There are many small stalls with interesting and unique gifts made by local artisans. You cant miss this building its a replica of the gazebo thats in downtown Puerto Plata. Youll need some small change in the local currency for things like transportation and refreshments. Its wooden deck, rattan furniture, and thatched palm roof really sell the island paradise vibes. The Basilica Catedral Nuestra Seora de la Altagracia is a minor Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to the D.R. The country's museums shed an important light on the countrys fascinating history. Although its always a good idea to get out and experience the country youre visiting, you could easily spend a day right in port for a relaxing holiday. Need Travel Insurance?You should never leave home without travel insurance! There are palm trees, fountains, man-made waterfalls, and flowers all around. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Viva Wyndham V Samana Adults Only All Inclusive, Centro Comercial, Carretera BarceloPunta Cana, DR 23000(809) 466-1111. Youll be able to visit local artisan shops, designed galleries featuring student artists, and fantastic restaurants, all with a Mediterranean flair. Finding all the street art, touring cigar factories, and seeing monuments are all great things to do in the city. The Dominican Baseball League runs an annual baseball tournament from mid-October through January, and you can catch the games at any of the professional baseball stadiums around the country. You can choose to eat a yummy picnic at one of the tables around the beach. Aquamundo Sambil is a small aquarium with 72 displays featuring sea life in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. I have also found restaurants and banks to move a lot more slowly than the United States. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort, Spa & Casino. Sure. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Billini Hotel, Historic Luxury, Manolo Tavrez JustoPuerto Plata, DR 57000(809) 970-0501. You should also consider the high roaming charges when using your home card. My father, who worked for many years at a beach in the northern part of the country, told me how some tourists drowned because they went swimming totally drunk. Here are more of our Caribbean cruise guides: Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. Whenever a commercial brand or a person calls their product the best in the world it is something that really borders on the absurd since, The Dominican Republic has more than 55 dolphin species in captivity. Zona Colonial is the historic neighborhood in Santo Domingo. To note, June is often the hottest month and August has the most daily sunshine hours. A one-way fare from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata downtown is $35.00 USD (25 minute drive). Simply, do not buy illegal alcohol in the Dominican Republic, do it in trusted establishments. Dont ask prices with a clueless face, and it is valid to bargain prices, I have written many guides on this website about it. Why stay indoors when you can visit the impressive Los Haitises, a 30-meter rock formation jutting out from the Caribbean waters? I have had my fair share of mishaps and victories adjusting to Dominican culture. Its one of the hottest nightlife attractions in the country. Aside from beaches, Punta Cana is also known for its impressive marinas and incredible fine dining choices. When we visited Amber Cove, we didnt go to the Sky Bar, but we did end up at the top of this hill. Wonder at the Basilica of our Lady in Higuey. Twitter Beyond its renowned beaches and over a thousand miles of coastline, youll find mountain ranges, offshore islands, lakes and waterfalls, offering plenty to do outdoors. If youre into precious stones, opt for larimar or amber jewelry pieces. There are tons of local flora and hidden caves to find in the area. There are educational signs displayed around Amber Cove detailing the history of amber in Dominican Republic. Or you could just soldier on with your daily slog and stay at home. As an aside, people here will wish you Buen Provecho, before eating a meal, the way Americans say Bon Apetit. Do the same for them. You can stay in one place and do some beach bar-hopping to enjoy the towns vibrant nightlife scene. Additionally, if you are in a waiting room or lobby, any newcomer will greet you and you should return the greeting. Here, youll find fascinating animals, including American crocodiles, pink flamingos, iguanas, and more. When you depart the ship and enter Amber Cove, keep to the left. Stroll at your leisure, and cool off afterwards at the on site cafe. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns. Youll even see some of the countrys best spas while youre here. On your walk, be sure to find the iconic Amber Cove sign by the waterfront. Its like being transported into another country. On a hot day, why not order an iced coffee? Heres a list of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic. Amber Cove is part of our 8-Day Cruise on Carnival's new Horizon September, 2020. If you go out to eat, dont expect to catch the next movie screening, so buy your cinema tickets after you finish dinner. However, they dont usually have too much change. As a general rule, I understand that people dont like to be told what to do or what not to do, but I recently saw a documentary about a young U.S. citizen that moved me and opened my eyes to many things.