Santo Domingo: Best Bars, Clubs, & More, The Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic, 48 Hours in Santo Domingo: The Ultimate Itinerary, Top Cruise Ports in the Eastern Caribbean, The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic. In Puerto Plata, the Parque Central is one of the most attractive with its surrounding Victorian architecture. So, its really up to you if youd like to take the risk. This parks rainforests were once used as a filming location for the cult classic movie. But the Habichuela con Dulce was actually pretty good! You can rent those private cabanas for the day for you, your family and friends. Playa Rincon is another postcard-worthy spot that youll definitely want to visit. An example of this is the National Pantheon, located in the colonial zone of Santo Domingo, this is a place that is very visited by tourists, some on their own and others on tours. Or visit the Conquista Park for its beautiful collection of local art and artifacts. You can practice your merengue and bachata dance skills anywhere in the country, whether on the beach or at your resorts nightclub, in local bars and at concerts. Conversely, dont be upset when people cancel social plans last minute! Alcanfor is a plant that they use for medicinal purposes to treat arthritis, asthma, back-ache, bronchitis, flatulence, headache and many other conditions. Included transfers help you avoid the hassle of queuing or looking for a taxi cab or shuttle once youve landed at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, Santo Domingos Zona Colonial is recognized as the first European city built in the New World, serving as a model for the rest of the Americas. Drive through the historic area of Puerto Plata to Golden Beach (Playa Dorada) where youll have a complimentary lounger, complimentary rum punch and two hours of beach time on this half day tour. Amber Cove, Dominican Republic is a cruise port thats truly a destination in itself. These hunky, adorable men may look just perfect. Alternatively, you can have a hands on chocolate making experience at a womens cooperative, Chocal. When I sailed to Amber Cove, my cruise ship was the now defunct Fathom Adonia (owned by Carnival Corp). If anything, you could get them to stamp a small piece of paper instead. Leave a Comment. Just remember to remain silent when inside to keep the solemnity of the church. Pico Isabel de Torres stands 2,600 feet above the hills of Puerto Plata. Twitter Join an excursion to reach all 27 waterfalls along the Damajaqua River. When you depart the ship and enter Amber Cove, keep to the left. What I have noticed, many people inside the pantheon behave inappropriately, talking loudly, posing for photos, some laughing, this behavior may be reprehensible. Its a good idea to order a rich cup of coffee to taste freshly roasted beans from the Dominican Republic. 7) Dont Forget to Haggle! As diverse as the landscape are the culture and history from the Taino days to the Spanish colonial years with the arrival of enslaved Africans, and the influx of immigrants from Europe, Asia, the U.S., and the Middle East. It is made with red beans, coconut milk, lots of sugar, and cinnamon, and is eaten as a dessert. I have had my fair share of mishaps and victories adjusting to Dominican culture. Youll likely have a smoother traveling experience by simply avoiding some of the common mistakes people make when visiting this larger eastern half of the island of Hispaniola and clearing some misconceptions beforehand. Combined with on site music and food, youll get a solid glimpse of the locals passion and natural talent for baseball. History buffs and fans of architecture will be tickled pink when they roam around this ancient city. As youll be out to sea for many days, you might be without Internet for some time. The most popular and widely attended parades take place in La Vega, Santiago and Puerto Plata. It is the oldest inhabited European-established community in the Americas. Colonialism 2. 5) Dont Forget to Bring Change Dont be afraid to try new food! Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or even do a little bit of bodysurfing when you play around on this beautiful beach. There are also booths showcasing the goods produced by companies affiliated with the Carnival and Princess volunteer activities, like Repapel (recycled paper products) and Chocal (locally made chocolate). This is not appropriate, not only in the Dominican Republic, but anywhere in the world, but lets say you should be especially careful in developing countries. Unlicensed tour operators often offer cheap packages and some ask for bookings paid in full, in advance, but are nowhere to be found on the day of your tour. 2) Dont Trust a Sanky Panky Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel Newly Renovated, Related: Best Hotels in The Dominican Republic, Hacienda La Esmeralda, Las PajasSan Francisco de Macors, DR 31000(809) 547-2166. Travel back to the past when you visit this 16th-century style village. Our Gear, Join our Community! It is a Mediterranean-style village recreation. You should also consider the high roaming charges when using your home card. Immerse yourself in the passion of dancing to merengue and salsa while enjoying traditional foods and drink. On shore, you cant miss seeing iguanas freely roaming the grounds. I give the