Beaches are undoubtedly the Dominican Republic’s number one asset. Ranging from white to black sands, there are more than 200 to explore. Punta Cana, at the easternmost tip, has 30 miles of white sand coastline — one of the longest strips in the Caribbean. On the south coast, Boca Chica at Juan Dolio has been a popular resort since the 1950s, while the Playa Dorada at Puerta Plata dominates the Atlantic-washed Amber Coast.
For true tropical island escapism, try some of Samana’s world-class beaches such as cliff-backed Playa Rincon. Its clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and fewer facilities mean there are far less footsteps in the sand. For calmer waters, choose one of the beaches fronting the Caribbean Sea, where conditions are safe for swimming year-round.
For true tropical island escapism, try some of Samana’s world-class beaches
The Samana Peninsula, once used as a hide-out for pirates, now receives much friendlier visitors in the form of humpback whales who migrate here to mate every winter. Visit from January to March when 2,500 of the marine mammals swing by and can be seen on either boat excursions or from land at Punta Balandra.
Lined with hotels, restaurants and local tour operators, Las Terrenas is the peninsula’s liveliest town and the gateway to more adventure and nature activities, including body boarding and kitesurfing. Nearby Los Haitises National Park* is ideal for trekking, birding, and caving and you can try your hand at canyoning or horse riding to reach El Limon waterfall.
Best things to do in the Dominican Republic
The best hiking trails can be found in the Cordillera Central mountain range, including a route to the top of Pico Duarte. Resort town Jarabacoa is within easy reach of four waterfalls and has the best access to the Yaque Del Norte River where it’s possible to go rafting on level-two rapids.
The Dominican Republic’s scenery will impress above and below sea level. Cayo Arena*, off the coast of Puerto Plata, is ideal for a snorkelling trip or learning to dive; swim from a sandbar to a coral reef ledge teeming with octopuses, crabs, schools of surgeonfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, angelfish and yellowtail snappers. Afterwards, relax at beach huts serving snacks on the shore.
For a cultural fix, Domingo charts the arrival of Spanish explorers through buildings such as the Alcazar de Colon Fortress and the Primada Cathedral in the Zona Colonial. Even more ruins can be found at La Isabela, where Columbus established the first European settlement.
Going back further, La Romana has an important archaeological site detailing the history of the Taino people who arrived by boat from Venezuela centuries before Columbus discovered Hispaniola.
