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Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? You’ve come to the right place!
From pristine beaches and cultural treasures to adrenaline-pumping excursions, this vibrant island is bursting with unforgettable experiences.
Having explored the “DR” many times, I’ve uncovered some of the very best activities this incredible destination has to offer. Whether it’s diving into crystal-clear waters in Punta Cana, uncovering hidden waterfalls in Puerto Plata, or immersing yourself in the island’s rich history in Santo Domingo, there’s truly something here for everyone.
So to help you plan your dream getaway, I’ve rounded up the 10 best things to do in the Dominican Republic. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
If there is one tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP, it’s this tour!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in the DR was this catamaran cruise and snorkeling adventure in Punta Cana! Sailing through the blue Caribbean waters was a bucket list item and we saw so many tropical fish while snorkeling.
Check out the 1,900+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in the Dominican Republic
- 1. Take a catamaran cruise and go snorkeling in Punta Cana
- 2. Visit a monkey sanctuary and local coffee plantation in Punta Cana
- 3. Have an adventure day in Punta Cana – zipline, buggies, horseback riding
- 4. Check out the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata
- 5. Explore downtown Puerto Plata
- 6. Learn to surf at Punta Cana
- 7. Take a day trip to Saona Island from Punta Cana
- 8. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV and water cave tour in Punta Cana
- 9. Visit some of the Dominican’s best beaches on horseback and an ATV from Punta Cana
- 10. Experience the traditional culture of the Dominican Republic
- Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the Caribbean
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in the Dominican Republic
1. Take a catamaran cruise and go snorkeling in Punta Cana
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Take a small-group catamaran cruise through the Caribbean, swim and snorkel in a nature reserve, and enjoy unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages onboard and on a sandbar
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, snacks, use of snorkeling equipment, use of stand-up paddle boards
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 2,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Close your eyes and picture yourself on a luxurious boat sailing through the turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean with a cocktail in hand. If that sounds like your kind of day, then you must go on this small-group catamaran cruise out of Punta Cana!
With a maximum of just 16 guests, this cruise is all about good vibes, stunning views, and plenty of space to relax. You also get the chance to swim and snorkel in a natural reserve, surrounded by hundreds of colorful tropical fish – how cool is that?
But wait, it gets better. After snorkeling for a while, we anchored at a sandbar where the water was waist-deep and super warm. The crew set up a floating bar, where the drinks were served right in the water! We relaxed on the powdery white sand, but some others went out on the stand-up paddle boards and had a great time.
When we got on the boat to head back, the drinks were flowing, music was pumping, and smiles were all around – it was such a great day!
If you’re craving a fun and luxurious way to soak in the Dominican Republic’s beauty, this tour is it. It was hands-down my favorite tour in Punta Cana and I know I’m not alone, just look at the 1,900+ 5-star reviews!
This tour is popular – book your spot now and get FREE cancellation before you go!
2. Visit a monkey sanctuary and local coffee plantation in Punta Cana
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: Around 7 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Visit a monkey sanctuary to feed and observe squirrel monkeys, see a botanic garden, visit a local coffee and cacao plantation, sample coffee or hot chocolate
- Inclusions: Transportation from your hotel, adventure park entrance fees, local guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 3,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re an animal lover like me, then you can’t miss out on this fun combo tour that brings you deep into the jungles of the Dominican Republic to hang out with squirrel monkeys!
That’s right, you will visit a 5-acre (2-hectare) squirrel monkey sanctuary, where you will get to observe and interact with the monkeys. It was so much fun watching them swinging high up in the trees and running around. I got heaps of photos with the monkeys and fed them some fruit, which was such an unbelievable experience!
But that’s not all, this tour also includes a visit to a local coffee and cacao plantation. Here, you will learn all about their organic farming methods and get to sample some coffee and hot chocolate. To this day, I think it was the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had!
You also get the chance to visit a gorgeous botanical garden, where you will learn all about the lush flora and fauna from your guide. The gardens were so peaceful and I think they really added to this experience, making it the perfect tour for nature and animal lovers.
It is one of the most highly rated tours in Punta Cana with over 2,700 5-star reviews – so you know it’s got to be good!
Check availability and book this popular combo tour here!
3. Have an adventure day in Punta Cana – zipline, buggies, horseback riding
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: Check with the tour provider upon booking
- Highlights: Fly through the treetops on a series of ziplines, enjoy a relaxing horseback ride, go on a thrilling dune buggy ride through the jungle
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, guide, lunch, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 3,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re an adventurous traveler looking for a day of excitement, this thrilling tour in the Dominican Republic is for you! Combining ziplining, horseback riding, and off-road buggy rides, it’s a perfect mix of adrenaline and nature.
