Youll learn so much about the Dominican Republic from your local guide and have a fantastic day in Puerto Plata. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 4.What Not To Do in the Dominican RepublicDont disregard your safety. What Not To Do in the Dominican Republic - Beachtown Property Theres fun for the whole family at Amber Cove. If you enjoyed this post, pass it on Dont be afraid to try new food! Make sure to visit popular spots like Piedra Letrada (Taino culture stones), El Arroyazo (natural pool), and Aguas Blanca (highest waterfall in the D.R.). Recommended Hotel Nearby: Iberostar Costa Dorada, Calle Principal #3 CofresPuerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 291-1000. I get called Rubia (blondie) on the street due to my brown hair. It is also near the Puerto Plata airport. 1) Dont Forget to Relax This is the perfect place to kick back and relax. The Dominican colmado is a corner mom and pop grocery store that doubles as a neighborhood bar. Venture northeast to remote Las Terrenas and Las Galeras on the Saman Peninsula for long palm-lined golden and white sands. She is interested in culture, music, and marketing. 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. So, its really up to you if youd like to take the risk. The Basilica Catedral Nuestra Seora de la Altagracia is a minor Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to the D.R. Youll want to rent a locker if you plan on doing the zip line. Of course, the drinks cost extra at the swim-up bar and everywhere in Amber Cove. Always ask for a final price quote for weighed seafood. You will certainly like it and you should plan to capture several photos of it. You can choose from a row of fish fry shacks, stay at one of the seaside hotels, and more. Dont feel like laying in an ordinary pool lounger? My sister once had her carry-on bag searched because they wanted to know what the powdery substance was in her bag haha! Showing off in public can be something that anyone can do at any given time, basically because of two factors. Collect 10 stamps, get 1 reward* night. Here are more of our Caribbean cruise guides: Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. Aside from interesting fossils, youll also learn more about the amber business in the Dominican Republic. You can choose from Ocean, Poolside, Hillside or Grand Cabanas. Twitter Nature and animal lovers will enjoy a relaxing hike around Park Valle-Nuevo. Youll still have plenty of sun beyond summer. Carnival masks with descriptions surround the fountain. This lively beach town boasts the best windsurfing and kitesurfing in the Caribbean. While the swimming pool, lazy river and waterslides are free, there are more paid activities that you can do at the Amber Cove Aqua Zone. The two- to three-day expedition will have you camping under the stars as you make your way to the summit at sunrise. Its wooden deck, rattan furniture, and thatched palm roof really sell the island paradise vibes. By visiting dolphinariums, youre contributing to it. I have also been greeting the security guards on my way to work (see tip #1) should something happen to me while walking to work, I know I have someone watching my back. Stay at one of the luxurious beach clubs in the area so you can swim right off your lounge decks and day beds. Santo Domingo boasts a historical Colonial Zone as well as lots of shopping (read my post about what to do in Santo Domingo). ), youll even see some of the lesser-known, untouched spots on the island like El Peon and Mano Juan. Tourists are often conned into various compromising situations. Swim in the capitals main beach when you travel to Santo Domingo. Wherever you end up, youre sure to find beachfront restaurants with fresh catch (in season), plenty of rum, and music. Post contains affiliate links. Make the time to visit the famous turquoise waters of this natural spring. Your cruise ship will sail into the Bay of Maimon, located just northwest of You can find them on the shore excursions section of your cruise booking for both Princess and Carnival Cruises. Always leave a buffer when travelling, especially in Santo Domingo which can be congested with traffic in the mornings, afternoons when schools get out, and evening rush hour. Laze around the fine white sands of Bavaro Beach or cool off in its beautiful blue waters. It can be reached by hiking or riding a cable car. The only and largest population thrives in the Estero Hondo lagoon. You can even check out the exotic birds in the park. When I refer to kill, obviously not literally, that word is used here to define a situation in which you buy something at an exaggeratedly high price, I went to buy some shoes and they killed me. On shore, you cant miss seeing iguanas freely roaming the grounds. Amber Cove is part of our 8-Day Cruise on Carnival's new Horizon September, 2020. 10 Things Not to Do in Dominican Republic - Destination Tips Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Spend the day swimming with dolphins, watching sea lion shows, and looking at nurse sharks. Carnival is a major part of Dominican culture. This is where you can get your passport stamped with an unofficial Puerto Plata stamp. I also own a second blog called Ontario Hiking, all about hiking in Ontario, Canada. If you're buying coffee grounds, I'd put them in your checked luggage. In Santo Domingo, head to Jet Set Club for weekly concerts on Monday nights. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link. If youre going all out, make sure to get the premium tours around the islands. There are educational signs displayed around Amber Cove detailing the history of amber in Dominican Republic. 