I feel like a 19 and 17 year old would have a blast there. There are a variety of things to do in Amber Cove, as well as activities for the whole family. The country's museums shed an important light on the countrys fascinating history. Swim around or engage in exciting water sports. What I have noticed, many people inside the pantheon behave inappropriately, talking loudly, posing for photos, some laughing, this behavior may be reprehensible. 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. If you know a little bit of Spanish or even speak the language, youll face no issues getting about and getting by. Off the coast of Saman, Cayo Levantados beach is a perfect daytime escape, with restaurants on site. By visiting dolphinariums, youre contributing to it. One of the nicest things to do in the Dominican Republic is to experience the capuchin monkeys, and the best way to do so is to visit a park, such as Monkeyland, where trained guides monitor encounters with the animals. WebPrice for an excursion: 65 euros or 73 dollars. In an effort to earn some money for my time and effort, I often link to various products. 7) Dont Forget to Haggle! The so-called hurricane season should be factored in when planning a trip to the Caribbean islands. Stroll the pedestrian Calle El Conde, lined with shops, outdoor sidewalk art, restaurants and cafes. After you visit the chocolate factory and eating a hearty traditional Dominican lunch, get the chance to roam around Museo Hermanas Mirabal. Nearby, Parque Duarte is a favorite of the LGBT community. I have also been greeting the security guards on my way to work (see tip #1) should something happen to me while walking to work, I know I have someone watching my back. As if the mainland didnt have enough beaches, the Dominican Republic counts a handful of offshore islands with spectacular white sand beaches. In each locale, youll discover even more beaches or features of natural beauty, and there are often easy excursions available such as boat trips, waterfall tours, and even horseback riding to enjoy. Amber Cove was an $85 million dollar investment by the Carnival Corporation that opened in 2015. Fortaleza San Luis. Its the ultimate place to check out cruise reviews and find awesome deals on cruises, too. Facebook Santo Domingo boasts a historical Colonial Zone as well as lots of shopping (read my post about what to do in Santo Domingo). Bayahibe is a town located at the southeast of La Romana. One day, there was a free coffee tasting in port where we learned about coffee production in the Dominican Republic. Be forewarned: the Department of State advises US citizens to avoid the use of novelty stamps in USA passports, as they deem that it causes damage to the passport. Not many people know the existence of this exotic and naturally beautiful destination. Youll be traversing along jungle trails, cliff jumping, and even sliding on some of the falls cascades. These arent too far from the pool area. Its one of the best ways to see the beautiful natural scenery from up above, combined with a thrilling ride. Its a good idea to order a rich cup of coffee to taste freshly roasted beans from the Dominican Republic. Did I miss reading about the cable car ride up and down the mountain? A colmado is primarily a local convenience store. Its almost like an Amber Cove excursion that you dont need to book in advance and its available at no cost to everyone on the cruise ship. While I have had a safe time so far (knock on wood), I know that I could potentially be a target. Sarah K. is a New York native who moved to the Dominican Republic to teach and to experience living abroad. Surfing at Cabarete beaches - one of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic. Twitter A traditional Easter food here is Habichuelas con Dulce. This is one of the most inhumane slaughters in the world. Lake Enriquillo is the largest lake in the Dominican Republic and the entire Caribbean. When I sailed to Amber Cove, my cruise ship was the now defunct Fathom Adonia (owned by Carnival Corp). The Los Tres Ojos National Park is home to an open-air limestone cave with three eye-shaped lakes inside. 1. So if you have a You can find them on the shore excursions section of your cruise booking for both Princess and Carnival Cruises. Coco Bongo is a bar in downtown Punta Cana known for its incredible parties. Official taxi cabs stick to designated pickup neighborhoods. She is currently based between Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Washington, D.C. Aside from interesting fossils, youll also learn more about the amber business in the Dominican Republic. Beyond its renowned beaches and over a thousand miles of coastline, youll find mountain ranges, offshore islands, lakes and waterfalls, offering plenty to do outdoors. Learn how your comment data is processed. Weve already told you about some awesome things to do in the Dominican Republic, but what about the things NOT to do there? For example, if you get into a public car, greet the other passengers with saludos or buen dia, or others may consider you to be a rude person. But with all the fun, its also easy to get sunburnt before you realize it. If you want to take a break from the palm trees and beaches, visit Constanza for its cool temperatures and rolling valleys. This is an Amber Cove Aqua Zone price list. Its also a good idea to bring along mosquito repellant, your own water bottle, and of course, your camera. When you venture over to the Amber Cove Aqua Zone, there are so many fun and free things to do. This applies if youre staying at an all inclusive resort as they also accept U.S.