The slopes of Mount Isabel de Torres are rich in flora - about eight thousand species of plants grow here, of which almost a thousand can be found only on Dominican lands. Many of these species have been in existence for several million years. Such centenarians include, for example, a three-meter fern, whose dense thickets have perfectly contributed to forcing the atmosphere in the famous movie epic about dinosaurs.
The top of Isabel de Torres is crowned with a statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, located at an altitude of 2600 meters. This monument almost completely copies the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer from Rio de Janeiro - except that it is smaller in size. TO observation deck at the foot of the statue you can get on the funicular from there the view of the northern coast of the Dominican Republic will be an excellent basis for many vivid photos!
The beaches of Puerto Plata
Once Puerto Plata lived by smuggling, and its inhabitants were so successful in complicity with pirates that the Spanish king ordered to wipe this center of evil from the face of the earth. Only in 1742 did the colonists canary islands re-populated the place, rebuilding a city here, which to this day is full of unique charm thanks to a peculiar mixture of colonial spirit and Victorianism.
Tropical greenery, a wonderful climate and mild winds have created here ideal conditions for a break from the hustle and bustle. Here independently there are three developed resort centers. Playa Dorada, 5 kilometers from Puerto Plata, is a resort complex of 13 hotels that have their own oceanfront club with a golf course, restaurants, beaches, horseback riding. The small town of Sosua, 19 kilometers from Puerto Plata, offers a wide range of souvenir shops, bars and all kinds of entertainment. Cabarete is a place for young people and lovers of water sports.
The "Amber Coast" of Puerto Plata, or, as it is also called, the "Amber Coast", is widely known, where black amber - ambergris is often found. By the way, here you can visit the Amber Museum, and in addition - St. Philip Fort, Independence Park, St. Philip Cathedral, Botanical Garden, factories for the production of rum and chocolate, see a huge bronze statue of Christ. From the top of Monte Isabel de Toros, you have a breathtaking view of the ocean and the city.
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Cabarete beach
The beach of Cabarete is a continuous line of 6 kilometers long, with pure golden sand, transparent sea and tall palm trees.
The Gulf of Cabarete has a length of 2 kilometers. The beaches of Perla Marina, Seahorse Ranch, Encuentro, Punta Goleta, Kite Beach, Playa Laguna are also located in the Cabarete area.
The beaches of Cabarete are among the top ten beaches in the world ranking.
An excellent infrastructure has been created here for water sports: surfing, kiting and windsurfing, so many young people who prefer active recreation come here. The most significant month for tourists who love to do water sports or just watch is February, when the Open National Windsurfing Championship takes place.
Playa Grande is one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. It is located in the north of the island in a resort area - Playa Rio San Juan. According to Conde Nast Travel magazine, this beach is one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world.
This place, thanks to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, is very popular among fans of windsurfing and sailing. Divers will also like the beach - there are underwater caves, coral reefs and even sunken ships.
Right on the beach there is a restaurant where, according to your desire, you will be served a table right on the beach. Here you can taste parrot fish, delicious shrimp, fresh oysters and enjoy cocktails made right inside a pineapple or coconut.
Cofresi bay
Cofresi Bay is one of the bays of the Caribbean. The bay was named after Roberto Cofresi, a pirate who buried his treasures in the area.
The bay has a wide but small beach with fine golden sand. This area is considered elite and is called Haсienda resort. In these places, clear water, beautiful hills and coconut palm forests grow, which attract to the bay. a large number of tourists. Currently, about a hundred villas have been built on the coast of Cofresi. Visitors to the bay can purchase one of the houses or rent it for a while.
Weekly in Kofresi for vacationers, parties are held with fireworks and various show programs.
Near the bay is the Ocean World water park. In Cofresi Bay you can enjoy not only clean water and a wonderful view of the bay, but also to visit cafes and restaurants offering to taste national cuisine. Gingerbread and crab claws are popular dishes in Cofresi Pirate Bay.
El Dudu Cave
El Dudu karst cave is a round lake, which, with the help of two underwater rocky passages, is connected to another open reservoir.
The bottom of the lake is located at a depth of 16 meters and is completely littered with tree trunks that have fallen from the slopes. It is interesting that the trees do not rot, but only become stronger with time - thanks to fresh water saturated with limestone.
One of the passages is 50 meters long: it ends with an air pocket in which you can emerge. On the other side of the reservoir there are a couple of other underwater caves 90 and 110 meters long - they come to the surface in the second lake called Lily.
All the numerous branches of the caves have long been studied by scuba divers who like to dive in one lake and emerge in another. Freedivers also like to come here (diving underwater without scuba gear - holding their breath).
Village of Punta Rucia
Punta Rucia - fishing village located in picturesque bay which is protected from the sea by reefs. Near it is desert island where tourists often go. In Spanish, Rucia means “gray”, and Punta means “tip”, “nose”, which means that the sea in the village is gray due to small ripples. Near the village there is a lagoon in which sea cows live, as well as caves with drawings of ancient Indians.
