Dominican Republic Short Breaks

Introducing Dominican Republic (Continued...)

r relaxing beach holidays and adventurous travels alike. It would be easy to just scratch the surface of the island and come away from your holiday completely satisfied; whether you are hitting the waves on your kiteboard or hitting the bar for dark rum. Inland, mountains and dense tropical rainforest dominate the island, providing a very impressive adventure playground. From bustling cities, such as the country’s historic capital Santo Domingo, to the saltwater lake Lago Enriquillo and its crocodile population in the south-west, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Travelling here you’ll discover sugar cane plantations in the south-east and have a breeze on the windy shores of Cabarete to the north. The Dominican Republic is home to both Pico Duarte, in the centrally positioned Cordillera Central mountain range, and Lago Enriquillo, the highest and lowest points in the Caribbean, at 3098m and -39m respectively.

The weather in the Dominican Republic is perfect for that active getaway, while still being able to spend a day relaxing in the sun on one of the country’s popular beaches. For most of the year expect to find yourself in temperatures ranging from the late 20’s to early 30’s. Humidity can make these temperatures feel more intense; while sea breezes help cool you down. May through to October is when the majority of the country experiences its heaviest rainfall, with the hurricane season being in August and September – and best avoided.

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is relatively new to the extreme sports community; one of the new ‘hybrid’ sports; and is quickly gaining in popularity – as is the Dominican Republic as a kitesurfing destination. You can leave your wetsuit at home as you head to the northern town Cabarete and set up at the aptly named ‘Cabarete Kite Beach’. Here you will find the best and most varied wind conditions on the island, to suit all kitesurfers, from beginners to pros. After your hard day’s work playing with your kite, you can enjoy Cabarete’s relaxing nightlife with a few drinks of rum. There are other popular kitesurfing beaches around, such as the ‘Bozo Beach’, found between Cabarete and Kite Beach, where the Kiteboarding World Championships have taken place every year since 2001. Wind conditions are strongest in the afternoon, so don’t worry about having to get up early! The water here is around 26C on average, so perfectly comfortable.

Fitness Breaks

Need a kick-start getting your body into shape? You’ve found the right place. Whether you are training to take part in a competition, or just haven’t hit the gym since you were at school, a program can be made for you which will help you get fit again. If you are staying in the Dominican Republic for a while, try one of the ‘Boot Camps’ before you hit the extreme sports, and you will really notice the difference!

Surfing

Thanks to the Dominican Republic’s position in the Caribbean, good surf spots can be found on plenty of beaches along its north and south coasts. Hugely popular for watersports in general is Cabarete. The warm waters found here are popular for beginners and those looking to improve their skills. This is where the ‘Encuentro’ break hits, which is probably the most consistent in the country. The Dominican Republic receives some of the same swells as those that hit Puerto Rico during winter, with most of the bigger waves coming in between the months of October and April.

Windsurfing

The reefs surrounding Cabarete Bay allow for some great windsurfing. The closer you ride to the reefs, the calmer the water will be - better for beginners. Be sure to visit during June, when the town plays host to Cabarete Race Week. The Eastern Trade Winds provide good and consistent winds year round, and the water is also warm at 26C. The water is flat and the winds are light in the morning, which gives beginners and children a great chance to get to grips with the sport. The wind picks up in the afternoon and steadily increases as the day goes on, until around 6pm when the wind has had enough, and its time for you to go and get some Caribbean food and a good sleep, ready for the next day’s windsurfing!

Scuba Diving

Bayahibe Bay is where you should be looking to go for scuba diving in the Dominican Republic. Found on the south coast by a national park, you can find several wrecks and reefs a short boat ride away. Explore the reef with its abundance of tropical fish and plants. For something a bit different, try a dive at night. Water conditions in the Dominican Republic are a very comfortable 26C, and the clear waters provide great visibility too.

Classic Itineraries

Land in Santo Domingo and head to the ‘Zona Colonial’ district to explore the historic capitals buildings and culture; this area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is plenty to enjoy in the nation’s capital. The flamboyant locals enjoy a culture influenced from years of invasions by France, Spain and Haiti. And of course the Dominican Republic is where Christopher Columbus discovered America, so look out for some great historical information in local museums.

Head overland towards the DR’s highest peak, Pico Duarte, and take in the breathtaking views from its staggering 3098m height. Before this though, discover the Reserva Antropologica El Pomier, which has ancient Taino cave paintings. Traverse through dense rainforest, discovering wildlife and nature you would never otherwise get to see.

Now, it’s time to get the adrenaline to start pumping. Next on your list is Cabarete, the northern town famous for its watersports and relaxed nightlife. Whether you are a beginner or have been taking on mother nature for years, there are perfect conditions for all abilities, in all watersports in this area. Enjoy a lazy start to the morning on one of Cabarete’s picturesque beaches, before heading down to the perfectly named ‘Kite Beach’ and join in on the fun for the afternoon when the winds pick up. Spend a few days trying out the various watersports, with windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing on offer, as well as other watersports, such as sailing.

Before heading back south, go east to the Peninsula de Samana, where you can whale watch and enjoy the quiet beaches and hidden coves. Before your return to Santo Domingo, check out the sugar plantations in the south east of the country, and then go onto Bayahibe Bay, just east of your final destination. Here you can get in some quality scuba diving around tropical reefs and wrecks, before your flight home.

Other Activities

New to watersports? Try out a multi-activity holiday, where you can attempt any number of sports, including kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing. A few hours of tuition at each of these should give you a good idea as to which is your favourite. It should even inspire you to continue the sport when you return home, or the next time you go on holiday.

Tired of watersports and beaches? Then head inland where you can find miles of untouched, dense, tropical rainforest, just oozing life. Get a guided tour through the canopys and fauna, and check out the abundance of wildlife. You can also head up to the Dominican Republic’s highest peak, Pico Duarte at 3098m in the centre of the country and have a look at the views from there.