Best Dominican Republic Hidden Gem Attractions

THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Dominican Republic

Best Dominican Republic Hidden Gem Attractions

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What travellers are saying

  • Wanderer
    141 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After leaving the cruise port, I asked around for tour of Waterfalls. The price varied so much, I had to keep on asking around more. In the beginning they were asking $80/person. Then I went little further out and found cheaper options. Many were asking $60/person. The best price I found was $20 per person and he would tour the city, get local food. We paid $2 per person for full meal of local food. It tasted awesome and only locals knows these food places. You pick 2 main dishes and 3 side dishes. Water bottle was free. Then few more minutes driving on the highway, the guide stopped at fruit market. It was something we pay $5 per piece in US. We were able to get 10 items for $3. It was round red color fruit and so sweet compared to tastes in US. Best guide and the entrance was included in the price for Waterfalls. The bridge crossing was fun and we walked along with cows. Took pictures with them. BEST $20 excursion on the island.
    Written 28 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bob S.
    25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolute must see in Santo Domingo. Its a cab ride to get there from the Colonial Zone, but well worth it. We went alone without a guide and don't think one is necessary. It cost a few bucks for the two of us, while a guide offered to take us for $40 US. The colors of the water and the caverns are absolutely amazing. There are three to see walking and the fourth is reached from the third via a 100 yard boat ride for 50 pesos, which I would definitely recommend. It takes about an hour taking time for pictures along the way. A lot of up and down via steps so wear the right shoes. Great way to spend an hour or so.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Trish
    Sacramento, CA6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful reserve to learn about their foundation and the importance of conserving the land! We had a wonderful tour guide, Mo! He was so passionate in his work that it draws you into everything he says. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and great personality. He made sure we were both on track literally with time and on the paths (several people kept wondering off) to ensure we were learning and spent good amounts of time to see spend at the lagoons. Thank you Mo for your wonderful work! The lagoons are the cherry on top of the trip! Beautiful & worth the tour!!
    *Bring cash to Tip your tour guides generously. Show your appreciation for their handwork and kindness. They remind us of teachers… patient, knowledgeable, giving everyone what they paid for BUT have to stop to ask those politely not to wondering off, don’t touch things they shouldn’t yet and deal with them asking for more time to play! (And these are the ones that don’t tip, smh)
    Written 3 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NEERAJ K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The best adventure park me and my kids have been to till date. We are from California and have been to almost all parks there and will rate this higher. Beautiful scenery and a view of the entire city from top. It was so much fun ziplining on a cliff, swimming in underground caves, jumping from water zip lines and riding in our splash hammocks! Do visit Hoyo Azul. There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day. We reached there at 9 am and after signing waivers and other formalities were ready to do first ride in 10 minutes. We went there on a week day maybe that is reason for no rush. Water and other beverages come at $2 so don’t bother carrying too much . Enough to drink and eat that you will survive the day. Staff extremely friendly and nice . Contrary to what some other reviews indicated there is too much tipping pressure we don’t agree. It will not be a bad idea to carry cash and tip generously as staff is working so hard in such heat . Also locker facilities come very handy and they are big lockers and can take a lot of stuff . Best part they are free. Do carry regular shoes and swim shoes and keep interchanging based on the activity. Take tons of pictures and carry water proof case for phone . Also remember everything is available also in their store and is average price so no need to worry . Love the park and will do it again.
    Written 1 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GerriM
    French River, Canada341 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely spectacular, unspoiled beach.
    No wonder it is one of the top 10 in the world.
    Very bumpy drive to get there so if you aren't in the best of health be careful. No condos yet so let's hope it stays that way. ♡
    Written 17 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rick00001967
    Ontario, Canada862 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    i will say right away that horseback riding is not my preferred cup of tea. haha it is the wife that loves these animals. that said, we traveled here for our anniversary and her birthday so how could i say no.
    we used this ranch many years ago when staying in the playa dorada complex. it was fun then and it was fun again.
    they are very close by the complex so transport back and forth is quick and easy. we went in slow season so we were the only 2 riders which was nice.
    the business has changed hands recently and the latest owner has apparently made some changes. they have some new animals and some update equipment.
    the horses seem to be in very good condition and well cared for. so did the many friendly dogs that share the ranch.
    both Angel and Alex have been here for many years and are great staff.
    our booking agent originally had us booked with another operator in sosua. we were not too happy about having to travel that far back and forth so we were very happy when they changed at the last minute. we did not ask why.
    pick up was on time. the pace was very leisurely. we had a beautifully scenic ride into the hills. some spots offered a great ocean view with a cool breeze while others were sunny and hot.
    there is a stop along the way (thank god haha) to rest the horses (and the riders) where you can have a water or soft drink. beer is avail for purchase along some gifts if you like.
    helmets are mandatory. closed toed shoes are always a good idea but if you only have sandals make sure they are secured strapped sandals and not loose flip flops.
    this is a great way to see the countryside and much quieter than the buggies or atv's.
    if you are considering riding as part of your vacation then choosing Lorilar is the right way to go.
    Written 25 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark B
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The people are very friendly, the food and drinks were great, and there are many interesting and beautiful sights to see in Puerta Plata.

