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The Dominican Republic is a hard-to-beat vacation destination with beautiful beaches, aquatic animals galore, and tropical destination museums and experiences. As of research from April of this year, tourism in the Dominican Republic has also started to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March, the country had 263,857 foreign visitors, a 56% increase from February and a 3% increase compared to March of 2020. And if you’re from the United States and looking to vacation in the Dominican Republic, you are far from alone! 70% of arrivals in March were American tourists, with 40% of them traveling through the Punta Cana International Airport.
Today, I’m sharing a list of things to do in the Dominican Republic with or without kids. From gorgeous beaches to authentic cocoa bean museums, there’s something for everyone here.
22 + Things To Do In The Dominican Republic With or Without Kids
A Few Things To Note When Planning Your Trip:
Currency
The currency is the Dominican Peso, however, US Dollars are widely accepted all over the country. You can exchange Dollars for Dominican Pesos at the airport when you land, or you can simply get money from the ATM that’s right outside the airport. Keep in mind that banks charge a foreign transaction fee when using ATMs out of the country.
Accommodation
- Barceló Bávaro Palace
- Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro
- Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana
- Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
- Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa
Things To Do In The Dominican Republic
Visit Saona Island
One of the top-rated things to explore in the Dominican Republic is Saona Island. Just a short distance away from the mainland of the Dominican Republic, Saona Island is known for its surrounding turquoise waters and lush palm trees.
This is a perfect location for snorkeling, and speedboats are also available for an extra thrill ride around the island. One thing to keep in mind is that many visitors to Saona Island enjoy indulging in alcohol while exploring, so this location might be best for those without kids or with family members 21 and older.
The ChocoMuseo Chocolate Museum
On the flip side, the ChocoMuseo experiences are the perfect places to book for families with kids! There are three total locations for The Choco Museo in the Dominican Republic, one each in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata.
There are a variety of experiences to choose from at these chocolate museums, from choosing a simple free entrance to museum displays to hands-on workshops. For $20, you can participate in the Bean to Bar workshop and learn the basics of creating chocolate right from the cacao bean.
The gift shop also holds a plethora of chocolate liqueurs, truffles, and branded merchandise like mugs and notebooks to remember your trip by.
Los Haitises National Park
National Parks are often overlooked on vacations abroad, but you really shouldn’t miss out on the unique rock formations at the Los Haitises National Park. This park covers 618 square miles and is considered one of the best national parks in the Dominican Republic.
The name of this park translates to “hilly land,” in the language of Taino, and its 98-foot-high rock formations extend over the water. If you’re lucky, you might also be able to spot bird colonies and caves that hold one of the highest numbers of petroglyphs and pictographs in the country.
For movie fanatics, you might want to explore the rainforest in Los Haitises, which was used as a filming location for Jurassic Park.
Ocean World Adventure Park, Puerto Plata
The Ocean World Adventure Park in Puerto Plata offers close encounters with marine life by day and costumed performers at night. You can pet sea lions and even swim with docile sharks, and behind-the-scenes tours will give you insight into how the staff cares for these animals.
The park’s most popular attraction is the swimming with dolphins experience. This is a 30-minute experience allowing your family to meet dolphins up close. You can even dance, hug, and feed them!
Playa Rincon Beach
One of the top ten beaches in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler, Playa Rincon Beach spans 3 miles of pure white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters. Coconut trees thrive here, and the waters are calm enough for both snorkeling and bodysurfing.
The beach can be reached via a 15-minute drive from Las Galeras or various boat options. Seafront beaches offer delicious fresh fish and picnic tables allow for family snacks and more.
This beach is more remote and undeveloped compared to others, and reminiscent of an untouched tropical getaway.
Rafting in Jarabacoa
Jarabacoa is the second-largest municipality in La Vega Province in the Dominican Republic and is home to an unforgettable river rafting experience. Explore the waters of the Yaque del Norte River with professional guides to guide you through canyons and rapids.
The Yaque del Norte River is the longest river in the Caribbean. The hotel and tour company Rancho Baiguate also offers unique river trekking tour options for the ultimate hiking, swimming, and sliding adventure.
Damajaqua Cascades (27 Waterfalls)
Located in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, the Damajaqua Cascades, also known as 27 Waterfalls, is a sight to behold. Opt for a Jeep tour of the waterfalls or explore the lower falls on foot, yourself! Be careful of exploring the falls at higher altitudes depending on the age of your party, as the cliffs do become slippery.
Some tours include climbing, cliff jumping, and more, and water shoes are a must. Fees depend on which waterfalls you intend to climb and typically include an English-speaking tour guide.
Xtreme Boogie Experience- Cave-Beach
On this tour, you’ll get to
- Visit Macao Beach
- Swim in Taino Cave which is 100% exclusive
- Visit the great historically recreated Taino Village, where you will learn about the history and culture of The Dominican Republic.
- Learn about chocolate, coffee, chocolate tea, and an aphrodisiac called mamajuana.
You can book it on Airbnb Experiences.
Scape Park in Punta Cana
The Scape Park in Punta Cana is most famous for its zip-lining experiences, with some even allowing you to jump from the zip line into the water below! You can also explore ancient caverns on-site, swim underground caves, and ride in splash hammocks.
Cruises are also an option for a more calm yet exciting adventure. The beach club alongside the beach allows for simple relaxation and even snorkeling.