The village is famous for its seafood, so here tourists will definitely try freshly caught fish and other seafood.
The climate in the village, located near the border of Haiti, is special: here, they say, almost 360 sunny days a year, and only here grow cacti and trees resembling the African savannah.
The most popular attractions in Puerto Plata with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places Puerto Plata on our website.
More attractions in Puerto Plata
you heard a lot good reviews about these resorts and now choosing between Puerto Plata or Punta Cana? They really are two rather different regions in the territory. Dominican Republic although they are often confused with each other.
Since both of these resorts are popular destinations for recreation, there is often confusion between the two areas. Some people mistakenly think that Puerto Plata and Punta Cana are similar and interchangeable, but they are actually two different things. paradise Dominican Republic.
Let's start with Puerto Plata.
Puerto Plata is generally considered "older" than Punta Cana in terms of hotels. That is, the hotels there are older, but this does not mean at all that they are bad. Accommodation prices in Puerto Plata are also slightly lower than in Punta Cana. However, Puerto Plata has top-notch resorts to offer, including: Casa Colonial Beach and Spa, Barcelo Puerto Plata and Victoria Golf & Beach Resort.
Along north coast Puerto Plata has a number of shallow reefs that create good conditions for diving. Windsurfing is also a popular sport along the north coast, especially in Cabarete.
The undoubted advantage of Puerto Plata is that local attractions are very close, no more than half an hour away. For example, it is enough to take a taxi from the hotel, and in 10 minutes you will be in the city itself, where shopping, numerous museums and excursions are at your service.
The resorts of Sosua and Cabarete, located very close to Playa Dorada, are actually very different in terms of entertainment and lifestyle and recreation. Thus, a quick and easy change of scenery is guaranteed to you. It is unlikely that somewhere in the Dominican Republic this can be done as easily as here.
Now let's talk about Punta Cana.
In Punta Cana, there is no such compactness; you will have to spend much more time on moving. Attractions are available mainly with the help of excursions (read our review of excursions in Punta Cana). And the resorts of this area are not so different from each other. And this area itself was built and exists only for the sake of and for tourists. Therefore, of course, there can be no talk of any local flavor here, you will not see the “real” Dominican Republic here. And the city itself is not here - just a chain of hotels.
Punta Cana is newer tourist place than Puerto Plata, as hotel chains have appeared there relatively recently. Given the relative newness of the hotels, the prices for holidays there are usually higher than in Puerto Plata.
Unlike Puerto Plata, where the sea is influenced Atlantic Ocean not always calm (no wonder they are actively involved in windsurfing), the surrounding waters of Punta Cana caribbean much more calm.
This may be of interest to those who are looking for a relaxing holiday on the beach or relaxing with children. However, on the beaches of Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata, the sea is quite calm, and on the beaches of Punta Cana, you will have many active species water entertainment. For more detailed information you can read our article
If you are just going on vacation and are mentally ready for a transatlantic flight, then a vacation in the Caribbean will be the right choice at any time of the year. Read the reviews of tourists about the Dominican Republic - here are the most best beaches world for comfortable swimming and recreation with children. Trust me, better check it out. Americans love the Dominican Republic as much as Canadians probably love Cuba. For them, this visa-free paradise is much closer. And if you want to meet and celebrate New Year on the sea, then you are here too. How long is the flight to the Dominican Republic? Which resort to choose? Let's figure it out! A rating of 10 will help in this the best resorts Dominican Republic, which the editors compiled based on feedback from professionals.
How to get there?
Trains to America do not run yet, you will have to fly. The flight to the Dominican Republic will take about 13 hours if you fly from Moscow or St. Petersburg on a direct flight to Punta Cana. Or a little longer with a connection in Europe or the USA.
Resorts of the Dominican Republic. What to choose?
As they say - "what is good for a Russian, then death for a German." Ours are looking for the best beaches, foreigners prefer to relax by the pool. Families with children choose hotels with a large territory and a plentiful "all inclusive", active youth prefer sports, new interesting places and vibrant nightlife. We offer short description top 10 popular resorts, and the choice is yours.
No. 1. Punta Cana
If you don’t want to guess where to go and which Dominican resort to choose, go to Punta Cana. Transfer from the airport will take no more than half an hour. Here is the largest selection of hotels of international hotel chains. It makes no sense to compare Barcelo and Melia, Iberostar and Bahia Principe. All are good. But 5* and 4* are very different. Both in terms of price, and in terms of food, and in terms of the number of services and amenities included in the "all inclusive". If the size of the room is not important to you, the presence of branded cosmetics in the bathroom, if good enough for you " buffet”and you don’t need themed a la carte, if the minimum choice of imported alcohol does not bother you, and you came for the sake of the sea and the sun, then 4 * on the first line will be a good choice. Punta Cana is the most popular resort tourists from Russia. They come here for gorgeous beaches and palm groves, easy shopping within walking distance, discos and casinos, habitually large hotels (on the territory, buildings no taller than a palm tree), a carefree resort atmosphere and an abundance of daytime and evening entertainment inside the hotel.
