21 Things to do in Dominican Republic

21 Things to do in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is one of the worlds most geographically diverse nations for its size. Lakes are calm and clear. Rivers can go from looking glass smooth to raging rapids with plummeting waterfalls and cool, refreshing pools. Dominican Republic has some of the most beautiful white and dark sand beaches in the world.






Here is a list of hot tops :

1. Jarabacoa Waterfalls
Take a trip into the country's lush interior to Jarabacoa, the heart of the Dominican Republic's emerging eco-tourism scene. Set in the Cordillera Central mountains (referred to as the Dominican Alps) Jarabacoa's biggest attraction is its waterfalls, El Salto de Baiguate, Salto Jimenoa Uno and Salto Jimenoa Dos.

2. Parque Zoologico Nacional
Parque Zoológico Nacional is one of the largest and best-tended zoos in Latin America and can be found in the capital city of Santo Domingo. The zoo exhibits a wide variety of animals, including both local and imported species. Visitors can opt to take the guided tour in the zoo´s train for a moderate fee.
This 400 acres park has become such a common place for travelers in the area because of its magnificence, size, and unique mammals and animals. Hutia, a mammal, is very rare and is characterized by its very large ears, is the most interesting of the animals.

3. Cuevas de las Maravillas
The Caves of Miracles, is the massive 800-meter-long cave system in the hill of Aracena. The tour takes about an hour to complete. Tour guides lead small groups down long, well-lit footpaths that open to some of the most spectacular cave formations available to the world. There are large caverns dotted with stalactites and stalagmites, most still in drop-by-drop calcium-rich formation after thousands of years. Aside from the majestic rock formations, the caves also feature about 500 wall paintings created by the ancient Taino civilization.

4. Estadio Quisqueya
Estadio Quisqueya was built in 1955 as Estadio Trujillo, during the Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina dictatorship, taking the Bobby Maduro Miami Stadium as the design base. Baseball is by far the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic. This outdoor stadium underwent a major aesthetic renovation in 2007.
It is the only stadium in Dominican Republic to host two different baseball teams, The Licey Tigers (Tigres del Licey) and the Escogido Lions (Leones del Escogido). It is often used as a multi-use stadium. It now holds about 16,500 people after its renovation.

5. Samana Bay Whales
Every year around 2000 to 3000 male and female humpback whales gather in the protected waters around the Dominican Republic to mate and calve. Listen to the male humpbacks solitary courting song and witness incredible displays of flippering, tail bobbing and breaching by the most active species of great whale in the Atlantic. A marine mammal specialist is available on hand to explain what you are seeing.






6. Casa de Campo
The Casa de Campo resort has "Teeth of the Dog" course, located along the southern coast of the island, is a wildly popular, award-winning course designed by Pete & Alice Dye nearly 30 years ago. In 1975, Gulf along with Western people, developed 7,000 acres of its Central Romana sugar mill's land into the Casa de Campo resort. Situated in La Romana on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo is a Ponderosa-style, tropical seaside resort. The first to enjoy the luxuries of this enclave were friends of the late Charles Bluhdorn.

7. Alcazar de Colon
The Alcazar de Colon was the monumental home of the first viceroy of the Americas and is the “icon of colonization,” according to Museum Director Eva Camilo. This building, which displays items belonging to Columbus' family, was built in the 1500s by the son of Christopher Columbus, Diego and his wife. Besides experiencing the value of the Alcázar’s collection and architecture, visitors will experience the Alcázar with life.

8. The Botanical Garden
The 'Jardin Botanico' is a nice place to enjoy tall trees or even beautiful flowers. Take the motorized train that goes all the way around the park and the guide tells everystory about it. There is a orquid centre to enjoy the different kinds, and also a small shop if you want to get one. The Japanese Garden is the centre of attraction here, so walk through the park and have a colorful experience of the scenting flowers you passby.

9. The Tower Of Homage
The Fortaleza Ozama, a 16th century castle built by the Spanish at the entrance to Santo Domingo, was designed to guard the entrance to the port of Santo Domingo and defend the city from seaborne enemies. Construction on Fortaleza Ozama began in 1502 and continued for the next two hundred years. During that time, the fort was used as a military garrison and prison. An imposing structure running along the eastern edge of the Zona Colonial, this is the oldest fort in the America.






10. Isla Saona
Isla Saona is an ideal beach getaway for a day’s excursion by catamaran. Saona Island lies just off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic and is 15 miles long by 3 miles wide. Lovely beaches fringe this remote slice of heaven with a population of only 300 persons.The best swimming place would be at Mano Juan and Punta Gorda with electric blue waters and white sand beaches.

