into the
Swim with turtles, cycle up verdant mountains and kitesurf off a spectacular coastline – you can do it all on a Caribbean adventure
Beyond its pristine beaches and picturesque cays, the Dominican Republic enjoys the most diverse topography of any Caribbean island. Five bold mountain ranges watch over dense cloud forests, iridescent waterfalls cascade over rugged rock formations, and 29 national parks wait to be explored.
From trekking to the zenith of the Cordillera Central peaks to snorkelling with sea turtles and swimming in crystalline rainforest pools, there are so many ways to enjoy an unforgettable holiday experience.
Twenty-nine national parks wait to be explored
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immersed in
marine discovery
With a coastline stretching almost 1,000 miles and year-round sea temperatures of between 24C and 31C, you’ll find plenty of reasons to hit the glittering waters, especially between June and September when visibility is at its best.
Beneath the surface, discover atmospheric shipwrecks, vibrant reefs and curious marine life – just grab your snorkel or scuba gear and take the plunge.
From the island of Catalina, paddle out to meet the colourful inhabitants of The Wall, a vast coral reef, or spot 50-year-old rays and serene sea turtles off the coast of Saona. Snorkel over eagle rays and enjoy a cocktail on the palm-studded shores of the mainland’s El Fronton, or meet octopus, surgeonfish, yellowtail snappers and angelfish at Cayo Arena, off the north coast.
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Soaring high above verdant valleys, rushing rivers and the winding coastline gives you a bird’s-eye view and an adrenaline rush you won’t forget. It’s the closest you’ll come to having wings.
At Samaná, in the northeast, test your mettle on the country’s longest zip line, 400 feet above the rolling hills of El Valle. Tackle it in pairs, soak up the views, and if you’re feeling courageous, flip upside down during the ride. Or, for family fun, head to Scape Park in Cap Cana, Punta Cana, where everyone can join in with a selection of eight zip lines that zigzag along a cliff in the heart of the jungle or above the water.
Zip line over tropical canopies
Flying visit: throw yourself into the country’s myriad outdoor activities
Totally wired: take an express route through the rainforest
Find out more and plan your trip at
godominicanrepublic.com
Dive
Dominican Republic
Playa Encuentro is the place to go for surf lessons
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Breaker dance: whether you’re an expert or a newbie, everyone is catered for
With year-round winds and Atlantic waves, these pearly white shores are a magnet for surfers of all kinds from around the world. Whether you’re an expert or simply looking to try something new, everyone is catered for here.
Steady trade winds give the northern beach town of Cabarete a fantastic reputation among kitesurfers. The home of the appropriately named Kite Beach, this glimmering coast is dotted with certified schools. Or, if you’ve always preferred the idea of riding rollers, Playa Encuentro, between Cabarete and neighbouring Sosúa, is the place to go for surf lessons from the experts.
Five mountain chains crisscross the Dominican Republic, the largest cleaving it in two, creating the perfect opportunity for biking adventures. From hilltop villages to protected parks that overflow with endemic flora, you can explore it all on two wheels.
Cycle through the mystical landscapes of Cotubanamá National Park, passing veiled caves and freshwater springs. Set out from Jarabacoa in the central highlands towards Costanza for scenic valleys and waterfall resting spots. Or challenge yourself with steep inclines at Cabarete and Goleta Lagoons Natural Monument (El Choco).
Bike the peaks and valleys
Go rafting in the highland
While the Caribbean is known for its incredible water sport locations, the Dominican Republic also offers one of the few chances to try white water rafting. With a long list of rapids featuring names like Mike Tyson and the Cemetery, you know you’re in for a high-octane adventure.
Speeding along the Yaque del Norte, the longest river in the country, remember not to get distracted by the beguiling banks, waterfalls and canyons as your instructor guides you through a series of impressive rapids.
Paddle up! As your instructor guides you, try not to get distracted by the beguiling scenery
Sounds of the Dominican Republic
Click here for playlist
Pedal power: see the Dominican Republic’s diverse landscape on two wheels
Rapids response: enjoy a rare opportunity for Caribbean white water rafting
Deeply awesome: divers can explore 1,000 miles of coast
Above board: steady winds make the coast ideal for water sports
Surf the waves
Reef encounter: meet serene sea turtles and mingle with shoals of new friends
Discover shipwrecks, reefs and curious marine life
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Peak achievement: ambitious hikers can take on the climb up Pico Duarte
Hike the national park
With 29 diverse national parks and more than 25 per cent of its land designated protected areas, the Dominican Republic is a rambler’s paradise. Walk the Padre Nuestro Ecological Trail, which wends its way through the ever-changing scenery of Cotubanamá National Park, with its tropical dry forest and caves. Or, if you’re feeling more intrepid, attempt the vertiginous heights of Pico Duarte, the country’s highest peak.
It’s a great way to enjoy some of the country’s most impressive sights, from spectacular rock formations that jut out of the water in Los Haitises National Park to cave paintings by the indigenous Taíno people.
In northern Puerto Plata, the glimmering pools and waterfalls of the 27 Charcos de Damajagua invite you to bathe in their crystalline waters. Hike up through thick forest and across a series of picturesque bridges, then head back down via a canyoning adventure as you jump and slide through a series of, yes, 27 cascading falls.
Near Jarabacoa, the charming Salto Baiguate waterfall offers an excellent chance to rappel through the mist as you admire your lush surroundings. Near Cabarete, you can rappel down a fantastical rock formation known as Magic Mushroom, then jump into the pools below.
Dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture await in the second largest territory in the Caribbean. Soar above the emerald canopies, dive beneath the surface of the turquoise waters and bask in the afterglow of an adventure you’ll never forget.
Go canyoning inland
Pool party: from paddling to rappelling, explore the waters at your own pace
