Sitting between the alluring Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, the Dominican Republic is a luxury holiday paradise that delivers stunning natural beauty surrounded by an aquatic wonderland.

Whether you’re seeking laid-back relaxation or action-packed adventure, this tropical utopia has it all and more. Soak up the divine year-round sunshine when you spend an afternoon on one of the sugary white beaches or wander through the lush forest terrains. Immerse yourself in the history and heritage that runs deep in this Caribbean island, or get active enjoying endless land and water sports. With so many wonders to discover, we wanted to share our top 10 things to do on your holiday in the Dominican Republic.

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1. Golf in Paradise

Regarded as the top tropical destination for golf, the Dominican Republic is full of exceptional courses. Many have been designed by former golf pros, so you can be assured that they’ll fulfil all of your golfing needs. Punta Espada was named the number one course in the Caribbean for seven years in a row, while the Corales Club is the must-play location on the island, drawing in professional golfers to partake in the Corales Puntacana Championship. The first ever course in the Dominican Republic is Teeth of the Dog and it’s still considered one of the world’s best.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Feel the thrill of the epic outdoor activities the Dominican Republic offers. Explore the skies on a zipline at Runners Adventures, in Punta Cana where you’ll find 12 ziplines that soar 800 metres above the forest canopy. Scape Park, in Cap Cana, also offers ziplining, as well as a high ropes obstacle course, water activities, the opportunity to explore underground caverns and much more besides. You can navigate through vast, winding tunnels like the Cueva de las Maravillas in La Romana, which translates to “Cave of Wonders” and houses ancient Taino wall paintings. Horse riding is an integral part of Dominican culture with countless opportunities to enjoy this invigorating activity wherever you stay.

3. Water Sports

Enjoy some aquatic fun wherever you stay on your Dominican Republic holiday. As sea temperatures remain between 24 and 29℃ all year round, you’ll be able to get active at any time you want. Scuba dive to admire some extraordinary coral reefs, expansive caves and sunken shipwrecks. On the surface, you can experience some epic kitesurfing in the water sports capital of the Caribbean, Cabarete, as well as rafting down the longest river in the Caribbean, the Yaque del Norte, that goes straight through the centre of the island and offers views of the riverbanks and canyons.

4. Luxury Living

Luxury living is a promise when you visit the Dominican Republic. This Caribbean paradise is bursting with exceptional all-inclusive hotels and world-class resorts that offer excellent value for money at every level and are equipped with the highest standard of facilities. These include spas, fitness centres, yoga studios and sports courts. Stunning beachfront locations make for outstanding views, as well as access to soft white sand and azure waters 24/7. Take part in water sports, with equipment available as part of your fare, or embark on a boat trip around the island. Choose between adult-only or family-friendly resorts and you’ll be promised high-class service and entertainment as well as delectable restaurants and bars.

5. Beach Days

Hemmed by Atlantic and Caribbean coastlines, the Dominican Republic is a haven for beach holidays, with over 200 picturesque spots to choose from. Whether you’re seeking something family-friendly, where the shores are shallow and the sand is soft, somewhere secluded to soak up the sun or a hive of entertainment, you’ll find the perfect beach on this mesmerising island. Venture to the north for the divine white sand of Playa Cabarete, Playa Grande and Playa Punta Rucia or to the east for Punta Cana’s famous Playa Bávaro and Playa Macao. Samaná is where you’ll find Playa Rincón, ranked in Condé Nast Traveller’s top ten most beautiful beaches.

6. Dance The Night Away

Invigorating beats reverberate through the entire island, with music and dancing in the blood of every local. Couples especially will find the Dominican Republic enchanting. The streets of the Plaza de España in Santo Domingo turn into a ballroom floor as people dance to the bands that play there in the evenings. You’ll also enjoy the chic lounges and glitzy cocktail bars in Puerto Plata, where you can listen to Merengue and Bachata music, which are both originally from the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is the home of some of the most pulsating nightclubs, or you can party the night away on one of Cabarete’s sandy beaches, enjoying music and drinks under the stars.

7. Natural Wonders

Be inspired by the abundance of stunning natural wonders that are waiting to be discovered. Travellers can explore the vast Los Haitises National Park, which is best done so by boat as you can view the 30 metre-high rock formations and the lush mangroves that protect a myriad of exotic creatures. Swim in the blue lagoons at The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve, in Punta Cana, where the freshwater pools are set amidst a subtropical forest. Located across the Dominican Republic are a number of fairytale-like waterfalls, including the 27 in the Damajagua park or the Salto El Limón. This 40 metre-high cascade flows into a river that’s perfect for canyoning.

8. History and Culture

A rich history and culture oozes from this paradisiacal island. Being the first European settlement in the Americas, you’ll discover magnificent 16th-Century European architecture, especially in the Ciudad Colonial area of Santo Domingo. There’s also the Plaza de la Cultura, where the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Natural History and National Library are conveniently located. Cigars, chocolate and coffee are also important in Dominican heritage, with factories, farms and former plantations available to tour in order to fully understand their impact, both in the past and present.

9. Experience Carnival

Carnaval Dominicano is the biggest celebration of culture on the island, with festivities taking place on each Sunday in February in La Vega. Other large gatherings occur in Santo Domingo, with events featuring vibrant parades through the streets and locals dressed up in costumes. Characters from the Dominican Republic's history and Taino folklore, including the Limping Devil, run around making mischief, while music fills the air. Another festival to experience is the Festival de Merengue, a celebration of the Dominican Republic’s national dance, the Merengue. Held every July in Santo Domingo, it sees dancers and musicians descend on the city for a colourful cultural party that lasts two weeks.

10. Meet The Wildlife

Teeming with delightful wildlife, the Dominican Republic is a wonderland for animal lovers. Birdwatchers, in particular, are sure to be impressed, with 32 endemic species to look out for. These include the critically endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, which you may be lucky enough to spot flying high above hills, valleys and offshore islands. Those in search of adventure may prefer to visit the Seaquarium, where a catamaran takes you out to dive in the Caribbean Sea among shipwrecks, stingrays and nurse sharks. If you wish to remain dry, however, a boat trip for some North Atlantic Humpback Whale watching is a charming alternative. These incredible mammals can be spotted in January, February and March when they visit the waters of the Dominican Republic to breed and give birth.