Active Vacations in Dominican Republic

The sky truly is the limit when it comes to active vacation options on the Dominican Republic. Ranging from hikes literally up into the sky and all the way down to an advanced dive to the ocean's depths and everything in between, the island can keep visitors moving for their entire stay. Since the island is so large, there is quite a diversity to discover. With nine different ecological zones; the highest (Pico Duarte, 10,128 feet above sea level) and the lowest (Lake Enriquillo, 144 feet below sea level) points in the Caribbean; and such landscapes as beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, arid deserts and rich plains, the Dominican Republic is home to more eco and adventure tourism activities than any other island in the region.

Many of the adventures that await visitors can be organized through hotel concierges and the reputable tour operators on the island.

Kayaking and White-Water Rafting

Whether visitors want to brave the waters in a raft or a kayak, the central region of the island can accommodate both activities. Kayaking is most popular in the Yaque del Norte and Jimenoa rivers near Jarabacoa. Kayakers face sharp turns and exciting drops with class III and IV rapids; experts can even take on the class V rapids in certain areas. Similarly, rafters can cut through these waters, including a 12-foot drop named "Mike Tyson." One-day tours are often offered from Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and Cabarete and include equipment and instruction; tours are also available from other destinations. Longer tours are available as well.

Windsurfing, Kiteboarding and Surfing

Cabarete on the north coast is the world capital of windsurfing and even hosts the World Cup Windsurfing Competition every June. In recent years, kiteboarding has grown in popularity here as well. Participants use a huge kite to capture the wind while they balance on a board in the water and fly through the air and over the waves. Equipment and lessons are available from multiple operators in Cabarete. Beginners may feel more comfortable windsurfing on the south shore of the island where the water is calmer. Most resorts offer windsurfing equipment for use or rental from their watersports centers.

Traditional surfing is available near Cabarete at Playa Encuentro; expert surfers can "hang ten" at the Playa Grande and Playa Preciosa beaches just east of Río San Juan and Playa Boba north of Nagua.

Scuba and Snorkeling

Under the sea, visitors can explore whole new worlds of marine life, coral reefs and centuries-old shipwrecks. Great diving can be found off of the North Coast (including the great Cayo Arena circular coral reef) from June to September. Off the peninsula of Samaná, 23 sites await divers and snorkelers with caves, tunnels, walls and reefs. Other dive areas, including Saona Island, can be found all around the island, each with its own perks and creatures. Much of the diving around the island is for intermediate to expert divers although there are some areas for beginners. Many hotels and resorts can arrange excursions as well as certification courses.

Hiking and Biking

Throughout the Dominican Republic's vast national park system, hikers can find a tremendous network of trails, including one that takes visitors up to Pico Duarte. Some trails require permits or guides. The most popular trails can be found at Jarabacoa, Constanza, Monte Cristi, Pico Isabel del Torres, Punta Bonita, Parque Nacional del Este, San Rafael and Parque Nacional Bahoruco. Hikes can range in length from a leisurely few hours to several days. On some of the trails, mountain bikes are another way to explore the island. There are many tour operators that can arrange the equipment rentals and help visitors choose the exact excursion that is right for them.

Whale Watching

From January to March, more than 5,000 humpback whales spend their winters breeding in the warm waters of Samaná Bay. Many operators offer cruises during this time of the year and practically guarantee sightings. Most excursions depart from the town of Samaná and use 50-foot boats, which offer bathrooms, snacks and even equipment to listen to the sounds of the male whales.

Bird Watching

Throughout the vast and changing terrain of the island, visitors can spot more than 300 species of colorful birds. Serious birders will appreciate that they can encounter 27 species that are only found on this island and 15 that have been designated as endangered or threatened. In Jaragua National Park, more than 130 different species alone can be found throughout different times of the year.

Off Roading

Visitors can explore the countryside in a variety of vehicles that thrill their riders. Various companies offer all-terrain-vehicle tours, Jeep trips and safaris, and even monster truck excursions. Some outfits allow the visitors to get behind the wheel while others do the driving for them. Tours are available all over the island and may include a trip through the countryside and sugar cane fields, tropical forests, small villages, along (and even in) rivers and waterfalls, and through the beaches. Depending on the participants' interests, some trips include stops for lunch and shopping while others focus solely on the pure adrenaline rushes of zipping around the island.

More Options

The fun doesn't stop here. Visitors can also fill their days in other ways on and around the island. Fishing, for example, is ideal here and there are many charter companies for those wanting to reel in some marlin, barracuda, Kingfish, sharks, snapper, and many other species. The new sport of canyoning, which combines hiking, swimming, rock climbing, jumping and repelling, is also gaining in popularity in areas such as Cabarete and Jarabacoa. Spelunking is also an option, with hundreds of caves throughout the Dominican Republic. Other great activities include horseback riding, helicopter tours, day sailing to smaller islands and rock climbing.