Theres also a duty-free shop with liquor, chocolate, and souvenirs. All rights reserved. There are many small stalls with interesting and unique gifts made by local artisans. 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. Aquamundo Sambil is a small aquarium with 72 displays featuring sea life in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. 4.What Not To Do in the Dominican RepublicDont disregard your safety. You can also choose to stay in Bayahibe Beach. Venture northeast to remote Las Terrenas and Las Galeras on the Saman Peninsula for long palm-lined golden and white sands. When its raining or cold outside, spend the day in Aquamundo. Sometimes, when you pay in dollars at small shops, youd often get change in RD$. We participated in the Turkey Trot fun run as our cruise was around Thanksgiving. WebPrice for an excursion: 65 euros or 73 dollars. I know many people close to me that have bought this type of alcohol for consumption, just because it is very cheap and easy to get in the streets, nothing has happened to those people, but many others have lost their lives. In most places, people will formally greet others. This Damajagua Waterfalls shore excursion will take you to the famous 27 waterfalls. Just be sure to head up early, as clouds tend to form around Although its always a good idea to get out and experience the country youre visiting, you could easily spend a day right in port for a relaxing holiday. Pico Isabel de Torres stands 2,600 feet above the hills of Puerto Plata. Art 2. Wear adequate clothing and slap some sunscreen onto exposed parts of your body. In the Dominican Republic, there is a problem with the clandestine manufacture of adulterated alcohol for consumption, the problem is that this alcohol is pure poison. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ancora Cap Cana Marina Resort and Villas, Also See:Things to See in CubaTop Chile ActivitiesFun Things to Do in Panama, Calle Marginal Las AmericasSanto Domingo, DR 11604(809) 788-7056. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. On your walk, be sure to find the iconic Amber Cove sign by the waterfront. What started out as a humble fishing village is now a full-fledged vacation destination. 5 Things You shouldnt Do in the Dominican Republic (As a Tourist), 2-Dressing inappropriately in public institutions, 3-Buying cheap or adulterated alcohol in a clandestine manner, 5-Being very clueless when it comes to paying or negotiating something. As a general rule, I understand that people dont like to be told what to do or what not to do, but I recently saw a documentary about a young U.S. citizen that moved me and opened my eyes to many things.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kiskeyalife_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',622,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kiskeyalife_com-medrectangle-3-0'); This young man took a trip to North Korea, and for the simple fact of having moved a painting from a wall, he was sentenced to many years in prison and things did not end well. According to the article, Im comfortably in the adjustment stage, where things make sense and I am starting to understand this culture outside my home country. Its similar to a little resort where there are a mix of paid and free activities. Boca Chica is a municipality in Santo Domingo famous for its mile-long beach with the same name. Maybe a hammock is more your style! This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. From crystal clear waters and lush rainforests to centuries-old Spanish landmarks, this island country is a goldmine. There are tons of local flora and hidden caves to find in the area. When you venture over to the Amber Cove Aqua Zone, there are so many fun and free things to do. If youre looking to bring home some souvenirs, youve got to stop by the market. Carnival season closes with a final national parade on the first Sunday in March, on Santo Domingos seafront boulevard. Unfortunately, this volunteer cruise doesnt exist anymore, but you can still get involved with some of the programs through Carnival and Princess cruise ships that sail to Amber Cove. Look round and compare. There are also several resorts in the country. 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 This is something that I have personally seen by many tourists and locals, in the Dominican Republic, there are sacred places located in very touristy areas. She is currently based between Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Washington, D.C. Recommended Hotel Nearby: VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort, Also See:Fun Things to Do in PeruPunta Cana: Things to Do. Have fun going around the many sea animal-themed displays. Join now! You can choose from a row of fish fry shacks, stay at one of the seaside hotels, and more. Among the treats not to be missed are cativia (wheat empanadas), salpicon (chilled seafood and vegetables), sancocho (rich meat stew), and pastel en hoja (boiled root crops and meat in banana leaf). Always ask for a final price quote for weighed seafood. You can stay in one place and do some beach bar-hopping to enjoy the towns vibrant nightlife scene. After dark, I am extremely cautious about taking public transportation, and after 8pm I opt for a taxi. The Dominican Republic is one of the most fun places to visit. It is a little bit too far to walk - you will need to take a taxi, book a tour, or rent a car. Here are more of our Caribbean cruise guides: Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. photo by Puntacanaresort (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel Newly Renovated, Related: Best Hotels in The Dominican Republic, Hacienda La Esmeralda, Las PajasSan Francisco de Macors, DR 31000(809) 547-2166. Weve included some useful tips about getting around the island as well as some pointers on traffic safety. