Magical History Tours on the Southern Coast
The small fishing village of Bayahíbe draws plenty of laid-back visitors, thanks to its quaint bar and restaurant scene, as well as for the pristine vistas and its proximity to Parque Nacional del Este. Even if you're staying at one of the larger resorts outside the village, it's worth a look for the casual seaside dining, historical significance, and art and craft festivals. Archeologists have discovered what some say are the oldest Indian remains in the Caribbean here.

Taíno Indian history is also alive and well in Río Soco, where the Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) once served as a religious ceremonial center for the Indians. More than 500 petroglyphs are etched into the cave's walls, and there's an abundance of crystallized minerals. This is a great family excursion, easily accessible for both children and seniors.

In the southwest region, the village of Pedernales borders two other national parks: Parque Nacional Jaragua to the southwest and Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco to the north. In addition to excellent hiking, Pedernales offers easy access to two rarely visited offshore islands: Alto Velo and Isla Beata. The latter is overrun with Taíno cave art, while the former is a habitat for the world's smallest reptile, the dwarf gecko, which is no longer than a Dominican peso coin.

Fun and Games For All in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a playground for kids and adults alike. Whether it's golf, a trek around the region on horseback, or a water-bound excursion, travelers have plenty of choices.

In Punta Cana, horseback riders can visit deserted beaches, see the magnificent white sand and take a quick dip in an ocean that's all theirs.

Another top choice here is golf, with several courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, P.B. Dye and Nick Price. The east coast's combination of flat straightaways and hills are the perfect backdrops, and those calm, Caribbean breezes add extra challenge to every hole.

For sea-lovers, Punta Cana's waters offer the longest coral reef on the island. Diving here is for experts only because the convergence of the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean can make for some rocky conditions, but die-hard divers won't be disappointed.

Straying from the Shore
Punta Cana is all about the fabulous, powdery white, palm tree-dotted stretch of beach that rings just about the entire east coast. But that doesn't mean there's nothing else to do here; the regions surrounding Punta Cana and Bávaro are anything but boring. You can rent a car, or better yet, a motorcycle from Ride Dominicana, and see the countryside, or arrange a deep-sea fishing tour with outfits like Marlin Sports Center.

Try a trip to Isla Saona, a tranquil island just off the coast at the corner of the eastern and southern coasts. After your adventure on the water, you'll be able to explore three separate cave systems, as well as enjoy a beach every bit as pristine as those in Punta Cana. Don't miss nearby Isla Catalina; it's less visited, and visitors have been known to spot manatees, dolphins and even humpback whales while snorkeling.

Samaná: A Whale of a Place
Just as Samaná isn't your typical Dominican destination, the sightseeing there goes far beyond historical sights. Here, the most sought-after attractions are the natural ones, like the whales that come to the warm waters just off the peninsula's coast to breed from January to March. At the peak of the season, thousands of humpback whales make a temporary home in the bay, meaning you're almost guaranteed at least one sighting.

Back on land, the ecoadventure opportunities are just as ripe year-round. The Parque Nacional Los Haitises, with its 83 square miles of mangrove swamps, boasts more than 100 species of birds and mammals — many of which don't exist anywhere else. Visitors can also tour caves that were once home to Taíno Indians, the island's original inhabitants. Today, you can still see their drawings and carvings on the walls.

Looking for more adventure? Look no further than Salto del Limón, one of the most stunning waterfalls in the country. Reaching 150 feet before the drop-off, Salto del Limón's waters plunge into a cool swimming hole, making it a great place for a picnic. The only challenge is getting to the falls. Accomplished hikers can scale the trail on foot, but we recommend taking on the trail by horseback — it's easier on the legs and a more unique experience.

