Dominican Republic North Coast Beaches

Arrive at Las Américas International Airport and meet your driver, who transfers you to your hotel in the hotel in theheart of Santo Domingo's colonial zone. The evening is yours to explore. Head to Plaza España, where several restaurants offer outdoor dining with views of the house of Christopher Columbus' son. Enjoy dinner at your own pace and take in the cheerful, lively atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

After breakfast, meet your guide for a guided tour of the colonial zone. You visit the oldest cathedral in the New World, a fortress, ruins, and the residence of Christopher Columbus' son, with a stop at a cigar manufactory to see the process up close. The afternoon is free to explore the surroundings on your own, with recommendations provided

Today you pick up your rental car and head north across the island toward the fishing village of Punta Rucia, approximately 270 km / 168 miles away. The drive through the interior is worth taking slowly. A panoramic restaurant along the route makes a good lunch stop, and if time allows, a cacao plantation or one of the country's largest tobacco factories offers a look at the process from harvesting to cigar rolling.

Spend two days relaxing on the beach at Punta Rucia. One morning, a fishing boat takes you out to Cayo Arena, a tiny white sandbank of just 200 m² (2,153 sq ft). Below the surface, coral reefs draw a variety of colorful fish, and snorkeling here is the highlight of the stay. Back on shore, the quiet atmosphere and calm waters give you plenty of reason to linger.

After breakfast, you head toward Cabarete, a surf town on the north coast known for its range of outdoor activities. On the way, the historic San Felipe Fortress in Puerto Plata is worth a stop. Those looking for more adventure can take on the 27 Waterfalls, a canyoning route where you jump down the falls with safety gear and swim through deep gorges. By afternoon, you arrive at your hotel on the beach in Cabarete.

Driving Distance: approx. 115 km (71 miles)
 

These two days in Cabarete are yours to spend as you like. The beach is right on your doorstep, and the town's reputation as a surf hub means there is no shortage of ways to stay active. Kayaking, SUP, surfing, mountain biking, river tubing, canyoning, yoga, and hiking are all on offer in the surrounding area. A cable car ride up Puerto Plata's local mountain is worth fitting in, and the evenings bring their own draw, with plenty of spots to mingle with locals into the
night.
 

Today's drive follows the north coast to Cabrera. The route passes through a varied landscape of rivers, banana plantations, and rice fields, with the coastline visible along the way. Stop when you like at pristine beaches for a swim, a typical Dominican lunch, or a dip in one of the clear lagoons along the route. Your hotel in Cabrera sits on a rise with views over the surrounding area.

Driving Distance: approx. 70 km (43 miles)
 

A free day to explore the area around Cabrera at your own pace. The coastline holds numerous beaches where you can spend time alongside locals, and a nearby saltwater lagoon offers another spot for a refreshing swim in clear water.

The scenic drive today heads along the north coast to the Samana Peninsula. The route passes through small villages and runs along the Boulevard del Atlantico, with coastal views for much of the way. On arrival in Las Terrenas, your hotel sits directly on the beach, a good spot to unwind with a drink as the afternoon winds down.

Driving Distance: approx. 155 km (96 miles)
 

Spend the final three days in Las Terrenas, a beach town on the Samaná Peninsula with enough variety to keep things interesting. Several distinct beaches line the coast, each with its own character, and the town itself has a relaxed feel. For those who want to venture further, the Samaná Peninsula offers additional options for exploration. Contact your Trip Planner for recommendations on excursions and activities in the area.

The return drive to Santo Domingo follows a well-maintained highway back to the capital. On the way, a stop at the Salto Socoa waterfall offers one final look at the Dominican countryside before reaching the city. Depending on your itinerary, drop off the rental car at the airport or arrange an extension with your Trip Planner.

Driving Distance: approx. 140 km (87 miles)