Agora Mall in Santo Domingo
The Agora Mall in Santo Domingo is often called the best mall in the Dominican Republic! With multi-levels of shopping and international branded stores, this is a great place to shop for unique and wearable souvenirs and local specialties.
The mall also hosts specific events from time to time, so be sure to check their websites for engaging ongoing events.
Book A Photoshoot
When we travel internationally, we make sure to book a photoshoot. We are photographers and travel with tripods and more, however, it’s always so nice to have someone else capture beautiful photos of your family on vacation. We booked our photographer on Airbnb Experiences (Huseyin) and he was great!
You can read “Reasons To Hire A Professional Photographer When On Vacation“ for more on why I highly recommend it.
Montana Redonda
The Montana Redonda is a famous mountain hilltop offering over-the-edge swing rides and views of the coast that are unattainable otherwise. Take a minibus to the location of the Montana Redonda, as reaching the top by foot is quite an excursion.
Enjoy a unique and breathtaking view of Esmeralda Beach and Limon Lagoon, and enjoy delicious food at the on-scene restaurant.
Cano Hondo Ziplines
Just 20 minutes outside of Sanchez, the Cano Hondo Ziplines are located inside the Los Haitises National Park. This zipline experience will have you flying over the Jibales River, which curves throughout the Paraiso Cano Hondo resort.
Enjoy the thrill of adventure and observe the lush canopy over the Bay of San Lorenzo just ahead.
Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana
What Dominican Republic list is complete without the beautiful Bavaro Beach? A wonderful option for travel with or without kids, there are a plethora of all-inclusive resorts by Bavaro Beach’s white-sand offerings.
Just north of Punta Cana, the waters here are ideal for wading and swimming and offer that iconic turquoise-colored water of the Caribbean. Access to far-off coral reefs is roped off for the protection of natural species and preservation, but you won’t soon run out of miles for beach exploration and people-watching.
Taiguey Emotion Show
The Taiguey Emotion Show is a unique experience starting at $66 per adult and featuring a Caribbean-themed party aboard a beautiful cruise ship through Punta Cana. The cruise also takes a stop at the natural pool of Playa Blanca, offering a great overlook of coral reefs and snorkeling.
Professional dancers will teach you a few traditional dance steps from salsa, merengue, bachata, mambo styles, and more. Finally, the Taiguey Emotion Show includes a visit to the Taino experiential museum. There, you can learn more about the culture and history of the Dominican Republic through clay pieces and ritual figures.
Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo
The Zona Colonial, or the colonial zone in Santo Domingo, is a beautifully preserved yet busy destination to catch a glimpse at local life from the ground up. Calle El Conde is the main street in this area and has a plethora of dining and shopping options.
The Catedral Primada de America (First Cathedral in the Americas) is located in the Zona Colonial, and is still in use today! Visitors loved the steak and fish at Nicolas de Ovando. Joyful airs of merengue music disseminate throughout the area. There are a great number of hotel stay options to choose from so settle in for a few days!
Whale Watching in Samana Bay
With over 200 4.5-star reviews on Google, Whale Samana is the top choice for whale watching in Samana Bay. The bay is part of the Semana Peninsula. Aside from whale watching, visitors can also explore the lush rainforest, relax on the beautiful beaches, or immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine. With so much to see and do, the Samana Peninsula is a must-visit destination for families seeking adventure and relaxation in the Caribbean. This unique tour takes you aboard a custom whale-watching sea vessel. Observe humpback whales in their natural calving and mating grounds!
Best yet, the company does have a Whale Samana Guarantee, and will offer you your next trip for free if you don’t see any whales! The tour is hosted by a Marine Mammal Specialist, who will narrate your tour around the bay and answer any questions about these majestic animals.
Other Things To Do In The Dominican Republic
- Zipline with Runners Adventures.
- See dolphins at Dolphin Island.
- Take surf lessons at Macao Surf Camp.
- Visit the Aquamundo Sambil Aquarium.
- Go on a tour with Outback Jungle Safari.
- Play at the Sirenis Aquagames Waterpark.
- Let your kids play and feel like adults at Pekepolis.
- Visit the Dominican Republics’ largest caves with Visit Fun Cave.
- See animals and watch dancers perform at Manati Park Bavaro.
- Do some charity and volunteer work with your tour with Monster Truck Safari.
- Go snorkeling and get a chance to play on the world’s largest inflatable slide with Marinarium Excursions.
What Is Dominican Republic Known For?
The Dominican Republic is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. Families looking to explore the natural beauty of the island can take a day trip to Los Tres Ojos, a series of three crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by lush greenery. This natural wonder is perfect for a day of swimming, hiking, and exploring with the whole family.
For a refreshing break from the heat, De La Costa water park features thrilling water slides and refreshing swimming pools for all ages. And for those seeking a luxurious and relaxing getaway, Cap Cana is the perfect destination with its world-class golf courses, stunning beaches, and top-notch amenities. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the Dominican Republic has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to experience all that this Caribbean gem has to offer.
Visiting The Dominican Republic With or Without Kids
No matter if you plan to stay in the Dominican Republic with kids or not, you’ll hardly be at a loss for things to do. From ethereal beaches to ziplining and dolphin meets, there’s something in the Caribbean for everyone.
Make sure to check out my article on the 8 Best Caribbean Islands For Kids That Are Affordable for more options in the area!