    However, be wary of staying at Lifestyle Holiday Vacation Club. Again, the staff was great, the food and drinks were great, but we got stuck in two Villas that were poorly maintained and unsafe in places. Crown Villa 10 and Crown Villa 71. No handrails to the pool, steep steps with no slip strips (two out of five us slipped), roof leaked and I almost slipped going to the bathroom at night, power was out for almost half a day, can’t drink the water or put toilet paper in the toilet. There is a waste basket by every toilet.

    I would never trade my timeshare for this brand.

    However, I would recommend going to Puerta Plata.
    Written 11 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kilauni t
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Eugene is amazing! A great teacher and very welcoming and kind!!! Everyone at this factory was kind and willing to help us learn. Thank you thank you!
    Written 4 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Milly M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A memorable experience! The ride to the beach was fun. The water was so clear! Our pictures looked like we were in a pool. It’s the most beautiful beach I have ever seen.
    Written 29 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ramnik G
    Chicago, IL299 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Been to a lot of mountain tops but this one is unique in not just that it offer 360 degree views or the ocean and rugged terrain, it does so with swings that make amazing photos. And it’s so peaceful. We loved it here and highly recommend all Punta Cana visitors to devote a half day to see here. Brave and expect a quite bumpy ride up and from the top but it’s short and well worth it.
    Written 14 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jen
    Munich, Germany19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went to Padre Nuestra Cave - we just drove to the park, paid 200Pesos per person entrance, and then 1.4 km further at the park entrance met a guide who offers a full tour for free (plus tips) which was absolutely awesome. He took us through the whole park, showed us the local plants, took photos and most importantly helped us on the last cave where you can swim in the dark in refreshing waters. You can also see the carving of the indigenous people here in this cave.
    Ramon (the Guide) is very knowledgable and friendly, we actually ended up giving him 1000 Pesos as a tip which was worth it.
    Can highly recommend this for any nature lovers! Bring good shoes, mosquito spray, water and bathing suit- no need for snorkelling gear as it’s too dark to see much in the Cave. We spent a total of almost 3 hours here.
    Written 18 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kathleen P
    14 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Organized trip from our hotel with a very helpful guide. Very well maintained walkways alongside the river and bridges and steps. Got my daughter to take pictures of the waterfall itself as it is quite a climb up steps in a forested canyon past the hydro plant. Lots of native plants and wildfowl on the river.
    Written 12 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pierre D
    Mont Tremblant, Canada219 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really nice but you should get there early.
    It's a very nice facility and I can only assume that it can get busy.
    The smaller laguna is great for swimming but to really enjoy the water, get there early so have the place to yourself.

    You can zipline and drop into the larger laguna but follow the guide lines when you drop into the water to avoid injury.
    Written 16 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ajcland
    Miami, FL13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful large sandbar off the coastline of Punta Rucia, only accesible by boat, excellent for snorkling, about 2 hour drive from Puerto Plata, DR.
    Written 8 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vernus
    Canada291 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a local friend we have known for many years take us to this beach for the day. It was a lot of fun, and being able to swim in the ocean, no big waves to knock you down..lol. The service was good and food was good. I had been to this beach many years ago, but husband had not been, he loved it.
    Written 24 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.