The Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic

Set sail across the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat or catamaran cruise to Saona Island to spend a day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing at the island's beaches and lagoons. Full-day Saona Island tours run from Punta Cana, La Romana, Bayahibe Beach, and Santo Domingo, and often include visits to mainland sights such as Altos de Chavon. Alternatively, arrive in style on a private helicopter to enjoy spectacular views along the island's southern coast.

Amber Cove—arguably an attraction in its own right—is an ideal jumping-off point from which to explore the Dominican Republic’s many attractions. 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. Many tours also depart direct from the port for added convenience.

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

Lounge on the sand, boogie board, or learn how to surf near the beach’s bigger breakers. If you prefer to stay dry on land, an afternoon horseback ride serves up coastal views and fresh air. For a dose of adrenaline and an overview of the area’s natural highlights, visit the beach and the nearby Macao Cave during a dune buggy adventure from Punta Cana.

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.

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.

Travelers looking to dance the night away while sipping 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.

Hoyo Azul is a popular stop on many tours of the Cap Cana Resort, including zipline and full-day excursions from Punta Cana. Get to know the Cap Cana ecosystem on a day-long ecotour that combines suspension bridges, ziplines, and hiking with a trip to Hoyo Azul. Catamaran cruises are also popular. Once at the park, learn about the flora at endemic plant stations on your way to the cenote.

Los Tres Ojos National Park—one of Santo Domingo’s most unique natural attractions—is an open-air limestone cave that’s home to three beautiful lakes (hence the name “The Three Eyes”. An impressive network of stalagmites and stalactites surround the lakes and make a visit to Los Tres Ojos feel like stepping into another world.

Los Haitises National Park is located on Samaná Bay, in the northwest of the Dominican Republic. Visitors can take a boat trip through mangrove forests; swim in natural pools; join a guided bird-watching trip to spot brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, and Stygian owls; or head to the park’s extensive cave network, where you can see petroglyphs thought to be at least 500 years old.