Milk candy? Immerse yourself in the passion of dancing to merengue and salsa while enjoying traditional foods and drink. There used to be free wifi at the Fathom Impact Center. Dont ask prices with a clueless face, and it is valid to bargain prices, I have written many guides on this website about it. Credit cards are also widely accepted in the Dominican Republic notify your bank of your travel plans to be on the safe side. Here are more of our Caribbean cruise guides: Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. A one-way fare from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata downtown is $35.00 USD (25 minute drive). Here are the best things to do in the Dominican Republic for couples, kids, adults, families, and for the weekend! I get called Rubia (blondie) on the street due to my brown hair. At the Amber Cove Aqua Zone, theres a huge swimming pool with two water slides. There are so many lists of things to do in the Dominican Republic, beautiful beaches, resorts and excursions, but no one ever tells you what NOT to do. The Damajagua Falls. Lebawit Lily Girma is an award-winning travel writer, photographer, and author of several Caribbean guidebooks for Moon Travel Guides. We leave on February 2nd. If you plan on driving around the island for the day, its a good idea to rent a car. 13 13. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kiskeyalife_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',623,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kiskeyalife_com-medrectangle-4-0');Well, the Dominican Republic is not North Korea or anything like that, it is not such a drastic country, and it is oriented to tourism and good treatment of foreigners. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Viva Wyndham V Samana Adults Only All Inclusive, Centro Comercial, Carretera BarceloPunta Cana, DR 23000(809) 466-1111. You can choose from Ocean, Poolside, Hillside or Grand Cabanas. So if you have a Included transfers help you avoid the hassle of queuing or looking for a taxi cab or shuttle once youve landed at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Its similar to a little resort where there are a mix of paid and free activities. Conversely, dont be upset when people cancel social plans last minute! Arts and crafts range from wood-carved decorations to oil paintings and the Dominican faceless dolls. Start in the Colonial City tour the Alcazar de Colon, the former home of Diego Columbus turned museum, as well as the Museo de las Casas Reales. Sip, mingle and enjoy the fresh air. Nightlife in Santo Domingo: Bars, Clubs, & More. Based on folklore characters and tales, as well as syncretic religions, its an excellent time to glimpse the countrys diversity. Youll still have plenty of sun beyond summer. Two ships are able to dock at the Amber Cove cruise center at the same time. If you want to take a break from the palm trees and beaches, visit Constanza for its cool temperatures and rolling valleys. But the Habichuela con Dulce was actually pretty good! We found that it was fairly speedy, though my connection was slower during the day when many people were using it. Your cruise ship will sail into the Bay of Maimon, located just northwest of Recommended Hotel Nearby: Billini Hotel, Historic Luxury, Manolo Tavrez JustoPuerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 970-0501. Work With Us I found your article to be so helpful and informative. Dominicans take pride in the variety of their local dishes, which in many ways represent fusions between African, Spanish, and indigenous Taino influences. or In each locale, youll discover even more beaches or features of natural This is where you can get your passport stamped with an unofficial Puerto Plata stamp. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort, Spa & Casino. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or even do a little bit of bodysurfing when you play around on this beautiful beach. When I say poorly dressed, I mean that you should not visit this place with sleeveless shirts, very short skirts, flip-flops, ect. It is considered by most as one of the most thrilling activities in Puerto Plata. You may find a new favorite. The walk from the ship to Amber Cove is quite scenic. Sadly, Fathom Cruises is no longer. 1.What Not To Do in the Dominican RepublicDont ignore people. Looking for even more things to do in Amber Cove? You can stay in one place and do some beach bar-hopping to enjoy the towns vibrant nightlife scene. You might wonder how these dolphins are captured in the wild and come to live at marine theme parks. Post contains affiliate links. 5. With coffee plantations around the countrys mountainous regions, its not hard to understand why coffee plays such an important part in Dominican culture. Live performances are also popular and an important part of the culture. orboth, Video: 8 Things That Surprise Americans About Europe, Most Common Mistakes When Taking a Flight. We paid $20 per person to ride the zip line and we were able to ride it an unlimited amount of times all day. There are palm trees, fountains, man-made waterfalls, and flowers all around. Simply bookmark this list to add as a quick reference to your plans for visiting the Dominican Republic. Alcanfor is a plant that they use for medicinal purposes to treat arthritis, asthma, back-ache, bronchitis, flatulence, headache and many other conditions. Make sure to wear durable water shoes for your trip. El Sendero del Cacao is an interactive and educational tour inside the La Esmeralda farm in San Francisco de Macoris. You can ask for the password at the Impact Center. I dont think a reasonable foreigner would come to the Dominican Republic to buy adulterated alcohol for consumption, but I will put it on the list because this is a real warning. Thank you so much. If you enjoyed this post, pass it on They are obtained by methods called drive fisheries. I really wish that these kinds of parks no longer existed. The Los Haitises National Park is a 1,600-square-kilometer park that was established in 1976. Write it down. This is something very basic in any part of the world where you go as a tourist, but in the Dominican Republic, if you look like the typical clueless foreigner when buying something, people will kill you. Take a tour of La Aurora Cigar Factory in Santiago, where youll learn about the entire cigar making process. What else shouldnt you do in the Dominican Republic as a tourist? These hunky, adorable men may look just perfect. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","ac5183e358409809e0861593b2d4c548");document.getElementById("e709d2034c").setAttribute("id","comment");Comment *. She is currently based between Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Washington, D.C. On a hot day, why not order an iced coffee? Roam the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Youll be able to admire your ship in port from the hammock. Coco Bongo is a bar in downtown Punta Cana known for its incredible parties. You can also play in U.S.$ at casinos and win in dollars. I also own a second blog called Ontario Hiking, all about hiking in Ontario, Canada. So always remember these three rules: Cook it, Peel it, or Forget it! Travelers describe the tour to the Damajagua Falls as one of the most impressive things to do in the Dominican Republic. This is the same as the previous example, I have personally seen it in both tourists and locals. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Dreams Dominicus La Romana Resort & Spa, John F. Kennedy AvenueSanto Domingo, DR 10413(829) 547-4014. WebGolf fans will want to book a stay at Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic for the chance to experience the resorts beautiful 18-hole golf course designed by the famous Beware of inflated (or absence of) prices at restaurants and bars. Head up to the Sky Bar! Dominicans are naturally friendly people. Safe travels! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unless you say un poquito which is kind of a bit. Theres a 650 foot zip line that runs across the Aqua Zone of Amber Cove. Similar to Princess Cruises Princess Cays and Royal Caribbeans CocoCay, only Carnival brand ships will sail here (the cruise lines are Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line). Located in the remote southwest, Lake Enriquillo lies 60 feet below sea level, and is the largest lake in the Caribbean region. One of the exciting curiosities in the exhibit is the fossilized 17-inch ancient lizard. Dont be afraid to try new food! The effects of the suns rays tend to be stronger around the white-sand beaches. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. It is very common among foreigners who visit the country to dress in a very uncomplicated way due to the climate, but this is not appropriate when visiting any state institution, university, library, or church. Are you looking to book a cruise? Feel like youre in the past when you visit the old colonial palace of Christopher Colombus family, the Alcazar de Colon. This parks rainforests were once used as a filming location for the cult classic movie. Youve never seen water this blue before. Web1) Don't Forget to Relax The Dominican Republic has an easy-going rhythm of life accentuated by the sea. Since its beginnings in 1995, no other single resource covers the world of cruising as thoroughly as Cruise Critic. Visit the archeological museum and the Roman-style amphitheater. Beyond the national dish la bandera dominicana (a plate of rice and beans with stewed chicken and a side salad) there are local specialties you should sample. While youre in the area, visit Isla Cabritos as well. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Travel back to the past when you visit this 16th-century style village. So, its really up to you if youd like to take the risk. Hop on a boat tour led by a park ranger, and youll spot crocs of all sizes lurking beneath. Youll be able to see 360-degree views of Puerto Plata, from its lush, green fields to its impressive white-sand beaches. She completed her MBA at Binghamton University, and has years of experience working in nonprofit development and communications. 14 14. What started out as a humble fishing village is now a full-fledged vacation destination. Art 2. This is one of the best things to do in Amber Cove for free. Playa Rincon is another postcard-worthy spot that youll definitely want to visit. Learn more about chocolates history and how it became an integral part of the Dominican Republics culture. There are a number of hammocks around Amber Cove where you can sway with a view. I've done it many times on my travels. For those who have mobility issues, there are employees riding around on carts that can take you from point A to point B. Its completely free to catch a ride. Still, there is another easy way to go from Sabana de la Mar in Hato Mayor. Driving. Off the coast of Saman, Cayo Levantados beach is a perfect daytime escape, with restaurants on site. Please keep this in mind if you ever decide to visit this place, it is totally worth it because the architecture of the place and the ambiance are impressive. As an aside, people here will wish you Buen Provecho, before eating a meal, the way Americans say Bon Apetit. Do the same for them. Learn how your comment data is processed. Travelers, what would you add to this list? Christopher Columbus 3. There are many beautiful views of the ocean, the little beach huts in Amber Cove and the cruise ships in port. Explore the surroundings of Mount Isabel de Torres. Finding all the street art, touring cigar factories, and seeing monuments are all great things to do in the city. Dreams Dominicus La Romana Resort & Spa, John F. Kennedy AvenueSanto Domingo, DR (. Kinds of parks no longer existed feel like youre in the Dominican Republic has an easy-going rhythm of life by! 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Ocean, the Alcazar de Colon visit the old colonial palace of Christopher Colombus family, way. Can sway with a view two ships are able to see 360-degree views of Puerto Plata Sendero.