The day kicks off with a zipline adventure through lush treetops, offering incredible views of the jungle as you soar from platform to platform. Flying through the air with the wind in my face was such a rush – I couldn’t stop smiling!
After ziplining, it’s time to saddle up for a relaxing horseback ride through peaceful trails. This slower-paced activity lets you take in the beauty of the countryside and get a feel for rural life in the Dominican Republic. And don’t worry if it’s your first time riding – the guides are with you the whole time!
Finally, the tour cranks up the adrenaline again with an off-road buggy ride. The muddy trails and rugged terrain make for a thrilling drive as you navigate through the jungle, splashing through puddles and taking in stunning scenery along the way.
Pro tip: don’t wear anything you’re too attached to because you will get muddy (but that’s half the fun!).
This tour is perfect for adventure lovers who want to experience multiple activities in one unforgettable day. With hotel pickup, gear included, thousands of 5-star reviews, and guides who make the day even more fun, it’s a must-do for thrill-seekers visiting the Dominican Republic!
Don’t miss out on this epic adventure tour, secure your spot here!
4. Check out the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available throughout the day
- Highlights: Enjoy a scenic hike through the forest, explore several waterfalls by jumping, sliding, and swimming your way through the canyon, and enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch
- Inclusions: Hotel/port pick-up/drop-off, guide/driver, lunch, water, helmet, life jacket
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The last time I was in Puerto Plata I did this canyoning waterfall adventure and let me tell you, it’s the best excursion I’ve ever done!
This thrilling experience takes you deep into the lush jungle outside Puerto Plata, where you’ll hike, climb, jump, and slide through a series of stunning waterfalls and natural pools as you make your way through the canyon.
The day starts with a traditional Dominican lunch to fuel up for the adventure ahead. The food was delicious, with hearty local flavors that got us ready for the action! Afterward, you’ll hike through the tropical forest, soaking in the beautiful scenery as you make your way to the first waterfall.
Then comes the real adventure – navigating the waterfalls! You’ll climb, jump, and slide your way down natural rock formations into sparkling turquoise pools. Some jumps are as high as 25 feet (7.6 meters), and sliding down the smooth rocks is like nature’s version of a waterslide. And don’t worry if big jumps aren’t your thing – there are alternative routes available to keep things safe and enjoyable for everyone!
It’s important to note that this tour involves plenty of hiking and stairs, so a moderate level of fitness is required. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s absolutely worth it. Between the stunning scenery, refreshing pools, and adrenaline-pumping fun, it’s no surprise this tour has hundreds of 5-star reviews. It’s a must-do experience for thrill-seekers visiting Puerto Plata!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
5. Explore downtown Puerto Plata
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Confirm start time with tour operator after booking
- Highlights: Explore the top highlights of Puerto Plata with a guide, see landmarks such as Fortaleza San Felipe (Spanish fortress) and the Puerto Plata Cathedral, visit a chocolate factory, go rum tasting at a rum factory
- Inclusions: Hotel/port pick-up/drop-off, guide/driver, rum factory entrance, bottled water
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 470+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to learn about the DR’s rich history and vibrant culture, head to Puerto Plata and take this city tour! You’ll see all of the city’s top highlights in just half a day, making it the perfect choice for cruise passengers or anyone short on time.
The day kicked off at the Macorix House of Rum, where we sampled eight (yes, eight!) delicious Dominican rum varieties. Next, we explored Independence Park, buzzing with locals and Victorian charm, before heading to Fortaleza San Felipe, a historic Spanish fortress overlooking the ocean. The coastal views and pirate history here were unforgettable!
My favorite part, though, was wandering through the vibrant Umbrella Street and Paseo de Doña Blanca (aka Pink Street). These colorful, quirky streets were a photographer’s dream and such a fun place to explore! We also stopped by a local jewelry and cigar store, both excellent spots to pick up some souvenirs to bring home.
And then, the sweetest stop: the chocolate factory! Sampling organic Dominican cocoa while learning about its production was the perfect way to wrap up the day.
With its variety of stops and insightful guide, this tour is an absolute must for anyone new to Puerto Plata. Don’t just take my word for it – check out the 400+ 5-star reviews!
Check availability for this popular tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Learn to surf at Punta Cana
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: Group surf lesson on Macao Beach with expert instructors, practice basics on land before catching waves, all gear included, ideal for beginners
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, all equipment, bottled water/coconut water, fruits
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 110+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We’d heard great things about Macao Beach, but learning to surf on this 2-hour private lesson made it all the more unforgettable! The setting alone is enough to make the experience worth it, with soft white sand, turquoise water, and waves that roll in just right for beginners. Add in a team of encouraging instructors and a relaxed vibe, and you’ve got the perfect intro to surfing.
