Tranquilo rule. This is an Amber Cove Aqua Zone price list. The so-called hurricane season should be factored in when planning a trip to the Caribbean islands. Many whales migrate to Samana Bay during the winter season, so sightings are usually guaranteed during that time. You can even check out the exotic birds in the park. Amber mining has been a massive business in the country for centuries. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Dreams Dominicus La Romana Resort & Spa, John F. Kennedy AvenueSanto Domingo, DR 10413(829) 547-4014. Other cities have their own charm and beautiful scenery. On a hot day, why not order an iced coffee? It takes you The Dominican Republic offers plenty of opportunities to shop items that are sourced and created locally. What started out as a humble fishing village is now a full-fledged vacation destination. Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the United States and/ or other countries. Drinking alcoholic beverages in excess and then going swimming at the beach is a very bad idea. To note, June is often the hottest month and August has the most daily sunshine hours. 3 3-Buying cheap or adulterated alcohol in a clandestine manner. To stop you receiving Chiclets from a Colmado, or making off with a Sanky Panky youll want to hear our list of 10 things not to do in the Dominican Republic! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Catalonia Punta Cana All Inclusive, Related: Best Beaches in The Dominican Republic. ), enjoy organic cacao and so much more. Hope you enjoy it and if you want to read more by Sarah visit her blog here. They have so many beaches, and they also have perfect weather. WebYoull miss out on the real Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, and coastal views. 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. Swim around or engage in exciting water sports. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Dreams Punta Cana, DamajaguaPuerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 250-4200. :) Have fun on your cruise! It is also considered the lowest point in the D.R. When you go down a lengthy flight of steps, youll be able to see Aguas Azufradas, La Nevera, and Las Damas. Please note that unlike the cruise-owned private islands where you can pay with your cruise card, you must pay with cash or credit cards for everything on Amber Cove. 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. The pool has over 1000 loungers all around it, so you wont have any issues finding a place to take it easy. Alcanfor is a plant that they use for medicinal purposes to treat arthritis, asthma, back-ache, bronchitis, flatulence, headache and many other conditions. Do you want to see one of the best views of Amber Cove? When you depart the ship and enter Amber Cove, keep to the left. But, please know that you are contributing to their suffering by supporting these places. The Dominican Republic counts the highest contribution of baseball players to US Major League Baseball. The Dominican colmado is a corner mom and pop grocery store that doubles as a neighborhood bar. Hit the swells of Cabarete. I have also found restaurants and banks to move a lot more slowly than the United States. Los Tres Ojos is very close to Santo Domingo and thus a nice day trip to escape from the busy city. That is, do these two things each day before going to bed. If youre not into shopping or spending time by the pool, you may want to get out of Amber Cove to see the actual destination itself. Once you reach the top, youll get off the cable car and see a giant Christ of the Redeemer Statue, similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro. Book this Playa Dorada excursion here. Hey, sharing really is caring. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Westin Puntacana Resort & Club. Constanza is a town in the Dominican Republic known for being the coldest and highest (in elevation) town in the entire Caribbean. Still, there is another easy way to go from Sabana de la Mar in Hato Mayor. I have been told, jokingly, that the loneliest Dominican is the one who arrives on time.. Youll want to rent a locker if you plan on doing the zip line. 10) Dont Stop Being Cautious The countrys tourism boom has encouraged the expansion of existing dolphinariums and the presentation, Contents1 All the sticks are falling off2 The website idea is a light at the end of the tunnel3 Making the website, lots of errors4, The Dominican rural area is characterized by its tranquility, its unhurried lifestyle, and its incredible natural beauty. You can choose from a row of fish fry shacks, stay at one of the seaside hotels, and more. So always remember these three rules: Cook it, Peel it, or Forget it! Tourists are often conned into various compromising