if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'kiskeyalife_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',650,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kiskeyalife_com-leader-3-0');When you visit the Dominican Republic, most likely you will have to take a cab (they dont have a taximeter), you will want to buy some gifts, ect, you should know beforehand the local currency and an approximate cost of things. Another thing you should not do as a tourist is to take things from environmentally protected natural places. Theres also a relaxing lazy river where you can float for hours in the sunshine. When we visited Amber Cove, we didnt go to the Sky Bar, but we did end up at the top of this hill. All Rights Reserved. Aquamundo Sambil is a small aquarium with 72 displays featuring sea life in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. So, be wary of these Sanky Pankys. Make the time to visit the famous turquoise waters of this natural spring. Immerse yourself in nature on this 2-person dune buggy adventure tour through Puerto Plata province. Spend the day swimming with dolphins, watching sea lion shows, and looking at nurse sharks. There are tons of local flora and hidden caves to find in the area. Unfortunately, this volunteer cruise doesnt exist anymore, but you can still get involved with some of the programs through Carnival and Princess cruise ships that sail to Amber Cove. You can also take photos with the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer. Among the treats not to be missed are cativia (wheat empanadas), salpicon (chilled seafood and vegetables), sancocho (rich meat stew), and pastel en hoja (boiled root crops and meat in banana leaf). I have had my fair share of mishaps and victories adjusting to Dominican culture. 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. If youre not a coffee drinker, get a hot chocolate or a batida a fresh fruit milkshake or smoothie. Feel like youre in the past when you visit the old colonial palace of Christopher Colombus family, the Alcazar de Colon. Great information. There are educational signs displayed around Amber Cove detailing the history of amber in Dominican Republic. Dont feel like laying in an ordinary pool lounger? 2 2-Dressing inappropriately in public institutions. 0 Comments, Category : Blog &Dominican Republic &Travel. Its a good idea to order a rich cup of coffee to taste freshly roasted beans from the Dominican Republic. However, if you are only going into Puerto Plata and staying there, I suggest taking a taxi both ways and skipping the rental car. Local providers include Claro, Altice Dominicana, and Viva. Theres a swim-up pool bar for drinks. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort, Related: Best Restaurants in The Dominican Republic, Puntacana Resort & ClubPunta Cana, DR 23000(809) 959-1010. The Dominican Republic counts the highest contribution of baseball players to US Major League Baseball. At Ocean World Adventure Park, Oceans World Dolphin Encounter is a captive marine mammal park. This list of things not to do in the Dominican Republic should keep you on the safer side during your trip to this popular Caribbean destination. 10) Dont Stop Being Cautious 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. A colmado is primarily a local convenience store. This Damajagua Waterfalls shore excursion will take you to the famous 27 waterfalls. Yes! I've done it many times on my travels. We participated in the Turkey Trot fun run as our cruise was around Thanksgiving. Indulge in the luxurious Caribbean feeling when you dine in the beautiful restaurant of La Yola. This is one of the best things to do in Amber Cove for free. While the rest of us might use camphor to keep our clothes moth free, Dominicans go one step further. Combined with on site music and food, youll get a solid glimpse of the locals passion and natural talent for baseball. Being vigilant is key in spotting unlawful tactics. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Garant & Suites, Calle Duarte 61Puerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 586-2848. Enjoy a cafecito during the day, preferably while sitting outdoors and catching up with friends. Learn how your comment data is processed. It takes you soaring over 2,600 feet above Puerto Platas gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and hilly green landscape, from the city towards Mount Isabel. 1. Hop on a boat tour led by a park ranger, and youll spot crocs of all sizes lurking beneath. Web10 Things Not to Do in the Dominican Republic Exchanging too many pesos. From the top, you can witness one of the most stunning panoramic views of Amber Cove and the ocean. Youll hike, slide your way down, jump, and wade through beautiful azure and turquoise waters gushing over and around you. Post contains affiliate links. 2) Dont Trust a Sanky Panky I always expect things to move at a New York Minute and its just not possible, nor is it a good idea! Always ask for a final price quote for weighed seafood. So if you buy something with a big note, and they dont have enough money to give you your change, theyll try to pay you nine chiclets or anything of a similar price. (Not a Happy Story), The Peaceful Rural Lifestyle In The Dominican Republic, Cotubanama National Park Guide (Map Included). Included transfers help you avoid the hassle of queuing or looking for a taxi cab or shuttle once youve landed at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). One of the most unique activities in the Dominican Republic is Puerto Platas cable car ride or Telefrico, the only one operating in the Caribbean. Dont be afraid to try new food! Have fun going around the many sea animal-themed displays. The Los Haitises National Park is a 1,600-square-kilometer park that was established in 1976. For those who have mobility issues, there are employees riding around on carts that can take you from point A to point B. Its completely free to catch a ride. In the Dominican Republic, there are many protected tourist places, such as Saona Island, where you shouldnt take anything, be it sand from the beach, seashells, animals, you should only contemplate nature. Tours- which you can book here last about 40 minutes and are offered at affordable package prices. Youll travel from Amber Cove to this series of spectacular waterfalls, all transportation and national park