Things to Do in the Dominican Republic: Islands, History, Nature and Sport
The Dominican Republic is large enough that a single trip rarely covers everything—island boat trips, colonial history, mountain waterfalls and golf courses sit in different corners of the country, often hours apart. This guide groups the main things to do by theme so you can match them to where you're staying, or plan a multi-stop itinerary if you have the time. Distances matter here: Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Samaná and Puerto Plata each have their own character and their own excursions.
Island trips: Saona and Catalina
Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are the two boat-trip islands most visitors ask about, and they're reached from different parts of the south-east coast. Saona is the bigger excursion, usually run as a full-day catamaran or speedboat trip from Bayahibe, with a stop at a sandbar and a beach lunch; it's the classic day trip for anyone based in Punta Cana or La Romana, though the transfer time from Punta Cana hotels is real and worth factoring in before booking.
Catalina is smaller and closer to La Romana, popular with snorkelers and divers because of its reef. Casa de Campo Resort and Villas, in La Romana, is the most convenient base if Catalina is a priority, since boats to the island depart nearby rather than requiring a long coastal transfer.
Both islands get busy with tour groups by mid-morning. If you want quieter sand, ask your hotel's tour desk about early departures or smaller-boat operators rather than the large party catamarans.
History: Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial
The Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, and it's a genuine walking city rather than a single attraction: cathedral, fortress, old streets and squares are all within a compact grid near the Ozama River. Plan at least a full day, more if you want to go inside the main museums rather than just walk past them.
El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, in Santo Domingo, puts you in the capital rather than at the beach, which makes sense if history and city life are the main reason for the trip, or if you're combining a few days in the capital with a beach stint afterward.
Santo Domingo is not a beach destination and functions differently from Punta Cana or Puerto Plata—expect city traffic, a walkable old town, and restaurants and nightlife aimed at locals as much as tourists.
Nature: waterfalls, whales and national parks
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, near Puerto Plata, is a half-day to full-day activity of climbing, jumping and sliding down a series of cascades with a guide; it's physical and not for everyone, but it's one of the more distinctive nature excursions in the country.
From January through March, Samaná Bay is one of the better-known spots in the Caribbean for watching humpback whales, which migrate there to breed; whale-watching boat trips run out of Samaná town during that window only, so timing a visit around the season matters if this is a priority.
Los Haitises National Park, also reached via the Samaná area, combines mangrove channels, limestone karst islands and cave visits, and is typically done as a boat tour rather than on foot. These nature trips generally require a transfer from the main resort areas, so treat them as a planned day out rather than a spontaneous add-on.
Wind, waves and golf
Cabarete, on the north coast, is the country's windsurfing and kitesurfing hub, with reliable wind for much of the year and a beach set up around schools and board rental rather than resort pools. Agualina Kite Resort, in Cabarete, sits right on that stretch and is a sensible choice if watersports are the actual goal of the trip rather than a side activity.
Golf is concentrated in two areas: Casa de Campo in La Romana is home to multiple courses with an international reputation, including one regularly ranked among the best in the Caribbean, and Punta Cana has a cluster of resort courses attached to properties such as Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort. Many Punta Cana all-inclusives, including Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino and Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, sit close enough to these courses to make a golf day easy without a long transfer.
Surfing is more niche than kitesurfing here, concentrated on specific north-coast breaks; ask locally rather than assuming any beach town has surf infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to see both the beach and Santo Domingo's history?
A minimum of one full day in the Zona Colonial, plus travel time, is realistic; most travellers combine two or three nights in Santo Domingo with a longer beach stay in Punta Cana or Puerto Plata rather than trying to do both from one base.
Is Saona or Catalina better for a day trip?
Saona is the bigger, more scenic full-day trip with a sandbar stop and is better suited to groups wanting a beach day; Catalina is smaller and favored by snorkelers and divers, and is more convenient if you're staying in La Romana.
When is the best time to see whales in the Dominican Republic?
Humpback whales are typically seen in Samaná Bay from January through March; outside that window, whale-watching tours generally don't run.
Can I visit the 27 Waterfalls if I'm not a confident swimmer?
Shorter, lower sections of the climb are accessible to most people, but the full route involves jumps and swims between falls, so check with the tour operator about options if you're not comfortable with that.
Do I need a car to golf at Casa de Campo or in Punta Cana?
Not necessarily—many resorts near the golf courses in both La Romana and Punta Cana arrange transport to tee times, so check with your hotel before arranging a rental car just for golf.