On the north coast near the city of Rio San Juan is the Gri-Gri Lagoon. It is considered a natural wonder because a river flows underground into the lagoon. From this lower basin, the water flows 200 meters through mangrove forests and through a natural channel to the open sea. The Gri-Gri Lagoon is filled with crystal clear water. The colors that are created by the reflections of the water and the rock walls are impressive. Boat tours and minibus tours are available from all major hotels in the Cabarete and Puerto Plata area.
Golf
In hardly any other country can sport and relaxation be combined like in the Dominican Republic. Countless golf courses are embedded in a natural landscape with a view of the sea and sparkling sandy beaches. The best facilities can be found around Punta Cana and SantoDomingo. One of the most luxurious resorts is in La Romana, the Casa de Campo resort. A detailed golf guide is available at www.godomenicanrepublic.com.
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Damajagua waterfalls
The 27 waterfalls of the Rio Damajagua are located in the north of the island, half an hour from Puerto Plata. They reach a height of 13 meters and you can jump or slide from one waterfall to another. The heights are easy to climb via steps. Most of the guided tours, which also provide equipment, go through pristine forests. It is advisable to do the tour in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists and the hot weather. You cross a river, walk along the waterfalls and can swim in the pools.
Casa de Campo
The 28 m 2 holiday resort Casa de Campo is located on the south coast near La Romana. It has been the benchmark for luxury travel since the early 1970s. The area offers three golf courses, a sailing school, tennis courts, pools, a yacht club and a shopping center for sports enthusiasts. In the Casa de Campo area is also the artists’ village of Altos de Carron.
Diving and snorkeling
The areas in front of the towns of Las Terrenas and Las Galeras offer excellent conditions for divers. Due to offshore coral reefs, the water is calm and crystal clear. The Samaná peninsula is also suitable for beginners. There are 20 good diving spots there. There are dives to coral banks, tunnels, wreck diving and cave diving. In any case, you should inquire before a diving course in the diving school how big the courses are and with how many people the dives take place. Excursions to reefs are offered for snorkelers, often together with the divers. An impressive underwater world can also be seen from the water surface.
La Romana
The fourth largest city, La Romana, is about an hour’s bus ride east of the capital. During the winter season, La Romana is the port of entry for several cruise ships, including AIDA and “Mein Schiff”. In 20 minutes you can walk to the center, the “Parque Central”, where you will find numerous boutiques, restaurants and shopping centers. La Romana is a good starting point for excursions in the area. For example to the island “Isla Catalina” or the beach of Bayahibe, as well as to the stalactite cave “Cueva de las Maravillas”.
Saona Island
The island of Saona off the southern tip is only a few kilometers from the mainland and is part of the National Park del Este. You can book boat or catamaran tours to the most beautiful beaches of the small island in all nearby hotels. In the meantime, the excursions are often offered with Caribbean delicacies and regional music.
Explore caves
Located in the heart of the metropolis of Santo Domingo, you will find peace in the cave “Los Tres Ojos”. There are three lakes here, but they are arranged in such a way that they appear as one. With a bit of luck you can see turtles. The island’s most famous stalactite cave is located near the town of La Romana in the middle of a botanical garden. “Cueva de las Maravillas” is 35 m below the surface of the earth and you can visit the pleasantly lit cave with a guide. There are wall drawings of the Taino Indians and gigantic rock formations.
Punta Cana
On the southeast coast of the island is the tourist area of Punta Cana with the airport of the same name. Many hotel chains and all-inclusive hotels have sprung up here in recent years. In addition to beautiful, kilometer-long sandy beaches and turquoise-blue water, there is also an elongated coral reef off the coast, which serves as protection against the surf. Snorkelers from all over the world pursue their hobby here. An aqua park is just a ten-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport.
Samana
A popular destination for individual travelers is the Samaná peninsula on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. It combines all the advantages of the Caribbean on 1000 m 2, picturesque beaches with coconut palms, lonely bays and villages as well as mountain slopes with waterfalls.
Tourist areas are primarily Las Galeras, Las Terrenas and the offshore island of Cayo Levantado. The first Barcardi commercial was shot there, which is why the small island is also called Barcardi Island. There are a variety of offers on Samaná. The city of Santa Barbara de Samaná offers shops, nightclubs and bars, a Dominican market and the Malecón beach promenade. The main attraction of the peninsula is whale watching. Between January and March, humpback whales come to Samaná Bay to mate.
Experience baseball
Young or old, man or woman, the national sport of the Dominican Republic is baseball. Season is between October and January. If you have the opportunity to get into one of the stadiums, don’t miss a game. The enthusiasm of the audience, who suffer, cheer and laugh, is unique.
