Things to Do in the Dominican Republic

Nestled on Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is the second-largest nation in the Greater Antilles by area. It is home to 11.4 million people of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. This upper-middle-income developing country earns money from tourism, mining, and manufacturing. As such, it has many attractions designed to attract visitors worldwide.

If you are looking for things to do in Dominican Republic, you have come to the right place. Here, we have handpicked the best activities that will allow you to make the most of your trip. Don’t forget to check out our recommended Dominican Republic all-inclusive resorts near the end of this blog. You will get VIP treatment at those properties.

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Explore Beaches of Punta Cana

• Address: 23000 Dominican Republic; Google Map
• Things To Do: Beach visits, exploring theme parks and casinos
• Top Destinations: Bavaro Beach, Juanillo Beach, Playa Macao, Aqua Games

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, is the country’s must-go destination. It is primarily known for its pristine, white sandy beaches and glimmering turquoise waters. For instance, the gorgeous Bavaro Beach is the most developed section of the town, whose white sand stretches for miles. Here, you can enjoy snorkeling, diving, photography sessions, and a nice beach day.

Similarly, Playa Macao is known for its clean sands, palm trees, and stunning landscape. It is a surfer’s favorite place on the northern end of the Punta Cana region. Other attractions include Bavaro Adventure Park, Monkeyland, and La Hacienda Park. Visitors can also enjoy a wild night at the legendary Coco Bongo Punta Cancun.

See These Handpicked Activities:

• Best Private Punta Cana Snorkeling Tour & Natural Pool Stop
• Private Airport Punta Cana to La Romana Bayahibe or Casa de Campo Resort Area
• Punta Cana Zipline Adventure plus Buggies and Horse Back Riding

See What The Fuss Is All About 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

• Address: Damajagua 57000, Dominican Republic; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8 AM – 3 PM
• Social Media: Official Website

Go for a day of hiking through thick jungles and cross footbridges to reach the iconic 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua. Located in a rainforest setting, this place is a feast for the eyes. You will also find various and rare species of flora and fauna in this area. In addition, you will find tickets from $50 and above. The money will be worth your experience.

The 27 Charcos de Damajagua have existed for millennia but have only recently seen tourism growth. Visitors can jump, slide, or swim from one waterfall to the next. It will be completely safe, as they will wear safety helmets and other gear. The travelers will begin their journey on the first waterfall, The Virgin, and explore other waterfalls such as The Corkscrew, The Cave, The Crystal, Hot and Cold, and Flor’s Fall.

Check Out These Handpicked Activities:

• 27 Waterfalls Damajagua Tour from Cabarete Sosua & Puerto Plata
• Damajagua: Waterfalls with Lunch Buffet
• Damajagua Waterfall from Puerto Plata

Play With Dolphins At Ocean World Adventure Park

• Address: Beach Cofresi Beach, Calle Principal #3, Cofresi, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Would you like to explore a fantastic marine-themed park in the Dominican Republic? If yes, head over to Ocean World Adventure Park. It is conveniently located in Puerto Plata and is easily accessible by public and private vehicles. Moreover, this park is a family-friendly destination with many tailored attractions for adults and children. For instance, kids love Dolphin Encounter, where they can interact with dolphins for 30 minutes.

If you are fearless, try swimming with sharks. Expert trainers will guide you to meet these magnificent sea predators. They are well-trained and accept petting and feeding from visitors. This 20-minute Sharks Encounter session also includes snorkeling in the shark habitat. Furthermore, Ocean World offers Sea Lion Encounter, a fun-filled 30-minute program to meet the Patagonian Sea Lion.

Check Out These Handpicked Ocean World Adventure Park Tickets:

• Puerto Plata: Ocean World Adventure Park Swim with Dolphins
• Ocean World Dolphin Swim & Sea Lion Combo from Puerto Plata
• Puerto Plata Ocean World Adventure Park Taino Bay Amber Cove

Find Seashells At Playa Macao

• Address: Playa Macao, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
• Entry Fee: Free Entry

The Dominican Republic has many beautiful beaches, but none compare to the breathtaking Playa Macao. It retains its natural charm with its white, clean sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and scenic beauty. This beach also holds significant cultural importance among the indigenous Taíno people, whose ancestors have inhabited the land since the beginning.

Playa Macao is perfect for having a relaxing beach day. You can leisurely bask under the sun and get a tan. Likewise, kids can build sand castles and find sea shells. For water sports lovers, this beach is great for surfing with its consistent waves. Finally, visitors can also try delicious local dishes in the nearby beachfront restaurants and eateries.

Check These Handpicked Activities:

• Buggy Adventure in Macao Amazing Beach Cenote
• ATV to Macao Beach and Water Cave with Organic Farm
• Half-Day ATV Adventure to Water Cave and Macao Beach
• 4×4 ATV Experience, Water Cave, Chocolate and Coffee Tasting

Visit The Magnificent Amber Cove

• Address: Q8J7+852, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic; Google Map
• Things To Do: Shopping, Sightseeing, Visiting Amber Museum
• Social Media: Official Website

Amber Cove is a place you must see and believe. This private 30-acre port destination is at Maimon in the Puerto Plata region. Carnival owns and manages this place. Moreover, the port at Amber Cove can hold two large cruise ships simultaneously and handle up to 8,000 passengers. It also offers numerous watersports activities, shopping opportunities, and dining options.

