RAFTING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 🇩🇴
There aren’t many places to experience real river rafting in the Caribbean. But in the Dominican Republic, our high altitude mountain towns are blessed with fresh water rivers flowing down with sufficient force from high summits. 🤗
A river rafting excursion along the Yaque del Norte—the longest river in the Caribbean—departing from Jarabacoa, is an unforgettable experience to be added to your bucket list of adventures around the country.
While available year round, rafting is best done during the summer months, when the water levels are sufficiently high for an authentic experience. 😉
SUNNY MOOD FROM THE SAONA ISLAND 🤗☀️
How was your week? 😉
SNORKELING AT THE PARADISE ISLAND 🐠
This time we went to the island of Cayo Arena (aka Paradise Island 😇) for the rich underwater world. Indeed, the gently sloping coast and the large reef on which the island stands give shelter to thousands of fish. Grab the mask and go! 🌊
🔥 COLUMBUS LIGHTHOUSE 🔥
▪️Built in the shape of a cross, the Columbus Lighthouse stands over the eastern end of Santo Domingo. The remains of Christopher Columbus were located at this site, which doubles as a mausoleum and museum. Various chambers display indigenous artifacts from around the Americas.
🔥 CATHEDRAL OF SANTO MARIA LA MENOR 🔥
▪️Built between 1510 and 1540, the first cathedral of the Americas continues to stand tall in all of its glory over the heart of the Colonial City. The 500-year-old Gothic-style building continues to serve as the most important site for official ceremonies, and religious celebrations.
▪️Touring the interior reveals the cathedral’s ornate Gothic ceiling, colonial period oil paintings, sacred chapel rooms, as well as an area with gravestones containing the remains of archbishops. The remains of Christopher Columbus were found here in the 19th century.
🔥 ALCAZAR DE DIEGO COLON MUSEUM 🔥
▪️One of the most popular museums in the Colonial City is also its most impressive in architecture. It is the oldest vice regal residence in the Americas, and the first fortified palace, turned into a museum showcasing 16th century furniture, art, musical instruments, and weapons.
▪️Winding staircases lead towards the couple’s well-preserved bedrooms, and to the lavish crystal chandelier-lit reception hall where events were hosted for the Spanish aristocracy.
SANTO DOMINGO - PART ONE
The Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Domingo is also the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean. La Capital—as it is affectionately called—epitomizes the pulse of Dominican culture, where the old and the new converge seamlessly from centuries old architecture and history, to large shopping malls, art galleries, an electric nightlife, and a booming gastronomy scene.
Visiting the Colonial City—the first European settlement of the Americas and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990—is a recommended experience for all travelers.
This historic neighborhood consists of a pedestrian-friendly maze of narrow streets brimming with 16th to early 20th century architectural wonders. They lead toward colonial buildings turned museums, shops, hotels, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés.
SAONA ISLAND
The visit to Saona Island is the excursion that everyone recommends when they know that you are visiting the Dominican Republic, it really is a heaven on earth! Almost idyllic for its landscapes and the transparency of its waters. Saona Island is located in the southeastern end of the Dominican Republic, is the largest of the Dominican Republic's islands.
Saona's beaches are spectacular, unspoiled, with lush palm trees and turquoise waters that make them one of the most beautiful regions of the Dominican Republic.
SAMANA PENINSULA AND PARK LOS HAITISES 🏝
The Limon Waterfall is a spectacular cascade of 50 meters high, with a beautiful natural pool, located in the community of Limon in Samana, in the Northeastern Dominican Republic. The Limon Waterfall is plunged into a tropical forest on the Samana peninsula.☀️
You’ll easily spot the endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, the Hispaniolan Piculet, the Hispaniolan Woodpecker, the Hispaniolan Emerald, as well as pelicans, frigate birds, herons, and many more majestic birds in flight over Los Haitises. The park’s extensive landscape also nurtures one of the DR’s few remaining rainforests, once used as a filming location for the feature film Jurassic Park.🦖
Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island because of a Bacardi commercial filmed here in the 1970s, the small, picturesque island of Cayo Levantado sits just five kilometers (three miles) from Samaná Bay, and boasts brilliant white sand and palm-fringed beaches. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, kayaking or paddle boarding, and enjoy fresh fish. 🤗
SAMANA PENINSULA AND LOS HAITISES 🏝
The Limon Waterfall is a spectacular cascade of 50 meters high, with a beautiful natural pool, located in the community of Limon in Samana, in the Northeastern Dominican Republic. The Limon Waterfall is plunged into a tropical forest on the Samana peninsula.
You’ll easily spot the endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, the Hispaniolan Piculet, the Hispaniolan Woodpecker, the Hispaniolan Emerald, as well as pelicans, frigate birds, herons, and many more majestic birds in flight over Los Haitises. The park’s extensive landscape also nurtures one of the DR’s few remaining rainforests, once used as a filming location for the feature film Jurassic Park.🦖
Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island because of a Bacardi commercial filmed here in the 1970s, the small, picturesque island of Cayo Levantado sits just five kilometers (three miles) from Samaná Bay, and boasts brilliant white sand and palm-fringed beaches. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, kayaking or paddle boarding, and enjoy fresh fish. 🤗
EAGLE BAY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Eagle Bay (Bahia de las Aguilas) is so breathtaking that it doesn't look real! There are no hotels, shops or restaurants here. It's just wild nature. White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Swim, sunbathe and take amazing photos! Located in the province of Pedernales in the southwest of the Dominican Republic and is a part of the Jaragua National Park.
It will not be possible to visit Eagle Bay in one day, as the journey takes about 7 hours from Bavaro and Punta Cana. But it's so worth it! You can stay overnight in an eco hotel (in tents), which is economical and colorful.
During this trip, you can also visit the city of Pedernales itself, the natural springs of San Rafael and Los Patos, and Cabo Rojo, which I will talk about in the following posts!
ADVENTURE BOOGIES - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
For those who like to be on the move! Off-road, dirt and good mood. During this tour, we will make two different stops. Macao Beach, a public beach located in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic. It is popular among locals and visitors alike for its white sands and clear waters. Adventure seekers love it, as it is a popular destination for buggies, ATVs and surfers.
Our second stop in the Adventure Park. It is an exclusive private park, where we will learn about Dominican food, Taino culture and take a dip in a refreshing cenote cave. Let's go?
MONKEYLAND
One of our favorite excursions, a trip to the ranch and zoo with squirrel monkeys.
First, you will be told and shown in action the production of coffee, cocoa, as well as a real Dominican "Finka" (a Dominican countryhouse). Here you will also see how the tropical fruits grow.
Next, you will visit the park with the monkeys, where you can feed and communicate with them.
HUMPBACK WHALES IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
WHALE WATCHING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 🐋
The whale watching season in the Dominican Republic at the Samana Peninsula is almost here! Year after year, thousands of foreign tourists and residents of the Dominican Republic travel to Samana to enjoy this fabulous sight. This year it is expected from January 15 to March 31.
Humpback whales, known as the most active species of whales, spend their mating games in Samana Bay. Any day we will begin our first excursions to see these giants! #dominicana #dominicanrepublic #dominicanawhales #humpbackwhales #dominicana2021
