With a combination of history, nature and exciting activities, the Dominican Republic is a versatile destination for all types of travelers. Here is a guide to activities you can enjoy in the Dominican Republic, a diverse destination that offers something for everyone.
Hidden beaches:
... in addition to the well-known beaches such as Punta Cana, Bávaro, Miches, Las Terrenas, there are hidden and inhospitable treasures for the more adventurous:
a. Bahía de las Águilas (Pedernales): Located in the extreme southwest, it is one of the most remote beaches in the country. Accessible only by boat or off-road vehicle, its crystal-clear waters and white sand make it an almost untouched paradise.
b. Frontón Beach (Samaná); This isolated beach, surrounded by cliffs, is perfect for adventure seekers. It can only be reached by boat from Las Galeras or on foot along a two-hour trail. Its calm waters are ideal for snorkeling.
c. El Morro Beach (Monte Cristi): Located in the northwest of the country, under the imposing Morro de Monte Cristi, this beach is little frequented by tourists. Its turquoise waters and the view of the Morro make it an impressive but little visited place.
d. La Entrada Beach (Cabrera): This beach is located near the Dudú Lagoon, a little explored area with a quiet and picturesque beach. It is perfect for those seeking peace and nature in an unspoiled environment.
e. Arroyo Salado Beach (Cabrera): A few kilometers from La Entrada, this beach offers a unique combination of river and sea. Surrounded by vegetation and little developed for tourism, it is a perfect place to disconnect from the world.
2. Amusement parks :
In the Dominican Republic, there are several amusement parks and attractions for all ages. Here are some of the main ones:
a. Manatí Park (Punta Cana): It is a theme park with animal shows, such as dolphins and sea lions, as well as recreational and cultural areas where you can learn about the Taino culture. Ideal for families, with educational and entertainment activities.
b. Scape Park (Cap Cana): Located in the exclusive Cap Cana area, this adventure park offers activities such as zip-lining, subway caves, cenotes and a private beach. You can also enjoy the famous Hoyo Azul, a natural pool of turquoise waters.
c. Fun City Action Park (Puerto Plata): An amusement park that includes go-karts, car tracks, and mechanical games. It is ideal for a fun outing with friends or family, enjoying the adrenaline of racing and games.
d. Zipline Adventures (Samaná): For adventure lovers, this park offers zip lines through breathtaking landscapes of tropical jungle. It is perfect for thrill seekers surrounded by nature.
e. El Dorado Park (Cap Cana): one of the most impressive water parks in the Caribbean. Opened in 2024, it features more than 16 attractions designed for all ages, from thrilling slides to a lazy river and toddler areas.
3. Gastronomic Experience:
The Dominican Republic has a vibrant culinary scene, and here we suggest some of the best restaurants that stand out for both their gastronomy and ambience:
1. La Yola (Punta Cana): Located in the marina of Punta Cana Resort & Club, this restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine. Its menu includes fresh seafood and international dishes in a setting that simulates a fishing boat.
Mina (Santo Domingo): Considered one of the best restaurants in Santo Domingo, Mina is known for its internationally inspired gourmet cuisine. It offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on fresh, local produce.
3. SBG (Santo Domingo and Casa de Campo)This fine dining restaurant combines international flavors with Dominican ingredients. SBG is famous for its elegant ambiance and its varied gastronomic offer, ranging from sushi to Mediterranean dishes.
4. Passion by Martin Berasategui (Punta Cana): Located at the Paradisus Palma Real resort, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a high-end culinary experience. Chef Martín Berasategui, one of the most renowned chefs in the world, presents a tasting menu with innovative dishes of contemporary cuisine.
5. Nacan (Santiago de los Caballeros): This restaurant has earned a reputation for its creativity in modern Dominican cuisine, with a menu that includes fresh, local ingredients in a gourmet presentation. Nacan is also popular for its elegant interior design.
6. La Cassina (Santo Domingo): An exclusive restaurant offering a mix of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, with a modern and luxurious décor. La Cassina is known for its wine list and dishes prepared with high quality ingredients.
7. El Mesón de la Cava (Santo Domingo): A unique restaurant, located inside a natural cave. It offers a varied menu that includes Dominican and international dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for a different dining experience.
8. La Palapa (Cap Cana): Part of the Eden Roc resort, this restaurant offers fresh seafood cuisine in a relaxed and elegant oceanfront setting. It is ideal for enjoying dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine while gazing at the ocean.
9. Noah (Santiago de los Caballeros): Specializing in international cuisine with a modern twist, Noah is known for its fusion of Dominican and international flavors. Its casual and contemporary ambiance makes it perfect for both lunch and dinner.
10. Don Pepe (Santo Domingo): This classic restaurant in the capital offers Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with specialties such as paella, seafood and meat dishes. Its elegant ambience makes it a favorite for special occasions.
4. Outdoor sports:
In the Dominican Republic, there is a wide variety of outdoor sports that take advantage of the natural landscapes and warm climate, such as golf, sport fishing and horseback riding. Here are some of the main activities and destinations related to these sports:
a. Golf : The Dominican Republic is known for being a world-class golf destination, with more than 30 golf courses distributed in various regions of the country. These courses, designed by some of the most renowned golf architects such as Jack Nicklaus, P.B. Dye and Robert Trent Jones, are located in key tourist areas such as Punta Cana, La Romana, Puerto Plata and Santiago.
Some of the most prominent fields include:
- Teeth of the Dog in Casa de Campo (La Romana), one of the best in the Caribbean.
- Punta Espada in Cap Cana, designed by Jack Nicklaus.
- Corales Golf Club in Punta Cana, host of PGA Tour tournaments.
- Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay, designed by Jack Nicklaus.
b. Sport fishing : The Dominican Republic is an ideal destination for sport fishing and fishing tournaments, thanks to its vast coastline and abundant marine life. Here are some of the main places where you can practice tournaments and sport fishing:
- Marina Cap Cana (Punta Cana) : the Cap Cana White Marlin Tournament is held annually.
- Casa de Campo Marina (La Romana) : Hosts the Casa de Campo International Blue Marlin Classic and other important tournaments.
- Samana Bay: Besides being famous for whale watching, this area is excellent for deep sea fishing. Ideal for those looking for a quieter experience.
c. Equestrian and polo centers : The Dominican Republic hosts several high-level equestrian and polo tournaments. The main centers are:
- Los Establos at Cap Cana organizes international show jumping and dressage tournaments and the Polo Challenge, one of the most prestigious events in the Caribbean.
- Casa de Campo Equestrian Center : Offers jumping and dressage competitions throughout the year and Polo Season a polo season every year, with several tournaments, including the Casa de Campo Open.
- The Dominican Republic is a complete destination that offers activities for every type of traveler, from relaxing on its beaches to gastronomic or more active experiences in nature or in its world-class sports facilities.