situations. It is the oldest inhabited European-established community in the Americas. It is where some cultural, architectural, and transportation, If you like nature, beaches with crystal clear waters, a good sunny Caribbean climate and being in contact with great biodiversity that does not represent, Contents1 The Dominican Republic Flag2 Origins of the Dominican Republic flag3 When was the Dominican Republic flag created?4 What does the Dominican flag stand for?5, Your email address will not be published. Off the coast of Puerto Plata, Cayo Arena is the tiniest offshore caye, its surrounding waters teeming with tropical fish. Work With Us So if you have a Here, youll find fascinating animals, including American crocodiles, pink flamingos, iguanas, and more. And youll enjoy a trip with no unfortunate mishaps. So if you have a hectic day-to-day life and you want to hit pause for awhile, youve come to the right place. If you live here or visit for an extended period of time, adopt the same flexible attitude. The basilicas design is unique, and many architecture fans will enjoy taking photos of it, for sure. Continue to the Museo del Hombre Dominicano, the most comprehensive in the country, covers various eras starting with the origin of Dominicans to its present day culture and society. Most people who want to swim with dolphins adore animals. Every year from mid-January through March, thousands of humpback whales make their way to the warm waters of the Bay of Saman to mate and birth. Are you looking to book a cruise? Cabarete is a town in Puerto Plata known for its beautiful beaches. Dont feel like laying in an ordinary pool lounger? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Billini Hotel, Historic Luxury, Manolo Tavrez JustoPuerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 970-0501. Subterranean Sites 4. Its accompanied by turquoise blue waters that will make you feel like youre in a true paradise. The African and African-Cuban influence is deeply present in the local dance cultrure, with merengue being the dominant beat, typically played by a three-person band. First, look back, ask yourself what I have learned today and what I have done to get closer to my goal. Amber Cove, Dominican Republic is a cruise port thats truly a destination in itself. The Dominican Republic itself lies right in the middle of the Caribbean hurricane belt, getting its fair share of stormy weather usually at its peak in August and September. From crystal clear waters and lush rainforests to centuries-old Spanish landmarks, this island country is a goldmine. Its cascades and natural pools tumble down a series of canyons. The Los Haitises National Park is a 1,600-square-kilometer park that was established in 1976. Known as Kite Beach, this Caribbean coastline is no stranger to laser sailing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. Affiliate Disclaimer:Although it may not seem like it, I tend to put a lot of effort into all the information on this websitekiskeyalife.com, I try my best to contribute. Venture inland for adrenaline-pumping adventure at the Dominican Republic's most spectacular waterfalls: the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, in Puerto Plata. A new attraction in the park is the fourth eye, Los Zaramagullones, which you can see from above. La Yola Restaurant is an open-air restaurant and bar in Marina Estates. Sure! Make sure to visit popular spots like Piedra Letrada (Taino culture stones), El Arroyazo (natural pool), and Aguas Blanca (highest waterfall in the D.R.). But certainly, I have seen many tourists making some mistakes because of ignorance of the culture, or perhaps because of overconfidence. Carnival masks with descriptions surround the fountain. It is possible to go to the beach by taking an Amber Cove shore excursion. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kiskeyalife_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',648,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kiskeyalife_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');This is something normal, it could happen to anyone, I would like to know a little bit of the culture before visiting a country so I dont mess up. siri bl [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]. You can rent lockers on site for a small fee that is refundable when you return the lock. Stay a little while when you reach the other cable car station at Mount Isabel de Torres. 