Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
Waterfalls, mountain hikes, world-class surfing, diving, and zip-lining — the Dominican Republic is an adventure playground.
The Dominican Republic's most exhilarating adventure. Located 20 minutes from Puerto Plata, the 27 Waterfalls are a series of cascading pools carved into limestone by the Damajagua River. You hike up through the jungle, then descend by jumping, sliding, and swimming through natural waterslides and plunge pools.
Choose to do 7, 12, or all 27 falls. The full 27 takes 2.5-3 hours and is strenuous. Most visitors do 7 or 12 falls, which is still spectacular. Guides are mandatory and included in the entry fee (around RD$600 for 7 falls). Helmets and life jackets are provided.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. The first group of the day (8:30am) often has the pools to themselves.
A 40-meter waterfall hidden in the jungle of the Samaná peninsula. The hike takes about 30 minutes through tropical forest, crossing streams on horseback or on foot. The waterfall plunges into a deep pool perfect for swimming — refreshingly cold after the humid hike. Horseback rides are available and recommended for the muddy trail.
The mountain town of Jarabacoa is the "City of Eternal Spring" and home to several stunning waterfalls. Jimenoa Uno falls plunge 40 meters through a narrow gorge. Baiguate is more accessible, with a swimming pool at the base. Both are surrounded by pine forests and coffee plantations.
At 3,098 meters (10,164 feet), Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the Caribbean. The standard route from La Ciénaga takes 2-3 days round trip, passing through pine forests, cloud forests, and alpine meadows. Guides and mules are mandatory and arranged through the park office. Temperatures near the summit can drop to near-freezing at night, so come prepared.
A geological wonderland of limestone karst hills (mogotes), mangrove-lined channels, and cave systems with ancient Taíno petroglyphs. Explore by boat from Samaná — weaving through mangrove channels into caves decorated with thousand-year-old rock art. Bird watching is exceptional: pelicans, frigatebirds, and the endemic Ridgway's hawk.
A high-altitude nature reserve between Jarabacoa and Constanza. Pine forests, wildflower meadows, and the headwaters of several major rivers. The park reaches elevations above 2,200 meters, making it one of the coolest spots in the Caribbean — frost is common on winter mornings.
Cabarete is one of the world's top destinations for wind-powered water sports. Consistent trade winds (15-25 knots) blow from June through September, and conditions are ideal for beginners in the morning and experts in the afternoon. Dozens of schools line the beach, offering lessons from US$50/hour. Kite Beach, just west of town, is the epicenter.
Encuentro Beach near Cabarete offers the best consistent surf, with beginner-friendly waves on one side and more challenging breaks for experienced surfers. Playa Grande and Playa El Valle on the north coast offer powerful waves for intermediates and experts. Board rentals and lessons are readily available.
The Yaque del Norte River near Jarabacoa offers Class II-III rapids — perfect for families and first-timers. The scenery is spectacular: jungle-clad mountains and coffee plantations. Operators like Rancho Baiguate run daily trips (approximately US$55-75 per person).
The Dominican Republic offers surprisingly good diving, with warm water, varied marine life, and interesting underwater topography:
Zip-lining is available across the country, but the best experiences are:
Every year from mid-January to late March, thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Samaná Bay to mate and give birth. This is one of the Caribbean's greatest wildlife spectacles.
Tour operators in Santa Bárbara de Samaná offer half-day whale watching excursions (approximately US$55-80). Licensed boats maintain respectful distances, but whales are naturally curious and often approach on their own — breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping within clear view.
For an even more intimate experience, Silver Banks (accessible by multi-day liveaboard from Puerto Plata) allows carefully regulated in-water encounters with the whales.
This guide covers Puerto Plata. Explore more about this destination.
View DestinationOur team of travel writers and Dominican Republic experts shares insider knowledge to help you plan the perfect Caribbean getaway.