I have been told, jokingly, that the loneliest Dominican is the one who arrives on time.. Shady taxi cabs tend to overcharge. Sarah K. is a New York native who moved to the Dominican Republic to teach and to experience living abroad. The Los Haitises National Park is a 1,600-square-kilometer park that was established in 1976. In Santo Domingo, head to Jet Set Club for weekly concerts on Monday nights. Are you wondering where the Amber Cove beach is? Youve never seen water this blue before. There are many beautiful views of the ocean, the little beach huts in Amber Cove and the cruise ships in port. Altos de Chavon is a top attraction near the Chavon River. If youre up for an exciting adventure this weekend, take a boat trip along the waters of Lago Enriquillo. In most places, people will formally greet others. You can also level up your nightlife by opting for the premium drinks as well. Be open to last-minute plans: youll never know when someone will invite you to a concert or on a day trip to the beach. When you venture over to the Amber Cove Aqua Zone, there are so many fun and free things to do. See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. 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. Its also a good idea to bring along mosquito repellant, your own water bottle, and of course, your camera. 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. Cola de Pato, Jamao al Norte. There are many other things, but it would make the topic too long. 2023 Hotels.com is an Expedia Group company. 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). Aside from the volunteering excursions that I mentioned above, you can also get outside of Amber Cove to see more of Puerto Plata and Dominican Republic. The pool has over 1000 loungers all around it, so you wont have any issues finding a place to take it easy. Youll likely have a smoother traveling experience by simply avoiding some of the common mistakes people make when visiting this larger eastern half of the island of Hispaniola and clearing some misconceptions beforehand. Damajaqua Cascades is also known as 27 Charcos de Damajagua. You can also lounge around Playa Cabarete, go for a swim in the cool waters, or eat a bite at the many food shops in the area. Im not sure if that exists anymore, so please dont use that as a likely place to find wifi in Amber Cove. This parks rainforests were once used as a filming location for the cult classic movie. Look round and compare. Youll hike, slide your way down, jump, and wade through beautiful azure and turquoise waters gushing over and around you. Make sure to bring your camera when wandering around this village. While I have found this country to be pretty safe, I take many precautiouns. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Garant & Suites, Calle Duarte 61Puerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 586-2848. Coco Bongo is a bar in downtown Punta Cana known for its incredible parties. 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. This is where you can get your passport stamped with an unofficial Puerto Plata stamp. 7) Dont Forget to Haggle! When you depart the ship and enter Amber Cove, keep to the left. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its plaza, fountain, and stone facade make it a popular wedding venue in the country. Enjoy fresh catches of seafood cooked from a fire hearth for a more authentic, seaside experience. Hike into the forest, and then slide down the waterfalls themselves. 9) Dont Forget to Try Alcanfor When I sailed to Amber Cove, my cruise ship was the now defunct Fathom Adonia (owned by Carnival Corp). 5 What I have noticed, many people inside the pantheon behave inappropriately, talking loudly, posing for photos, some laughing, this behavior may be reprehensible. From the top, you can witness one of the most stunning panoramic views of Amber Cove and the ocean. Theres also a relaxing lazy river where you can float for hours in the sunshine. It allows their cruise ships to dock near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Temperatures in the different regions throughout the island of Hispaniola also vary due to the diverse terrain. Surfing at Cabarete beaches - one of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort, Spa & Casino. Its one of the hottest nightlife attractions in the country. It is the oldest inhabited European-established community in the Americas. Coffee, chocolate, and rum lovers will also find their bliss with homegrown varieties. Web1 1-Disrespecting sacred places. Fortunately, in the Dominican Republic, there is not an alarming level of robberies as I have seen in other countries, for example, in certain countries in South America you should be EXTREMELY careful even with the people who approach you. Contact Us, Travel Photography It is made with red beans, coconut milk, lots of sugar, and cinnamon, and is eaten as a dessert. Wonder at the Basilica of our Lady in Higuey. Stroll at your leisure, and cool off afterwards at the on site cafe. If you live here or visit for an extended period of time, adopt the same flexible attitude. Just be sure to head up early, as clouds tend to form around Both my sister and I are in our 30s and we had a blast, too! Its worth the uphill hike, trust me! Theres also a duty-free shop with liquor, chocolate, and souvenirs. Beware of inflated (or absence of) prices at restaurants and bars. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Billini Hotel, Historic Luxury, Manolo Tavrez JustoPuerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 970-0501. Since your cruise will likely only stop in Amber Cove for the day, be sure to find it when youre exploring the Amber Cove port for a great photo opportunity. You cant miss this building its a replica of the gazebo thats in downtown Puerto Plata. Other shops around the port feature local specialties, jewelry, clothing, and more. Sweet beans? Here, youll see a plethora of birds and endangered species like the Hispaniolan Piculet and the Ridgways Hawk. In Altos de Chavn, the Museo Arqueologico Regional Altos de Chavn boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Taino artifacts and history. Dont feel like laying in an ordinary pool lounger? If youre into precious stones, opt for larimar or amber jewelry pieces. Its one of the top tourist destinations in the country today. Finding all the street art, touring cigar factories, and seeing monuments are all great things to do in the city. Order una fria or an ice-cold beer at the counter and grab a chair or two to enjoy outdoors while listening to music. Here in Santo Domingo, this could be construed rude! Lets explore the best things to do in the Dominican Republic: 1. Its great for beginners, so its no problem if youve never driven a dune buggy before. Join an excursion to reach all 27 waterfalls along the Damajaqua River. Oh definitely! 2 2-Dressing inappropriately in public institutions. On many Princess and Carnival sailings, you can opt to participate in the social impact activities, like volunteering atRePapel, a Recycled Paper & Crafts initiative. 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 Dominican Republic is a top producer of rum and one of the largest exporters of premium cigars to the United States. (Solved), Why Did I Make This Website? It is one of the main attractions in the Dominican Republic. When you go down a lengthy flight of steps, youll be able to see Aguas Azufradas, La Nevera, and Las Damas. Youll be traversing along jungle trails, cliff jumping, and even sliding on some of the falls cascades. By purchasing gifts from these stalls, youll be helping the local economy and helping small businesses succeed. Off The Beaten Path In The Dominican Republic, Building And Lodging In The Dominican Republic, Here I leave you the link to a similar and more complete topic, The Best Cigar In The World Is Probably From The Dominican Republic, Are There Dolphins In The Dominican Republic? It is ranked among the most visited sites in the Dominican Republic. Make the first stop at the Estero Hondo Marine Mammal Sanctuary to spot manatees. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns. But the Habichuela con Dulce was actually pretty good! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Saona Beach House, Sabana de la MarHato Mayor, DR(809) 720-6035. This is one of the most inhumane slaughters in the world. It can be reached by hiking or riding a cable car. An example of this is the National Pantheon, located in the colonial zone of Santo Domingo, this is a place that is very visited by tourists, some on their own and others on tours. 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! Beaches are one of the top places to visit in the Dominican Republic. My inner New Yorker does not say hi to anyone, so I have learned to be more polite and friendly when out in public. Beans with sweet? Tourists are often conned into various compromising situations. Youll learn so much about the Dominican Republic from your local guide and have a fantastic day in Puerto Plata. 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 At Ocean World Adventure Park, Oceans World Dolphin Encounter is a captive marine mammal park. If anything, you could get them to stamp a small piece of paper instead. The only and largest population thrives in the Estero Hondo lagoon. Youll miss out on the real Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, and coastal views. Carnival is a major part of Dominican culture. The walk from the ship to Amber Cove is quite scenic. You can rent those private cabanas for the day for you, your family and friends. In the Dominican Republic, there is a problem with the clandestine manufacture of adulterated alcohol for consumption, the problem is that this alcohol is pure poison. Where do you want to know what not to do in next? There are a number of hammocks around Amber Cove where you can sway with a view. Post contains affiliate links. Pack your swimsuit and take the time to swim around Hoyo Azul. Of course, in a professional setting such as business meetings or interviews, you must be punctual. Santo Domingo boasts a historical Colonial Zone as well as lots of shopping (read my post about what to do in Santo Domingo). On a hot day, why not order an iced coffee? In each locale, youll discover even more beaches or features of natural beauty, and there are often easy excursions available such as boat trips, waterfall tours, and even horseback riding to enjoy. Enjoy your vacation! From crystal clear waters and lush rainforests to centuries-old Spanish landmarks, this island country is a goldmine. I always expect things to move at a New York Minute and its just not possible, nor is it a good idea! Wear breathable clothes and sturdy grip shoes. Based on folklore characters and tales, as well as syncretic religions, its an excellent time to glimpse the countrys diversity. Most people who want to swim with dolphins adore animals. According to the article, Im comfortably in the adjustment stage, where things make sense and I am starting to understand this culture outside my home country. As an American, I stand out in Santo Domingo. The Dominican colmado is a corner mom and pop grocery store that doubles as a neighborhood bar. Basic Safety Precautions in the DR. Travelling to foreign countries, all tourists Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","ac5183e358409809e0861593b2d4c548");document.getElementById("e709d2034c").setAttribute("id","comment");Comment *. I have found that there really is no rush, and its ok if you dont get everything on your to-do list accomplished each day. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Iberostar Costa Dorada, Calle Principal #3 CofresPuerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 291-1000. My husband and I are headed to Amber Cove as it is one of the ports on our upcoming cruise. Head two hours east of Puerto Plata city. After spending a few days there myself, Im going to show you all of the very best things to do in Amber Cove when your cruise ship is docked there. Amber Cove cruise port is a great place to walk around and explore. Youll want to rent a locker if you plan on doing the zip line. Sure. I found your article to be so helpful and informative. Assume these links are affiliate links. Here, you can still experience the joys of the sea without getting wet. It has cobble-covered alleys and beautiful limestone walls. 25 Best Things to Do in The Dominican Republic Top Activities & Places to Go! 1. Always ask for a final price quote for weighed seafood. You can stay in one place and do some beach bar-hopping to enjoy the towns vibrant nightlife scene. Continue to Playa Ensenada nearby, lined with outdoor cooks and picnic tables for Dominican seafood or chicken lunch. Playa Rincon is another postcard-worthy spot that youll definitely want to visit. 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Or find a smaller, out-of-the-way branch, and go in the late morning when everyone is at work, if possible. Why stay indoors when you can visit the impressive Los Haitises, a 30-meter rock formation jutting out from the Caribbean waters? If youre going all out, make sure to get the premium tours around the islands. Youll also find all the usual port shops that youll see at every cruise port (Diamonds International, Del Sol, etc). Maybe youll find your next favorite food, so buen provecho! I really wish that these kinds of parks no longer existed. You can even touch some of the creatures like a starfish. Alcanfor is a plant that they use for medicinal purposes to treat arthritis, asthma, back-ache, bronchitis, flatulence, headache and many other conditions. Subterranean Sites 4. There used to be free wifi at the Fathom Impact Center. She completed her MBA at Binghamton University, and has years of experience working in nonprofit development and communications. Yes! Do you want to see one of the best views of Amber Cove? In Puerto Plata, the Parque Central is one of the most attractive with its surrounding Victorian architecture. Instagram The Dominican Baseball League runs an annual baseball tournament from mid-October through January, and you can catch the games at any of the professional baseball stadiums around the country. 8) Dont Forget the Golden Rule! Punta Cana has 48 kilometers of pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters. 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. You can choose to eat a yummy picnic at one of the tables around the beach. When visiting the Dominican Republic, youll likely be enjoying plenty of time in the sun. Over a third of Dominicans live under the poverty line, and some often resort to committing scams for a quick buck. You can learn more about me here. The colmado is affordable and ubiquitous in the country you can find one on nearly every other corner, from the city to the smallest village. Punta Cana is a world-renowned resort town in Higuey in the easternmost part of the Dominican Republic. I've done it many times on my travels. Its definitely one of the top things to do in the Dominican Republic with kids. To note, June is often the hottest month and August has the most daily sunshine hours. Since youre already in the Samana Peninsula, make sure to visit its incredible beaches like Cayo Levantado, Playa Rincon, and Playa Bonita. Im sure youll be tempted to take many photos on this walk, just like we did. It is known for its impressive waterfalls and whale watching. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the painting each year. Thanks for all this great info! Categories Blog, Caribbean, Coffee Guides, Cruise, Dominican Republic. You can practice your merengue and bachata dance skills anywhere in the country, whether on the beach or at your resorts nightclub, in local bars and at concerts. If youre looking to bring home A one-way fare from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata downtown is $35.00 USD (25 minute drive). It is considered by most as one of the most thrilling activities in Puerto Plata. Nature and animal lovers will enjoy a relaxing hike around Park Valle-Nuevo. Otherwise, enjoy this short walk to the Amber Cove cruise port. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 45+ countries around the world. 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. Just remember to remain silent when inside to keep the solemnity of the church. Your cruise ship will sail into the Bay of Maimon, located just northwest of Puerto Plata. Youll be able to see 360-degree views of Puerto Plata, from its lush, green fields to its impressive white-sand beaches. All rights reserved. You can browse and buy any of our pictures in the form of canvas prints, things for the home, and more! Enjoy the outdoor parks and plazas, and dine under the stars at Pate Palo or Pura Tasca on Plaza Espaa. But, if you dont want the hassle, pick a seafront restaurant. Theres a 650 foot zip line that runs across the Aqua Zone of Amber Cove. One great way to experience the culture of the Dominican Republic is through the exotic flavors of its cuisine. Just so you dont misunderstand me, this is not a problem in reputable tourist areas, such as hotels, this is a street problem, in neighborhoods and clandestine places. But certainly, I have seen many tourists making some mistakes because of ignorance of the culture, or perhaps because of overconfidence. Explore the surroundings of Mount Isabel de Torres. Collect 10 stamps, get 1 reward* night. 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