4. Feel the romance at La Yola Its about a five minute walk from the cruise ship to the Amber Cove entrance. On many Princess and Carnival sailings, you can opt to participate in the social impact activities, like volunteering atRePapel, a Recycled Paper & Crafts initiative. While the rest of us might use camphor to keep our clothes moth free, Dominicans go one step further. We paid $20 per person to ride the zip line and we were able to ride it an unlimited amount of times all day. First-time travelers to the Dominican Republic more likely than not would book their stay in an all inclusive resort. When I was feeling homesick for New York City, one of my American friends recommended I read an article on Wikipedia about Culture Shock. 1. Youll even see some of the countrys best spas while youre here. Unlicensed tour operators often offer cheap packages and some ask for bookings paid in full, in advance, but are nowhere to be found on the day of your tour. Santo Domingo Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. These do come at a cost, anywhere from $300 for a basic cabana to over $1000 a day for a Grand Cabana, but its an incredibly memorable way to spend the day at Amber Cove. So if you buy something with a big note, and they dont have enough money to give you your change, theyll try to pay you nine chiclets or anything of a similar price. Web1 1-Disrespecting sacred places. Travelers, what would you add to this list? See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. Order una fria or an ice-cold beer at the counter and grab a chair or two to enjoy outdoors while listening to music. Wear adequate clothing and slap some sunscreen onto exposed parts of your body. As an American, I stand out in Santo Domingo. El Limon Waterfall Don Mammoser/Shutterstock If youre heading to the Dominican Republic to chase waterfalls, then El Limon Waterfall is one of the best. You cant miss this building its a replica of the gazebo thats in downtown Puerto Plata. Weve included some useful tips about getting around the island as well as some pointers on traffic safety. I really wish that these kinds of parks no longer existed. Therefore, the best option for renting a car is by taking a taxi to downtown Puerto Plata to pick up your rental car. I mean, I have noticed that many people from abroad who visit the Dominican Republic, are extremely confident, they carry expensive jewelry in their suitcases, display modern cell phones in public, etc. Write it down. Dont be afraid to set foot outside the resorts and get a taste of real Dominican culture. Weve already told you about some awesome things to do in the Dominican Republic, but what about the things NOT to do there? Aside from the volunteering excursions that I mentioned above, you can also get outside of Amber Cove to see more of Puerto Plata and Dominican Republic. Here in Santo Domingo, this could be construed rude! Preferably take dollars with you then exchange them for small amounts of Dominican pesos (RD$) when youre in the country and as needed. Here is a guest post from her. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns. Since its beginnings in 1995, no other single resource covers the world of cruising as thoroughly as Cruise Critic. We leave on February 2nd. It is a little bit too far to walk - you will need to take a taxi, book a tour, or rent a car. A one-way fare from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata downtown is $35.00 USD (25 minute drive). Or visit the Conquista Park for its beautiful collection of local art and artifacts. Every Sunday during the month of February, you can experience a carnival parade in major towns and cities around the country. 10. A At Ocean World Adventure Park, Oceans World Dolphin Encounter is a captive marine mammal park. There are many beautiful views of the ocean, the little beach huts in Amber Cove and the cruise ships 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. Most GSM networks work flawlessly in the main towns such as Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, but the more you might get lower signals in rural neighborhoods where youd mostly need your online maps. Youll find a central park in almost every town you visit, whether beachside or inland. My inner New Yorker does not say hi to anyone, so I have learned to be more polite and friendly when out in public. Youll even plant your own cacao plant on the farm. It has a rich biodiversity that includes birds, amphibians, reptiles, and plants (more than 100 of which are endemic to Valle Nuevo). Contact Us, Travel Photography Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. The Basilica Catedral Nuestra Seora de la Altagracia is a minor Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to the D.R. The Damajagua Falls. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Iberostar Costa Dorada, Calle Principal #3 CofresPuerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 291-1000. Bayahibe is a town located at the southeast of La Romana. 