Dominican Republic Attractions

The steady trade winds and sheltered cove at Cabarete are optimal from June through October, with wind speeds often topping 25 knots and relatively little swell. Windsurfers are joined by kiteboarders. Kiteboarding is an increasingly popular sport, where a parasail-style kite provides the power and lift, often giving skilled riders 50 feet of air in a single wave jump. Protected by a barrier reef, Cabarete's bay is an ideal place for beginners to try either of these sailing spinoffs. Carib BIC Center offers equipment and instruction for one hour or one week.

Nestled deep in the heart of the country, near the base of Pico Duarte, the mountain retreat of Jarabacoa is the gateway to the island's whitewater. There, you'll find the confluence of the Jimenoa and mighty Rio Yaque del Northe Rivers. The Yaque del Northe starts at an altitude of 8,514, cruising 184 miles through narrow canyon walls and jungle before emptying into the ocean off the Northwest Coast. Get a taste of the action on a full-day rafting trip with Jarabacoa-based outfitter Franz's Aventuras. Wetsuits, helmets, rafts and experienced guides are provided for your descent down the river on such rip-roaring rapids as Mother-In-Law and the 12-foot drop, Mike Tyson. The scenery is spectacular, featuring cascading waterfalls and lush ferns that drip with humidity. No wonder parts of Jurassic Park were filmed there.

Lago Enriquillo, the Dominican Republic's largest lake, is located 150 miles west of Santo Domingo. Parque Nacional Isla Cabritos is one of three islands found in the center of the lake. By all means, take a boat tour from the village of La Descubierta, at the lake's northern tip, to visit the hundreds of rhinoceros iguanas that live on the island. Be sure to feed them before they feed on you. The boat then cruises to the western end of the lake to a bird sanctuary that's teeming with flamingos, parakeets and other tropical birds. A healthy population of crocodiles can also be spotted there, especially if you take the early-morning tours at 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.

While in Puerto Plata, jump on a cable car to the 2,595-foot-tall, flat-topped peak of Isabel de Torres for sweeping views of the coastline. The mountain is a protected national park with more than 30 types of birds. Then, head to the center of town to check out the Amber Museum. The two floors of amber in this restored mansion were collected by an affluent German immigrant. Kids will be fascinated by insects trapped in rocks, some as old as 2 million years.

Looking for something a tad bit bigger than a Leatherback? How about a whale? From January to March, Silver Bank, near Samana Bay (east of Cabarete), is considered by the World Wildlife Fund to be among the most important Humpback breeding grounds in the world. Close to 5,000 whales make their way south for the winter to give birth and mate for the following year. So, expect the normally demure males to be showing off to their female friends with such antics as breaching (body-slams on the water), fluking (tail-waving above the surface) and even standing on their tails. Full- and half-day whale-watching excursions are available through a handful of companies in Samana.

Halfway between Cabarete and Puerto Plata, Sosua is the Acapulco of the Dominican Republic, where tourism first started to sprout in the country. The fine, white, U-shaped beach is the center of the action, offering shallow reefs for snorkeling and diving with neon-colored fish. An added draw is the abundance of sea turtles. Four types of turtles exist in these waters -- the Green turtle, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback. Weighing up to 1,700 pounds and measuring about 6 feet in length, Leatherbacks aren't the type with which you'll want to go eyeball-to-eyeball.

When Patricia Thorndike de Suriel, owner of Iguana Mama Mountain Bike and Hiking Vacations, first visited the Dominican Republic's north shore in 1993, the upstate New York native immediately saw the potential for biking in the surrounding terrain. She scouted hundreds of trails, from paved roads and goat paths for beginners to technical singletracks down the mountainside for the truly gifted. The result is a wide array of full-day and half-day jaunts for all levels of expertise. The Islabon Coast Cruise combines an easy ride along the coast with a boat trip down the Yasica River -- perfect for the whole family.