The Dominican Republic boasts both the tallest point in the Caribbean -- Pico Duarte, which rises more than 10,100 feet -- and the lowest point -- Lake Enriquillo, which falls 131 feet below sea level. Add rainforest, cacti-studded desert, 16 National Parks and nearly 1,000 miles of coastline lacing the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and you have one of the finest outdoor playgrounds under the sun. When you have a spare moment, layer on the lotion, and go play.
On the North Coast, Puerto Plata or "port of silver," as Christopher Columbus called it on his 1492 voyage, has revitalized its historic seaport and added modern hotels north of town. You can, once again, take a peaceful stroll on the Malecon, a boardwalk shaded by almond and sea-grape trees. About 15 miles east of Puerto Plata, windsurfers and sailors have discovered the small village of Cabarate, known for its steady trade winds and a sheltered cove. For those who prefer land to sea, outfitters like Iguana Mama take mountain bikers and horseback riders on half-day guided rides through the interior, past coffee plantations and cabbage fields and across rivers where villagers wash their laundry.
Punta Cana, on the eastern tip of the island, is one of the most popular destinations in the entire Caribbean. In the winter months, more than 200 flights a week arrive at the Punta Cana International Airport to whisk the European and American crowd over to the upscale Punta Cana Resort & Club or the growing legion of all-inclusives that line the stretch of sand in neighboring Bavaro. Unlike Cancun, where high-rise hotels crowd the coast, and millions of bodies find their own speck of sand, Punta Cana still has the feel of a beach area that's recently been discovered. Even in Bavaro, the countless palm trees and expansive beach extend for miles, so it's easy to leave civilization behind if you wander far enough.
Best of all, with the advent of all-inclusive resorts, you can head down to the Dominican Republic on a budget. Often, for less than $1000 per person, you can get a flight, seven nights' accommodations, water sports and all the food and drink you can handle -- not a bad way to spend a week.
Dominican Republic Family Vacations
Dominican Republic Family Vacations
Families will love:
- Caribbean's finest outdoor playground under the sun
- Great all-inclusive family hotels that line the beach
- Perfect vacation for families on a budget
Written by Stephen Jermanok
Read more about Dominican Republic Attractions
Latest Dominican Republic Trip Report
Scott T - 2011-11-30
We have gone to the Gran Bahia in Punta Cana twice, and we would highly recommend it. From the moment you land at the airport, you feel like you are ...
Read more Dominican Republic Trip Reports
Best Dominican Republic Family Hotels
Get more information on Santo Domnigo Hotels at TravelPod
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