The 10 Best Things to Do in Guadeloupe

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.

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.

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.

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.

The remote tropical island of Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the Dominican Republic. Home to a 5-star resort, white-sand beach, and lush rain forest, Cayo Levantado is rife with opportunities to hike, snorkel, scuba dive, and relax.

The trails that lead to El Limón Waterfall (Cascada El Limón are towered over by mountains, and lined with coffee and cocoa plants. If the picturesque Caribbean landscape isn’t enough, a crystal-clear natural pool at the foot of the falls provides a place to cool off after a mountain hike.

Popular for its beautiful lagoons (five of which are swimmable) and surroundings, the protected 1,500-acre (600-hectare) Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park lies in the south end of Punta Cana. You can walk through the forest paths to a quiet beach, or jump in and cool off in the swimming holes. Thanks to the clear, deep turquoise waters, taking photos here is another popular activity. While you can visit independently (there are also guided walking tours available), many people come as part of a half- or full-day guided tour that may also include a catamaran cruise or off-road adventure.

Once a sleepy fishing village, now a beach town, Bayahibe has maintained its laid-back vibe and distinctive Dominican flavor despite rapid development on other parts of the island. The walkable downtown area features a colorful collection of seafood restaurants and craft shops, while the beach is known for white sand and clear water.

Protected by a coral reef, the waters around Sosúa Beach are filled with marine life and coral gardens. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of tropical fish including parrotfish and lionfish here. The horseshoe-shape golden-sand beach is the perfect spot to relax with a book, and the water is safe enough for children to swim.

Many people visit Sosúa Beach as part of a full-day tour from nearby Puerto Plata, enjoying snorkeling, a catamaran trip, or a ride in a glass-bottom boat.