Unique Things to Do in the Dominican Republic Off the Beaten Path
- Naureen Chhipa
- a few seconds ago
- 13 min read
Punta Cana is the most visited place in the Dominican Republic. The advertisement featuring white sand, clear water beaches, all-you-can-drink piña coladas, and adventurous day trips makes this the perfect getaway. Most people don't even venture out of their resort, and why would they? Punta Cana is a pure tropical paradise, or at least that's what we thought until we left Bavaro Beach. This post invites you to discover where you should go in the Dominican Republic. Sorry, but Punta Cana is not on our list! This blog post is for adventure seekers, daydreamers, and those looking to relax. Here are my favorite unique things to do in the Dominican Republic that are off the beaten path.
I visit the Dominican Republic often, and on every trip, I find a new hidden gem. The Dominican Republic is one of my favorite Caribbean Islands! I lived here for most of my childhood, and as an adult, I never tire of jungle views, secluded beaches, and the best fried fish platters. Even if you only visit Santo Domingo (the capital) on a day trip from Punta Cana, you'll discover ruins that date back to the colonial era (Colonial Zone | La Zona Colonial) and a more local scene, filled with Dominican people living everyday life. And if you want to take off and do a road trip of the Island, I have a two-week road trip guide for the Dominican Republic covering must-see places that are off-the-beaten-path. Hidden gems that are unreal! Non-touristy places in the Dominican Republic that are still crowd-free.
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I visit the Dominican Republic often, and on every trip, I find a new hidden gem.
Unique Things to Do in the Dominican Republic Off the Beaten Path | The Hidden Gems of the Island & Underrated Places
Table of Contents:
The Samaná Peninsula, Dominican Republic | North-East Coast
1.1. Las Galeras, Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic
1.2. Playa El Valle, El Valle, Samaná, Dominican Republic
1.3. Playa El Ermitaño, El Valle, Samaná, Dominican Republic
1.4. Favorite Guided Tours and Day Trips in the Samaná Peninsula
La Romana and Bayahibe | Dominican Republic | South-East Coast
2.1. Bayahibe, La Romana, Dominican Republic
2.2. Ki-Ra Holistic Living, La Romana Yoga Retreat
2.3. Favorite Guided Tours and Day Trips Near La Romana & Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | South-East Coast
3.1. La Zona Colonial (The Colonial Zone)
3.2. Favorite Guided Tours and Day Trips to/from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete | Dominican Republic's North Coast
4.1. Wilson's La Boca Restaurant, La Boca, Rio Yasica, Cabarete, Dominican Republic
4.2. El Choco National Park, Cave Park in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
4.3. Rio Yasica, Cabarete, Dominican Republic
4.4. Favorite Guided Tours and Day Trips in Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete
More Unique Things to Do and Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
The Samaná Peninsula, Dominican Republic
The Samaná Bay is hands down my favorite place to visit in the Dominican Republic. In Samaná, you can zip line through the jungle, hike waterfalls, and have some of the most beautiful beaches all to yourself! If you want to visit Samaná, I recommend flying into Santo Domingo, the capital, and renting a car; the drive from Santo Domingo to Samaná is about 2.5 hours. The Samaná Peninsula is located on the northeastern coast of the Island.
Las Galeras, Samaná | Dominican Republic
If you visit the Samaná Peninsula between mid-December and late-March, you can see wild humpback whales congregate on the bay's shore. Humpback whales migrate to the Caribbean during winter, and they prefer these shallow, warm Caribbean waters while calving, so you might even spot a few baby whales. Our favorite Airbnb on the Island, Casa el Paraiso, is located in Las Galeras, overlooking the bay, perched upon jungly mountains. These eco-friendly, open-air bungalow rooms are an experience not to be missed!