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The owner and employees of the cafe were very helpful, pleasant and informative. Its worth the uphill hike, trust me! 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. Why stay indoors when you can visit the impressive Los Haitises, a 30-meter rock formation jutting out from the Caribbean waters? 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. Discover how you can tell apart gourmet chocolate from ordinary ones. Every year from mid-January through March, thousands of humpback whales make their way to the warm waters of the Bay of Saman to mate and birth. What I have noticed, many people inside the pantheon behave inappropriately, talking loudly, posing for photos, some laughing, this behavior may be reprehensible. You can also take photos with the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of centuries-old landmarks like Alcazar de Colon, Puerta del Conde, and Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. Fun Things to Do in Dominican Republic. When visiting the Dominican Republic, youll likely be enjoying plenty of time in the sun. Dont feel like laying in an ordinary pool lounger? For personal reasons, I have had the opportunity to visit the Dominican Republics immigration office, which is a place frequented daily by both foreigners who are in the process of obtaining documents and locals. Theres also a volleyball court, basketball court and giant chess set near the splash pad and swimming pool. The effects of the suns rays tend to be stronger around the white-sand beaches. Twitter In an effort to earn some money for my time and effort, I often link to various products. Web1 1-Disrespecting sacred places. That is, do these two things each day before going to bed. Or you could just soldier on with your daily slog and stay at home. As an aside, people here will wish you Buen Provecho, before eating a meal, the way Americans say Bon Apetit. Do the same for them. 1) Dont Forget to Relax But beware! That is why I was motivated to write this topic, although I had previously written a similar topic that had zero success at all, I hope this topic, can be useful to some people. Youll hike, slide your way down, jump, and wade through beautiful azure and turquoise waters gushing over and around you. The Hoyo Azul zipline is fastened to the El Farallon Cliff. Post contains affiliate links. Posts may be sponsored. My sister once had her carry-on bag searched because they wanted to know what the powdery substance was in her bag haha! Its also a good idea to bring along mosquito repellant, your own water bottle, and of course, your camera. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Dreams Dominicus La Romana Resort & Spa, John F. Kennedy AvenueSanto Domingo, DR 10413(829) 547-4014. If youre not a coffee drinker, get a hot chocolate or a batida a fresh fruit milkshake or smoothie. There is a car rental agency inside Amber Cove (Alamo / National), but it is temporarily closed. These arent too far from the pool area. Aside from better drinks and a tastier menu (hello, lobster! In Puerto Plata, the Parque Central is one of the most attractive with its surrounding Victorian architecture. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa All Inclusive. I recommend that you try to use the wifi from the coffee shop in Amber Cove, Cafe El Cibao. So if you have a Tucked in the heart of the country, Pico Duarte part of the Jose Armando Bermudez National Park is the tallest peak in the Caribbean, standing at 10,105 feet. History buffs and fans of architecture will be tickled pink when they roam around this ancient city. Alternatively, you can have a hands on chocolate making experience at a womens cooperative, Chocal. Cabarete is a small town located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, in the province of Puerto Plata. Of course, the drinks cost extra at the swim-up bar and everywhere in Amber Cove. Some even pop some in the pot when cooking sweet dishes. Enjoy the beautiful views of Puerto Plata when you reach the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres. As an American, I stand out in Santo Domingo. Indulge in the luxurious Caribbean feeling when you dine in the beautiful restaurant of La Yola. I also own a second blog called Ontario Hiking, all about hiking in Ontario, Canada. Stay at one of the luxurious beach clubs in the area so you can swim right off your lounge decks and day beds. Media Kit But, please know that you are contributing to their suffering by supporting these places. I have also found restaurants and banks to move a lot more slowly than the United States. You can ask for the password at the Impact Center. There are palm trees, fountains, man-made waterfalls, and flowers all around. When I refer to kill, obviously not literally, that word is used here to define a situation in which you buy something at an exaggeratedly high price, I went to buy some shoes and they killed me. Yes! * Some hotels require you to cancelmore than 24 hoursbefore check-in. Opt for Jarabacoa as your jump off point and relax in this cool mountain town before and after your adventure. The Dominican Republic itself lies right in the middle of the Caribbean hurricane belt, getting its fair share of stormy weather usually at its peak in August and September. Posted by Douglas Barker On August 14, 2015 //
