Thank you so much. Join an excursion to reach all 27 waterfalls along the Damajaqua River. The pool is available to every cruiser who visits Amber Cove at no additional charge. If you're buying coffee grounds, I'd put them in your checked luggage. So, without further ado, here are my top 10 adventurous things to do in the Dominican Republic. 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. Top 8 Things to Do in the Dominican Republic Indulge in resort luxury in Punta Cana Let your hair down in Bayahibe See starfishes on Saona Island Go diving in So if you buy something with a big note, and they dont have enough money to give you your change, theyll try to pay you nine chiclets or anything of a similar price. You can find them on the shore excursions section of your cruise booking for both Princess and Carnival Cruises. WebPrice for an excursion: 65 euros or 73 dollars. Its always a fun time for everyone to visit the place where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean. Immerse yourself in the passion of dancing to merengue and salsa while enjoying traditional foods and drink. 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. Why stay indoors when you can visit the impressive Los Haitises, a 30-meter rock formation jutting out from the Caribbean waters? Youll be walking surrounded by sharks from above and at your sides. Saona Island is a small tropical island found near the southeast tip of the mainland Dominican Republic. The passion for play, as its locally called, is just as strong at home. On shore, you cant miss seeing iguanas freely roaming the grounds. 13 13. Did I miss reading about the cable car ride up and down the mountain? Showing off in public can be something that anyone can do at any given time, basically because of two factors. This is one of the most inhumane slaughters in the world. 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. Of course, the best part was drinking the coffee. Learn how your comment data is processed. Amber Cove cruise port is a great place to walk around and explore. I'm a part-time traveler and full time travel blogger and content creator, based in the Toronto area. Twitter When visiting the Dominican Republic, youll likely be enjoying plenty of time in the sun. Enjoy a cafecito during the day, preferably while sitting outdoors and catching up with friends. Here is a full day tour of Puerto Plata with all of the best that the city has to offer. Top 8 Things To Do In Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic | Trip101 Dominican Republic Sightseeing Nature & Parks Outdoor Activities Cafes Restaurants beach getaway whale watching dolphin watch bakery water sports scuba diving mountain biking national park local food Dominican Republic > Las Terrenas Its one of the hottest nightlife attractions in the country. Hoyo Azul is a hidden natural pool found inside Scape Park. Please, please, please do not swim with dolphins. Or visit the Conquista Park for its beautiful collection of local art and artifacts. Beyond the national dish la bandera dominicana (a plate of rice and beans with stewed chicken and a side salad) there are local specialties you should sample. Hit the swells of Cabarete. The Dominican Republic has an easy-going rhythm of life accentuated by the sea. Youll find them on the beach or at resorts. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There are many small stalls with interesting and unique gifts made by local artisans. Since its beginnings in 1995, no other single resource covers the world of cruising as thoroughly as Cruise Critic. 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. The so-called hurricane season should be factored in when planning a trip to the Caribbean islands. Its about a five minute walk from the cruise ship to the Amber Cove entrance. Wear adequate clothing and slap some sunscreen onto exposed parts of your body. Cabanas come fully stocked with a fridge, water, pop, snacks, as well as showers, lounge chairs, free Wifi and staff members to serve you. 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. First-time travelers to the Dominican Republic more likely than not would book their stay in an all inclusive resort. Christopher Columbus first landed in Hispaniola in 1492, and the Dominican Republic became a Spanish Colony a year later. Official taxi cabs stick to designated pickup neighborhoods. Its like being transported into another country. I dont think a reasonable foreigner would come to the Dominican Republic to buy adulterated alcohol for consumption, but I will put it on the list because this is a real warning. But with all the fun, its also easy to get sunburnt before you realize it. 2 2-Dressing inappropriately in public institutions. 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? 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. You might wonder how these dolphins are captured in the wild and come to live at marine theme parks. Houses 2. What Not To Do in the Dominican Republic - Beachtown Property 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). $1402 In Resort Credit per room Trip Details Experience the beautiful scenery and culture this island has to offer. Near the swimming pool, theres an area just for the kiddos: a Wet Zone and Splash Pad. These hunky, adorable men may look just perfect. That is, do these two things each day before going to bed. Maybe youll find your next favorite food, so buen provecho! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hodelpa Garden Court. Here, if you say chin once, that means a little bit, but if you say chin-chin then it means a tiny bit. Wonder at the beautiful cave system inside the park. But beware! Your cruise ship will sail into the Bay of Maimon, located just northwest of Puerto Plata. In each locale, youll discover even more beaches or features of natural Yes! WebGolf fans will want to book a stay at Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic for the chance to experience the resorts beautiful 18-hole golf course designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones. You can also level up your nightlife by opting for the premium drinks as well. Bayahibe has tons of resorts and beach bars to choose from. Basic Safety Precautions in the DR. Travelling to foreign countries, all tourists Aside from interesting fossils, youll also learn more about the amber business in the Dominican Republic. Lying on the southwest edge of the country, near the border with Haiti, this undeveloped and protected beach boasts five long miles of brilliant white sand and iridescent turquoise waters. They live and travel in large groups called pods. While youre in the area, visit Isla Cabritos as well. Coco Bongo is a bar in downtown Punta Cana known for its incredible parties. Hop on a boat tour led by a park ranger, and youll spot crocs of all sizes lurking beneath. The national pantheon is a sacred place, it is the eternal resting place of some of the most illustrious