Playa El Valle, Samaná | Dominican Republic
Playa el Valle is one of our favorite beaches on the Island and the Samaná Peninsula. Secluded and boasting dramatic Dominican jungle scenery, this beach is perfect for those wanting to disconnect and get away. The epic rock formation surrounding the beach area makes for a jaw-droppingly beautiful scene. The gentle Caribbean waves invite you to adventure, dare, swim, and play in the sand while relaxing and leaving the "hectic lifestyle" behind. Read more about our time at Playa El Valle and where to stay.
Playa El Ermitaño, El Valle, Samaná | Dominican Republic
Just a short boat ride from Playa El Valle, you can find Playa El Ermitaño. Playa El Ermitaño is a virgin beach lined with sea and mountains filled with coconut trees, and although you can't stay overnight, it is worth the day trip! We barely saw anyone else there and had the entire beach to ourselves. Playa El Ermitaño is an underrated, hidden gem of the Dominican Republic that few people know about yet; hurry and visit before it gets too popular!
Favorite Guided Tours and Day Trips on the Samaná Peninsula
If you travel to the Dominican Republic between late December and mid-March, then I highly recommend booking a whale watching tour on the Samaná Peninsula. I love this specific tour because it also includes a visit to Cayo Levantado, a small island in the Samaná Bay. You can take a full-day trip to explore Bacardi Island, with its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, Cayo Levanto, and go whale watching for an unforgettable time in paradise. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
The private coffee trail ATV tour in Samaná is excellent for those who want to discover Dominican culture and the influence of coffee. You get to ride on a private ATV tour from Las Terrenas. Follow your guide down country roads, through cocoa and coffee fields, with a mix of mangroves and beach. This tour is very fun and active for those looking to be more hands-on in their activities. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Experience the stunning El Limón Waterfall on a relaxing guided trek. El Limon waterfall is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the tropical jungle. Enjoy a swim in a refreshing natural pool surrounded by lush jungle and the enchanting sounds of singing birds and cascading water. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Experience a thrilling 4-hour zip line adventure in Limon, departing from Samana. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Juana Vicenta region, Haitises National Park, and Cayo Levantado. All equipment is included. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
La Romana, Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
La Romana is famously known for being home to Casa de Campo, a luxury golf resort where the rich and famous go to unwind. A short drive from La Romana, you can find the sleepy beach town of Bayahibe. Although Bayahibe/La Romana is not my top beach town to visit in the Dominican Republic, I do love using it as a hub to reach a beautiful island off the coast of Bayahibe called Isla Saona. When I stay in Bayahibe, I mostly skip the beach and stay at one of the many infinity pools at Tracadero Beach Resort overlooking the Caribbean sea, and take a day trip with a local guide to the postcard-perfect Saona Island.
Bayahibe, La Romana | Dominican Republic
Most people visiting La Romana stay at Casa de Campo, but we found the small town of Bayahibe (closer to the sea) very relaxing. We stayed at Tracadero Beach Resort and surrounded ourselves by infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tracadero Beach Resort was the perfect place to unwind while still being social as they played live music, had two onsite restaurants, and had a beach bar making the best cocktails!
Ki-Ra Holistic Living, La Romana Yoga Retreat, Dominican Republic
I love disconnecting from chaos and connecting with nature, and that's precisely what I get when I join a yoga retreat in the Dominican Republic. Whether you decide to take a yoga class or do a full 3-day yoga retreat like I did, I assure you it's an off-the-beaten-path, holistic thing to do in DR that many locals do too! Being surrounded by the elements of nature, listening to the waves crash, the wind rustling the palm trees, and having a pure moment of peace is a priceless experience. You can read my Dominican Republic yoga blog post or watch my YouTube video to learn more about what these retreats are like.
