Dominican Republic: The best adventures for all ages
The Dominican Republic is the ideal Caribbean destination to take advantage of as a family because it offers innumerable proposals for adventure and fun for different ages. From rafting, recreational parks and water sports to incredible caves and excursions on wheels, everyone finds their special place here.
“Traveling as a family and agreeing on different interests and ages is not easy; That is why the families that visit our destination are delighted when they discover that, in addition to beaches, there are adventure options that satisfy everyone and with the advantage that they are close to each other, ”says Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor at the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR).
Here, a selection of captive adventures according to age:
Caves of Wonders in La Romana: an excursion for the whole family
Located between San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana, the Cave of Wonders is a huge cave system that houses hundreds of well-preserved Taino pictographs and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. It is one of the most accessible caves in the country thanks to its excellent lighting system, ramps, trails and a modern elevator. Moving between rock art, incredible stalagmites and stalactites is a fascinating experience for all ages.
Fun with children: Recreational parks in Punta Cana
The theme parks are open all year and are ideal for entertaining the whole family in one place in contact with nature and with a touch of adventure. Children and adults enjoy climbing, crossing suspension bridges, plunging into a zip line amidst incredible vegetation or swimming alongside marine life in the middle of their natural habitat. Punta Cana is the area that concentrates the most options. There are also go-kart tracks for different ages.
Adrenaline with teenagers: Rafting in Jarabacoa
With a mild climate throughout the year, this Dominican region is a perfect destination for an adventure trip with teenagers, always ready for a good dose of adrenaline and action. The Yaque del Norte River, with its large flow of water and its numerous rapids, some of intermediate difficulty, is the best place in the country to practice rafting. The adventure lasts three hours and the tours include equipment and a typical meal at the end. Minimum age: 14 years.
Active tourism with young people: 27 Puddles of Damajagua in Puerto Plata
A certain level of controlled risk, contact with nature and good physical condition is what this excursion implies to one of the most attractive places in Puerto Plata, in the north of the country. The walk, always next to local guides, begins by walking through dense forests, crossing bridges and discovering the rich flora, until reaching the top of a rocky hill, from where the descent begins sliding down a series of waterfalls as if they were slides or jumping into deep turquoise pools. Action and fun guaranteed!
From 25 to 35 years old: Cool and kitesurfing atmosphere in Cabarete
The town of Cabarete, in Puerto Plata, is recognized not only for the excellent sea conditions for water sports, but also for its relaxed atmosphere and fun nights. Constant trade winds have made this destination one of the favorites of lovers of kitesurfing and windsurfing. Kite Beach attracts sports professionals, and for beginners there are certified schools to learn. When the sun goes down, the bars and nightclubs along the coast invite you to go out until dawn and meet new people.
Adventure on wheels in Samana for young and not so young
Enjoying a whole day at the famous Playa Rincon de Samaná, classified by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world, is a great plan for all ages. Now, adding adventure aboard a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle (ATV, ATV, quad bike or four-track, depending on the country) is a simply perfect experience! The excursion is suitable for over 14 years and includes lunch and time to dive in the turquoise waters or rest in the shade of coconut trees.
Bayahibe land safari for those over 50
On board comfortable and colorful jeep trucks and accompanied by a multilingual guide, this excursion allows visitors to get to know the true Dominican life and its natural beauty. After crossing sugar cane plantations, visiting a typical Dominican market and a tobacco factory, you reach the town of Higüey and its majestic Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia. Finally, the finishing touch: the spectacular Chavón River, immersed in a majestic tropical nature where famous films such as Rambo, Apocalypse Now and Jurassic Park have been filmed. An unforgettable adventure.