No. 2. Cap Cana
Cap Cana - for those who want to choose a new, prestigious and most expensive resort. Punta Cana Airport is within easy reach. Really wealthy people can afford to relax here. People like Donald Trump, for example. They say that half of the local real estate already belongs to him. And it's not even about the superlatives and epithets that ask for the language in this fabulous place. It's expensive and smells like money. Luxurious villas with a private area and swimming pools, golf courses from world-famous designers, luxury yachts in the marina and boutique hotels scattered along the endless beach among palm groves. Everything is very beautiful. So much so that all young couples who have chosen the resorts of the Dominican Republic for a festive ceremony and honeymoon dream of a wedding photo shoot in Cap Can.
No. 3. La Romana
Less popular with our tourists due to the distance from the airports of Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. La Romana's own airport does not yet accept flights from Russia. But the Americans feel at home here. The huge private tourist complex Casa de Campo covers an area of 7,000 hectares. Built with American style, the resort has two world-class golf courses, a shooting range and hunting club, tennis courts, stables, excellent diving and spearfishing. But with “all inclusive” it’s not very good here. The entire territory is built up with villas that Americans rent or timeshare with large families and companies. Everything is quiet, cultural, private. You can find out if the villa is occupied by the presence of a car in the parking lot, the aromas of barbecue and children's laughter from behind the fence.
No. 4. Boca Chica
Only 30 km from Santo Domingo and you are in Boca Chica. The beaches are not as wide as in Punta Cana, but just as white. That's just coral reef very close to the shore. Young children must be supervised at all times. The entrance to the water is gentle, but sharp pieces of coral are constantly brought to the beach. But expanse for lovers aquatic species sports: windsurfing, sailing, water skiing. Every April, Boca Chica hosts an international sport fishing tournament. Local hotels are rather modest 3* and 4*.
No. 5. Juan Dolio
Like Boca Chica resort town Juan Dolio is located on the Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic. The capital of the country is 55 km away. There are also many corals near the beach, budget hotels and coastal cafes. good diving, but it is unlikely to go into the water without special shoes.
No. 6. Puerto Plata
No. 7. Cabarete
Isn't it a sonorous name for a small resort village on the Atlantic coast of Puerto Plata? Respectable parents with a brood of children do not come here. Young people with boards conquer the wave during the day and have fun in the evening in bars and discos. Here it is equally easy to make non-binding acquaintances in the rhythms of merengue and bachata or meet your destiny. Not without reason, local beauties regularly make their competitors in the Miss Universe contest nervously nibble on the manicure.
No. 8. Sosua
Another shelter for young and single lovers of a hassle-free holiday. The small town is comfortably hidden in a quiet bay not far from Puerto Plata. As in Cabarete, it is full of bars, discos, entertainment and drinking establishments, between which young and not so lovers of new acquaintances move. Even if you are heavily drunk, you are not in danger of waking up alone on the beach or getting into the police. Local residents and residents have long been accustomed to tourists and will always give them a helping hand in any situation.
No. 9. Samana
The protected Samana Peninsula will be appreciated by romantics and lovers of ecotourism. The best sandy beaches are deserted, and dolphins and manatees can be found in the sea. And the nature here is so pristine that, if you're lucky, you will see with the naked eye the mating games of humpback whales from mid-January to mid-March. The best place for romantic getaway away from the bustle of the city and to observe the underwater beauties is here. This is the island of Cayo Levantado. Only three beach 5 * on the "all inclusive" belong to the Spanish chain Bahia Principe.
No. 10. Saona
The largest and most deserted island off the coast of the Dominican Republic. There are no hotels here, and there are two ways to relax. The first is to sail with an excursion on a yacht or boat for a couple of hours, the second is to buy a villa, as Bill Gates, Madonna and Julio Iglesias have already done. Tourists often choose the first. The tour includes a boat trip with a stop at a sandbar: the depth is 1 m, starfish live at the bottom, with which everyone likes to be photographed, but you need to release the stars back into the water quickly, the air is contraindicated for them. And, of course, swimming in a shallow lagoon, and massages in the shade of palm trees, barbecues and cocktails on the beach.
Summarizing the above, we can answer the question, what are the pros and cons of the Dominican Republic. If everything is more or less clear with the pluses, then the minuses are not so obvious, or rather, there are practically none. Maybe a long flight? Or an overabundance of the sea and the sun, love and joy? Or the feeling that all good things come to an end and it is not known when it will be possible to escape from the cold winter again? We need to live today! Come to the Dominican Republic great option in order to celebrate the New Year at sea.
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Map of resorts and beaches of the Dominican Republic
If you have not yet decided which resort to choose in the Dominican Republic, take a closer look at Punta Cana. The noisy and cheerful city is located in the center of the resort area in the southeast of the country. Couples and businessmen come here to relax.