Favorite Guided Tours and Day Trips in La Romana & Bayahibe
Take a buggy tour through Bayahibe, navigating rivers and the wild jungle. Travel through the renowned Chavón River, the backdrop for films like Jurassic Park, and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Travel from Bayahibe to walk through the lush jungle of the Cotubanama National Park. Snorkel in Cenotes! Visit Chicho's natural pool of crystal-clear water under stalactites and stalagmites. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Isla Saona (a must-see Dominican Republic beach) is one of my favorite beaches in the Dominican Republic. On this guided tour, you can visit the inhabited Saona Island on a full-day trip from Punta Cana, La Romana, or Bayahibe, with hotel pick-up available. You'll join a small group to explore the town of Mano Juan, which features a turtle conservation area. During the day, you'll also have the chance to relax on a secret beach, as well as Abanico and Palmilla beaches, each with its unique charm. The trip includes a simple breakfast and a hearty buffet lunch on the beach. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo is where you would want to fly in if you're looking for the best fares. The capital is also a great starting point for mini-trips to explore the Island. I was born in Santo Domingo and lived there till I was about 12 years old, going back and forth between Brooklyn, New York, and the Dominican Republic. I now visit Santo Domingo almost every year and every time find a new place to dine at! You can get lost inside the ruins of the colonial zone and travel back in time to an era filled with history that shaped who Dominicans are today. Slide past cobble streets, local food vendors, day drifters sitting on benches, an array of hand-painted art, and see a more authentic side of the Dominican Republic. Check prices on the latest flights to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo | Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is rich in culture and history, featuring museums and well-preserved ruins that date back to the 1400s. To experience local city life beyond the beaches, visiting Santo Domingo is essential. It's a haven for foodies, with many up-and-coming restaurants offering a fusion of traditional local flavors and innovative modern cuisine that will elevate your culinary experience. La Zona Colonial is an excellent spot to relax, shop, observe local life, dine out, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo is one of the nicest parts of the Dominican Republic for those wanting to see more beyond the beaches. Doing a self-guided walking tour of the Colonial Zone is one of my favorite non-touristy things to do in the Dominican Republic.
Favorite Guided Tours and Day Trips to/from Santo Domingo
Visiting Los 3 Ojos (Three Eyes National Park) in Santo Domingo is an epic, unique, and nice off-the-beaten-path thing to do in the Dominican Republic. You get to visit limestone cave systems that are impressive and make for a great trip. I remember the first time I visited, I couldn't believe that massive National Park was hiding in plain sight in the capital. Click here for more information and the latest prices to visit Los 3 Ojos National Park.
Exploring the Colonial Zone on foot is one of the top things to do in the Dominican Republic when visiting Santo Domingo. If you're interested in learning more about the historic past of the Dominican Republic, this tour is ideal for you! You'll get to join a 2 to 3-hour guided tour with an expert tour guide, certified by the Ministry of Tourism, and see hidden gems in the Dominican Republic. The tour includes admission to the main points of interest: the Museum of the Royal Houses, the Museum of Rum and Cane, the Casa Duarte Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Primada de América, along with other fun activities in the Dominican Republic. They offer guides in several languages, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this enriching historical experience. La Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo is one of those interesting places in the Dominican Republic that transports you back to another era. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
The Dominican Republic is famous for its rum, and if you're interested in visiting a factory and having a tasting, this tour is perfect for you! Discover everything you need to know about the production of Dominican rum at the Ron Barcelo rum factory. You'll learn about the distilling, harvesting, and aging processes, followed by a tasting that will let you savor this popular Dominican beverage. The Dominican Republic rum experience is a must-do for rum lovers visiting the Caribbean and is one of those amazing places in the Dominican Republic that deserves a visit. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete
Dominican Republic's North Coast
The North Coast in the Dominican Republic offers the most exciting watersport adventures in the Island. Here you can learn how to kite surf, master your surfing, go horseback riding, rappel through waterfalls, or zipline in the Jungle -- some very unique things to do in the Dominican Republic that are off the beaten path and not very touristy.