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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Westin Puntacana Resort & Club. Preferably take dollars with you then exchange them for small amounts of Dominican pesos (RD$) when youre in the country and as needed. Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the United States and/ or other countries. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo All Inclusive, Related: Best All Inclusive Family Resorts in The Dominican Republic. So, without further ado, here are my top 10 adventurous things to do in the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. Credit cards are also widely accepted in the Dominican Republic notify your bank of your travel plans to be on the safe side. It is a Mediterranean-style village recreation. Sure! Justin Plus Lauren is one of the first vegan travel blogs - I've been vegan since 2009 and vegetarian all my life. Another thing you should not do as a tourist is to take things from environmentally protected natural places. Its an amazing adventure. Amber Cove was an $85 million dollar investment by the Carnival Corporation that opened in 2015. There are a number of hammocks around Amber Cove where you can sway with a view. Make sure to sample some of their Mediterranean-inspired dishes like the glazed lamb shank and caprese salad. Cruise Critic is the leading authority and market leader for consumer cruise information. You cant leave Amber Cove without posing for a picture in front of it! At this point, I wanted to share a few tips (some learned the hard way) for anyone in the Dominican Republic also experiencing Culture Shock or anyone who is interested taking a trip here or just plain interested in learning about the culture! Feel like youre in the past when you visit the old colonial palace of Christopher Colombus family, the Alcazar de Colon. Take a tour of La Aurora Cigar Factory in Santiago, where youll learn about the entire cigar making process. Live performances are also popular and an important part of the culture. Local providers include Claro, Altice Dominicana, and Viva. Sip, mingle and enjoy the fresh air. Enjoy your vacation! Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","ac5183e358409809e0861593b2d4c548");document.getElementById("e709d2034c").setAttribute("id","comment");Comment *. Constanza is a town in the Dominican Republic known for being the coldest and highest (in elevation) town in the entire Caribbean. Santo Domingo boasts a historical Colonial Zone as well as lots of shopping (read my post about what to do in Santo Domingo). Cabarete is a town in Puerto Plata known for its beautiful beaches. One of the nicest things to do in the Dominican Republic is to experience the capuchin monkeys, and the best way to do so is to visit a park, such as Monkeyland, where trained guides monitor encounters with the animals. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort, Spa & Casino. Subterranean Sites 4. Milk candy? Caves 3. Learn more about chocolates history and how it became an integral part of the Dominican Republics culture. This is something very basic in any part of the world where you go as a tourist, but in the Dominican Republic, if you look like the typical clueless foreigner when buying something, people will kill you. Or visit the Conquista Park for its beautiful collection of local art and artifacts. Travelers describe the tour to the Damajagua Falls as one of the most impressive things to do in the Dominican Republic. A traditional Easter food here is Habichuelas con Dulce. Enjoy the trip to Hoyo Azul, as youll be doing a lot of zip lines. So, be wary of these Sanky Pankys. 40+ Things you Should Never Do when you are in Dominican Republic Educated Traveler 23.1K subscribers Subscribe 6.2K 580K views 4 years ago The most popular and widely attended parades take place in La Vega, Santiago and Puerto Plata. These hunky, adorable men may look just perfect. It has a rich biodiversity that includes birds, amphibians, reptiles, and plants (more than 100 of which are endemic to Valle Nuevo). Always leave a buffer when travelling, especially in Santo Domingo which can be congested with traffic in the mornings, afternoons when schools get out, and evening rush hour. 8) Dont Forget the Golden Rule! Its accompanied by turquoise blue waters that will make you feel like youre in a true paradise. You can also order delectable wine from their fantastic international choices. Its wooden deck, rattan furniture, and thatched palm roof really sell the island paradise vibes. Every Sunday during the month of February, you can experience a carnival parade in major towns and cities around the country. 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.). It is known for its impressive waterfalls and whale watching. Dance and music are an intrinsic part of Dominican culture. The Dominican Republic is a top producer of rum and one of the largest exporters of premium cigars to the United States. Your cruise ship will sail into the Bay of Maimon, located just northwest of Puerto Plata. Out of the captured dolphins that are spared, only 53% of them survive the first three months of captivity. Take into account where you wish to stay and what types of activities you plan to do during your visit. If you have many errands to run, block out an hour or two just to take care of business at the bank. 2 2-Dressing inappropriately in public institutions. Children can build sandcastles while the adults are just lounging around. 7) Dont Forget to Haggle! By visiting dolphinariums, youre contributing to it. If youre itching to try your hand at wind water sports, theres no place better than Playa Cabarete. It's this incredible range in nature and culture is what makes the Dominican Republic one of the most interesting destinations to visit in the Caribbean. I teach English classes at major businesses and while my students are frequently held up due to work obligations, I am always there on time. As youll be out to sea for many days, you might be without Internet for some time. Please see the image below for water sports pricing when I visited in 2016. I dont ever wear flashy jewelry or carry an expensive-looking bag. The usual access known for the park is via Samana. Many whales migrate to Samana Bay during the winter season, so sightings are usually guaranteed during that time. 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