Beach vacation. According to reviews, Punta Cana is one of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic. There are several areas here. In the center there is an urban development with an airport. A little further - the fashionable Cap Cana area with expensive hotels and the more accessible Bavaro area, where there are shops, a hospital, pharmacies and banks.
The coastline stretches for 32 km. The beaches of Bavaro are considered the best in the Dominican Republic. The coast is covered with white sand, the entrance to the water is gentle, and the swimming area is separated from the coast by coral reefs. Hotel beaches have the necessary infrastructure, but municipal ones do not. In free places, there are usually no changing cabins, toilets and showers.
(Photo © Mustang Joe / flickr.com / Licensed CC0 1.0)
Things to do. Rich in Punta Cana undersea world, so diving is developed. The resort's fish restaurants are reputed to be the best in the country. In the vicinity are two national parks and a marine reserve.
Prices. Majority coastal hotels has 4-5*. On average, a double room in them costs from $80. It is much cheaper to live in a guesthouse - $25-35 per day.
Punta Cana in high season (winter):
(Photo © unsplash.com / @joelcasilla)
Where is the best place to relax in the Dominican Republic? If you are not limited on a budget, we advise you to go to the elite suburb of Punta Cana - Cap Cana. This is a young resort, designed for wealthy clients.
Beach vacation.Coastline stretches for 8 km and is covered with white, very fine sand. The beaches of Cap Cana are clean, with a gentle entry into the water. Some of them belong to hotels. Most beautiful beaches located in the southwest of the resort.
Things to do. Cap-Can has a modern port with 200 yachts and 200 boats, as well as excellent golf courses. Swim in the outdoor pools sea water, go to a fitness center or spa. During your vacation, take a trip to nature reserve Manati and exotic birdwatching on the tropical island of Cayo Levantado.
Prices. Cap Can has the highest prices among other resorts in the Dominican Republic. There are five luxury hotels and a boutique hotel. They serve guests on an all-inclusive basis, so tours are expensive.
Cap Cana in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Green Village 03)
When asked where to go to the Dominican Republic for a holiday with young children, many answer unambiguously - to Boca Chica.
Beach vacation. One of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic is located in a natural lagoon and is reliably protected by a coral reef from waves and large predators. The beaches are covered with white powdery sand. The swimming area is shallow - no more than one and a half meters. 30 km from the resort is main city Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo, so on weekends the beaches of Boca Chica are crowded with vacationers from the capital.
Things to do. Popular with tourists water activities: diving, yachting, surfing and sea fishing. Go on an excursion to Santo Domingo and visit small tropical islands.
Prices. Accommodation is cheaper than in Punta Cana: there are no 5 * hotels and many budget hotels 3-4 *.
Boca Chica in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / whala!boca chica)
Where to go in the Dominican Republic, if you want a relaxing holiday? Tourists recommend Juan Dolio - this is quiet resort Dominican Republic, compared to neighboring Boca Chica. Located on the Caribbean coast, 50 km from the capital.
Beach vacation. The beaches of Juan Dolio are in no way inferior to others. Everything as in advertising: small White sand, turquoise water, rows of tall coconut trees. There are almost no waves near the coast, and the depth is small - 1.5-2 m. In some places, corals are located close to the coast, and their fragments are found - take special shoes.
Things to do. Play golf or bowling, ride horses, go diving and snorkeling. Go see the sights of Santo Domingo: Aquarium Park, Columbus Lighthouse and Fort Ozama.
Prices. Juan Dolio - budget resort Dominican Republic. The cost of rest in it is about the same as in Punta Cana.
Juan Dolio in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Marbella Juan Dolio I)
Samana
Many people think that it is best to relax in the Dominican Republic in the resort of Samana. It is located on a protected peninsula, far from major cities.
Beach vacation. Samana is called an ideal place for connoisseurs of individual recreation, newlyweds and lovers of eco-tourism. Tourists like the beaches in the southern and northern parts of the peninsula, as well as on the island of Cayo Levantado.
Things to do. Horse riding, jeeping, diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing are popular. Admire ancient rock paintings in deep caves, visit the 30-meter El Limon waterfall, watch dolphins and manatees. From mid-January to March, you can see the migration of humpback whales.
Prices. Accommodation in 3-4 * hotels will cost from $40 to $80, and a double room in a guesthouse will cost $20-30.
Samana in high season (winter):
(Photo © Einfach-Eve / pixabay.com)
A large recreation area is located in the north of the country, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It combines three resorts at once - Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua.
Beach vacation. Coastline - more than 100 km. The beaches of the hotels are equipped. Here are ideal conditions for water sports, because ocean waves higher than in the Caribbean.
Things to do. It is better to go to this resorts of the Dominican Republic for those who like to diversify beach activities with excursions and outdoor activities. In Puerto Plata, all attractions are located compactly. The coastal city has preserved the colonial style of the era of the conquerors - neat houses decorated with carvings, fortifications and Catholic churches. Visit the ruins of Columbus' dwelling, visit the Amber Museum and the Brugal distillery.
If you like being active, take the funicular to the top of Isabel de Torres. Get trained at a windsurfing school, play golf and ride horses. Watch spectacular cockfights at the Gallistico Club.
Prices for holidays in the northern resorts of the Dominican Republic is slightly lower than in Punta Cana.
Puerto Plata in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Playabachata Resort)
A large resort center is located in the southern part, between Punta Cana and the capital of the country. La Romana is considered one of the best Dominican resorts in the Caribbean.
Beach vacation. Tourists like silence and cleanliness. Shady coconut groves grow on the shore, and hotels have excellent beach infrastructure.
Things to do. The main entertainments are tennis, golf, diving, spearfishing, fishing, yachting, horseback riding and jeeping. Tourists demand excursions to the city of artisans and artists of Altos de Chavon and boat trips to the islands of Saona and Catalinita. visit Central park, admire the building of the City Hall and the ancient Catholic church of Santa Rosa de Lima.
Prices. The cost of rest in La Romana is the same as in Punta Cana. For self budget holiday choose 3 * hotels - accommodation costs $ 50-80 per night. Guesthouses will cost even less - $30-40.
La Romana in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Luxury Bahia Principe Bouganville)
It is not easy to determine which Dominican resort is better. According to reviews, an unusual option is a vacation in the capital of the country.
Beach vacation. The city has a rocky coastline and no beaches. Bathing places are located in the vicinity of Santo Domingo - Boca Chica and Juan Dolio. They are easily accessible by public transport. Also, locals and tourists like the picturesque sand beach Guayacanes.
Things to do. Santo Domingo is the first city in the New World, which was founded by Europeans at the end of the 15th century. Today it is the cultural and economic center of the country. Most of the city's monuments and museums are concentrated in the so-called "Colonial Zone".
Connoisseurs of architecture and history love to relax in the capital. Shopping fans like Santo Domingo, as there are many markets, shopping centers and boutiques. If you want to see natural attractions, head to the Three Eyes Cave, the National Botanical Garden, the zoo, the Mirador Suri and Enriquillo parks.
Prices in the capital of the Dominican Republic is not higher than in other popular resorts of the country, and the choice of inexpensive housing is greater.
Santo Domingo in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Catalonia Santo Domingo)
The best resorts in the Dominican Republic receive the most flattering reviews from tourists from different countries peace. Holidays on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean are ideal for everyone who is not afraid of a long flight and relatively high prices.
According to reviews, a universal place for tourists with different requests is Punta Cana. Youth companies and families with small children prefer Boca Chica or La Romana. Those who want to spend their holidays alone come to the Samana Peninsula. Whatever the choice, at any resort in the Dominican Republic you can count on clean beaches, comfortable hotels, water activities and interesting excursions.
Introductory image source: © Playabachata Resort / booking.com.
11.01.2019The Dominican Republic, or simply the Dominican Republic, occupies most of the island of Haiti, and also has a number of small islands in its jurisdiction, which looks extremely attractive from the point of view of tourist holiday. Being the second largest country in the West Indies (after Cuba), the Dominican Republic has a long coastline - almost 1,300 kilometers, which indicates an impressive number of large and small resorts. Since the Dominican lands are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, travelers often have questions - are there any differences between these coasts, what are they, and in this case, which part of the Dominican Republic is better to choose for a vacation? Let's try to figure it out.
Atlantic coast of the Dominican Republic
the Atlantic Ocean washes northern and eastern parts Dominican Republic. The very first thing that can be said about the resorts located on these shores is that they should be chosen, first of all, by all windsurfers, advanced divers and adherents of other marine activities. The Atlantic carries stormy waves, and if the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic is covered by an extended coral reef shield, then on the northern shores, it happens that tourists do not dare to swim for several days.
Territorially to northern part The Atlantic Coast includes the coastline from the border with Haiti to the Samana Peninsula. Another unique feature of the region is that there are many climatic zones in a relatively small segment. On the western "outskirts" of the northern coast, it is very dry - even arid. The terrain here is rather monotonous, flat. Vegetation does not tend upward either: green spaces are represented mainly by shrubs. The seeming dullness of the area is diluted with two magnificent national parks with thickets of outlandish mangroves and beautiful sea views.
The piece of land between Cofresi and Nagua is also called the Amber Coast due to its rich amber deposits. Golden beaches here are interspersed with lush mountain forests, which is why most of the northern coast hotels are concentrated in this region. Mountain biking, horseback riding, ocean fishing, surfing, diving and other extreme sports are most widespread here. Speaking of diving: the Dominican Republic as a whole is considered the best place Caribbean for snorkeling and scuba diving: coral reefs and underwater lawns in this region are distinguished by an amazing variety of flora and fauna (there are beautiful tropical fish and stingrays in the local waters, even manatees and humpback whales swim!), the bottom relief is very picturesque and rich in cavernous formations, but the most interesting and exciting came to the bottom from the surface - these are sunken ships of various eras. Over the past half century, about four hundred ships have been in distress in the region, so there is something for divers to admire. It is not surprising that under such conditions in any resort in the Dominican Republic a solid diving center, or even more than one, will be waiting for you. The Atlantic coast of the country is worth choosing for experienced divers, while beginners can practice and gain experience in the much calmer waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Samana Peninsula ends Northern part Atlantic coast. Perhaps this is the most picturesque part of not only the Dominican Republic, but the entire Caribbean. This is how we usually imagine an exotic paradise: many kilometers of deserted expanses of white sand, tired coconut palms leaning over turquoise water. Resting on Saman in January-March, you can watch whales splashing in the distance: at this time they come here from the cold waters of the North Atlantic to reproduce.
The best resorts on the north coast of the Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata
The heart of the northern Dominican Republic, the place where Christopher Columbus landed, is Puerto Plata, stretching along the Amber Coast. This resort is the second most popular in the Dominican Republic after Punta Cana, although it is very different from it: here you can relax in silence, relax, enjoy nature and learn how to tame the Atlantic wave on a surfboard. active lovers nightlife Puerto Plata will surely disappoint with a long and unsuccessful search for a working disco. Founded at the end of the 15th century, the city offers its guests to see a number of ancient buildings (the old city center, the fort and the San Felipe Cathedral) and visit several good museums. The main wealth of the resort is bestowed upon it by nature. For example, Isabel de Torres is the highest mountain in this area, to the top of which you can climb by car, on foot or by cable car. From the top of Isabel de Torres, arms outstretched, looking at the city ... a statue of Christ the Redeemer! A reduced copy of the masterpiece from Rio de Janeiro was presented to Puerto Plata by the Brazilian authorities.
To visit Puerto Plata and not visit the reserve "27 fountains" would be a grandiose omission. This is a natural water park with twenty seven, as the name implies, cascading waterfalls. Tourists are invited to climb seven, twelve or all twenty-seven waterfalls along secret paths and rope ladders, and then go down the water.
Playa Dorada
A little east of Puerto Plata is the resort complex Playa Dorada. It is very popular among tourists, also due to the airport, located just 15 minutes away, which is very convenient for families with children and pensioners who can hardly endure long journeys. But, of course, this is not the only advantage of Playa Dorada. A fabulous-looking beach with a gentle entrance to the water is marked blue flag and is considered one of the best in the Dominican Republic. amazing nature, highest service in local hotels, unlimited space for active and extreme pastime, a large selection of restaurants and bars, the famous 18-hole golf course and a casino - all this in the complex makes Playa Dorada an ideal vacation spot for any category of tourists.
Cabarete
A resort for young, mobile, full of energy and adrenaline people. He himself is young - just a dozen years ago, fans of surfboards chose the tiny fishing village located here for their activities, and now Cabarete Beach is included in the world's Top 10 places ideal for surfing. All thanks to the fact that not a single coral barrier interferes with the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and peppy trade winds delight lovers of sea extreme sports all year round. Cabarete annually hosts world windsurfing competitions, as well as tournaments in kiteboarding, which is gaining popularity. The coastline of the resort is abundantly dotted with various bars, because where else, if not in a noisy establishment with a glass of strong drink, to relax after taming the Atlantic waves?
For those who do not belong to the cohort of extreme athletes, we can recommend visiting national park El Choco, which is a little older than the resort itself: only 25 years ago it was given this official status. In El Choco, you will find the richest flora, many orchids, tropical birds and even a dozen species of bats, but the main asset of the park is the system underground caves with pools "Caribbean Karst", where you can get with a tour and swim. The territory of the reserve is decent, it’s easy to get lost on foot without a guide, so it’s better to hire a guide or go around El Choco on horseback or in jeeps.
Sosua
Another youth place on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic is comfortably located in a calm bay between Cabarete and Puerto Plata. small resort is the party center of the region: there are many bars and discos in Sosua, mostly bachelors rest here. The local white-sand beaches are quite wide, therefore, despite the large number of tourists, everyone here can stay comfortably. Not far from the coast there is a compact but densely populated coral reef where you can go snorkeling: the local diving center will provide tourists with vivid impressions. Among other attractions of Sosua, one can note the botanical garden and the old market, as well as the Jewish quarter: back in the 1940s, Jews who fled from Europe found refuge here. IN winter time the main entertainment here is boat trips to flocks of humpback whales that swim here to procreate.
Samana
This peninsula is highly recommended to visit independent tourists. Despite having two international airports and three major cities, while Samana remains quiet, calm place and is famous for its virgin nature: coconut groves, caves, waterfalls, clear rivers and deserted beaches - pure relaxation. There are several national parks on the peninsula, the largest of which is Los Gaitises with mysterious caves, in which the Indians used to live (as evidenced by the drawings on the walls), and now only bats. Another local attraction that would be extremely unfair to ignore is the 30-meter El Limon waterfall. They say that everyone who bathes in it is waiting for untold wealth. Tours and tastings at the ranch where coffee and cocoa are grown are very popular.
Part of the province of Samana is the small island of Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island - it was here that the first commercial of this popular brand was filmed. And if you are lucky enough to be on the peninsula in February, then your path must necessarily run through the capital of the province - the city of Santa Barbara de Samana, where a merry salsa and meringue festival takes place at this time.
East coast The Dominican Republic, washed by the Atlantic Ocean, is considered the most popular and sought-after recreational region of the country. Here are the largest resorts and there are practically no cities in the usual sense of the word. It is here that the hotels with which tour operators from the CIS countries are most actively working are located. A large coral reef stretches almost along the entire coast, protecting the land from the energetic waves of the ocean and along the way creating excellent conditions for memorable diving. In other words, the resorts of the eastern part of the Atlantic coast of the Dominican Republic will be an ideal place for recreation for both active and restless tourists and contemplative couch potatoes.
Best Resorts east coast Dominican Republic
Punta Cana
This is a huge resort region, located at the "junction" of the Atlantic Ocean with the Caribbean Sea. The biggest, the most popular, the most beautiful - you can pick up adjectives in a superlative degree of comparison for a very long time to describe it. The main pride of Punta Cana - wide beaches dotted with coral paper-white sand, lined with thick coconut palms and lined with exotic bungalows covered with dried palm paws. And all this beauty is in municipal property, so you can sunbathe and swim freely and free of charge. Punta Cana was also lucky with the weather: the rainy season here is very short, and the average monthly temperature is almost unchanged all year round - around 30 degrees, which are softened by light ocean breezes. This resort for honeymooners is becoming more and more popular: the days spent here will be remembered by the newlyweds all their lives as a real honeymoon.
A few words about the national Dominican fun - diving: coastal waters are very transparent, and visibility under water in the summer season reaches 30 meters. The most popular for swimming is the part of the reef, which is called the "Marinarium", where eagle rays and even harmless baleen nurse sharks live. There is also a “own” sunken ship here: even from the shore you can see the mast of the cargo ship Astron sticking out of the water (by the way, it was listed on the balance sheet in Russia), which ran aground during a storm in 1978 and went to the bottom. Jeep safari is another active, gambling and highly demanded entertainment among tourists from the CIS countries, with the help of which you can travel from a cool hotel civilization to a riot of tropical jungles for a day and feel like a hero of an adventure action movie. Also in the vicinity of Punta Cana there are a dozen first-class golf courses, some of which, such as Punta Espada, are included in various world rankings. And if someone does not like these bourgeois excesses, then welcome to the world of agritourism: there are several villages near the resort where travelers can touch the life of simple local residents and personally participate in the harvesting of sugar cane or other household crafts.
Fans of hanging out and dancing in Punta Cana will not have to lose heart: in addition to the discos available at each hotel, the resort offers to visit a lot of original clubs, the most popular of which, perhaps, can be called Imagine, located in a natural cave: three dance floors framed by stalactites will definitely remember for a long time!
bavaro
In the very southeast of the Dominican Republic is the resort of Bavaro, which can be classified as "luxury". Just some 30 years ago, the winds simply rustled in the mangroves here, and today the area has all the attributes of an aristocratic holiday: five-star hotels, tennis courts, casinos, golf courses, stables, expensive shops and even a dress code in a number of establishments. For those who are satisfied with comfort and respectability, Bavaro is ready to offer a lot of entertainment in addition to diving, snorkeling and jeep safari, traditional for the whole country: for example, an excursion to the Palm Cemetery, where strange birds live in mangrove deadwood, or to the Oleg Bat House cave - dwelling of several species of bats. Those who come on vacation with the whole family have the opportunity to take the children to the dinosaur park or Manati Park, where you can swim with dolphins. New level nightlife is offered by the most famous club of Bavaro Coco Bongo - this is not just a disco, but a real show with large-scale choreographic performances, vocal numbers and acrobatic etudes.
Cap Cana
If you are rich, then why not visit Cap Cana? This is a small and very young resort, one of the co-founders of which is Donald Trump. Just ten minutes drive from Punta Cana Airport, you can live in a luxurious bungalow with private access to the ocean. Beauty, cleanliness and level of service in Cap Can go far beyond the conventional scale of five stars. The cost of all this happiness is rather big, which is why businessmen and Hollywood stars fly here all the time.
Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic
Caribbean Sea washes southern part Dominican Republic, so the two most obvious differences between the local resorts from the northern and eastern ones are the absence of waves and higher water temperatures. The capital of the state, the city of Santo Domingo, is located on the Caribbean coast, and the famous islands of Beata and Elephant are also located here.