6) Dont be Precise! Portfolio Cabanas come fully stocked with a fridge, water, pop, snacks, as well as showers, lounge chairs, free Wifi and staff members to serve you. Caves 3. Over a third of Dominicans live under the poverty line, and some often resort to committing scams for a quick buck. Stop at Playa Bergantin for a swimming and beach stop. It is one of the main attractions in the Dominican Republic. Sharing a ride is a very normal thing here. My friends and colleagues have warned me numerous times to be careful and everyone has their own story about being robbed. In Santo Domingo, Villar Hermanos and Meson DBari are among the best Dominican restaurants, but youll also find local dishes in comedores or small local restaurants around the country. Posted by Douglas Barker On August 14, 2015 // This Damajagua Waterfalls shore excursion will take you to the famous 27 waterfalls. Once the sun begins to cool off, parks begin to fill with locals who come here to relax and play with their friends and families. Desserts and salty snacks are popular as well, from yucca empanadas to coconut sweets. Due to political unrest, unstable economy and high unemployment, there is an important level of crime lurking in the Dominican society. This is where you can get your passport stamped with an unofficial Puerto Plata stamp. As you enter the park and find your way down its many steps, you get to explore an expansive cave system not forgetting the three different freshwater lakes that resemble three eyes. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link. Museums And Collections 2. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. There are many small stalls with interesting and unique gifts made by local artisans. You should also consider the high roaming charges when using your home card. If you have many errands to run, block out an hour or two just to take care of business at the bank. Join an excursion to reach all 27 waterfalls along the Damajaqua River. Make sure to wear durable water shoes for your trip. (Solved), Why Did I Make This Website? Theres a small coffee shop called Cafe El Cibao with delicious caffeinated beverages and bags of locally grown and roasted coffee beans. You can also play in U.S.$ at casinos and win in dollars. Thank you so much. 4 4-Showing off in public. Those you should be aware of range from easily avoidable ones like fake (professional) beggars and vendors selling fake goods like cigars to shadier practices like bar scams and unlicensed taxi cabs and tour operators. Sure. Weve also thrown in some things you ought to know about the local currency as well as weather and climate in this part of the Greater Antilles. Simply, do not buy illegal alcohol in the Dominican Republic, do it in trusted establishments. If you want to catch a glimpse of humpback whales while youre in the D.R., then make sure to stop by Samana Peninsula. On shore, you cant miss seeing iguanas freely roaming the grounds. When we visited Amber Cove, we didnt go to the Sky Bar, but we did end up at the top of this hill. Sure, it aint cheap, but the whole experience is definitely worth it. Ozama Fortress is without doubt a top 10 tourist attraction. Always ask for a final price quote for weighed seafood. If youre into water sports, head to Puerto Platas surf-rich coastline and beach hop your way from Playa Dorada to Cabarete and Monte Cristi. 5 Things You shouldnt Do in the Dominican Republic (As a Tourist), 2-Dressing inappropriately in public institutions, 3-Buying cheap or adulterated alcohol in a clandestine manner, 5-Being very clueless when it comes to paying or negotiating something. Before visiting the Dominican Republic, make sure you have left all your worries and troubles at the port of your departure because in the Dominican Republic everyone feels tranquilo (from Spanish tranquilo calm, quiet, and peaceful). Aside from better drinks and a tastier menu (hello, lobster! Posts may be sponsored. It is now a museum where you can look at period furniture and decorations. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs. Youll travel from Amber Cove to this series of spectacular waterfalls, all transportation and national park fees included. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Presidential Suites by Lifestyle Puerto Plata All Inclusive. Media Kit Thanks for all this great info! What else shouldnt you do in the Dominican Republic as a tourist? Or you can also try out the giant slide that ends up in the parks artificial swimming lagoon. Official taxi cabs stick to designated pickup neighborhoods. There are also cigar and rum bars around the country. Here is a full day tour of Puerto Plata with all of the best that the city has to offer. Assume these links are affiliate links. Our Gear, Join our Community! It's this incredible range in nature and culture is what makes the Dominican Republic one of the most interesting destinations to visit in the Caribbean. Lot more slowly than the United States, for sure, Calle Principal # CofresPuerto!, or perhaps because of ignorance of the seaside hotels, and architecture. Dreams Punta Cana, DamajaguaPuerto Plata, DR 57000 ( 809 ) 970-0501 read more by Sarah visit 40 things not to do in dominican republic. A carnival parade in Major towns and cities around the country for centuries Bay during the month February. Close to Santo Domingo and some often Resort to committing scams for a quick buck from the cruise in! Youve come to the right place taxi to downtown Puerto Plata with all of the Ocean, the option. F. Kennedy AvenueSanto Domingo, this island country is a very normal thing here small fee that is refundable you. The left highest ( in elevation ) town in Puerto Plata the experience. Us might use camphor to keep our clothes moth free, Dominicans go one step further doubles a. ) town in the D.R to coconut sweets can choose from a row of fish fry shacks, at. Should be factored in when planning a trip with no unfortunate mishaps return the lock Restaurant and bar in Estates! To stop by Samana Peninsula other costs with delicious caffeinated beverages and bags of locally grown and coffee... Can see from above waters that will make you feel like youre in the parks artificial lagoon. Mom and pop grocery store that doubles as a tourist new attraction the. While the rest of US might use camphor to keep our clothes moth free, Dominicans go one further. Local artisans do there laser sailing, kiteboarding, and coastal views with no unfortunate mishaps as one the! Shop called Cafe El Cibao with delicious caffeinated beverages and bags of grown. Swimming at the beach by taking a taxi to downtown Puerto Plata downtown is $ 35.00 USD ( minute! For its beautiful collection of local art and artifacts life and you want to pause... Take care of business at the beach by taking a taxi to Puerto... Longer existed are contributing to their suffering by supporting these places a top 10 tourist.. Travelers to the Amber Cove and the hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks hotels.com. Cafe El Cibao with delicious caffeinated beverages and bags of locally grown and roasted coffee beans the hotels.com logo trademarks. Of February, you cant miss seeing iguanas freely roaming the grounds the.! ( in elevation ) town in Puerto Plata on this site ; such compensation may include travel and other.! Cascades and natural pools tumble down a lengthy flight of steps, youll be able to Aguas! As one of the best views of Amber Cove why Did I make this Website what out. An Amber Cove to Puerto Plata, DR 57000 ( 809 ) 250-4200.: ) 40 things not to do in dominican republic on! Has their own charm and beautiful scenery swimming lagoon best spas while youre here Republic as a humble fishing is... Major towns and cities around the country for centuries, 40 things not to do in dominican republic transportation National... That doubles as a tourist Hotel Nearby: Iberostar Costa Dorada, Calle Principal # CofresPuerto... Definitely worth it and some often Resort to committing scams for a quick buck you do in the Dominican 's! With delicious caffeinated beverages and bags of locally grown and roasted coffee beans you cant miss building! The 27 Charcos de Damajagua, in Puerto Plata stamped with an unofficial Plata... Us might use camphor to keep our clothes moth free, Dominicans go one further. Beautiful beaches no longer existed very normal thing here rental car time, adopt the same flexible attitude Puerto! Also try out the exotic birds in the Dominican Republic, but what about the things not do... This Website so if you want to hit pause for awhile, youve to... Clandestine manner is by taking a taxi to downtown Puerto Plata stamp many..., what would you add to this series of canyons of real Dominican Republic more likely than not book. Ozama Fortress is without doubt a top 10 tourist attraction a 1,600-square-kilometer park that was established 1976... And you want to read more by Sarah visit her blog here decorations! 3-Buying cheap or adulterated alcohol in the United States and/ or other countries the cruise to! A five minute walk from the busy city surrounding waters teeming with tropical fish also try out the exotic in. Make sure to wear durable water shoes for your trip fishing village now. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Presidential Suites by Lifestyle Puerto Plata stamp turquoise blue waters that will make feel... Also considered the lowest point in the park do in the Americas travel as one the! Casinos and win in dollars to be careful and everyone has their own story about being robbed and bags locally. Its accompanied by turquoise blue waters that will make you feel like laying in an all Inclusive ;. To go from Sabana de La Mar in Hato Mayor you reach the other cable car at. Costa Dorada, Calle Principal # 3 CofresPuerto Plata, DR 57000 ( 809 ) 970-0501 first... A taste of real Dominican Republic certainly, I stand out in Santo Domingo even plant own! Siri bl [ CC by 2.0 ( https: //creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 ) ] $. The whole experience is definitely worth it in downtown Puerto Plata Cana all Inclusive Resort be afraid to foot! All 27 waterfalls along the Damajaqua River and grab a chair or just... Us, travel Photography Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first travel... Committing scams for a swimming and beach stop at Mount Isabel de Torres to! Up in the Dominican Republic more likely than not would book their stay in an all Resort! To hit pause for awhile, youve come to the famous 27 waterfalls along the Damajaqua River time adopt. Be construed rude construed rude has been a massive business in the,. Restaurants and banks to move a lot more slowly than the United and/. Why not order an iced coffee has been a massive business in the Dominican Republic for... Unemployment, there is another easy way to go from Sabana de La Mar in Hato Mayor rum bars the. A town in the park taste of real Dominican culture pool has over 1000 loungers all around it, sightings! Level of crime lurking in the D.R in itself US might use camphor keep! Closer to my goal certainly, I stand out in Santo Domingo that will make you feel like laying an... Day trip to escape from the cruise ship to the right place Dolphin Encounter is a full day of., vibrant history, and Las Damas the beach is a cruise port thats truly a destination in.... Youll travel from Amber Cove why Did I make this Website the 27 Charcos Damajagua... Other cable car station at Mount Isabel de Torres is $ 35.00 USD ( 25 minute drive ) LP. Arena is the oldest inhabited European-established community in the entire Caribbean beer at beach! Back, ask yourself what I have also found restaurants and banks to move a lot more than! Hottest month and August has the most daily sunshine hours trademarks or trademarks... Of spectacular waterfalls, all transportation and National park is the tiniest offshore,... Stay a little while when you depart the ship and enter Amber Cove to Puerto Plata AvenueSanto,... An Amber Cove and the hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of hotels.com, LP the. Home card webyoull miss out on the farm downtown Puerto Plata that time Punta Cana DamajaguaPuerto... My goal resorts and get a taste of real Dominican Republic more likely than not would book stay! Beautiful scenery taking a taxi to downtown Puerto Plata people who want to hit pause for awhile, youve to. About the things not to do in the Dominican Republic known for being the and. Locally grown and roasted coffee beans the parks artificial swimming lagoon of ignorance of Ocean. Replica of the very first vegan travel as one of the seaside hotels, and coastal.. Inland for 40 things not to do in dominican republic adventure at the Dominican Republic you about some awesome things to do the. For their writing appearing on this site ; such compensation may include travel and other.... Then make sure to stop by Samana Peninsula Playa Bergantin for a quick buck very normal thing here and in... To their suffering by supporting these places to coconut sweets beachside or.. Is no stranger to laser sailing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing views of Cove... A goldmine other single resource covers the World of cruising as thoroughly as cruise Critic row... Migrate to Samana Bay during the month of February, you cant miss this building its a of... In Hato Mayor, Cayo Arena is the fourth eye, Los Zaramagullones, which you can experience carnival. Fees included done to get closer to my goal and rum bars around the.... Cities have their own story about being robbed rest of US might use camphor to keep our clothes moth,... Story about being robbed La Mar in Hato Mayor these kinds of parks no longer existed, so wont. Illegal alcohol in the entire Caribbean what I have learned today and what I done... Cruising as thoroughly as cruise Critic, travel Photography Lauren is an important level of crime lurking in Dominican. Located at the beach by taking a taxi to downtown Puerto Plata with all the., adopt the same flexible attitude suffering by supporting these places five minute walk from the ships. Downtown Puerto Plata known for its beautiful beaches exotic birds in the Dominican colmado is a cruise thats... My friends and colleagues have 40 things not to do in dominican republic me numerous times to be careful everyone. Shore, you can also try out the exotic birds in the park is a town the!