2007-02-11 05:53:08 · 9 answers · asked by Lilo 1 in Travel ➔ Caribbean ➔ Dominican Republic
Most visitors to DR visit Punta Cana on the Eastern tip of the island, although there are several other tourist locations; Puerto Plata on the North shore, La Romana, Juan Dolio, and Santo Domingo on the South. There are also several in-land destinations.
I've been to several hotels in Punt Cana and have visited many others.
I was at the new RIU Punta Cana Palace in May - WOW. Drop dead gorgeous and what a beach! Actually, all the RIU resorts in Punta Cana line-up one right after the other on this beautiful stretch of beach, covered with palm trees. The RIU right next to us was the RIU Palace Macau, also a beautiful resort. Next to the Macau was the RIU Bambu, then the RIU Tiano, both a little down-scale from the "RIU Palace" resorts, but really nice places. I found the staff to be great at all of them, as I walked down the beach and sampled the food and beverages at them all.
Punta Cana does not have many off-resort activities or places of interest - its kind of a laid-back, chill-out and enjoy your resort vacation. All hotels have tour desks for the 20 or so tours that are available.
Most of the tours from the shore resort locations happen in or on the water; the array of water sports options offered right on the beach is amazing: catamaran boat rides, double-decker party boats, restaurant dining at sunset on the sea, parasailing, glass bottom boats for marine life observation, sports fishing, diving, snorkeling, flying boats, speed boats. The boat taxis can take you from one hotel to another via the beach. There is also banana boating, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and beach volleyball.
But here are other activities to consider:
Safari-type excursions on four-wheel bikes, buggy rides, jeep safaris, monster trucks or helicopter rides for a privileged view. A dozen of companies offer these adventure tours that take the tourists to observe tropical wilderness, visit a countryside home where typical Dominican food lunch will be served, examine tropical crops, take a dip at a deserted beach or for a swim in a cool river.
Horseback riding is also popular in Punta Cana with the option of riding on deserted white-sand beaches, making for great photography.
Marinarium. This marine park on the sea offers snorkeling with sharks and rays.
Dolphin Island. Short boat ride takes you to the artificial island created where tourists can have a swim with trained dolphins right in the sea. The package includes a 15-minute free time with the dolphins, where these will choose their new friends.
Manati Park Bavaro. 130,000 square meter preserve with permanent exhibits of birds, reptiles, and fish. A show with parrots, dolphins and dancing horses is included in the admission fee. Free shuttle bus to and from principal hotels in the area.
Punta Cana Ecological Reserve. Short guided tour through tropical flora with an optional refreshing bath in a cool spring at the end. You will be walking through a real jungle. Located 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.
Rancho Jonathan has caving excursions to Boca de Diablo, a large cave system south of Los Haitises.
Half an hour to 45 minutes away:
La Otra Banda
If you take the Saona, Catalina, Altos de Chavón, Higuey or Santo Domingo excursions, on your way west ask your guide to point out the small town of La Otra Banda, with its pretty little houses, right out of a Caribbean architecture book and perfect for picture-taking.
Most hotels have local "booking agents" right in the lobby to enable guests to sign-up for their favorate tours.
I hope this info is helpful. Have fun
2007-02-12 00:14:04 · answer #1 · answered by travel guy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the Dominican Republic is a great place to Vacation. The weather is great all year long, the people are friendly and laid back, and the country is pretty safe. It is not only great for the beaches and nice weather, but historically, its a place of great interest, of over 5 hundred years of history where you can find the first city ever built in the whole american continent, which is something a lot of people don't know. The first street, first convent, First Cathedral, first sunclock, first University, a lot of things in America first took place here. Puerto Plata is a great place to go, I've been there several times. It has really nice beaches and a variety of all inclusive resorts at a great price.
2016-03-29 02:19:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very broad and subjective question .... so you're best to look at the national tourism website and take in a few comments first.
Pictures, price and reliability are key factors to back up your preferred destination. Personally I like the Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa which is surrounded by a coconut palm plantation and tropical forest , 20 kilometres from the Punta Cana Airport. It has a great beach of fine white sand.
Then find yourself a car and go wandering from your "base".
2007-02-13 15:20:33 · answer #3 · answered by Snowman1234 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what you like. DR is a country of contasts. Poverty is visible everywhere outside of the tourist resorts. Myself I prefer to mingle with the local culture. Sosua or Caberette on the north coast. Boca Chica on the south coast. These are my favorites. If you want an americanized resort area similar to Cancun, go to Punta Cana. I go to the DR every winter and I love the dominican people. Any info you want? e-mail me.
2007-02-11 10:22:11 · answer #4 · answered by morris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My wife and I have been there a few times. We prefer Punta Cana area (Bavaro)...Many resorts are all-inclusive, and very well worth it. We stayed at Cayena Beach Club (part of LTI) and have already made reservations for Breezes Punta Cana Beach Resort. Enjoy
2007-02-12 02:46:09 · answer #5 · answered by Tom M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what you are looking for / We have been to Sosua - Casa Marina Beach Hotel twice - clean, right by the ocean , food are gorgeous, good facilities , if you want a night life - its outside a few yards away . Puerto Plata is not a bad deal / Good luck !
2007-02-14 12:03:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to Punta Cana a few years ago and i loved it. I stayed in a breezes hotle and resort, it was so much fun.
2007-02-12 11:04:01 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WE HAVE BEEN TO THE D.R. SEVERAL TIMES AND WE REALLY LIKE THE LA ROMANA AREA, THE BEACHES ARE FANTASTIC AND THERE IS A CORAL REEF OFF THE AREA, SO YOU CAN USUALLY GO SNORKELING RIGHT FROM YOUR RESORT. THE PEOPLE ARE GREAT AND THE WEATHER IS USUALLY TERRIFIC.
2007-02-11 12:22:42 · answer #8 · answered by hrljal 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think Punta Cunta has the best beaches.
2007-02-11 10:17:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