Things to Do in the Dominican Republic: Islands, History, Nature and Sport
The Dominican Republic covers a lot of ground: colonial streets in the capital, offshore islands ringed by reef, mountain waterfalls, a whale migration route, and coastlines built for wind sports and golf. Few travellers try to see all of it on one trip, so it helps to pick two or three angles and choose a base accordingly. This guide walks through the main things to do and which part of the country puts you closest to each.
Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial
The Zona Colonial is the historic core of Santo Domingo, with the oldest cathedral in the Americas, the ruins of a 16th-century hospital, and streets laid out before most European colonial cities existed. It rewards walking rather than driving, so a hotel within or close to the district saves time compared with staying out near the airport or the beach resorts.
El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel sits in Santo Domingo and works as a base for combining the Zona Colonial with the city's restaurants and museums, since the capital has more variety in dining and culture than the resort towns. Aloft Santo Domingo Piantini and Aston Rubi City Suites are in the newer Piantini business district, a short taxi ride from the old town and closer to shopping and the Museo Bellapart.
Plan at least one full day for the Zona Colonial itself, and a second day if you want to add the Malecón waterfront or a museum or two. Santo Domingo also works well as a stopover before or after a beach-focused stay elsewhere in the country.
Island Trips: Saona and Catalina
Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are the two boat-trip islands most visitors reach from the southeast coast. Saona is larger, with a national park designation, sandbank stops, and a longer boat ride; Catalina is smaller and closer to shore, popular with divers and snorkellers for its reef.
Both islands are typically visited as full-day catamaran or speedboat excursions departing from the Bayahibe area near La Romana, which makes La Romana a convenient base if island-hopping is your main goal. Casa de Campo Resort and Villas is in La Romana and puts you close to the departure points without a long transfer.
Travellers based in Punta Cana can still do these trips, but expect a longer road transfer before the boat ride, which adds to the day. Book excursions through a reputable operator and check whether lunch, drinks and snorkel gear are included before comparing options.
Nature: Waterfalls, Whales and National Parks
The north coast around Puerto Plata is known for waterfall excursions, where visitors climb and jump between a series of cascades on a guided route. On the Samaná peninsula, the El Limón waterfall is reached by a hike or horseback ride through farmland, and it pairs well with a whale-watching trip if timed right.
Samaná Bay is the country's main spot for humpback whale watching, with boats operating during the migration season that runs roughly from January through March. Afreeka Beach Hotel in Las Terrenas is on the Samaná peninsula and puts you within reach of both the whale-watching boats and the El Limón hike.
For a quieter, less-visited landscape, Jaragua National Park in the far southwest protects dry forest and coastline near Bahía de las Águilas. Alba Coral Hotel in Pedernales is the practical base for this corner of the country, though it requires a long drive from the main resort areas and is better suited to travellers with a few extra days than a quick add-on.
Wind, Waves and Golf
Cabarete, on the north coast, is the country's centre for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with steady trade winds and a beach lined with schools and equipment rental. Agualina Kite Resort and the 1 Bedroom Garden View Presidential Suites Cabarete are both set up for travellers coming specifically for the wind, with easy beach access and a laid-back town atmosphere compared with the bigger resort strips.
Golf is concentrated in La Romana and Punta Cana. Casa de Campo Resort and Villas is home to some of the country's best-known courses, while in Punta Cana, Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive sits on its own course and works well if you want golf and beach in the same stay.
Punta Cana's beach resorts, including Eden Roc Cap Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino and Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, also offer water sports beyond kitesurfing, from catamaran sailing to deep-sea fishing, making the area a reasonable middle ground if you want a bit of everything without the long drives.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Saona Island and the Zona Colonial on the same trip?
Yes, but they're on opposite sides of practicality: Saona trips depart from the southeast coast near La Romana or Punta Cana, while the Zona Colonial is in Santo Domingo. Most travellers either split their stay between two bases or treat one as a day trip with a longer transfer.
When is the best time to see whales in the Dominican Republic?
Humpback whales are typically seen in Samaná Bay from January through March, with sightings tapering off outside that window. Book a whale-watching boat trip in advance during peak weeks.
Which coast is better for wind sports?
Cabarete, on the north coast, is the established centre for kitesurfing and windsurfing thanks to consistent trade winds. Punta Cana offers water sports too, but it isn't the primary destination for wind sports specifically.
Do I need a car to see the waterfalls and national parks?
For the 27 Waterfalls near Puerto Plata, El Limón near Samaná, or Jaragua National Park near Pedernales, a rental car or a booked excursion with transport is generally necessary since these sites sit outside the main resort zones.
Is La Romana or Punta Cana better for golf?
Both have well-regarded courses. La Romana, home to Casa de Campo Resort and Villas, is known specifically for its golf courses, while Punta Cana offers golf alongside a wider concentration of beach resorts, such as Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive.