Dominican Republic a Unique Experience ... Beautiful Caribbean Beaches, Extraordinary Water Sports, Adrenaline Pumping Adventures

The Dominican Republic is and incredible mix of environments. You will be surprised at the adventure and variety of things to do here.

There is so much you can do. Here you will find nine life, or ecological zones. Its this diversity that makes this country so remarkable and exciting.

The Dominican Republic has the highest and lowest sea level points in the Caribbean with Pico Duarte at 10,128 feet above and Lake Enriguillo at 144 feet below. In between these elevations is a playground of environments from tropical rainforest to arid desert. These areas are full of adventures and activities that will get your adrenaline rushing, your heart racing and your senses bursting.

BEACHES

The Dominican Republic's beaches are widely celebrated as being among the world's best, and for good reason. Here, more than 1,000 miles of white sand with coconut palm trees is gently lapped by warm waters so clear and blue you have to see it to believe.

Water Sports

Surfing

Just a five minute car ride outside of Cabarete is Playa Encuentro, a beach known throughout the country for great surfing conditions.

Glass-Bottom Boats

This is the fastest way to reach the reefs for snorkeling. It's also a great way to see the reefs if you prefer to stay dry.

White-water rafting

White water flows from the mountains through canyons and jungle and out to sea. The hottest white water rafting location is on the Yaque del Norte in the central mountain area. This is the largest river in the DR and has exhilarating class III to V rapids including a 12-foot drop named "Mike Tyson."

Kiteboarding

One of the fastest growing water sports, this surfing-like activity uses a huge kite to capture the wind as you balance on a board. Kite Beach in Cabarete is considered the sport's world capital.

Windsurfing

Cabarete on the north coast is considered the world capital of windsurfing. It draws many competitions in the World Cup Windsurfing Competition held every June.

Kayaking

Kayaking is most popular in the central region along the Yaque del Norte and Jimenoa rivers near Jarabacoa. Both rivers provide a mix of white water with sharp turns and precipitous drops. Intermediate kayakers will enjoy the challenge of class III and IV rapids, while those with more experience can tackle the advanced sections of class V rapids.

Land Adventures

Rock Climbing

The Dominican Republic is considered to be one of the world's best rocking destinations among those who know the rope. With four mountain ranges, the country provides a great landscape for your personal adventure.

Cascading

"Cascade" is an adverturous sport where you make multiple jumps with at least one through a waterfall and into the pool at the bottom. The Salto de Jimenoa waterfall is a recommended spot but the pinnacle cascading course is Damajagua, near Puerto Plata. This series of falls has 28 water jumps.

Caving

There are hundreds of caves throughout the Dominican Republic, the majority of which are located in the country's numerous national parks.

Caving tours out of Punta Cana start with a horseback through Los Haitises National Park to the mouth of "Fun Fun Cave." You then descend on a rope with a free fall of more than 60 feet into the cave. Once inside, you can explore colorful tunnels and mystical underground rivers.

Sandboarding

Another new sport appearing on the horizon is sandboarding. with a modified snowboard. Two areas in the Dominican Republic are quickly becoming known to sandboarding enthusiasts.

Waterfalls

Salto de Jimenoa Located in Jarabacoa National Park, is a 131-foot waterfall. You get there by a hiking trail and narrow suspension bridge. The cold water of the Yaque del Norte cascades into the pool below. Lush vegetation surrounds the rocky canyon area.

Mountain Climbing

Pico Duarte is not for the weak. The peak reaches 10,128 feet above sea level, the highest in the Caribbean. As part of the "Dominican Alps," the climb is strenuous but achievable, especially with the assistance of a guide and a mule to carry packs up the mountain.

Horseback Riding

Many tours include horseback riding as a way to reach points of interest. But for equestrians seeking a longer, more concentrated time with a horse, the northern mountain range of the Domincan Republic can provide an ideal place to go.

Island Exploring

There are hundreds of islands to explore. Isla Saona, the most popular section of Parque Nacional del Este, has been described as a "Robinson Crusoe" fantasy come true.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is one of the most exhilarating ways to see the Dominican Republic. The bikes allow you to reach places where most visitors can't go.

Whale watching

From January through March, Samana Bay is nearly taken over by humpback whales. For centuries, thousands of these mammals make an annual trip to spend winter in the warm waters of the Dominican Republic.

Motor Sports

Four-Wheeling/ATV

Several tours give you exciting options to get around. Some have jeeps or mountain bikes, while others have monster trucks. Depending on your level of adventure, an ATV may be the right choice. Cruising on the rough roads of the Dominican countryside, the ATVs can take you through tropical woods and rushing rivers. Riders are sure to get wet.

Monster Trucks and Off Road Runners

Very popular with visitors of all ages, Monster Truck and Runner tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the Dominican Republic's countryside while getting a first-hand glimpse of Dominican living. Different from the Jeep or Expedition tours, someone else does the driving while riders sit back and enjoy the view - and the bumps.

Jeep Safaris and Expeditions

Jeep Safaris and Expeditions put you behind the wheel of your own four-by-four Jeep or "fun truck" on rustic roads. Find secluded beaches and learn about local customs while being surrounded by lush vegetation.

Helicopter Tours

The Dominican Republic's coastline is some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean thanks to an expansive coral system, unending beaches and lush jungle forests. And there's no better way to see it than by air.

GOLF

The Dominican Republic has become one of the hottest spots to tee-off in the Caribbean, if not the world. Here golfers will find 26 signature courses designed by legends such as Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo.

You don't need to worry about packing golf clubs or even knowing how to golf. Each course offers affordable club rentals and internationally recognized golf pros for lessons. The courses of the Dominican Republic promise a challenging and unique experience.

ARTS, CULTURE, AND SPORTS

The spirit and charm of the Dominican Republic is captured in its music, food, and national pastimes. Known for its professional winter baseball, handcrafted cigars, and annual music festivals, the culture of the Dominican Republic is never stodgy, or boring. It's always an artful and colorful expression of life.

Even the museums and archeological sites are vibrant, bringing the daring history of the Dominican Republic alive with antique treasures, dazzling jewels, and the cavernous time capsules left to us by a long lost culture. In the Dominican Republic, culture really means adventure.