A long white sand beach protected by a coral reef that keeps the swimming waters calm and clear. The beachfront has a full service strip with resorts, beach clubs, and water sports operators along the entire Bavaro-Punta Cana corridor.
A natural cenote inside the Scape Park ecological reserve with turquoise water over 30 meters deep. The site combines the cenote swim with cliff jumping platforms and zip lines through the surrounding limestone cliffs.
A local beach outside the resort zone known for surfing waves and beach shacks selling fresh fish. The waves break further out than Bavaro and the atmosphere is distinctly Dominican compared to the all-inclusive corridor.
A private ecological reserve with freshwater lagoons, native flora trails, and a petting zoo of small rescued animals. The reserve protects a string of swimming lagoons through primary forest on the eastern edge of the resort area.
The oldest colonial quarter in the Americas, with cobblestone streets, the first cathedral of the New World, and the Fortaleza Ozama tower. Walking tours cover the central plaza, the colonial mansions, and the waterfront at the Malecón.
The oldest cathedral in the Americas, built between 1512 and 1540 in late Gothic style. The interior combines Renaissance and Mudéjar details, with the tombs of several colonial archbishops in the side chapels.
A cave system with three freshwater lakes connected by underground passages, plus a fourth lake open to the sky. The site is a short drive east of the colonial city and combines an open-air lake visit with a guided boat ride across the underground lagoon.
A monumental mausoleum on the western edge of Santo Domingo said to house the remains of Christopher Columbus. The building combines modernist concrete forms with a cross-shaped interior and an exhibition on the explorer's voyages.
A 40-meter waterfall inside a tropical gorge reached by horseback or hiking from the village of El Limon. The trail descends into the canyon through cacao groves before reaching the pool at the base of the falls.
A long coconut-lined beach on the northeastern coast of the Samana peninsula with a European-influenced beach town behind it. The beach combines swimming sections with surf breaks further along the coast.
A large natural bay where humpback whales gather between January and March to breed and calve. Boat tours depart from Samana town and offer close encounters with mothers and calves in the protected bay waters.
The only cable car in the Caribbean, climbing 800 meters from the Puerto Plata waterfront to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres. The summit has a replica of Christ the Redeemer, botanical gardens, and panoramic views across the northern coast.
A canyon system of 27 cascading pools and waterfalls that visitors traverse by jumping, sliding, and swimming. The tours cover between 7 and 27 falls depending on the package, with full safety equipment included.