Top 7 Activities on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic

If you are planning to travel to the North Coast of the Dominican Republic during the next high season, or if you are living in this piece of paradise, these are the 7 activities you should not miss during your stay.

There is no doubt that the North Coast of the Dominican Republic is an area full of natural and cultural attractions all year long. Thus, tourists and residents always have something to enjoy.

What to do on the North Coast

Hundred of thousands of tourists swim along rivers and beaches, explore caves, ruins, lush nature, mountains, museums, and much more. Therefore loving every minute of their stay. 

In this article, we have included activities that you can do on your own. Additionally, some of them are suitable for children, so that you can enjoy them with the whole family. On the other hand, if you prefer to do some organized excursions, we can priovide you with the right contacts.

1 – Buggy Adventure.

Mix nature, fun, and adrenaline, and what you have is a fantastic time on a buggy ride. Whether you are the driver or the passenger, we assure you that every time you go through a puddle of mud, you will have a lot of fun. Ideal for a rainy day, with the family, by yourself, with friends, etc.

There are several companies to choose from, usually located in front of the Playa Dorada complex. In general, this is an activity full of adventure and fun.

2 – Mountain Isabel de Torres. By Cable Car or by Hiking.

One of the oldest attractions in Puerto Plata is the Cable Car that takes the route to Isabel de Torres Mountain. It is now a Scientific Reserve thanks to its surprising variety of flora and fauna. Enjoy this natural beauty with the whole family.

 The funicular is one of the options to reach the Christ the Redeemer, on top of the hill, which was built in 1970, becoming one of the most famous icons for visitors.

 For extreme adventure lovers, the second option is by hiking or walking to reach the top of the hill. In total, the mountain has 800 meters above sea level, so it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. The spectacular view is worth the trip.

3 – Surfing in Cabarete.

When we think about surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing, the best beach in the DR is Cabarete beach. It is known worldwide for its perfect surfing waves, attracting surfers since the mid-80s. This destination offers numerous water activities for all levels and ages. Its most famous beach is “Playa Encuentro,” named this way because this is the beach where the annual “Encuentro” (which means meeting or reunion) of surfers from all over the world takes place.

To surf in Cabarete is one of the things you should put on your bucket list. But if you do not have any experience, you can attend one of the many surfing schools such as Pauhana Surf School, Cabarete Surfcamp, Bobo Surf’s Up Surf School, among others.

4 – 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua.

Continuing with the natural environment running through the North Coast, the Damajagua river is best known for its 27 waterfalls called “Los 27 Charcos de Damajagua,” where you can glide, jump, swim, or simply observe this fantastic product of nature. Easily accessible from the main highway, the river is the province’s number one attraction, where professional local tour guides take visitors into its multiple pools.

If you don’t want to do all 27 waterfalls, do not worry, there is an option to do only 12 of them. You can also combine this attraction with buggies, zip-lining, or horse riding to complement your day. 

5 – Snorkeling / Water Sports in Sosua.

If you are looking for a beach with less extreme activities but still fun, your ideal beach is in Sosua. Here you can snorkel, scuba dive, ride banana boats, paddle boats, kayaks, catamarans, or go for a swim in the crystal water beach. As a bonus, enjoy a delicious lunch at the beach while enjoying one of the best Pinas Coladas in the country. The most popular beaches within Sosua are Charamicos and Alicia beach, playa Imbert is a secluded beach acessible only to the residents of our resorts. 

It is important to mention that it is easy to get to Sosua. Public transportation costs approximately RD$50.00 (US$1.00) from Puerto Plata and a little bit less from Cabarete. If you prefer a more comfortable way of transportation, we recommend you rent a car instead.

Sosua Bay is the diving capital of the world, and there you can find good diving schools such as Merlin Divecenter, Scuba Dive Sosua, Sea Pro, among others. 

 6 – Horse Back Riding on the Beach or the Mountains.

One of the main advantages of being on the North Coast is that you are surrounded by both mountain systems and beautiful beaches, which are two exciting options for horse riding. If you take the sunrise, it is ideal for a family day out, or if you take the sunset, it can be turned into a romantic afternoon.

 7 – Dudú Lagoon & Cave.

Last but not least, in Cabrera at the eastern end of the North Coast, we can find the crystalline Dudú Lagoo & Cave. First, we would recommend stopping at the waterfall El Saltadero. This hidden treasure is a wonderful art piece from nature that combines an impressive fall, a safe pond for swimming, and a lush tropical background. 

Next, we suggest visiting Dudu and Blue Lagoon. They are close to each other and are very similar because both are systems of interconnected lagoons and caves with stalactites and stalagmites. However, Dudu Lagoon offers over 10-meter high cliff jumping with a rope, which can add that extreme factor to your adventure.