What started out as a humble fishing village is now a full-fledged vacation destination. This is something very basic in any part of the world where you go as a tourist, but in the Dominican Republic, if you look like the typical clueless foreigner when buying something, people will kill you. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Los Tres Ojos is very close to Santo Domingo and thus a nice day trip to escape from the busy city. Its great for beginners, so its no problem if youve never driven a dune buggy before. I have also been greeting the security guards on my way to work (see tip #1) should something happen to me while walking to work, I know I have someone watching my back. Fortunately, in the Dominican Republic, there is not an alarming level of robberies as I have seen in other countries, for example, in certain countries in South America you should be EXTREMELY careful even with the people who approach you. Since your cruise will likely only stop in Amber Cove for the day, be sure to find it when youre exploring the Amber Cove port for a great photo opportunity. Beyond its renowned beaches and over a thousand miles of coastline, youll find mountain ranges, offshore islands, lakes and waterfalls, offering plenty to do outdoors. Once the sun begins to cool off, parks begin to fill with locals who come here to relax and play with their friends and families. Web1. Posts may be sponsored. WebYoull miss out on the real Dominican Republic, with its various towns, vibrant history, and coastal views. But, Carnival has kept the spirit of the impact activities alive. Amber Cove was an $85 million dollar investment by the Carnival Corporation that opened in 2015. Here are a few suggestions for the best things to do from Amber Cove. :) Have fun on your cruise! I really wish that these kinds of parks no longer existed. The Dominican colmado is a corner mom and pop grocery store that doubles as a neighborhood bar. 2023 Hotels.com is an Expedia Group company. Nearby, Parque Duarte is a favorite of the LGBT community. Nature and animal lovers will enjoy a relaxing hike around Park Valle-Nuevo. They live and travel in large groups called pods. Pico Isabel de Torres stands 2,600 feet above the hills of Puerto Plata. This is one of the most inhumane slaughters in the world. Every Sunday during the month of February, you can experience a carnival parade in major towns and cities around the country. Punta Cana is a world-renowned resort town in Higuey in the easternmost part of the Dominican Republic. Opt for Jarabacoa as your jump off point and relax in this cool mountain town before and after your adventure. Since its beginnings in 1995, no other single resource covers the world of cruising as thoroughly as Cruise Critic. Recommended Hotel Nearby: MON Hotel Boutique. Two ships are able to dock at the Amber Cove cruise center at the same time. Wear adequate clothing and slap some sunscreen onto exposed parts of your body. You make this possible. Aside from beaches, Punta Cana is also known for its impressive marinas and incredible fine dining choices. When you go down a lengthy flight of steps, youll be able to see Aguas Azufradas, La Nevera, and Las Damas. When you walk to the end of the shopping area, youll see a corridor to the right with taxis and buses. Alcanfor is a plant that they use for medicinal purposes to treat arthritis, asthma, back-ache, bronchitis, flatulence, headache and many other conditions. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link. So, be wary of these Sanky Pankys. Punta Cana has 48 kilometers of pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Viva Wyndham V Samana Adults Only All Inclusive, Centro Comercial, Carretera BarceloPunta Cana, DR 23000(809) 466-1111. If youre into precious stones, opt for larimar or amber jewelry pieces. Try mang, a deliciously seasoned mound of mashed green plantains topped with sauted red onions, for breakfast or sancocho, a hearty stew combining various meats and roots vegetables, served with a side of white rice and avocado slices. 4. Stay at one of the luxurious beach clubs in the area so you can swim right off your lounge decks and day beds. Wherever you end up, youre sure to find beachfront restaurants with fresh catch (in season), plenty of rum, and music. 1. So, without further ado, here are my top 10 adventurous things to do in the Dominican Republic. 3) Dont Expect to Ride Alone You can even check out the exotic birds in the park. Im going to show you some of the best free things to do in Amber Cove in addition to the activities Ive already mentioned above. We participated in the Turkey Trot fun run as our cruise was around Thanksgiving. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kiskeyalife_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',648,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kiskeyalife_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');This is something normal, it could happen to anyone, I would like to know a little bit of the culture before visiting a country so I dont mess up. While I have found this country to be pretty safe, I take many precautiouns. Santo Domingo Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. Enjoy the beautiful views of Puerto Plata when you reach the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres. Looking for even more things to do in Amber Cove? The flat-topped mountain offers unobstructed views of the northern region of the Dominican Republic. Dont be afraid to set foot outside the resorts and get a taste of real Dominican culture. So always remember these three rules: Cook it, Peel it, or Forget it! If you live here or visit for an extended period of time, adopt the same flexible attitude. History buffs and fans of architecture will be tickled pink when they roam around this ancient city. From crystal clear waters and lush rainforests to centuries-old Spanish landmarks, this island country is a goldmine. Pack your swimsuit and take the time to swim around Hoyo Azul. And I have always noticed that people are dressed inappropriately to this institution, the painful thing is that they do not allow you to enter if you are badly dressed and you may lose the visit or the time invested. The pool is available to every cruiser who visits Amber Cove at no additional charge. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Make the most of the open bar and get a taste for all the free-flowing delicious local drinks. Thank you so much. My husband and I are headed to Amber Cove as it is one of the ports on our upcoming cruise. I found your article to be so helpful and informative. Theres a swim-up pool bar for drinks. Conversely, dont be upset when people cancel social plans last minute! Facebook Youll hike, slide your way down, jump, and wade through beautiful azure and turquoise waters gushing over and around you. The Dominican Republic ranks among the top three largest exporters of cacao in the world. Please see the image below for water sports pricing when I visited in 2016. Its incredible cacti and desert flora are some of the best things to see in the D.R. We found that it was fairly speedy, though my connection was slower during the day when many people were using it. Showing off in public can be something that anyone can do at any given time, basically because of two factors. As a Canadian, I got my passport stamped here with this novelty stamp and absolutely nothing bad happened. When in the Dominican Republic, theres no short supply of white-sand beaches. (Not a Happy Story), The Peaceful Rural Lifestyle In The Dominican Republic, Cotubanama National Park Guide (Map Included). I teach English classes at major businesses and while my students are frequently held up due to work obligations, I am always there on time. But be wise, dont wear expensive jewelry if you want to get a cheap offer, and if you see something you like dont rush in and try to purchase it straight away. In most places, people will formally greet others. Bayahibe is a town located at the southeast of La Romana. This is an Amber Cove Aqua Zone price list. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, aqua bikes, and other sporting equipment for some exercise in the water for an additional charge at the Amber Cove Aqua Zone. While youre in the area, visit Isla Cabritos as well. Travel Videos I am sure my granddaughters will love the zip line and the shoppingthey will be 19 & 17 on that cruise. In the Dominican Republic, there are many protected tourist places, such as Saona Island, where you shouldnt take anything, be it sand from the beach, seashells, animals, you should only contemplate nature. If you enjoyed this post, pass it on 8) Dont Forget the Golden Rule! Just so you dont misunderstand me, this is not a problem in reputable tourist areas, such as hotels, this is a street problem, in neighborhoods and clandestine places. If youre going all out, make sure to get the premium tours around the islands. The so-called hurricane season should be factored in when planning a trip to the Caribbean islands. There are festivals throughout the year, and international merengue celebrations that attract music lovers from all over the world. 14 14. Gawp down at the Hoyo Azul. First, look back, ask yourself what I have learned today and what I have done to get closer to my goal. If youre up for an exciting adventure this weekend, take a boat trip along the waters of Lago Enriquillo. Continue to Playa Ensenada nearby, lined with outdoor cooks and picnic tables for Dominican seafood or chicken lunch. The colmado is affordable and ubiquitous in the country you can find one on nearly every other corner, from the city to the smallest village. There are also cigar and rum bars around the country. I feel like a 19 and 17 year old would have a blast there. 10. Known as Kite Beach, this Caribbean coastline is no stranger to laser sailing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Presidential Suites by Lifestyle Puerto Plata All Inclusive. They expect you to negotiate down to the last cent. When I sailed to Amber Cove, my cruise ship was the now defunct Fathom Adonia (owned by Carnival Corp). 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