fees included. Tucked in the heart of the country, Pico Duarte part of the Jose Armando Bermudez National Park is the tallest peak in the Caribbean, standing at 10,105 feet. It is also considered the lowest point in the D.R. It is now a museum where you can look at period furniture and decorations. So if you have a We paid $20 per person to ride the zip line and we were able to ride it an unlimited amount of times all day. Best Things to Do in Amber Cove: Go Shopping The shops at the Amber Cove cruise port are open when the ships are in port. There are botanical gardens and a nature reserve that you can explore while up there. Sip, mingle and enjoy the fresh air. Cola de Pato, Jamao al Norte. Constanza is a town in the Dominican Republic known for being the coldest and highest (in elevation) town in the entire Caribbean. It allows their cruise ships to dock near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. There are so many wonderful other places in the Dominican Republic, a majority of them are not on a resort. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort, Spa & Casino. Be forewarned: the Department of State advises US citizens to avoid the use of novelty stamps in USA passports, as they deem that it causes damage to the passport. 15 15. You can also spend some time in Bavaros shopping mall, Plaza Palma Real. Credit cards are also widely accepted in the Dominican Republic notify your bank of your travel plans to be on the safe side. Youll ride the Puerto Plata cable car, discover the Saint Philip Fortress, go for a rum tasting, have a delicious Dominican lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available! When visiting the Dominican Republic, youll likely be enjoying plenty of time in the sun. Im not sure if that exists anymore, so please dont use that as a likely place to find wifi in Amber Cove. Maybe a hammock is more your style! Caves 3. If you have many errands to run, block out an hour or two just to take care of business at the bank. Therefore, the best option for renting a car is by taking a taxi to downtown Puerto Plata to pick up your rental car. When you walk to the end of the shopping area, youll see a corridor to the right with taxis and buses. Youll be able to visit local artisan shops, designed galleries featuring student artists, and fantastic restaurants, all with a Mediterranean flair. Are you looking to book a cruise? photo by Puntacanaresort (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified. Our Gear, Join our Community! $1402 In Resort Credit per room Trip Details Experience the beautiful scenery and culture this island has to offer. Your cruise ship will sail into the Bay of Maimon, located just northwest of Puerto Plata. They expect you to negotiate down to the last cent. Youll want to rent a locker if you plan on doing the zip line. When in the Dominican Republic, theres no short supply of white-sand beaches. 4 4-Showing off in public. Milk candy? So forget trying to be accurate! You can do it out of ignorance, or you can do it simply out of vanity, personally, I dont think that visiting foreigners can show off in public out of vanity, mostly when it happens it is out of ignorance or overconfidence. This is where you can get your passport stamped with an unofficial Puerto Plata stamp. 5. However, note that the traffic will often seem hectic to newcomers, with reckless drivers and motorists who dont seem to find it chaotic themselves. Playa Rincon is another postcard-worthy spot that youll definitely want to visit. Bayahibe is a town located at the southeast of La Romana. That is, do these two things each day before going to bed. Based on folklore characters and tales, as well as syncretic religions, its an excellent time to glimpse the countrys diversity. One of the most geographically diverse countries in the Caribbean and the second largest in size, the Dominican Republic boasts an incredible range of scenery. Boca Chica is a municipality in Santo Domingo famous for its mile-long beach with the same name. The Basilica Catedral Nuestra Seora de la Altagracia is a minor Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to the D.R. The effects of the suns rays tend to be stronger around the white-sand beaches. Its always a fun time for everyone to visit the place where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean. In most places, people will formally greet others. Maximize your swimming and snorkeling time while in Boca Chica. Best Luggage Storage: Where to Store Your Bags While Traveling, Best 7 Days in Israel Itinerary for an Amazing Week. The national pantheon is a sacred place, it is the eternal resting place of some of the most illustrious men and women in the history of the Dominican Republic. Enjoy your vacation! I love writing about outdoor adventures, exploring cities and small towns, hiking, yoga and wellness, coffee, and the best vegan food from around the world. So, without further ado, here are my top 10 adventurous things to do in the Dominican Republic. Some of the upgraded cabanas have their own TVs, private hot tubs, dining areas and more. Preferably take dollars with you then exchange them for small amounts of Dominican pesos Not Theres really something for everyone! Its about a five minute walk from the cruise ship to the Amber Cove entrance. Youll have to buy a coffee or a treat in order to receive the password from the employees. Tourists are often conned into various compromising situations. Tour a number of important museums and colonial buildings, including the first fortress of the Americas, the first cathedral, the ruins of the first hospital, the first convent and the first university. The main spoken language in the Dominican Republic remains Spanish. Simply, do not buy illegal alcohol in the Dominican Republic, do it in trusted establishments. ), youll even see some of the lesser-known, untouched spots on the island like El Peon and Mano Juan. Beyond its renowned beaches and over a thousand miles of coastline, youll find mountain ranges, offshore islands, lakes and waterfalls, offering plenty to do outdoors. Stroll the pedestrian Calle El Conde, lined with shops, outdoor sidewalk art, restaurants and cafes. My father, who worked for many years at a beach in the northern part of the country, told me how some tourists drowned because they went swimming totally drunk. Itching for a hike or just a fun way to get active? 