$. Best Things to Do in Amber Cove: Go Shopping The shops at the Amber Cove cruise port are open when the ships are in port. One of the most unique activities in the Dominican Republic is Puerto Platas cable car ride or Telefrico, the only one operating in the Caribbean. Join an excursion to reach all 27 waterfalls along the Damajaqua River. There is a car rental agency inside Amber Cove (Alamo / National), but it is temporarily closed. This lively beach town boasts the best windsurfing and kitesurfing in the Caribbean. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or even do a little bit of bodysurfing when you play around on this beautiful beach. Amber mining has been a massive business in the country for centuries. Or find a smaller, out-of-the-way branch, and go in the late morning when everyone is at work, if possible. Nature lovers and history fans will enjoy their stay in the Dominican Republic. This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. You can do it out of ignorance, or you can do it simply out of vanity, personally, I dont think that visiting foreigners can show off in public out of vanity, mostly when it happens it is out of ignorance or overconfidence. This is the perfect place to kick back and relax. If you have many errands to run, block out an hour or two just to take care of business at the bank. Its always best to check if your hotel includes airport transfer services with your booking. Nightlife in Santo Domingo: Bars, Clubs, & More. 1) Dont Forget to Relax Here, you can still experience the joys of the sea without getting wet. Enjoy discovering new things about the old Spanish era in the Dominican Republic. Its safe to say that you wont ever get bored while youre here. Try mang, a deliciously seasoned mound of mashed green plantains topped with sauted red onions, for breakfast or sancocho, a hearty stew combining various meats and roots vegetables, served with a side of white rice and avocado slices. You can also take photos with the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hodelpa Nicols de Ovando. Here, youll learn more about the countrys history. Combined with on site music and food, youll get a solid glimpse of the locals passion and natural talent for baseball. And youll enjoy a trip with no unfortunate mishaps. 5) Dont Forget to Bring Change 10) Dont Stop Being Cautious It is also near the Puerto Plata airport. Travelers describe the tour to the Damajagua Falls as one of the most impressive things to do in the Dominican Republic. 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. The main spoken language in the Dominican Republic remains Spanish. Since youre already in the Samana Peninsula, make sure to visit its incredible beaches like Cayo Levantado, Playa Rincon, and Playa Bonita. I recommend that you try to use the wifi from the coffee shop in Amber Cove, Cafe El Cibao. Zona Colonial is the historic neighborhood in Santo Domingo. Some even pop some in the pot when cooking sweet dishes. Im not sure if that exists anymore, so please dont use that as a likely place to find wifi in Amber Cove. We leave on February 2nd. Great information. Wear adequate clothing and slap some sunscreen onto exposed parts of your body. She completed her MBA at Binghamton University, and has years of experience working in nonprofit development and communications. The flat-topped mountain offers unobstructed views of the northern region of the Dominican Republic. Do you want to see one of the best views of Amber Cove? Other cities have their own charm and beautiful scenery. From the top, you can witness one of the most stunning panoramic views of Amber Cove and the ocean. You can practice your merengue and bachata dance skills anywhere in the country, whether on the beach or at your resorts nightclub, in local bars and at concerts. Wonder at the beautiful cave system inside the park. Fortunately, in the Dominican Republic, there is not an alarming level of robberies as I have seen in other countries, for example, in certain countries in South America you should be EXTREMELY careful even with the people who approach you. You can also spend some time in Bavaros shopping mall, Plaza Palma Real. Make sure to sample some of their Mediterranean-inspired dishes like the glazed lamb shank and caprese salad. Some of the more unmissable local dishes include chicharron (fried pork skins) and tostones (fried plantains) as snacks. Make the first stop at the Estero Hondo Marine Mammal Sanctuary to spot manatees. Play and win in pesos, and youll often find it hard to change them to dollars. Continue to Playa Ensenada nearby, lined with outdoor cooks and picnic tables for Dominican seafood or chicken lunch. They expect you to negotiate down to the last cent. Its worth the uphill hike, trust me! You can also lounge around Playa Cabarete, go for a swim in the cool waters, or eat a bite at the many food shops in the area. Alternatively, you can have a hands on chocolate making experience at a womens cooperative, Chocal. Christopher Columbus first landed in Hispaniola in 1492, and the Dominican Republic became a Spanish Colony a year later. Leave a Comment. Lets explore the best things to do in the Dominican Republic: 1. You make this possible. The most popular and widely attended parades take place in La Vega, Santiago and Puerto Plata. All Rights Reserved. Carnival masks with descriptions surround the fountain. 