The session starts with a quick hotel pickup and a friendly welcome at the surf camp. After a short but helpful land lesson where you learn how to pop up and position yourself, it’s time to hit the water. 2-3 members of your party will share an instructor, so there’s plenty of guidance and encouragement as you start catching waves.
We loved how supportive and upbeat the whole experience was. Even if you’ve never set foot on a board before, the instructors are patient and always nearby to give a push or a pointer. There’s a break midway through with fresh fruit and coconut water, which gave us time to relax and recharge before heading back out.
All the equipment is provided, boards, rash guards, everything, so all you need is your swimming gear! Whether you’re a first-timer or just want to brush up your skills in paradise, this is a fun, low-pressure way to dive into surfing Punta Cana–style.
Read all of the excellent reviews and reserve your spot here!
Related Read: For the perfectly planned getaway, check out our 5-day Dominican Republic itinerary that covers all the top sights, restaurants, and more!
7. Take a day trip to Saona Island from Punta Cana
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: Visit a turtle conservation area, sail to a secret beach for a swim, enjoy a buffet lunch on the beach, spend free time at Abanico Beach
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, breakfast, lunch, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, transportation
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Did you know that there is a stunning island paradise located along the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic that you can visit on this day trip from Punta Cana?
That’s right, Saona Island is one of those places that looks like it belongs on a computer screensaver. In fact, it was used to film parts of Pirates of the Caribbean! But it’s more than just white-sand beaches, it’s also home to quaint villages and local wildlife (did somebody say turtles?!)
This full-day island adventure starts by boarding a boat and heading over to the village of Mano Juan, where you will learn all about their heartwarming turtle conservation project. After breakfast, you’ll head off to a “secret beach”. I don’t want to tell you its name and ruin the surprise – but trust me, it’s spectacular!
Next up, is Abanico Beach for a delicious buffet lunch right on the sand, followed by plenty of free time to soak up the sun with a rum cocktail in hand. The day wraps up at Palmilla Beach, where you can wade through turquoise shallows and spot starfish galore. I even saw a turtle here so keep your eyes peeled!
This tour had me feeling like I was living my best Captain Jack Sparrow life the entire day (all that was missing was some buried treasure!). It costs $165 USD per adult, which includes all of your food, drinks, and activities, so it’s actually quite a good deal for a full day of adventure. If you need any more convincing, check out the hundreds of amazing reviews here!
Don’t miss out on this slice of paradise, book your day trip here!
8. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV and water cave tour in Punta Cana
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 12 pm
- Highlights: ATV through rugged terrain, visit a cave and underground river, swim at Macao Beach, taste local chocolate, rum, and coffee
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, roundtrip transportation, tastings
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 3,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking for an adventurous way to experience the Dominican Republic, this half-day ATV adventure tour is a must-do!
We love ATVing and have done it all over the world, but this experience from Punta Cana really stands out as one of the most fun and unique ATV tours we’ve ever been on. Not only did we get to ATV through the jungle, but we also got to visit a local farm, swim in a natural cave, and chill on a postcard-perfect beach all in one trip!
Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden an ATV before, because the guide provides a thorough lesson to make sure everyone is comfortable before taking off. You also have the chance to choose between a single or a double ATV – so if you aren’t comfortable driving but you’re traveling with someone who is, you can just enjoy the views as a passenger (that’s what I always do!).
We love that this tour stops at an organic farm to taste freshly brewed coffee, chocolate, and rum. Fun fact: the Dominican Republic is one of the top cocoa exporters, so the chocolate here is next-level!
We also visited a stunning underground cave (aka cenote) with crystal-clear waters that you can swim in during most times of the year. Then the adventure wraps up at Macao Beach, one of Punta Cana’s most spectacular shorelines. Swimming and relaxing here was the perfect way to end the action-packed day!
This half-day experience’s price varies depending on whether you choose a single or a double ATV. But whichever option you are in for a treat because this tour has thousands of 5-star reviews!
Reserve this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
9. Visit some of the Dominican’s best beaches on horseback and an ATV from Punta Cana
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Visit the charming small town of Sabana de Nisibon, go horseback riding along Playa El Limon beach, enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch, hop into a quad and ride to another pristine beach where you can swim in the ocean
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, guide, lunch, soda
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The last time I was in the Dominican Republic, I joined this full-day beach adventure tour from Punta Cana, and it turned out to be one of the most unique and fun-filled experiences of my trip! It took us to some of the country’s most incredible hidden beaches, gave us a taste of local culture, and even added a touch of adventure (quadding, anyone?).
The day began in the charming town of Sabana de Nisibón, where we got a glimpse of authentic Dominican life. Wandering the quaint streets and stopping at a traditional “colmado” (local grocery store) was such an eye-opening experience and gave me a newfound appreciation for the culture.