Wilson's La Boca Restaurant | Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Wilson's Restaurant "La Boca" is a real adventure! This hidden gem restaurant is located at the mouth of a river named Yasica, and to get there, you have to cross the river via boat. Visiting La Boca was one of the highlights of our stay in Cabarete; this rustic riverside restaurant offers authentic Dominican seafood with fresh and local ingredients.
El Choco National Park | Cabarete, Dominican Republic
El Choco National Park is located near downtown Cabarete. When visiting, you can hike, swim, dive, and learn about the Taino culture in the Dominican Republic. On tour, you'll explore three cave systems, from underground to semi-open.
Rio Yasica | Cabarete, Dominican Republic
We discovered Yasica River on our way to Wilson's restaurant "La Boca" and automatically fell in love with this place upon arrival. It's laid back, less crowded, and perfect to learn to kitesurf if it's your first time! Plus, it's right across from one of the best restaurants in Cabarete. You can combine dining at Wilson's restaurant with a half-day of adventure sports, including lazy river tubing and kitesurfing at Rio Yasica.
Favorite Guided Tours and Day Trips: Puerto Plata & Cabarete
Join this group tour for an exciting off-the-beaten-path Dominican Republic adventure on an open-air safari truck, where you can experience the wildlife and rural lifestyle of Puerto Plata. You'll start by visiting Monkey Land, where you'll have the opportunity to feed monkeys fresh fruit. Afterward, you'll hop back on the bus to visit a local countryside home. Along the way, you'll enjoy samples of hot chocolate and coffee for a delightful boost and discover great Dominican vacation spots that are off the radar and off the beaten track in the Dominican Republic. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Surfing at Encuentro Beach is a unique experience in Sosua/Cabarete, Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean. With this guided class, you will surf alongside an experienced instructor who will teach you various tricks, catering to both beginners and experts. Encuentro Beach is a natural, rustic location where families and surfers gather to spend the day practicing surfing while enjoying a friendly atmosphere. It's a great place to learn and have fun! Click here for more information on surfing classes in Cabarete and for the latest prices.
Join the Sosua Beach Snorkeling and Beach Day Experience with a knowledgeable guide who will take you to the best spots to see vibrant tropical sea life underwater, ensuring you make the most of your time. You will set out by boat for snorkeling and then have some free time to relax at the beach, where you can swim or lounge on the sand in a provided sun chair. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Experience a half-day visit to Country World Adventure Park with this small-group excursion, which features an exciting four-wheeler tour. This off-the-beaten-track Dominican Republic tour has you exploring the beautiful countryside as you access off-road trails in a rugged ATV, available for solo riders or pairs. Additional highlights of the park include an onsite swimming pool, zip lines, and a tropical botanical garden. Capturing stunning places to see in the Dominican Republic (Republica Dominicana places to visit) that are less touristy than other guided tours. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
What to do in the Dominican Republic if you're looking for an adrenaline rush? Well, travel on an exciting guided Jeep safari tour through the lush tropical rainforest near Puerto Plata, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Damajagua Waterfalls. As you navigate the winding trails, immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of the Jungle, discovering exotic flora and fauna along the way. Once you arrive at the waterfalls, prepare to be captivated by the cascading waters and serene pools, perfect for a refreshing swim or a moment of quiet reflection in nature's paradise. Visiting the waterfalls of Damajagua is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Dominican Republic, which is near Puerto Plata and makes for a great adventure trip! Click here for more information and the latest prices.
More Favorite Unique Things to Do and Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic that are Off-the-Beaten-Path
Visit The South: Jaragua National Park, Barahona, and Bahia de las Aguilas
Trek the Highest Mountain Peak in the Caribbean: Pico Duarte
Snorkel in the Smallest Islet--Cayo Arena, near Punta Rucia
Tour the "Dominican Alps" and Discover Jarabacoa and Constanza
I hope you found some new adventures to add to your next visit to the Dominican Republic. Thanks for reading, and leave a comment below if you have an underrated location in the Dominican Republic that we should add to our list.
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