Alternatives in different areas of the country and other travel tips in this record-breaking destination for international tourist arrivals.
Dominican Republic is the destination where you can be whatever you want since it is the place that has it all, and it is so not only for its tourist attractions, but also for all the activities that can be done under the waters of the Caribbean Sea that surround this country. Currently, this Caribbean country has more than 200 beaches where you can practice water sports, including surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, among others.
This opens the doors to Colombians passionate about adventure and the sea, to visit the country and have an unforgettable travel experience. Currently, Colombia is the third country with more visitors to the Dominican Republic, and in 2022, it was recognized as the Caribbean destination with the highest sales in this market.
These are some recommendations shared by the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic about the must-see destinations for water sports and everything you should keep in mind when visiting them.
Diving and kiteboarding in Punta Cana: the place where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea
In Punta Cana, the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. The coastline is soft white sand, and offshore corals form an underwater barrier that runs parallel to the coast. A coral garden, deep-sea shipwrecks and caves are some of the attractions you can enjoy while diving in Punta Cana.
If what you are looking for is to learn more about some of the jewels under the sea, you cannot miss the work being carried out on the most impressive shipwreck in the area, the Punta Cana PewterWreck, a Spanish ship that was lost in 1540 when it reached the end of its journey from Seville to the New World colonies. Today, some 1,200 pieces of pewter tableware have been recovered from the ship.
Also, to the north, you will find two modern vessels, the Astron and Monica, both of which are covered with marine plants and tropical fish. The Astron continues to be popular with experienced divers, but only when the water is calm as the area has strong currents. One of its features is its giant propeller, said to weigh more than 20,000 tons.
But if you are looking to venture into more remote places, the recommendation is to visit La Cueva Taina Macao, an underwater cave a short distance from the tourist area of Bávaro. With a depth of no more than 8 meters and about 50 meters long, this cave has an impressive variety of stalagmites and stalactites in its crystal-clear waters.
On the other hand, if beyond diving you want to do another of Punta Cana’s own activities such as kiteboarding, you can visit Playa Blanca, since it is the ideal place for kiteboarding enthusiasts. The beauty of its landscapes, the white sand of its beaches and the regular winds make this place ideal for practicing this sport, and you can also find several places to book your lessons, such as the Puntacana Resort & Club.
Get to know Cabarete in Puerto Plata: the capital of watersports
Cabarete is a Caribbean town located in the province of Puerto Plata, considered the City of Wind and Waves of the Dominican Republic. Thanks to its magnificent winds and waves, this paradisiacal destination in recent years has gained popularity among those who enjoy adrenaline, as it is the favorite place for the practice of water and adventure sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, among others. So, if you love this type of adventure you can not miss the beaches of Cabarete.
If you love kitesurfing, you should visit the beaches of Kite Beach and La Boca, because to practice this sport that consists of gliding over the water, sailing with a board and a kite, you must have strong winds and large waves to achieve the different tricks and handling on board.
On the other hand, if what you enjoy most is windsurfing, you should visit Playa Cabarete. Considering that this is one of the most important sports of the North Coast and its practice consists of moving over the water with a board and a sail that is hinged at the foot of the mast, it is necessary that the wind conditions are favorable. For this reason, the best dates to practice this sport are from January to March and from June to September.
For those whose favorite sport is snorkeling and appreciating the underwater beauty, one of the best coastlines to visit is Playa Sosúa, because it has coral reefs, ravines, several representative shipwrecks and gardens at depths ranging from 15 to 39 meters and with adequate temperatures.
On the other hand, if what you enjoy most is windsurfing, you should visit Playa Cabarete. Considering that this is one of the most important sports of the North Coast and its practice consists of moving over the water with a board and a sail that is hinged at the foot of the mast, it is necessary that the wind conditions are favorable. For this reason, the best dates to practice this sport are from January to March and from June to September.
For those whose favorite sport is snorkeling and appreciating the underwater beauty, one of the best beaches to visit is Playa Sosúa, as it has coral reefs, cliffs, several representative shipwrecks and gardens at depths ranging from 15 to 39 meters and with adequate temperatures.
Likewise, stand up paddle boarding is a sport that is gaining more and more followers every day in the Dominican Republic and specifically in Cabarete. This sport is ideal to practice when the wind and the waves are hidden, in order to show the tranquility of the waters in which the practitioners of the sport have tours in which relaxation prevails.
And if you are looking for a small paradise to rest, recharge and enjoy the best of Dominican service in one place, The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, just a 15-minute drive from the Puerto Plata airport, deep in the vast landscape of the Costa Norte beach, is a great choice. With a design reminiscent of an elegant seaside village, it is an intimate retreat steeped in natural beauty, bustling nightlife and distinctive cultural experiences. The resort offers 64 spacious suites, three pools, including a beachfront infinity-edge pool, and the experience of a true culinary destination with several distinct dining concepts overlooking the ocean. There you can complete your vacation at the Ocean Club Spa by L’Occitane, a wellness space imbued with the healing power of nature and tradition.
Enjoy Las Terrenas in Samana: the paradise of kitesurfing and paddle boarding.
The most visited and developed part of Samana is Las Terrenas. This place is the perfect mix of a dreamy beach town and a cosmopolitan city. Its coastline has multiple stunning beaches, which hosts a variety of entertainment activities, but the most characteristic for its visitors are its white sand beaches located in the center of the city ideal for swimming, but also ideal for water sports.
When visiting this destination, you must visit Playa Punta Popy, the social and water sports center in Las Terrenas. Adorned with a maze of giant palm trees, and with its white sandy shores, it offers wind and wave conditions ideal for kitesurfers, novice or experienced. On the west side, calmer waters attract swimmers and paddleboarders.
Similarly, Playa Bonita is another ideal place to practice water sports, especially kitesurfing. Although it is a beach known for its calm waters that resemble pools to enjoy a relaxation plan, on the west side, the waves can reach great heights and the winds are ideal for this sport. There you will also find instructors to practice this sport properly.
Be sure to visit Santo Domingo
The figures show that the Dominican Republic is a destination that is gaining more and more followers on an international level every day. The offer is so wide that many people wonder if it is worth visiting Santo Domingo, its capital, and there is only one answer: yes.
“The Capital”, as it is affectionately called, conveys the pulse of Dominican culture, where the old and the new converge perfectly, from the centuries-old architecture and history, to the large shopping malls, art galleries, an active and interesting nightlife and an irresistible gastronomic scene.
So, while on your trip to this Caribbean country, be sure to visit Santo Domingo to learn more about the history and culture of this destination. In addition, you can sample some local delicacies and enjoy first-class accommodations perfect for unwinding. One of the options is the JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo, located in the heart of the commercial district of the Dominican capital, which combines the most personalized services with luxury accommodations for the most demanding travelers. Connected to the international Blue Mall brand, this hotel offers a perfect balance of luxury ambiance, business facilities and amazing social spaces that include a panoramic ballroom and the ultimate urban terrace to enjoy a cocktail after a day out.
Source: Elespectador.com