2 2-Dressing inappropriately in public institutions. Before visiting the Dominican Republic, make sure you have left all your worries and troubles at the port of your departure because in the Dominican Republic everyone feels tranquilo (from Spanish tranquilo calm, quiet, and peaceful). From crystal clear waters and lush rainforests to centuries-old Spanish landmarks, this island country is a goldmine. The walk from the ship to Amber Cove is quite scenic. Enjoy your vacation! So if you have a hectic day-to-day life and you want to hit pause for awhile, youve come to the right place. She completed her MBA at Binghamton University, and has years of experience working in nonprofit development and communications. You can also order delectable wine from their fantastic international choices. There are also several resorts in the country. So if you have a Start in the Colonial City tour the Alcazar de Colon, the former home of Diego Columbus turned museum, as well as the Museo de las Casas Reales. If youre not into shopping or spending time by the pool, you may want to get out of Amber Cove to see the actual destination itself. Its an amazing adventure. Justin Plus Lauren is one of the first vegan travel blogs - I've been vegan since 2009 and vegetarian all my life. I feel like a 19 and 17 year old would have a blast there. WebGolf fans will want to book a stay at Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic for the chance to experience the resorts beautiful 18-hole golf course designed by the famous Its a good idea to order a rich cup of coffee to taste freshly roasted beans from the Dominican Republic. This means that you can have a general idea of your plans, but dont count minutes or expect social plans to begin on time (or anywhere even close!). And if its beaches you want, theres no place better than Punta Cana. El Limon Waterfall Don Mammoser/Shutterstock If youre heading to the Dominican Republic to chase waterfalls, then El Limon Waterfall is one of the best. Its plaza, fountain, and stone facade make it a popular wedding venue in the country. Here, youll learn more about the countrys history. As youll be out to sea for many days, you might be without Internet for some time. I teach English classes at major businesses and while my students are frequently held up due to work obligations, I am always there on time. Whenever a commercial brand or a person calls their product the best in the world it is something that really borders on the absurd since, The Dominican Republic has more than 55 dolphin species in captivity. Included transfers help you avoid the hassle of queuing or looking for a taxi cab or shuttle once youve landed at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Facebook What I have noticed, many people inside the pantheon behave inappropriately, talking loudly, posing for photos, some laughing, this behavior may be reprehensible. Your Dominican Republic stay is not complete until you experience the 10-minute ride up to the mountains in the Teleferico. If youre into water sports, head to Puerto Platas surf-rich coastline and beach hop your way from Playa Dorada to Cabarete and Monte Cristi. Best Luggage Storage: Where to Store Your Bags While Traveling, Best 7 Days in Israel Itinerary for an Amazing Week. Pico Isabel de Torres stands 2,600 feet above the hills of Puerto Plata. But certainly, I have seen many tourists making some mistakes because of ignorance of the culture, or perhaps because of overconfidence. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Wear adequate clothing and slap some sunscreen onto exposed parts of your body. Beyond its renowned beaches and over a thousand miles of coastline, youll find mountain ranges, offshore islands, lakes and waterfalls, offering plenty to do outdoors. Bavaro Beach is a white-sand beach and resort town in Punta Cana. Enjoy a cafecito during the day, preferably while sitting outdoors and catching up with friends. As a Canadian, I got my passport stamped here with this novelty stamp and absolutely nothing bad happened. But theres more to the country than the confines of modern resort grounds. This Damajagua Waterfalls shore excursion will take you to the famous 27 waterfalls. Dont be afraid to set foot outside the resorts and get a taste of real Dominican culture. Sarah K. is a New York native who moved to the Dominican Republic to teach and to experience living abroad. Some of the upgraded cabanas have their own TVs, private hot tubs, dining areas and more. One of the most unique activities in the Dominican Republic is Puerto Platas cable car ride or Telefrico, the only one operating in the Caribbean. Discover how you can tell apart gourmet chocolate from ordinary ones. YouTube Zona Colonial is the historic neighborhood in Santo Domingo. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns. Two ships are able to dock at the Amber Cove cruise center at the same time. Continue to the Museo del Hombre Dominicano, the most comprehensive in the country, covers various eras starting with the origin of Dominicans to its present day culture and society. Opt for Jarabacoa as your jump off point and relax in this cool mountain town before and after your adventure. I dont think a reasonable foreigner would come to the Dominican Republic to buy adulterated alcohol for consumption, but I will put it on the list because this is a real warning. It takes you soaring over 2,600 feet above Puerto Platas gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and hilly green landscape, from the city towards Mount Isabel. Here, youll see a plethora of birds and endangered species like the Hispaniolan Piculet and the Ridgways Hawk. At this point, I wanted to share a few tips (some learned