men and women in the history of the Dominican Republic. If you live here or visit for an extended period of time, adopt the same flexible attitude. In each locale, youll discover even more beaches or features of natural beauty, and there are often easy excursions available such as boat trips, waterfall tours, and even horseback riding to enjoy. Those you should be aware of range from easily avoidable ones like fake (professional) beggars and vendors selling fake goods like cigars to shadier practices like bar scams and unlicensed taxi cabs and tour operators. Coffee, chocolate, and rum lovers will also find their bliss with homegrown varieties. On a hot day, why not order an iced coffee? View all of our travel photography in one place! Youll hike, slide your way down, jump, and wade through beautiful azure and turquoise waters gushing over and around you. The Basilica Catedral Nuestra Seora de la Altagracia is a minor Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to the D.R. Go on exciting beach excursions to get a glimpse of dolphins and whales playing in the waters. You make this possible. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. It is very common among foreigners who visit the country to dress in a very uncomplicated way due to the climate, but this is not appropriate when visiting any state institution, university, library, or church. Web1 1-Disrespecting sacred places. Not many people know the existence of this exotic and naturally beautiful destination. What else shouldnt you do in the Dominican Republic as a tourist? By purchasing gifts from these stalls, youll be helping the local economy and helping small businesses succeed. Still, there is another easy way to go from Sabana de la Mar in Hato Mayor. Before visiting the Dominican Republic, make sure you have left all your worries and troubles at the port of your departure because in the Dominican Republic everyone feels tranquilo (from Spanish tranquilo calm, quiet, and peaceful). Weve also thrown in some things you ought to know about the local currency as well as weather and climate in this part of the Greater Antilles. A traditional Easter food here is Habichuelas con Dulce. Web10 Things Not to Do in the Dominican Republic Exchanging too many pesos. Youll have to buy a coffee or a treat in order to receive the password from the employees. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo All Inclusive, Related: Best All Inclusive Family Resorts in The Dominican Republic. Theres also a duty-free shop with liquor, chocolate, and souvenirs. Heres a list of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic. Your email address will not be published. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort, Spa & Casino. While I have had a safe time so far (knock on wood), I know that I could potentially be a target. also has top-notch resorts and a vibrant nightlife. Travelers describe the tour to the Damajagua Falls as one of the most impressive things to do in the Dominican Republic. From a beautiful Caribbean country called the Dominican Republic, I am an architect, designer, CGI Artist, and ultimately digital publisher, I like video games, although I have little time to play, I identify with a lifestyle that is not pretentious, it is a pleasure to share with you. Based on folklore characters and tales, as well as syncretic religions, its an excellent time to glimpse the countrys diversity. The shops at the Amber Cove cruise port are open when the ships are in port. Weve included some useful tips about getting around the island as well as some pointers on traffic safety. When you depart the ship and enter Amber Cove, keep to the left. All rights reserved. Youll miss out on the real Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, and coastal views. It is one of the main attractions in the Dominican Republic. Dont feel like laying in an ordinary pool lounger? Off the coast of Puerto Plata, Cayo Arena is the tiniest offshore caye, its surrounding waters teeming with tropical fish. The Dominican Republic counts the highest contribution of baseball players to US Major League Baseball. Some of the more unmissable local dishes include chicharron (fried pork skins) and tostones (fried plantains) as snacks. I've done it many times on my travels. Located in the remote southwest, Lake Enriquillo lies 60 feet below sea level, and is the largest lake in the Caribbean region. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Viva Wyndham V Samana Adults Only All Inclusive, Centro Comercial, Carretera BarceloPunta Cana, DR 23000(809) 466-1111. Beyond its renowned beaches and over a thousand miles of coastline, youll find mountain ranges, offshore islands, lakes and waterfalls, offering plenty to do outdoors. Cabarete is a town in Puerto Plata known for its beautiful beaches. The Teleferico is the only complete cable car ride in the entire Caribbean. You can also play in U.S.$ at casinos and win in dollars. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Billini Hotel, Historic Luxury, Manolo Tavrez JustoPuerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 970-0501. Christopher Columbus 3. Carnival season closes with a final national parade on the first Sunday in March, on Santo Domingos seafront boulevard. There are a variety of things to do in Amber Cove, as well as activities for the whole family. Its always best to check if your hotel includes airport transfer services with your booking. Part saline, part fresh water, its remarkable features attract the only population of American crocodiles in the DR. You can do it out of ignorance, or you can do it simply out of vanity, personally, I dont think that visiting foreigners can show off in public out of vanity, mostly when it happens it is out of ignorance or overconfidence. Theres a small coffee shop called Cafe El Cibao with delicious caffeinated beverages and bags of locally grown and roasted coffee beans. Hey, sharing really is caring. My sister once had her carry-on bag searched because they wanted to know what the powdery substance was in her bag haha! Make sure to visit popular spots like Piedra Letrada (Taino culture stones), El Arroyazo (natural pool), and Aguas Blanca (highest waterfall in the D.R.). Here are more of our Caribbean cruise guides: Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. It is considered by most as one of the most thrilling activities in Puerto Plata. It is ranked among the most visited sites in the Dominican Republic. 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. 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. Playa Rincon is another postcard-worthy spot that youll definitely want to visit. Its definitely one of the top things to do in the Dominican Republic with kids. (Solved), Why Did I Make This Website? Constanza is a town in the Dominican Republic known for being the coldest and highest (in elevation) town in the entire Caribbean. 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