The Dominican Republic

1. Amber Museum

The Amber Museum is located in the impressive Villa Bentz homestead in Santo Domingo, which was built in 1918 by one of the city’s most prominent German immigrants, Emil Bentz. The museum provides a suitably graceful home for a most impressive collection of amber sourced on the island and from all over the world. You can take a guided tour of the museum to gain insight into the prehistoric origins and uses of amber, which is composed of fossilized tree resin. The amber, which is mined in the Dominican Republic, is known to be of a particularly high quality, and much of it contains important fossilized plant and animal remains. Once you have viewed the impressive exhibits, you can visit the shop, which sells a wide variety of amber jewelry.

Amber Museum, Calle Arzobispo Merino 452, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic, Phone: 809-686-5700

2. Aquamundo Sambil Santo Domingo

Aquamundo Sambil Santo Domingo is an aquarium set right in the heart of the city of Santo Domingo, offering children and non-divers a unique chance to see the wonderful variety of marine life found in the waters around the Dominican Republic and the wider Caribbean. You can get up close to one of the world’s most feared marine creatures in the Shark Tunnel, a clear acrylic walkway through a huge tank filled with several species of sharks. At certain times, visitors can witness dinnertime in the shark tank. Other equally interesting exhibits include the Coral Garden (featuring a myriad of creatures that live on the coral reefs), the insect and reptile exhibit, and the Amazon, Ray, and Touch exhibit featuring a petting pond for younger visitors.

Aquamundo Sambil Santo Domingo, Avenida John F. Kennedy, Santo Domingo 11201, Phone: 829-547-4014

3. Bayahibe

Bayahibe is located about 10 miles east of La Romana at the southern-most tip of the Dominican Republic, encompassing the National Park of the East and beautiful Saona Island. Bayahibe is the ideal spot to relax, unwind, enjoy nature, and feast on fresh seafood delivered from the ocean to your plate. You can simply relax and soak up the sun, go on a guided kayaking or Stand-up Paddling excursion, or go diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the National Park of the East and around Saona Island, where critically endangered sea turtles come to nest. Guided walks in the park will lead you to several historic sites, including a cave containing petroglyphs created by ancient Tainos tribes.

4. Boca Chica

Located on the south coast of the island near Santo Domingo, the town of Boca Chica lies on the largest reef-protected bay in the Caribbean. The beach town is famous for its white sand and clear sheltered waters that offer a plethora of water sports. You can try jet-skiing, water skiing, kayaking, sailing, wind-surfing and banana boats or opt to explore the underwater wonders of the reef on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion. Land-based activities include horse-riding, cycling, motor biking, and golf, and there are several venues where you can dine on freshly caught seafood right on the edge of the water. The town is known for its lively “party” vibe, and the pedestrian-only main street is lined with clubs and pubs where you can mix with the locals and learn to dance the Merengue.

5. Choco Museo Punta Cana

Calling all chocolate lovers – come and find out all there is to know about your favorite treat at the Chocolate Museum (Choco Museo Punta Cana). A visit to Choco Museo includes a free tour of the cacao and chocolate museum followed by a free tour of the chocolate factory where a team of artisans transform raw organic Dominican cacao beans into sensational chocolate treats. If you would like to learn how to make your own chocolate from scratch you can join a “Bean to Bar” workshop. It goes without saying that you will be able to sample wonderful organic chocolates and buy edible souvenirs to take home with you.

Choco Museo, Carretera Barcelo, Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Phone: 809-466-1022

6. Cueva de las Maravillas

Located between La Romana and Santo Domingo the Cueva de las Maravillas is an enormous underground cave system believed to be over 100,000 years old. About 240m of the cave is open to the public (the remaining part of the cave is an important bat habitat) and has been expertly lit so that you can admire the wonderful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and pisoliths. There is clear evidence that the cave was once inhabited by ancient native Taino Indians who left a wealth of pictographs for future generations to admire. There is easy access to the cave via ramps, a concrete pathway, and an elevator. You’ll also find a small museum and gift shop.

Carretera La Romana - San Pedro de Macoris - KM 16, Autovía del Este, Phone: 809-951-9009

7. Hacienda la Esmeralda

The Dominican Republic is widely acknowledged to produce some of the best chocolate in the world, and you can learn all about the process on a day visit to Hacienda la Esmeralda, which is located just a short drive from Santo Domingo. On arrival you will be served a traditional cup of freshly made hot chocolate before you set off to see how cacao beans are grown and harvested. The factory tour is your chance to see how the humble cacao bean is transformed into one of the world’s favorite treat. You will have the chance to make your own chocolate bar and see how delicate truffles are handmade. After the demonstration you will be served a traditional Dominican lunch on the terrace, accompanied by local music and dancing.

Hacienda la Esmeralda, Esmeralda San Francisco de Macoris, Duarte 31000, Phone: 809-547-2166

8. Columbus Lighthouse

Located on the beach close to the town of Santo Domingo, the cross-shaped Columbus Lighthouse is dedicated to the memory of one of the world’s greatest adventurers, Christopher Columbus, who first landed on the island in 1492. The towering 10-story structure is both a tourist attraction and a cultural center, at the heart of which lies a chapel thought to contain the mortal remains of Columbus. Note that this claim has not been substantiated and is disputed by other tomb sites in Spain. The most unique feature of the lighthouse is the elaborate lighting system that projects an enormous illuminated cross into the night skies, which can be seen from over 40 miles away.

Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colon), Santo Domingo Este 11604, Dominican Republic, Phone: 809-591-4844

9. Hispaniola Aquatic Adventures

Hispaniola Aquatic Adventures are a catamaran tour company based in Punta Cana on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. The company offers a variety of private or group catamaran excursions, which include snorkeling on the Cabeza de Toro reef, one of the premier snorkeling reefs in the area. In addition to sailing and snorkeling you will also stop at an idyllic palm-fringed beach to enjoy cocktails and fresh coconut. While you are admiring the amazing underwater marine life your guides will take plenty of photos to ensure that your excursion is unforgettable. Most of the aquatic adventures last for about four hours and include a seafood lunch along with all the necessary snorkeling equipment.

Hispaniola Aquatic Adventures, Plaza Bibijagua, Punta Cana/Bavaro, Phone: 829-305-2804