2.What Not To Do in the Dominican RepublicDont stick to a schedule, Dominicans are very relaxed with time and move at a different pace than in the states. But with all the fun, its also easy to get sunburnt before you realize it. Its incredible cacti and desert flora are some of the best things to see in the D.R. After you visit the chocolate factory and eating a hearty traditional Dominican lunch, get the chance to roam around Museo Hermanas Mirabal. The pool is available to every cruiser who visits Amber Cove at no additional charge. The owner and employees of the cafe were very helpful, pleasant and informative. Maybe youll find your next favorite food, so buen provecho! Sharing a ride is a very normal thing here. When you depart the ship and enter Amber Cove, keep to the left. 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. Discover how you can tell apart gourmet chocolate from ordinary ones. Beans with sweet? YouTube This month marks my nine-month anniversary here in the Dominican Republic. Theres also a volleyball court, basketball court and giant chess set near the splash pad and swimming pool. That always seemed heartbreaking to me, you can enjoy the drink of your choice, but in moderation, the person who is drunk is always out of his senses. 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. Beyond the national dish la bandera dominicana (a plate of rice and beans with stewed chicken and a side salad) there are local specialties you should sample. They live and travel in large groups called pods. Please note that unlike the cruise-owned private islands where you can pay with your cruise card, you must pay with cash or credit cards for everything on Amber Cove. Bayahibe has tons of resorts and beach bars to choose from. On shore, you cant miss seeing iguanas freely roaming the grounds. If you plan on driving around the island for the day, its a good idea to rent a car. And if its beaches you want, theres no place better than Punta Cana. Youll find a central park in almost every town you visit, whether beachside or inland. Museo Del Ambar is a museum in Puerto Plata that showcases a collection of fossils, plants, and other things encased in amber. Before visiting the Dominican Republic, make sure you have left all your worries and troubles at the port of your departure because in the Dominican Republic everyone feels tranquilo (from Spanish tranquilo calm, quiet, and peaceful). Here I leave you the link to a similar and more complete topic that I had written before, this topic was not successful, maybe because the format it has is not the right one, anyway, it seems to be very useful information to share. Lying on the southwest edge of the country, near the border with Haiti, this undeveloped and protected beach boasts five long miles of brilliant white sand and iridescent turquoise waters. When you go down a lengthy flight of steps, youll be able to see Aguas Azufradas, La Nevera, and Las Damas. It is possible to go to the beach by taking an Amber Cove shore excursion. Travelers, what would you add to this list? If you want to catch a glimpse of humpback whales while youre in the D.R., then make sure to stop by Samana Peninsula. We found that it was fairly speedy, though my connection was slower during the day when many people were using it. 7) Dont Forget to Haggle! Stopping at more ports of call along the way? Here is a full day tour of Puerto Plata with all of the best that the city has to offer. 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). For a full experience of a cacao plantation and the bean to bar process, sign up for the Sendero del Cacao or the Cacao Trail Tour. You can stay in one place and do some beach bar-hopping to enjoy the towns vibrant nightlife scene. 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. Most people who want to swim with dolphins adore animals. 5 Aside from interesting fossils, youll also learn more about the amber business in the Dominican Republic. It is also near the Puerto Plata airport. WebYoull miss out on the real Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, and coastal views. Order una fria or an ice-cold beer at the counter and grab a chair or two to enjoy outdoors while listening to music. 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. Hop on a two-hour whale watching tour with marine biologist Kim Bed alls Whale Samana if youre lucky, youll spot calves as well after which youll head over to Cayo Levantado for lunch and an afternoon on the beach. Surfing at Cabarete beaches - one of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic. This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Nature and animal lovers will enjoy a relaxing hike around Park Valle-Nuevo. Youll even see some of the countrys best spas while youre here. When you venture over to the Amber Cove Aqua Zone, there are so many fun and free things to do. Its one of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic, especially if you love chocolate. Hoyo Azul is a hidden natural pool found inside Scape Park. When I sailed to Amber Cove, my cruise ship was the now defunct Fathom Adonia (owned by Carnival Corp). I have also been greeting the security guards on my way to work (see tip #1) should something happen to me while walking to work, I know I have someone watching my back. Wonder at the Basilica of our Lady in Higuey. Over a third of Dominicans live under the poverty line, and some often resort to committing scams for a quick buck. Carnival season closes with a final national parade on the first Sunday in March, on Santo Domingos seafront boulevard. Weve already told you about some awesome things to do in the Dominican Republic, but what about the things NOT to do there? Your email address will not be published. Lets explore the best things to do in the Dominican Republic: 1. Theyll try to conquer your heart, just to get a marriage visa to your native country, marry you, then abandon you. Youll also find all the usual port shops that youll see at every cruise port (Diamonds International, Del Sol, etc). One of the exciting curiosities in the exhibit is the fossilized 17-inch ancient lizard. Its wooden deck, rattan furniture, and thatched palm roof really sell the island paradise vibes. Its always best to check if your hotel includes airport transfer services with your booking. 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