the hard way) for anyone in the Dominican Republic also experiencing Culture Shock or anyone who is interested taking a trip here or just plain interested in learning about the culture! It is possible to go to the beach by taking an Amber Cove shore excursion. Or find a smaller, out-of-the-way branch, and go in the late morning when everyone is at work, if possible. It is a little bit too far to walk - you will need to take a taxi, book a tour, or rent a car. When I was feeling homesick for New York City, one of my American friends recommended I read an article on Wikipedia about Culture Shock. Media Kit I recommend that you try to use the wifi from the coffee shop in Amber Cove, Cafe El Cibao. I've done it many times on my travels. Using your smartphone for communication and navigation while out and about in the Dominican Republic might not always be a great experience. So forget trying to be accurate! Leave a Comment. Best Things to Do in Amber Cove: Go Shopping The shops at the Amber Cove cruise port are open when the ships are in port. Its one of the hottest nightlife attractions in the country. For a full experience of a cacao plantation and the bean to bar process, sign up for the Sendero del Cacao or the Cacao Trail Tour. Beans with sweet? Nearby, Parque Duarte is a favorite of the LGBT community. There are a variety of things to do in Amber Cove, as well as activities for the whole family. You cant miss this building its a replica of the gazebo thats in downtown Puerto Plata. WebYoull miss out on the real Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, and coastal views. Experience the wonder of swimming with hundreds of colorful fishes when you snorkel in the parks artificial coral reef aquarium. Gawp down at the Hoyo Azul. All rights reserved. Immerse yourself in the passion of dancing to merengue and salsa while enjoying traditional foods and drink. Its one of the top tourist destinations in the country today. Boca Chica Beach is one of the most developed beaches in the country. Lake Enriquillo is the largest lake in the Dominican Republic and the entire Caribbean. I have also found restaurants and banks to move a lot more slowly than the United States. Here in Santo Domingo, this could be construed rude! Recommended Hotel Nearby: MON Hotel Boutique. Aside from better drinks and a tastier menu (hello, lobster! The flat-topped mountain offers unobstructed views of the northern region of the Dominican Republic. Not to mention the D.R. After you visit the chocolate factory and eating a hearty traditional Dominican lunch, get the chance to roam around Museo Hermanas Mirabal. Enjoy the trip to Hoyo Azul, as youll be doing a lot of zip lines. Temperatures in the different regions throughout the island of Hispaniola also vary due to the diverse terrain. Unlicensed tour operators often offer cheap packages and some ask for bookings paid in full, in advance, but are nowhere to be found on the day of your tour. Source: flickr. The countrys tourism boom has encouraged the expansion of existing dolphinariums and the presentation, Contents1 All the sticks are falling off2 The website idea is a light at the end of the tunnel3 Making the website, lots of errors4, The Dominican rural area is characterized by its tranquility, its unhurried lifestyle, and its incredible natural beauty. Playa Rincon is a 5-kilometer undeveloped white-sand beach in the Samana Peninsula. Hike into the forest, and then slide down the waterfalls themselves. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kiskeyalife_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',648,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kiskeyalife_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');This is something normal, it could happen to anyone, I would like to know a little bit of the culture before visiting a country so I dont mess up. This is not appropriate, not only in the Dominican Republic, but anywhere in the world, but lets say you should be especially careful in developing countries. 4 4-Showing off in public. Did I miss reading about the cable car ride up and down the mountain? 5 Things You shouldnt Do in the Dominican Republic (As a Tourist), 2-Dressing inappropriately in public institutions, 3-Buying cheap or adulterated alcohol in a clandestine manner, 5-Being very clueless when it comes to paying or negotiating something. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Dreams Dominicus La Romana Resort & Spa, John F. Kennedy AvenueSanto Domingo, DR 10413(829) 547-4014. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Sure! Your email address will not be published. Wonder at the Basilica of our Lady in Higuey. There used to be free wifi at the Fathom Impact Center. Among the treats not to be missed are cativia (wheat empanadas), salpicon (chilled seafood and vegetables), sancocho (rich meat stew), and pastel en hoja (boiled root crops and meat in banana leaf). I recommend that you try to use the wifi from the city Mount. Sea for many days, you cant miss seeing iguanas freely roaming the grounds you might be Internet! Saman Peninsula for long palm-lined golden and white sands of Bavaro beach or cool off in its beautiful waters... 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And drink clubs in the country travel to Santo Domingo adventure travel, eco and sustainable,! Swimming with hundreds of colorful fishes when you travel to Santo Domingo resort & Spa, F.. Windsurfing and kitesurfing in the parks artificial coral reef aquarium for cities small! Outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and looking at nurse sharks from your local guide and a. Post, pass it on Dont be afraid to try new food you buying.