On whale safar
Every year, many whales migrate to the northern coast of the Dominican Republic to mate. In January, February and March, you can depart from Samaná, a peninsula along the northern coast, on an adventuresome whale-watching trip to the Bahía de Samaná. This bay, just off one of the most beautiful parts of the island, is world-famous for the 3000 humpbacked whales that regularly come here to engage in courtship and mating. Even from the shore, you have a close-up view of them playing with their calves.
Tasting rum in Brugal
The national drink of the Dominican Republic - rum - is almost impossible to escape. If it isn’t in one of the many cocktails, it’s included in a dessert. But do you know how rum is made? You’ll find out during a guided tour through the Brugal rum distillery that’s open Monday through Friday. It goes without saying that you also get to taste the results of the process!
Dancing the merengue
What once began with musical instruments made by the plantation slaves became the music of the Dominican Republic. That’s also how the national dance of this country developed: the merengue. It’s even the basis for a special colorful festivity - the merengue festival - that takes place during the second half of October. But you don’t have to wait until October to try the merengue. Many bars and restaurants provide you with an opportunity all year round to try moving your hips to this Latin American dance.
Windsurfing at Playa Cabarete and Playa Grande
Playa Cabarete on the north coast is now known by windsurfers from all over the world, especially because of its high waves and perfect wind. Another ideal surfing site is the nearby Playa Grande that’s just as long and wide as its name suggests.
Exploring Santo Domingo
If you get the chance, try and get to Santo Domingo. The capital city of the Dominican Republic is well worth a visit! Special features here are the urban plazas in the historic center where artists capture the scenes around them. It’s also a great place to eat, take a walk to admire the many historic buildings, enjoy the bubbling nightlife and dance to the rhythmic music.
Shop 'til you drop?
You don’t have to shop ‘til you drop to find an original souvenir in the Dominican Republic. There’s a wide range of typical mementos available here. Amber jewelry - sometimes with embedded insects, leaves or dewdrops - is a national specialty. Larimar, Dominican turquoise, is also frequently used in creating jewelry. Other typical local souvenirs are rocking chairs, woodcarvings, macramé, pottery, Creole dolls, baskets and carved limestone.