Punta Cana
Puerto Plata
Heading east from Sosúa along the northern coast, diving enthusiasts can find fascinating wrecks off the Cofresi and Monte Cristi coastline.
Boca Chica
Here we can find the renowned Hickory and El Limón wreck dives within the La Caleta National Underwater Park. Taina Cave, an extensive zigzagging cave system some 300 feet in length. Night diving available.
Many horse riding operators and establishments offer Criollo horses, well-known for their gentle nature and specifically trained to gallop fast. There are horse riding ranches spread over the entire island and enthusiasts can opt to ride on the beach, flat grassland or in mountainous regions.
Freshwater fishing is not yet a major pull for tourists, although the island does offer excellent fishing in its crystal-clear mountain waters, such as at Hatillo Lake, near the village of Cotui.
Of among the most common fishes to be found in the Dominican Republic, we would highlight the amberjack, barracuda, bonito, seabream, cobia, swordfish, grouper, horse mackerel, opah, golden redfish, sailfish, gar, Atlantic mackerel, shark, dolphin fish and yellowtail snapper, to name but a few.
Playa Dorada Golf Club
Located within the Playa Dorada Resort in Puerto Plata. This 18-hole course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and unveiled to the public in 1976.
Guavaberry Golf & Country Club
Opened in 2002, the course was designed by Gary Player. The holes feature unique features, such as natural waterfalls and coral formations dotted along the fairways. The Golf Academy is headed by the professional golfer Mark Clouse, who offers personalised training and practice sessions for beginners and experienced golfers alike.
Las Lagunas Country Club
Nestled just outside Santo Domingo, Las Lagunas Country Club boasts 18 holes originally designed by Pete Dye and subsequently modified by Jack Corrie. The course, which was unveiled in 1989, is spread over hilly land and offers superb views of the lakes and lush vegetation.
Los Marlins Golf Course
Located in Juan Dolio, as part of the Metro Country Club. 18-hole championship golf course. An impressive array of artistically designed sand bunkers, as well as lakes and mounds. The course was opened in 1995 and the Club’s Golf Academy has Paul Dione at the helm.
White Sands Golf Club
The White Sands golf course is a stone’s throw from the sea and very close to the premier Bávaro hotels. Its fairways are narrow, yet forgiving on beginners. The course was designed by the Spaniard Pepe Gancedo, widely considered the Picasso of golf course designers and whose approach to course construction centres on the conservation of the original landscape.
From Puerto Plata to Playa Grande, there are no less than 16 surfing spots on the northern coast, with waves rated as classic or standard. The best season on the northern coastline is from December to March, with waves reaching heights of over 4 metres. Just to the east of El Encuentro, one of the Dominican Republic’s most famous coral reefs, we can find other spots, such as Coco Pipe and La Preciosa, considered as some of the world’s finest surf beaches.