Even the relaxing, beach-focused activities here are an adventure, thanks to Samaná's unique culture and geographical layout. One of the most popular tours visits Cayo Levantado, an island set just off the coast with an enviable stretch of beach. Beaches on the mainland are fun to explore as well, with a wealth of dining options surrounding them. In Las Terrenas, you can spend an entire day making your way down the sandy strip, sampling traditional Dominican dishes (and rum drinks).

The Many Faces of the Northern Coast
The northern coast of the Dominican Republic is known by many names, including "Amber Coast," "Discovery Coast" and "Silver Coast." You can call it any number of things, but don't call it boring — it's one of the most versatile vacation destinations in the country. Featuring historical and cultural sites, plenty of activities at sea and on land, and a wide variety of topography, towns like Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Sosúa draw travelers of all stripes.

The Original Sports Center
The main draw to north coast towns like Puerto Plata and Cabarete is sporting — from golf to windsurfing and kiteboarding, to white water rafting, cascading and mountain biking.

Cabarete is a world capital of wild water sports, ranked as one of the top five kiteboarding and windsurfing destinations on the globe. The small town is a regular stop on the international competition circuit for such sports. But these waters aren't just for the pros. Cabarete's beaches are lined with tour operators who will let you rent kiteboarding and windsurfing equipment; many also offer lessons for beginners.

Looking for more low-key fun? Golfers can try their hand at the Playa Dorada Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones. Guests at the Casa Colonial and Victoria Golf & Beach resorts enjoy special deals at this world-class golf venue.

By Land, Sea and Air
Like any beach destination, the north coast owes its popularity to the marine ecosystem that supports its pristine setting. Visitors can do more than appreciate that beauty from the beach. The Ocean World marine park puts you face-to-face with dolphins, sea lions and sharks — literally. Encounters with these animals, led by trained guides, are just as educational as they are exciting.

Outside of the beach, the town of Puerto Plata is the center of sightseeing opportunities. Walk around town awhile, then hop on a cable car and glide from sea level in Puerto Plata all the way up to the top of 2,565-foot-high Mount Isabel de Torres. A miniature replica of Rio de Janeiro's famous Christ the Redeemer statue is at the top, but the spectacular views of Puerto Plata are the main draw.

If soul-soothing spa therapy is in order, Casa Colonial's luxurious 12,400-square-foot state-of-the-art Bagua Spa is sure to have the perfect treatment for you.

Escaping to the Central Mountains
Though it's home to some of the Dominican Republic's most lush and fertile lands, the central mountain region is often overlooked by travelers seeking sun and sand. That's good news if you're a nature lover, but no timid travelers allowed; getting to know this region is an adventure that's sure to set your heart racing.

Touring By Town and Country
Santiago, the second largest city in the country, draws comparisons to Santo Domingo because of its small but cultured downtown area, with museums, boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs. Though much smaller than Santiago, the town of La Vega is home to the nation's biggest celebration: Carnaval. The most extravagant celebrations take place in Santo Domingo, but many of the costumes and masks used come from the talented artists in this small town. Each week, parades show off their latest creations.

Though its cities are impressive, the central region is known more for its unblemished nature. This is where you'll find two of the country's national parks: Parque Nacional Armando Bermúdez, which is home to Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean; and Parque Nacional José del Carmen Ramírez. Both offer spectacular views of the untouched Dominican environment.

Ecotours for the Fearless
The central region's off-the-beaten-path location makes it an eco-adventurer's haven. The area around Jarabacoa is perfect for canyoning, a blend of hiking, swimming, rock-climbing and rappelling. Visitors can also try rafting along the unpredictable Jimenoa river, or along its sister rivers, Río Yaque del Norte and Río Baiguate. Other ecotour activities along the Jimenoa include tubing and horseback riding.

Adventurers who follow the Jimenoa river will eventually find the Salto de Jimenoa waterfall, a popular spot for cascading, the practice of climbing waterfalls and then jumping off cliffs into the water or sliding down water chutes.

Read unbiased opinions about Dominican Republic activities at TripAdvisor.

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