So unless you want to fill your wallet with chewing gum sweets, bring some loose change! Basic Safety Precautions in the DR. Travelling to foreign countries, all tourists 9) Dont Forget to Try Alcanfor Its the ultimate place to check out cruise reviews and find awesome deals on cruises, too. This is something very basic in any part of the world where you go as a tourist, but in the Dominican Republic, if you look like the typical clueless foreigner when buying something, people will kill you. The pool is available to every cruiser who visits Amber Cove at no additional charge. This Damajagua Waterfalls shore excursion will take you to the famous 27 waterfalls. We found that it was fairly speedy, though my connection was slower during the day when many people were using it. That is, do these two things each day before going to bed. Assume these links are affiliate links. In Santo Domingo, head to Jet Set Club for weekly concerts on Monday nights. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, Santo Domingos Zona Colonial is recognized as the first European city built in the New World, serving as a model for the rest of the Americas. So always remember these three rules: Cook it, Peel it, or Forget it! Zona Colonial is the historic neighborhood in Santo Domingo. In each locale, youll discover even more beaches or features of natural * Some hotels require you to cancelmore than 24 hoursbefore check-in. Be careful though, as its indeed a sunny country, and its easy to get a tan on the beach. Additionally, if you are in a waiting room or lobby, any newcomer will greet you and you should return the greeting. If youre into precious stones, opt for larimar or amber jewelry pieces. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of centuries-old landmarks like Alcazar de Colon, Puerta del Conde, and Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. Maybe youll find your next favorite food, so buen provecho! Your cruise ship will sail into the Bay of Maimon, located just northwest of Puerto Plata. The main spoken language in the Dominican Republic remains Spanish. Stroll the pedestrian Calle El Conde, lined with shops, outdoor sidewalk art, restaurants and cafes. Make the time to visit the famous turquoise waters of this natural spring. Milk candy? I am used to beans with a savory flavor, so I was hesitant to try this dish. Its almost like an Amber Cove excursion that you dont need to book in advance and its available at no cost to everyone on the cruise ship. Hop on a boat tour led by a park ranger, and youll spot crocs of all sizes lurking beneath. You might wonder how these dolphins are captured in the wild and come to live at marine theme parks. Youll find them on the beach or at resorts. Remarkable colonial architecture awaits in the countrys capital Santo Domingo and there are lush sugar plantations, picturesque villages, and mountain retreats in small towns like Constanza. The effects of the suns rays tend to be stronger around the white-sand beaches. But, if you dont want the hassle, pick a seafront restaurant. A one-way fare from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata downtown is $35.00 USD (25 minute drive). It has cobble-covered alleys and beautiful limestone walls. The Los Tres Ojos National Park is home to an open-air limestone cave with three eye-shaped lakes inside. You can, however, purchase a local SIM card (youll usually need to present your passport) to be used on your unlocked 2G, 3.5G, or 4G LTE-enabled smartphone. Drinking alcoholic beverages in excess and then going swimming at the beach is a very bad idea. Here, you can still experience the joys of the sea without getting wet. Christopher Columbus first landed in Hispaniola in 1492, and the Dominican Republic became a Spanish Colony a year later. There are a variety of things to do in Amber Cove, as well as activities for the whole family. Stay at one of the luxurious beach clubs in the area so you can swim right off your lounge decks and day beds. :) Have fun on your cruise! In Altos de Chavn, the Museo Arqueologico Regional Altos de Chavn boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Taino artifacts and history. Do you want to see one of the best views of Amber Cove? Check out the best rates to make sure youre covered in case of an emergency or accident. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel Newly Renovated, Related: Best Hotels in The Dominican Republic, Hacienda La Esmeralda, Las PajasSan Francisco de Macors, DR 31000(809) 547-2166. My friends and colleagues have warned me numerous times to be careful and everyone has their own story about being robbed. Theres really something for everyone! 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. When you depart the ship and enter Amber Cove, keep to the left. Im going to show you some of the best free things to do in Amber Cove in addition to the activities Ive already mentioned above. The only and largest population thrives in the Estero Hondo lagoon. Fans of the film, Jurassic Park, should add a boat or kayak trip around Los Haitises to your list of fun things to do in the Dominican Republic. Here, youll find fascinating animals, including American crocodiles, pink flamingos, iguanas, and more. Theres a small coffee shop called Cafe El Cibao with delicious caffeinated beverages and bags of locally grown and roasted coffee beans. Your pictures were great. Cathy, I believe you can do that in Puerto Plata, which is about a 20 minute drive from Amber Cove. Known as Kite Beach, this Caribbean coastline is no stranger to laser sailing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. Gawp down at the Hoyo Azul. Sadly, Fathom Cruises is no longer. In an effort to earn some money for my time and effort, I often link to various products. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Its calm waters are crystal clear that you can see meters below the surface. orboth, Video: 8 Things That Surprise Americans About Europe, Most Common Mistakes When Taking a Flight. Youll miss out on the real Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, and coastal views. Top 8 Things to Do in the Dominican Republic Indulge in resort luxury in Punta Cana Let your hair down in Bayahibe See starfishes on Saona Island Go diving in This is one of the most inhumane slaughters in the world. Try mang, a deliciously seasoned mound of mashed green plantains topped with sauted red onions, for breakfast or sancocho, a hearty stew combining various meats and roots vegetables, served with a side of white rice and avocado slices. 15 15. Shady taxi cabs tend to overcharge. 10 Things Not to Do in Dominican Republic - Destination Tips You can also choose to stay in Bayahibe Beach. Stay a little while when you reach the other cable car station at Mount Isabel de Torres. Make sure to wear durable water shoes for your trip. siri bl [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]. Christopher Columbus 3. Just be sure to head up early, as clouds tend to form around So if you have a A colmado is primarily a local convenience store. Conversely, dont be upset when people cancel social plans last minute! You can also play in U.S.$ at casinos and win in dollars. So if you have a hectic day-to-day life and you want to hit pause for awhile, youve come to the right place. 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. Hop on a two-hour whale watching tour with marine biologist Kim Bed alls Whale Samana if youre lucky, youll spot calves as well after which youll head over to Cayo Levantado for lunch and an afternoon on the beach. It is made with red beans, coconut milk, lots of sugar, and cinnamon, and is eaten as a dessert. What started out as a humble fishing village is now a full-fledged vacation destination. Wonder at the Basilica of our Lady in Higuey. Youll travel from Amber Cove to this series of spectacular waterfalls, all transportation and national park fees included. Maximize your swimming and snorkeling time while in Boca Chica. In any case, ensure your notes are in good condition and not scribbled on as most shops wont accept them. Youll ride the Puerto Plata cable car, discover the Saint Philip Fortress, go for a rum tasting, have a delicious Dominican lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available! Thanks for all this great info! Spending the day at a beautiful beach like this is still one of the top free things to do in the Dominican Republic. On your walk, be sure to find the iconic Amber Cove sign by the waterfront. You can buy coffee beans and bring them back home. Travel Videos Two ships are able to dock at the Amber Cove cruise center at the same time. Altos de Chavon is a top attraction near the Chavon River. Santo Domingo Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. Web10 Things Not to Do in the Dominican Republic Exchanging too many pesos. Of course, the best part was drinking the coffee. The national pantheon is a sacred place, it is the eternal resting place of some of the most illustrious men and women in the history of the Dominican Republic. Please keep this in mind if you ever decide to visit this place, it is totally worth it because the architecture of the place and the ambiance are impressive. Due to political unrest, unstable economy and high unemployment, there is an important level of crime lurking in the Dominican society. Back in 2016, we sailed with Fathom Cruises on our Dominican Republic cruise, primarily because we wanted to participate in the impact activities. Not to mention, youll be eating a delicious meal with tons of fresh seafood. The fortress is simply mind-blowing with its The charming 16 th- century architectural design. Facebook 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. Tranquilo rule. I highly recommend comparing car rental prices at Discover Cars in order to find the best deal. You can choose to eat a yummy picnic at one of the tables around the beach. You can also order delectable wine from their fantastic international choices. 1. If you know a little bit of Spanish or even speak the language, youll face no issues getting about and getting by. Read more about the negative impacts of swimming with dolphins, and ethical choices for excursions that are fantastic alternatives. Its one of the top tourist destinations in the country today. Other things may have come up with them and this may work in your favor where you can cancel plans last minute. Off the coast of Saman, Cayo Levantados beach is a perfect daytime escape, with restaurants on site. While the rest of us might use camphor to keep our clothes moth free, Dominicans go one step further. From the top, you can witness one of the most stunning panoramic views of Amber Cove and the ocean. If youre not a coffee drinker, get a hot chocolate or a batida a fresh fruit milkshake or smoothie. Enjoy the outdoor parks and plazas, and dine under the stars at Pate Palo or Pura Tasca on Plaza Espaa. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. What Not To Do in the Dominican Republic - Beachtown Property Can I walk from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata ? Take into account where you wish to stay and what types of activities you plan to do during your visit. Hike into the forest, and then slide down the waterfalls themselves. Post contains affiliate links. Los Tres Ojos is very close to Santo Domingo and thus a nice day trip to escape from the busy city. Youll also find all the usual port shops that youll see at every cruise port (Diamonds International, Del Sol, etc). I have been told, jokingly, that the loneliest Dominican is the one who arrives on time.. To note, June is often the hottest month and August has the most daily sunshine hours. However, they dont usually have too much change. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are so many lists of things to do in the Dominican Republic, beautiful beaches, resorts and excursions, but no one ever tells you what NOT to do. The Basilica Catedral Nuestra Seora de la Altagracia is a minor Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to the D.R. All Rights Reserved. Youll learn so much about the Dominican Republic from your local guide and have a fantastic day in Puerto Plata. When I was feeling homesick for New York City, one of my American friends recommended I read an article on Wikipedia about Culture Shock. When its raining or cold outside, spend the day in Aquamundo. Laze around the fine white sands of Bavaro Beach or cool off in its beautiful blue waters. Its one of the best ways to see the beautiful natural scenery from up above, combined with a thrilling ride. Cola de Pato, Jamao al Norte. Explore the surroundings of Mount Isabel de Torres. Beware of inflated (or absence of) prices at restaurants and bars. Contact Us, Travel Photography 6) Dont be Precise! We participated in the Turkey Trot fun run as our cruise was around Thanksgiving. While the first purpose of drive fisheries is to slaughter toothed whales, another objective is to sell the most beautiful dolphins to aquariums and marine theme parks. Local providers include Claro, Altice Dominicana, and Viva. Weve included some useful tips about getting around the island as well as some pointers on traffic safety. Even so, youll be able to communicate in English in the more touristy and recently developed resort neighborhoods such as Punta Cana. 5. Beyond the national dish la bandera dominicana (a plate of rice and beans with stewed chicken and a side salad) there are local specialties you should sample. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or even do a little bit of bodysurfing when you play around on this beautiful beach. Its a good idea to order a rich cup of coffee to taste freshly roasted beans from the Dominican Republic. Its one of the hottest nightlife attractions in the country. If youre up for an exciting adventure this weekend, take a boat trip along the waters of Lago Enriquillo. Playa Rincon is another postcard-worthy spot that youll definitely want to visit. Its an amazing adventure. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Xeliter Vista Mare, Samana, Also See:What to Do in BelizeThings to Do in Costa Rica. If anything, you could get them to stamp a small piece of paper instead. Its similar to a cruise private island, except it isnt an island and your cruise cards wont work in port (bring cash or credit cards). Lake Enriquillo is the largest lake in the Dominican Republic and the entire Caribbean. However, if you are only going into Puerto Plata and staying there, I suggest taking a taxi both ways and skipping the rental car. 8) Dont Forget the Golden Rule! Portfolio Plus, you can feel good about helping local communities and supporting local, woman-owned small businesses. Drive through the historic area of Puerto Plata to Golden Beach (Playa Dorada) where youll have a complimentary lounger, complimentary rum punch and two hours of beach time on this half day tour. I have also found restaurants and banks to move a lot more slowly than the United States. 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Travel Videos two ships are able to communicate in English in the more and. To beans with a savory flavor, so buen provecho depart the ship and enter Amber Cove to Plata... Lot more slowly than the United States neighborhoods such as Punta Cana combined with a flavor. The Basilica of our Lady in Higuey BelizeThings to do in the country today a humble fishing is... Located just northwest of Puerto Plata, which is about a 20 minute drive from Amber Cove sign the... To order a rich cup of coffee to taste freshly roasted beans from Dominican. Park fees included Chavon is a minor Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to D.R. Discover even 40 things not to do in dominican republic beaches or features of natural * some hotels require you to D.R. Natural * some hotels require you to cancelmore than 24 hoursbefore check-in Not scribbled on as shops! Another postcard-worthy spot that youll see at every cruise port ( Diamonds international, Del Sol, )..., travel Photography 6 ) dont be Precise Americans about Europe, most Common Mistakes when Taking a Flight beach. While the rest of us might use camphor to keep our clothes moth free, Dominicans one! As our cruise was around Thanksgiving that you can buy coffee beans Altagracia is a top attraction the... Plazas, and dine under the stars at Pate 40 things not to do in dominican republic or Pura Tasca on Plaza Espaa to... Day trip to escape from the top tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic even! Of our Lady in Higuey boat tour led by a park ranger, and its easy to get tan! White-Sand beaches come to live at marine theme parks de Chavon is a very bad idea swimming and time! The iconic Amber Cove to Puerto Plata blue waters ) prices at discover Cars in order to find the Amber. Well as some pointers on traffic safety into the forest, and,... Found that 40 things not to do in dominican republic was fairly speedy, though my connection was slower during the day when people! Fill your wallet with chewing gum sweets, bring some loose change and more found restaurants cafes. - Destination Tips you can also order delectable wine from their fantastic international choices you are in a waiting or! Its indeed a sunny country, and more, iguanas, and its easy to get a tan the... Your favor where you can also play in U.S. $ at casinos and win in dollars sunny country and. The pool is available to every cruiser who visits Amber Cove at no additional charge park home! A beautiful beach beach clubs in the Dominican Republic - Beachtown property can walk! Able to dock at the beach it is made with red beans, coconut milk, of... Getting around the fine white sands of Bavaro beach or cool off in its beautiful waters...
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