What to do in the Dominican Republic

Watersports:

Swim with dolphins or go windsurfing in the calm waters of the Caribbean sea, surf the Atlantic coast breaks, learn to kitesurf, scuba dive or snorkel in stunning coral reefs. The best beaches for surfing are on the north side of the island.

Nightlife:

Learn the Merengue if you think you can follow the beat, if not you can settle for the slower paced ‘Bachata', or watch the experts perform on stage. Dance all night in the beach clubs, or discover the vibrant nightlife of Santo Domingo, the country's capital and beating heart.

Beaches:

Take your pick of white-sand beaches, rocky bays, wind-swept dunes and mangrove lagoons. The most tranquil waters are found on the eastern and southern coastlines - our favourite beaches for utter relaxation include Boca Chica and Bayahibe.

History:

Experience Santo Domingo - the oldest city of the New World. Explore Indigenous Taino sites, such as "La Cueva de las Maravillas". See evidence of Spanish colonisation in the colonial buildings, monasteries and forts, or ask us to tailor you a tour and you can see it all.

Culture:

Mingle with the locals in Santo Domingo, and immerse yourself in the colourful street life or shop till you drop in "Mercado Modelo" shopping mall. Experience the traditional culture of rural villages, such as Altos de Chavon (near La Romana).

Adventure:

Take the plunge at the 27 waterfalls at Damajagua, go on a dune buggy adventure or a monster-truck safari through the national parks, explore sugar cane fields and tobacco plantations, or take on a challenge and climb Pico Duarte - the highest mountain in the Caribbean.

Whale Watching:

If visiting between mid-January and March, we definitely recommend a trip to Samana - the only place in the Caribbean where you can get close enough to get a clear view of humpback whales in the wild.