The best resorts on the south coast of the Dominican Republic
Boca Chica
Located near the capital of the Dominican Republic, the Boca Chica resort can be classified as affordable and affordable. At the same time, the moderate cost of vouchers here in no way affects the conditions of rest or the level of service. Families with children primarily seek Boca Chica: the resort has the unofficial title of the largest bath in the world due to the always warm and calm water and a very gentle entrance to the sea. Boca Chica Beach is considered the cleanest on the entire southern coast: the coral reef takes on everything that waves can bring here, and natural underwater springs constantly feed the bay with crystal clear water.
The history of Boca Chica dates back only a few decades, so the resort cannot offer any special attractions to its guests. Most interesting place of the city is Calle Duarte, where most of the entertainment venues are concentrated.
Diving is a must in Boca Chica: the area is ideal for your debut in scuba diving, and there are two shipwrecks in the La Caleta Underwater Park! In the immediate vicinity of the coast of Boca Chica, there are two tiny islands - La Matica and Los Pinos, which can even be reached on your own by renting a sea bike. The first is covered with mangroves, the second - with pine trees, where you can hide from human noise and feel like Robinson.
La Romana
Painting the beach beauties of La Romana is a thankless task: fine white sand, turquoise water and coconut palms are just as incredible here as in the already described Dominican resorts. The main focus of La Romana is quiet and peaceful family holiday. Despite the fact that the city is over 500 years old, it is also not very rich in attractions: living a quiet life of a hard worker, La Romana has been known throughout its history as a center for processing sugar cane. Nevertheless, there are several interesting places in the vicinity of the resort that are worth visiting. For example, the village of artisans and artists of Altos de Chavon. Its construction was completed only in the 1990s, but all the buildings in it correspond to the canons of Italian architecture of the 16th century. The picturesque area (a hill above the gorge) and man-made beauty often attract newlyweds here for a wedding ceremony.
Near La Romana, the Chavon River flows, along which you can kayak. You should definitely visit the Cueva de las Maravillas ("Cave of Miracles"), which the skillful hands of architects turned into a real underground palace with several halls, stone bridges and stalactite arches.
Saona
While relaxing in La Romana or Punta Cana, you can go on a day trip to Saona Island. Once upon a time, a commercial for the Bounty chocolate was filmed on this island, and since then the heavenly views of Saona have been firmly imprinted in memory, and even the term "bounty island" has appeared in everyday speech, which can briefly and clearly describe the unearthly beauty of any coast. Unfortunately, it is impossible to settle here: there is not a single hotel on Saona, and the island itself is a natural reserve.
Santo Domingo
The capital of the Dominican Republic, located at the point where Osama flows into the Caribbean Sea, more than compensates for the lack of attractions in other cities in the region. Founded in 1496 by the younger brother of Christopher Columbus, Saint Domingo is the first city in the New World. The rich architectural heritage of the XV-XVI centuries allowed it to get into the UNESCO registers. An abundance of colonial era attractions in 2010 brought Santo Domingo the title of cultural capital of the Northern and South America, so get ready: there will be a lot of interesting things here!
The well-preserved Osama fortress, which protected the city from pirate raids, the Alcazar de Colon Palace, the first in the New World Cathedral- all these structures arose on the Caribbean coast at the very beginning of the 16th century! The symbol of the city is the Lighthouse of Columbus, and the remains of the great navigator are also buried here. Alleys, parks, beautiful streets, a seaside promenade framed by palm trees - walks along Santa Domingo will be long and pleasant. Nature lovers will also not have to regret that they have chosen the most Big City Dominican Republic: there is a botanical garden, an aquarium, a unique cave complex and a zoo.
Juan Dolio
Between Santo Domingo and La Romana, on the shores of a beautiful bay, there is another popular resort in the Dominican south - Juan Dolio. The town is small and calm, so mostly lovers of peace and tranquility rest here. Comfortable hotels of various price categories are located along the wide sandy strip of the continuous beach. Diving and snorkelling of the highest Dominican quality, hiking and cycling in the surroundings, visiting a nearby flower farm will diversify your measured rest. The excellent location of Juan Dolio allows you to go to see the sights of Santo Domingo or admire the caves of La Romana at any time. It remains to be added that the Dominicans themselves prefer to relax in Juan Dolio, and the inhabitants of this country know something about resorts.
Barahona
This resort is located in the southwest of the Dominican Republic, at its very border with Haiti on the Pedernales Peninsula. It cannot be included in the list of the most popular due to the fact that it is a little more difficult to get to it. Yes, and huge hotel complexes not here either, but the main wealth of Barahona is amazing nature. First, they are deserted wild beaches in a bay surrounded by mountains. Secondly, a variety of picturesque water objects - rivers, lakes, waterfalls. Thirdly, the Barahona is surrounded by unique natural parks and reserves where you can meet iguanas, flamingos, lizards and crocodiles. Also here is mysterious place- Polo Magnetico. If you leave the car in neutral gear in this anomalous zone, then you can observe the rarest optical illusion: the car will crawl itself ... up!