11. A Marinarium Heaven
The marine life of the Dominican Republic’s prized offshore reefs is preserved and exhibited at the Marinarium marine park. Few boats heads out to the reef and provides all the facilities of a mini island at sea. You can also arrange a stingray encounter, kayak across the waves, snorkel, sunbathe on flotation mats, and enjoy snacks and drinks on-board the explorer. This trip has great reviews and it has been described as "Heaven".

12. Monster Trucks
A Monster Truck Tour is a must do while you are visiting Dominican Republic if you want to see the countryside that most never get to see. This excursion leaves from Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and takes you on an incredible 9 to 10 hour excursion. Go where the tour buses can't go as you visit the Dominican countryside. Visit small colorful villages, a school and see how the local people live. Have a cup of coffee in a typical Dominican home, a buffet lunch and swim at the river.

13. Hug a Dolphin
At Ocean World, the interactive program enables participants to stand comfortably on a platform, approximately three feet below the water, and experience the magic of the dolphin world. You and the dolphins can share kisses, hugs,  'dances' and touch the dolphin's smooth, rubbery skin. You can even feed them some fishy treats, all while posing for some once in a lifetime photos since they offer an up-close-and-personal opportunity for guests of all ages to meet these incredible mammals in the safety and comfort of waist deep water.

14. Sail over Caribbean
Enjoy a slow and relaxing sail from Punta Cana, over the crystal clear aqua waters of the Caribbean, along the stunning, white sandy coastline of Bavaro. Feel the wind in your hair. Plunge into the water on the biggest slide in Bavaro. Relax under the sun in a natural swimming pool with a floating bar on hand, or visit a sunken freighter laying in the shallow waters.






15. Speedboat Ride
Feel the pumped up adrenaline while driving your own speedboat to a designated snorkel site where the magic will unfold. The Aquatic guides will point out the main points of interest, and you will soon discover where the true beauty lies, beneath the sea.

16. Manati Park
Manati Park has developed a new concept of fun with animals. Visit the iguanas, flamingos, tropical birds, snakes, crabs, sea lions, dolphins. You may caress them and discover their world by the hand of our experienced keepers. Dolphins, parrots and tropical orchids are the star attractions at the Manati theme park. Dont miss the sea lion show, it is the best in the world.

17. Casino Dominicus
Opened in 2007, Casino Dominicus, across from the Iberostar, is the newest entertainment hotspot on the island. The high ceilings, gold accents and regal carpeting create an elegant atmosphere to enjoy one of the casino's over 20 game tables. It showcases entertainment in Las Vegas-style shows in a 1,000-seat theater; there's also a disco with local bands, restaurants, and shopping - all with a Caribbean flamboyance. Gamblers visit one of 23 table games, 300 slots, or in the sports book.

18. El Conuco
Santo Domingo's cozy El Conuco restaurant is the place to go for authentic Dominican cuisine. At El Conuco they offer an exquisite lunch or dinner buffet, depending on your visiting hour. They also have a great variety of ala carte dishes, so that you may eat according to your taste. El Conuco has won prizes at the Dominican Gastronomical Festival.

19. Pat'e Palo
Pat'e Palo offers several dining areas, including a first-floor patio with space for 50 guests, a second-level patio for up to 12 guests, and a second-floor private captain's lounge with space for 50 guests. Pat'e Palo's cozy interior features white linens, exposed brick, high arched ceilings and gleaming dark woods.
Pat'e Palo is the first European brasserie in Santo Domingo. Pat'e Palo specializes in European fare accented with tropical elements, including Angus skirt steak marinated in curry and honey with green chile, coriander and lime sauce. Sometimes live guitar music is played completing the authentic ambiance.

20. The Royal Houses Museum
Housed in the 16th century Palace of the Governor General and Palace of Royal Audiences once the colonial administrative center for the Spanish West Indies, the museum tells Santo Domingo's history from 1492 through 1821. The museum's interior, marked by gothic Isabeline decorations, white porcelain brick arches and sweeping staircases, makes the structure itself as fascinating as the collections it houses. The museum also features pre-Columbian art and replicas of the Christopher Columbus' Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Guests can browse through thousands of artifacts, tapestries, maps, arms and armor, as well as re-creations of several royal halls.

21. The Cathedral
The most important monument of Santo Domingo is Catedral Primada de America. It was constructed from 1514 to 1546. Its complete translated name is the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of our Lady Holy Mary of the Incarnation. The cathedral’s design comprises late Gothic and Renaissance elements. For hundred of years the remains of Christopher Columbus and his son were supposedly-interred near the cathedral’s main altar until their removal to the Faro de Colon.

- By Sunil R Yadav

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