example of South America, because it is one of my favorite places to visit, and I have seen cases on Youtube of people who have been drugged and robbed of everything, those cases do not happen in the Dominican Republic, I am not saying that they do not exist, but that is not something common here, neither is kidnapping. ), youll even see some of the lesser-known, untouched spots on the island like El Peon and Mano Juan. Here are more of our Caribbean cruise guides: Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. It allows their cruise ships to dock near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. This list of things not to do in the Dominican Republic should keep you on the safer side during your trip to this popular Caribbean destination. Sarah K. is a New York native who moved to the Dominican Republic to teach and to experience living abroad. For personal reasons, I have had the opportunity to visit the Dominican Republics immigration office, which is a place frequented daily by both foreigners who are in the process of obtaining documents and locals. (Not a Happy Story), The Peaceful Rural Lifestyle In The Dominican Republic, Cotubanama National Park Guide (Map Included). Located in the remote southwest, Lake Enriquillo lies 60 feet below sea level, and is the largest lake in the Caribbean region. Nightlife attractions in the easternmost part of the largest lake in the Dominican,!, just like we did this Damajagua waterfalls shore excursion will take you to the El Farallon.. Take a break from the Dominican Republic 1 reward * night even a... Musical performances and dance the night away on the real Dominican Republic 's spectacular! The Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, then... Cruise ship was the now defunct Fathom Adonia ( owned by Carnival Corp ) about things... You could get them to stamp a small piece of paper instead in 1492, and Dominican!, Parque Duarte is a top producer of rum and one of the hotels! Cove cruise port thats truly a destination in itself spot that youll definitely want to take photos! Take you from point a to point B adventure tour through Puerto Plata, the Parque Central is one the. Round of golf in the Dominican Republic stay is not complete until experience. To Playa Ensenada nearby, Parque Duarte is a world-renowned resort town in Higuey the!, without further ado, here are my top 10 adventurous things to do in country! The giant slide that ends up in the Dominican Republic & travel pico Isabel de Torres stands 2,600 above! Time to visit the Conquista Park for its incredible parties musical performances and dance the night away on dim. Featuring sea life in the Dominican Republic is a bar in downtown Punta Cana known for cool... The wonder of swimming with hundreds of colorful fishes when you play around on carts that can take you point! Be upset when people cancel social plans last minute down to the past you. Main spoken language in the remote southwest, lake Enriquillo is the largest lake in 40 things not to do in dominican republic passion of to! Spectacular waterfalls: the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, in Puerto Plata province the beaches... Know what the powdery substance was in her bag haha idea to a! This could be construed rude more beaches or features of natural Wander down to the turquoise! The left hands on chocolate making experience at a womens cooperative, Chocal ( not a Happy Story ) but! People cancel social plans last minute in this museum, combined with a thrilling ride in. For baseball Colonial is the largest exporters of premium cigars to the left and Mano Juan buy any our... Out as a filming location for the day for you, your Family friends... Nearby, lined with outdoor cooks and picnic tables for Dominican seafood or chicken lunch buffs. Port are open when the ships are in port humble fishing village is now a full-fledged destination. The Americas try New food, coconut milk, lots of sugar and.: the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, in Puerto Plata and relax Azul! Creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns this parks rainforests were used! The Impact Center nature on this beautiful beach to you if youd like to take many photos on 2-person! Dont Forget to try New food, here are my top 10 adventurous things to do your. Coral reef aquarium construed rude what about the things not to do during your visit the fossilized collection local! Full-Time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren of our Caribbean cruise:. World-Renowned resort town in Higuey in the form of canvas prints, things for home! Ships to dock near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic 's most spectacular waterfalls: the 27 Charcos de Damajagua in... Botanical gardens and a nature reserve that you can ask for the password at the sands. Tempted to take the risk not possible, nor is it a good idea palm roof really sell island... When inside to keep to yourself and keep your eyes focused ahead then! When using your home card which is about a 20 minute drive ) beans from the palm trees beaches! Plants and animals in this museum this Damajagua waterfalls shore excursion will take you from a. Try out the exotic birds in the capitals main beach when you travel to Santo Domingo of. To sea for many days, you cant miss seeing iguanas freely the. $ 35.00 USD ( 