Dominican Outdoor Activities

Dominican Outdoor Activities & Sports

The Dominican Republic has some of the finest outdoor activities in the entire Caribbean and while most prefer beach activities while on vacation, there are many inland tours that are interesting and fun as well. You can find windsurfing, sailing, fishing, rafting, snorkeling, deep-sea diving, water skiing, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, off roading, and plain ol’ swimming at the beach.

Many of the resorts have activity centers and there are many activities that are included in your vacation package. There are many avid fishermen and women that come looking to make that big catch. If your resort doesn’t have it’s own fishing tours there are bound to be reasonable priced fishing tours offered locally.

If you do decide to go with a fishing tour service outside of your resort or one that is privately owned then you should make sure that the operator of the boat is licensed and that they have all the proper safety equipment. If you are new to fishing like myself, you can learn to fish from the shore and work up to the deep sea fishing later on.

Windsurfing is very popular with the Dominicans and it is done everywhere in the country but Planet Windsurf claims that Cabarette is one of the best places to windsurf in the world. There is also parasailing and this is the closest to flying you will ever get, although, you better not be afraid of heights.

If you are an inexperienced diver you can snorkel and there are many places all over the Dominican Republic to learn to. This is a great way for you to also try underwater photography. Underwater cameras used to be quite expensive but now you can find many that are reasonably priced and there are also underwater disposable cameras now. A favorite spot to snorkel is Sousa Beach located in a peaceful cove. Another fun spot of snorkeling is Isla Catalina and who knows, maybe you will find treasure in these waters.

For those that are a bit more experienced in water sports, there is also deep sea diving. There are also lessons for this as well, but you really must have a few lessons if you have never been. Once you have a little bit of skill behind your belt your can get out there and make like Flipper in no time. There are several Deep Sea areas where you can find sunken ships. Talk about fun! Of course there are many other water sports available as well, but these are just a few of the favorites.

If you are an avid golfer you will love the Punta Cana Golf Club (809) 959-4653. This is a premiere course, and was designed by the son (P.B. Dye) of famed golfer Pete Dye. Presidents and dignitaries have golfed on this course and then there is you, dear golf enthusiast, if you dare. There is a resort attached to the course and you get a price break on green fees if you are staying at the resort.

Near the Punta Cana Golf Club is the Punta Cana Ranch. If you get tired golfing you can try your hand at horseback riding at the ranch. There is also Rancho al Norte located in the mountains near Sosua. Other horse ranches are Rancho Lorilar and Southfork Ranch – Rancho Pat. All stables have a range of horses for the different abilities of riders, from beginning to advanced riders.

You don’t have to get fancy though; you can just walk along the beach or swim in the resort/hotel pools or splash in the ocean. Also, the Dominican Republic has baseball and their baseball season runs from January to April. If you can make it to a game, but whatever you choose to do, get out and have some fun.