You can do many things at Amber Cove. For instance, you can go hiking, canyoneering, horseback riding, and zip lining. Visitors can also try windsurfing, snorkeling, and swimming in the turquoise waters. Or they can simply stroll around and learn about the culture and history of the local people. Overall, it will be a relaxing retreat from your mundane work life.

Check Out These Handpicked Activities:

• Half-Day Buggy Guided Adventure for Amber Cove and Taino Bay
• Buggy Tour from Amber Cove and Taino Bay Puerto Plata
• Amber Cove and Taino Bay-Private Transportation

Step Back In Time At Alcázar de Colón

• Address: Plaza de España, C. La Atarazana 2, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Entry Fee: 100 RD$

Next, we have the legendary Alcázar de Colón in Santo Domingo. This historic structure, built between 1510 and 1514, is the first fortified European palace in the Americas. It features a Gothic and Renaissance style and showcases 16th-century art, furniture, weapons, and musical instruments. It is a museum and popular tourist destination in the Dominican Republic.

Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ son, Diego Colombus, built this two-storied palace after he became the governor of the Indies in 1509. It is primarily built of coral limestone and once had over fifty rooms, courtyards, and gardens. Later, the building slowly deteriorated and lost its original charm. It finally underwent restoration in the 20th century and got its current form.

See These Handpicked Alcazar de Colon Tours:

• Half-Day Private Historical Tour of Santo Domingo
• Historical Tour of Santo Domingo and 3 eyes Caves with Lunch
• Half-Day Historical Tour of Santo Domingo

Book A Stay In The Dominican Republic All-Inclusive Resorts

You will find numerous Dominican Republic resorts. These properties vary from one another regarding their accommodations, amenities, location, and policies. However, if you are looking for a hotel with 24-hour room service, entertainment and nighttime activities, and safety, check out the following all-inclusive resorts:

Hard Rock Hotel, Punta Cana

We start our list with the Hard Rock Hotel, Punta Cana. As its name suggests, this property has a rock-and-roll vibe and offers spacious rooms, exhilarating nightlife, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, and tantalizing culinary options. You will enjoy sleeping in its tastefully decorated guest rooms. Some suites also have a private balcony and hydro spa tub.

This all-inclusive resort offers unlimited daily and nightly entertainment activities, such as theme parties, concerts, and live performances. Guests can also enjoy unlimited calls to the USA and Canada. They can also relax and indulge in water sports at the outdoor swimming pool. Furthermore, this hotel has nine on-site restaurants where you can enjoy an all-inclusive buffet and a la carte dining. Chefs prepare every dish using the freshest ingredients.

Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana – All-Inclusive

Get world-class treatment at Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, a perfect vacation destination for you and your family. Guests can enjoy many all-inclusive offers and a relaxing beach day at Bavaro Beach. This all-inclusive package includes a diving lesson in the pool, 24-hour free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, unlimited local drinks in the on-site bar until 11 PM, and access to the on-site fitness center.

This hotel also offers tailor-made activities for children, such as the Mini Club (4-12 years) and Kids’ Water Park. It has organized international entertainment programs for children and adults, including live music and various day and night shows. Furthermore, guests will have access to the hotel’s a la carte restaurants and will receive 3 a la carte dinners per week of stay.

Occidental Punta Cana – All-Inclusive

Located conveniently at the gorgeous Playa El Cortesito beach, Occidental Punta Cana is the ultimate destination for beach lovers. On the beach, you can enjoy every water activity, such as water polo, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving. Then, continue the festivity at the Mangu Nightclub by clubbing all night.

Occidental Punta Cana offers royal-level service and facilities. It offers three swimming pools, spacious suites, a children’s club, day and night activities, and tennis courts. Guests can even get scuba diving lessons in the pool. In addition, this property houses eleven restaurants that serve Asian, international, and other cuisines. You can also enjoy late-night drinks and exquisite tropical beverages at one of its ten bars.

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa – All-Inclusive

Book your stay at the adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa. It is located in the gated community of Cap Cana and faces the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea and beautiful Juanillo Beach. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, get an introductory scuba lesson in the pool, try beach and pool volleyball, experience water aerobics, and try non-motorized watersports.

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa offers Caribbean-themed and smoke-free suites. You can choose from junior suites, bungalow suites, and the luxurious Preferred Club suites. Furthermore, the hotel houses several a la carte and buffet restaurants featuring al fresco and indoor seating. You must check for reservations and dress codes beforehand.

As you can see, the Dominican Republic is a tourist paradise with gorgeous beaches, historic landmarks, and local attractions. Although it is a year-round destination, you must visit between November and April to enjoy outdoor activities. Don’t worry about price; this country is cheaper than other destinations. You can save more by visiting during off-seasons from January to March and May to September.

Find cheap flights to the Dominican Republic and save on excess expenses. All passengers must apply for an Eticket Dominican Republican for entry and exit. These tickets are free and easy to get. Furthermore, this system helps visitors to efficiently and conveniently enter and exit the country without any hassle.