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). Aquamundo Sambil is a small aquarium with 72 displays featuring sea life in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. The two- to three-day expedition will have you camping under the stars as you make your way to the summit at sunrise. The usual access known for the park is via Samana. Just be sure to head up early, as clouds tend to form around Im sure the prices have gone up since 2016, but this will give you an idea of the costs. When I say poorly dressed, I mean that you should not visit this place with sleeveless shirts, very short skirts, flip-flops, ect. Heres a list of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic. It has cobble-covered alleys and beautiful limestone walls. The Teleferico is the only complete cable car ride in the entire Caribbean. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Tropical Casa Laguna, Cap CanaSanto Domingo, DR 23000(809) 469-7484. There are also booths showcasing the goods produced by companies affiliated with the Carnival and Princess volunteer activities, like Repapel (recycled paper products) and Chocal (locally made chocolate). 3) Dont Expect to Ride Alone Youll find a central park in almost every town you visit, whether beachside or inland. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'kiskeyalife_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',650,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kiskeyalife_com-leader-3-0');When you visit the Dominican Republic, most likely you will have to take a cab (they dont have a taximeter), you will want to buy some gifts, ect, you should know beforehand the local currency and an approximate cost of things. Web1 1-Disrespecting sacred places. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of centuries-old landmarks like Alcazar de Colon, Puerta del Conde, and Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. But the Habichuela con Dulce was actually pretty good! Youll also find all the usual port shops that youll see at every cruise port (Diamonds International, Del Sol, etc). Cabarete is a small town located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, in the province of Puerto Plata. When its raining or cold outside, spend the day in Aquamundo. Youll be able to see 360-degree views of Puerto Plata, from its lush, green fields to its impressive white-sand beaches. Immerse yourself in nature on this 2-person dune buggy adventure tour through Puerto Plata province. I'm Lauren Yakiwchuk, nice to meet you! I am used to beans with a savory flavor, so I was hesitant to try this dish. Art 2. Be open to last-minute plans: youll never know when someone will invite you to a concert or on a day trip to the beach. See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. Aside from beaches, Punta Cana is also known for its impressive marinas and incredible fine dining choices. These do come at a cost, anywhere from $300 for a basic cabana to over $1000 a day for a Grand Cabana, but its an incredibly memorable way to spend the day at Amber Cove. Feel the romance at La Yola Local providers include Claro, Altice Dominicana, and Viva. It is one of the main attractions in the Dominican Republic. Wander down to the Information Center in Amber Cove. A one-way fare from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata downtown is $35.00 USD (25 minute drive). The pool has over 1000 loungers all around it, so you wont have any issues finding a place to take it easy. Our Gear, Join our Community! On shore, you cant miss seeing iguanas freely roaming the grounds. What Not To Do in the Dominican Republic - Beachtown Property orboth, Video: 8 Things That Surprise Americans About Europe, Most Common Mistakes When Taking a Flight. Remarkable colonial architecture awaits in the countrys capital Santo Domingo and there are lush sugar plantations, picturesque villages, and mountain retreats in small towns like Constanza. Justin Plus Lauren is one of the first vegan travel blogs - I've been vegan since 2009 and vegetarian all my life. Just so you dont misunderstand me, this is not a problem in reputable tourist areas, such as hotels, this is a street problem, in neighborhoods and clandestine places. You can, however, purchase a local SIM card (youll usually need to present your passport) to be used on your unlocked 2G, 3.5G, or 4G LTE-enabled smartphone. It is considered by most as one of the most thrilling activities in Puerto Plata. Enjoy the trip to Hoyo Azul, as youll be doing a lot of zip lines. As diverse as the landscape are the culture and history from the Taino days to the Spanish colonial years with the arrival of enslaved Africans, and the influx of immigrants from Europe, Asia, the U.S., and the Middle East. It offers terrific views of the Caribbean while youre zooming around. Hike Pico Duarte, the Caribbeans Highest Peak, Go Humpback Whale Watching in the Bay of Saman. Boca Chica Beach is one of the most developed beaches in the country. Thank you so much. Gawp down at the Hoyo Azul. Enjoy the beautiful views of Puerto Plata when you reach the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres. On your walk, be sure to find the iconic Amber Cove sign by the waterfront. Your email address will not be published. 2.What Not To Do in the Dominican RepublicDont stick to a schedule, Dominicans are very relaxed with time and move at a different pace than in the states. This lively beach town boasts the best windsurfing and kitesurfing in the.. 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