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kiskeyalife_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',622,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kiskeyalife_com-medrectangle-3-0'); This young man took a trip to North Korea, and for the simple fact of having moved a painting from a wall, he was sentenced to many years in prison and things did not end well. While the swimming pool, lazy river and waterslides are free, there are more paid activities that you can do at the Amber Cove Aqua Zone. ), youll even see some of the lesser-known, untouched spots on the island like El Peon and Mano Juan. Its calm waters are crystal clear that you can see meters below the surface. The main spoken language in the Dominican Republic remains Spanish. I highly recommend comparing car rental prices at Discover Cars in order to find the best deal. 40+ Things you Should Never Do when you are in Dominican Republic Educated Traveler 23.1K subscribers Subscribe 6.2K 580K views 4 years ago 14 14. You can buy coffee beans and bring them back home. Its worth the uphill hike, trust me! 10) Dont Stop Being Cautious Cathy, I believe you can do that in Puerto Plata, which is about a 20 minute drive from Amber Cove. For a stay at a resort with world-class entertainment visit The Be Live Collection Marien for its on-site casino. There are botanical gardens and a nature reserve that you can explore while up there. I usually buy the whole beans and it has never been a problem. Or visit the Conquista Park for its beautiful collection of local art and artifacts. Aside from interesting fossils, youll also learn more about the amber business in the Dominican Republic. Its safe to say that you wont ever get bored while youre here. Beans with sweet? I found your article to be so helpful and informative. Play and win in pesos, and youll often find it hard to change them to dollars. Enjoy the outdoor parks and plazas, and dine under the stars at Pate Palo or Pura Tasca on Plaza Espaa. 10 Things Not to Do in Dominican Republic - Destination Tips Live performances are also popular and an important part of the culture. Off The Beaten Path In The Dominican Republic, Building And Lodging In The Dominican Republic, Here I leave you the link to a similar and more complete topic, The Best Cigar In The World Is Probably From The Dominican Republic, Are There Dolphins In The Dominican Republic? Back in 2016, we sailed with Fathom Cruises on our Dominican Republic cruise, primarily because we wanted to participate in the impact activities. Opt for Jarabacoa as your jump off point and relax in this cool mountain town before and after your adventure. 4) Dont Forget About Music The pool has over 1000 loungers all around it, so you wont have any issues finding a place to take it easy. Santo Domingo boasts a historical Colonial Zone as well as lots of shopping (read my post about what to do in Santo Domingo). Coco Bongo is a bar in downtown Punta Cana known for its incredible parties. Are you looking to book a cruise? Youll find them on the beach or at resorts. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Saona Beach House, Sabana de la MarHato Mayor, DR(809) 720-6035. 3 3-Buying cheap or adulterated alcohol in a clandestine manner. 2023 Justin Plus Lauren | Privacy Policy | Web Stories, Getting to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Things to Do in Amber Cove: Walk Around the Port, Best Things to Do in Amber Cove: Go Shopping, Swimming Pool, Lazy River and Water Slides, Best Things to Do in Amber Cove: Amber Cove Aqua Zone, Top Things to Do in Amber Cove: Rent a Private Cabana, Volunteer Activities in Dominican Republic, Getting Out of Amber Cove to Puerto Plata (and Beyond), Puerto Plata Highlights and Cable Car Tour, What Not to Do in Amber Cove: Swim With Dolphins, negative impacts of swimming with dolphins, St. Kitts Cruise Port Guide: How to Spend a Day in St. Kitts, Cockleshell Beach in St. Kitts (Shore Excursion), How to Explore the St. Thomas Cruise Port, Things to Do in Barbados From a Cruise Ship, Nassau, Bahamas Segway Tour (Shore Excursion), Club Med Guadeloupe Day Pass (Shore Excursion). Those you should be aware of range from easily avoidable ones like fake (professional) beggars and vendors selling fake goods like cigars to shadier practices like bar scams and unlicensed taxi cabs and tour operators. Some of the upgraded cabanas have their own TVs, private hot tubs, dining areas and more. The usual access known for the park is via Samana. Posts may be sponsored. That is, do these two things each day before going to bed. Make the most of the open bar and get a taste for all the free-flowing delicious local drinks. Great information. Im not sure when it will open back up. Write it down. Both my sister and I are in our 30s and we had a blast, too! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hodelpa Garden Court. Head up to the Sky Bar! Ecosystems 3. You can reach Sky Bar, a bar up high on the hill, by walking up an inclined path and series of steps. orboth, Video: 8 Things That Surprise Americans About Europe, Most Common Mistakes When Taking a Flight. Santo Domingo Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. Fun Things to Do in Dominican Republic. I always expect things to move at a New York Minute and its just not possible, nor is it a good idea! Top 8 Things to Do in the Dominican Republic Indulge in resort luxury in Punta Cana Let your hair down in Bayahibe See starfishes on Saona Island Go diving in Continue to the Museo del Hombre Dominicano, the most comprehensive in the country, covers various eras starting with the origin of Dominicans to its present day culture and society. Maybe a hammock is more your style! Tour a number of important museums and colonial buildings, including the first fortress of the Americas, the first cathedral, the ruins of the first hospital, the first convent and the first university. If youre not into shopping or spending time by the pool, you may want to get out of Amber Cove to see the actual destination itself. So unless you want to fill your wallet with chewing gum sweets, bring some loose change! 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