Things to do in the Dominican Republic
There's a whole country beyond the resort pool. The Dominican Republic packs the oldest colonial city in the Americas, national parks, waterfall canyons and world-class wind sports into an island you can cross in a day. These are the experiences worth planning a trip around.
Island trips: Saona and Catalina
The day trip to Saona Island, inside Cotubanamá National Park, is the country's signature excursion: catamaran or speedboat from Bayahibe, a stop at the shallow 'natural pool' sandbank, and hours on palm-lined beaches. Catalina Island, closer to La Romana, is smaller and better for snorkeling and diving, with a well-known reef wall.
Both run daily from Bayahibe and are sold from every resort zone; going from Bayahibe itself means the shortest boat ride and the earliest arrival ahead of the crowds.
History: Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial
Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest European settlement in the Americas — home to the first cathedral, the Alcázar de Colón palace and the fortress of Ozama, all within a walkable grid of 16th-century streets. It works as a full-day trip from Punta Cana or, better, an overnight stay.
Nature: waterfalls, whales and national parks
On the north coast, canyoning the 27 Charcos de Damajagua — climbing, sliding and jumping down a series of jungle waterfalls near Puerto Plata — is the country's best adventure activity. On the Samaná Peninsula, ride or hike to the 40-meter El Limón waterfall and take a boat through the karst islets and mangroves of Los Haitises National Park.
From mid-January through March, Samaná Bay hosts thousands of humpback whales; morning whale-watching tours from Samaná town get the calmest water.
Wind, waves and golf
Cabarete is one of the world's top kitesurfing destinations, with steady afternoon trade winds and schools for every level; nearby Playa Encuentro is the north coast's main surf break. In the southeast, the resort corridors of Punta Cana, Cap Cana and Casa de Campo hold most of the country's championship golf courses, several running along ocean cliffs.
Frequently asked questions
What's the one excursion not to miss?
Saona Island if you're staying in the east or southeast; whale watching in Samaná if you travel between mid-January and March.
Can I visit Santo Domingo as a day trip from Punta Cana?
Yes — it's roughly 2 to 2.5 hours each way by road. Organized day tours exist, but an overnight stay lets you see the Zona Colonial without rushing.
Are the 27 Charcos suitable for everyone?
You need to be comfortable in water and moderately fit; you can choose to do 7, 12 or all 27 waterfalls. Children under about 8 and travelers with mobility issues should skip it.
Do I need a guide for national parks?
For Los Haitises and the 27 Charcos, yes — access is by licensed boat captains and guides. Saona trips are all guided excursions by design.