Next, we headed to Playa Limón, an absolutely breathtaking, untouched beach. Here, we saddled up for a scenic horseback ride along the shoreline, soaking in the postcard-perfect views. And just when I thought it couldn’t get better, we enjoyed an incredible Dominican lunch prepared by Chef Livida – hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in the country!
But the adventure wasn’t over yet. After lunch, we hopped on quads and raced off to explore another secluded beach. Between splashing in the crystal-clear waters and sipping fresh coconut water, it truly felt like a dream day in paradise.
For beach lovers and thrill-seekers alike, this tour is a must. It’s the ultimate way to experience the Dominican Republic’s stunning beaches – just check out the glowing reviews to see why!
Book this tour with over 900 5-star reviews here!
10. Experience the traditional culture of the Dominican Republic
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Riding horseback through the countryside, visiting the local market and sightseeing in Higuey, swimming in the Anamuya River, exploring Macao Beach
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, transportation, Dominican food and snacks, coffee
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking to experience the Dominican Republic beyond the resorts, this half-day cultural tour in Punta Cana is an absolute must! I’ve been on my fair share of excursions, but this one really stands out because it gave me a deeper look into the country’s history, culture, and way of life.
The day starts with a ride to Higuey, a charming town where you’ll horseback ride through the countryside. Then it’s off to marvel at the stunning Basilica of Higuey and visit a local market. There were so many neat handmade goods there and we really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the local’s daily lives.
Next up was my favorite part! You’ll head to the Anamuya River for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. And if you’re feeling adventurous (and I definitely was), there’s a 100-foot natural water slide that you can go down into the river below!
Some other stops include a local art school, a coffee and cacao store, and beautiful Macao Beach. Trust me, this is a tour you don’t want to miss if you’re curious about culture and love exploring off-the-beaten-path spots.
It has a ton of 5-star reviews and is an experience we think the entire family will love. Plus at only $60 USD per adult, it’s one of the most affordable quality tours in the area. Don’t wait too long to book though, this one sells out fast!
Secure you’re spot on this highly-rated tour in advance here!
Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic, you need somewhere perfect to stay! The three major cities worth visiting are Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata, so I’ll give you a quick overview of the best hotels in each city below.
Punta Cana
Luxury $$$ – The Westin Puntacana Resort
Mid-range $$ – AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana
Budget $ – Hostal Johnnier Macao Punta Cana
Santo Domingo
Luxury $$$ – Casas del XVI
Mid-range $$ – Gran Hotel Europa
Budget $ – Hostal 53 Boutique Santo Domingo
Puerto Plata
Luxury $$$ – The Skylight Suites Hotel
Mid-range $$ – The Gaia Residence
Budget $ – The Estancia Las Mercedes
Renting a Car in the Caribbean
Renting a car in the Caribbean gives you the freedom to explore beyond the resorts—think secluded beaches, remote viewpoints, and vibrant local towns that buses don’t reach. As long as you are prepared for the road conditions and informed about local driving rules, renting a car can be a great addition to your trip!
We always book through Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s easy to compare providers, filter for exactly what you need (like an automatic or 4×4), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want all the details, check out our full Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the Caribbean
- Know the driving side: Some Caribbean islands drive on the left, while others stick to the right. It really varies island to island, so double-check before you go—and make sure you’re comfortable driving on that side of the road, especially if it’s different from home.
- Know the local driving rules: Road laws and signage can differ between islands, so it’s worth doing a quick check before pickup. Seatbelts are usually mandatory, texting and driving is typically illegal, and honking is often just a friendly heads-up. Expect low speed limits and shared roads—think scooters, pedestrians, and even the occasional animal—so stay alert and take your time!
- Add full insurance: Roads can be unpredictable, with potholes, hills, and narrow lanes—especially outside resort areas. For that reason, we always recommend adding on full coverage insurance to your rental. Discover Cars makes this super easy (and affordable!) to add on, so you can drive with peace of mind.
- Choose the right car: For beach tracks or hilly inland roads, a compact SUV or 4×4 might be your best bet. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, or even luggage space to suit your needs.
- Watch for extra fees: Some rental companies charge sand cleaning fees, airport pickup surcharges, or require you to return the car spotless. It’s nothing to stress over—just check the fine print so you’re not caught off guard.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the Caribbean
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- On some islands, a temporary/visitor’s driving permit may be required. These are normally issued by the rental agency for a fee. Check with your company in advance, so you’re not surprised by extra costs at pickup!
- An IDP (International Driving Permit) may be required depending on your destination and the language of your license. Always check the country’s requirements beforehand so you’re prepared.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Caribbean Islands on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
A trip to the Dominican Republic will be a relaxing time in paradise, no matter what you end up doing. We love visiting this island and are already planning our next trip back – we just can’t get enough!
If you need help planning your next adventure, be sure to check out our other travel guides! We’ve traveled all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few related blogs that can help with your travel planning!
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