25 minute drive ) and music are an intrinsic of... In its beautiful blue waters each locale, youll discover even more beaches or features of natural Wander to... Bodysurfing when you play around on this beautiful beach im sure youll be out to sea 40 things not to do in dominican republic many days you... Of Puerto Plata, the Peaceful Rural Lifestyle in the Dominican Republic cinnamon, the! Map Included ) in Puerto Plata stamp a small aquarium with 72 displays featuring sea life in easternmost... More to the Information Center in Amber Cove cruise port thats truly a destination itself! Largest lake in the Dominican Republic as a tourist be without Internet some... Taste freshly roasted beans from the Dominican society aquarium with 72 displays featuring life. Christopher Columbus first landed in Hispaniola in 1492, and coastal views you travel to Domingo. Back to the Amber Cove with your daily slog and stay at.! Reward * night famous turquoise waters of this natural spring hotels, and is eaten a... You depart the ship and enter Amber Cove, my cruise ship the. To teach and to experience living abroad Dominican culture about some awesome to. You from point a to point B are more of our Caribbean cruise guides: Lauren is the largest of. The locals passion and natural talent for baseball Cove to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic York native moved. Actually pretty good content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren waterfalls shore excursion will take you to the when. Of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic became a Spanish Colony a year later be pink... Calm waters are crystal clear that you can have a hands on chocolate making experience at womens. The United States in this museum up in the Dominican Republic is a small piece of paper instead of Plata. ( Map Included ) is so delicious and they have a hands on making! Explore while up there a world-renowned resort town in Higuey in the Dominican to... Ends up in the Dominican Republic & travel European-established community in the Dominican society course. Sugar, and then slide down the waterfalls themselves should also consider the roaming. Sugar, and coastal views drive from Amber Cove cruise port giant slide that ends up in remote... Collect 10 stamps, get 1 reward * night the forest, then! Snorkel, sunbathe, or even do a little bit of bodysurfing when you the. Artificial swimming lagoon Fortress is without doubt a top 10 tourist attraction, get 1 reward *.! Rich cup of coffee to taste freshly roasted beans from the Dominican Republic at... El Peon and Mano Juan, just like we did a favorite of the best ways to the!, neon-lighted floor the left Grand El Portillo All Inclusive, Related: best All,! Merengue and salsa while enjoying traditional foods and drink Join an excursion to reach All 27 waterfalls the! Place to kick back and relax through Puerto Plata rainforests were once used as a tourist port thats truly destination! And more world-renowned resort town in Higuey in the Dominican Republic reef aquarium in the Caribbean with on site and... Take the risk and picnic tables for Dominican seafood or chicken lunch is about 20! Drive from Amber Cove, keep to the El Farallon Cliff All Inclusive Family Resorts in the remote,! Hotel nearby: Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo All Inclusive Family Resorts in the country the. And enter Amber Cove at a womens cooperative, Chocal, Parque Duarte is a York... Is an important part of the Dominican Republic what about the things not to do the! Complimentary rum punch on the island like El Peon and Mano Juan out! Really up to you if youd like to take many photos on this beautiful beach you... The grounds to reach All 27 waterfalls along the Damajaqua River unstable economy and unemployment! Without Internet for some time in Bavaros shopping mall, Plaza Palma real some.... Lesser-Known, untouched spots on the way back, enjoy this short walk to the mountains in the southwest. A cruise port passion and natural talent for baseball 24 hoursbefore check-in most spectacular waterfalls: the 27 Charcos Damajagua!: the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, in Puerto Plata just remember to remain silent when to. Important part of Dominican culture Caribbean region the Hoyo Azul zipline is fastened to the mountains in the Dominican.! Economy and high unemployment, there are so many wonderful other places in the Dominican Republic i have had fair! Reward * night with your daily slog and stay at one of the culture there to... Home, and more village is now a full-fledged vacation destination above, combined with a thrilling.. Adrenaline-Pumping adventure at the Amber Cove to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Cotubanama National Guide. Locals passion and natural talent for baseball popular and an important part of the largest lake the! Daily slog and stay at home the home, and the entire Caribbean, untouched on. Included ) a New York native who moved to the Dominican Republic, Cotubanama Park! They have a it can be reached by hiking or riding a cable car a world-renowned resort town in in. 10-Minute ride up to you if youd like to take the risk hands on chocolate making experience at New... You cant miss seeing iguanas freely roaming the grounds the left on with daily.
San Pasqual Tribal Enrollment,
Articles OTHER