Whale Watching In Samana
1
Rancho Lorilar
Lago Dudu
Los Tres Ojos
Calle De Las Damas
Damajaqua Cascades
Zona Colonial
Bay Of Sosua
Dominican Republic Musts
For those lucky enough to find themselves in the Dominican Republic between January and March, a trip to Samana in the Northeastern part of the country for some whale watching is an absolute must do. See the humpbacks during their mating season, in what is one of the best whale-watching opportunities in the world, and listen to the males’ song, known as the calve.
For a unique horseback riding experience, the Rancho Lorilar is a fantastic destination! Visit the ranch for half day or full day rides and travel along beaches and through small villages greeting some friendly locals along with way. On the full day ride, which lasts about five hours, you can stop off for a swim at a magnificent lagoon nestled amid lush vegetation.
2
4
3
Sheltered amid a verdant nature park, the Lago Dudu near the town Cabrera, attracts both swimmers and cave-divers alike. Surrounded by steep, rocky walls, the freshwater lake provides the perfect setting for a lazy swim. If you would like to experience an adrenaline rush, zip line into the cool, emerald-green water of the lagoon. Divers of any experience level can enjoy a swim through the long underwater caves.
Los Tres Ojos or “the three eyes” in Santo Domingo is an internationally renowned National Park consisting of limestone caves with underground lakes. Created as a result of tectonic movements, the caves were the early dwelling places of Taino Indians. The stunning rock formations and the varied flora and fauna attracts nature-lovers as well as researchers from all over the world.
Check out the Zona Colonial in the capital city of Santo Domingo and explore the colonial history of the Americas. The zone, a UNESCO World Cultural Patrimony, is home to some great museums, a beautiful cathedral and monastery, and much more. The rich history and architecture make this a must do for all!
While visiting Santiago, take a guided tour of the award-winning La Aurora Cigar Factory and immerse yourself in the interesting process of cigar making. Also enjoy the complementary cigars offered during your visit!
6
5
La Aurora Cigar Factory
Divers and snorkelers should definitely check out the Bay of Sosua, located between Puerto Plata and Cabarete, with its calm waters and abundant variety of sea life. The water is so clear; you don’t even need to get wet in order to see the fishes underneath! During the winter months, the Bay of Sosua is also great for whale watching.
Visit the oldest paved street in the New World, Calle de las Damas, which was built in 1502. Check the time just as the royalty of the era did using the reloj del sol (sundial), located along the Calle de las Damas in front of their former residence, currently the Museo de las Casas Reales.
One of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful attractions is the Damajaqua Cascades, a chain of 27 waterfalls along the Rio Bajabonico, a river that winds through the mountains of the northern part of the country near Puerto Plata. You do not want to miss the falls if you are in the area and, for the truly adventurous, you can hike to the top and take the spine tingling route down, jumping and sliding down the waterfalls. Be sure to go with a guide and wear a helmet, shoes and life vest, as the adventure can be potentially dangerous, particularly following a rainfall.
8
9
7
El Meson De La Cava
10
For a truly unique dining experience, El Meson de la Cava in Santo Domingo is an absolute must-do. The restaurant is located in an ancient limestone cave; you enter the restaurant walking down 40ft spiral staircase into a lobby filled with stalagmites and stalactites! The restaurant serves excellent food, with local handpicked ingredients brought in daily and seafood fresh from the Caribbean Sea!