Isla Saona
Located 19 kilometers (12 miles) south of the mainland, Saona Island’s picture-perfect beaches attract more visitors than all of the country’s national parks combined. A protected site spanning 110km2 (42-square mile) and part of Cotubanamá National Park, Saona is a dream tropical escape, where long stretches of brilliant white sand and their giant coconut trees seem […]
Cueva del chicho
Cueva del Chicho is one of the most outstanding underground caves, tucked inside Cotubanamá National Park. Its aquamarine, sparkling fresh waters draw many hikers, but it also holds numerous petroglyphs—proof of the Taino’s presence in these parts. You can dip in its fresh water, azure blue waters that resemble a lake, or if you’re a […]
Cueva de las Maravillas
Located between San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana, this enormous cave system houses hundreds of well-preserved Taino pictographs and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. This is one of the most accessible caverns in the DR, thanks to an excellent lighting system, ramps, a footpath and a modern elevator. Stroll amid impressive samples of […]
Catalinita
The smallest of the islands off the shore of Bayahíbe, Catalinita sits in the Catuano Channel, popular for its crystal clear waters year round, and its abundance of marine life and coral reefs. Eagle rays, sharks, and sea turtles are just a handful of critters found in its shallow waters. Also part of Parque Nacional […]
Casa Ponce de León
How often do you get to step into the home of a 16th century Spanish explorer? Juan Ponce de León’s residence continues to stand in the southeastern town of San Rafael de Yuma, close to Higüey, where he lived before heading out into the seas to conquer neighboring Puerto Rico, and later head to Florida. […]
Bayahibe rose garden
The Bayahíbe Rose (Pereskia quisqueyana) is the DR’s national flower. It’s also a rare cactus, endemic to the Dominican Republic. The Bayahíbe Rose Garden—in the village in which it originates—is the only place in the world where you can spot this soft-pink, endangered flower in abundance. Set adjacent to the Bayahíbe’s church, Parroquia Divina Pastora, and in […]
Bayahíbe
The scenic fishing town of Bayahíbe is an attraction in and of itself, lucky to boast multiple beaches on its coastline, including Dominicus Beach—Blue Flag certified—and several more pristine, diamond-white stretches offshore on Catalina and Saona islands. Bayahíbe retains its Dominican pulse, from its local restaurants and bars to its street side arts and crafts […]
Atlantic Princess Shipwreck
The Atlantic Princess was a small cruise ship used by tourists of the area. In 2008, it ran aground on the beach during Tropical Storm Fay. The plan was to sink the ship, and create a beautiful underwater environment and artificial reef for visitors to enjoy. But the Atlantic Princess actually sunk on its own […]
ALTOS DE CHAVÓN
Sculpted entirely of stone, Altos de Chavón —a model 16th century Mediterranean village—sits 300 feet above the Chavón River. Built over a period of six years, the village opened in 1982 with Frank Sinatra performing live at the 5,000-seat Grecian style outdoor amphitheater, where numerous world artists have since performed. Today, the village is a delightful […]