The Dominican Republic has long been a favorite destination of vacationers seeking something different and off the beaten track. Thanks to these first tourists, the area in and around Golden Dolphin Villa has access to many diversions and local activities. The following list is representative of what is available in the area. Make sure you check with your villa concierge to learn about new activities or pricing information.
Golf |
One of the most beautiful and highly rated golf courses in the Caribbean is only a few minutes from your door. Designed by the ‘godfather of course design,’ Robert Trent Jones, Sr., this magnificent course offers challenging play for the experts while also allowing beginners to learn from the best. The course was rated 4.5 stars out of 5 from Golf Magazine and many claim it is significantly better than Teeth of the Dog. |
Beaches |
One of the most attractive aspects of this part of the Dominican Republic is the wide variety of beaches available. These are all within a few minutes of Cabrera and the villa itself.
- Playa Caleton – Located in the town of Rio San Juan, this beach has virtually no waves and is a local favorite for snorkeling and playing around in the water. There are local food stands and souvenir shops on the beach as well.
- Playa Grande – Located next to the famous golf course of the same name, this beach was noted by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top ten beaches in the world. It is a gorgeous stretch of beach with food stands and souvenir shops.
- Playa Preciosa – Just next to Playa Grande, this is a favorite of the locals because it is so beautiful. Excellent surfing conditions for wave surfing.
- Playa El Breton – Nearer to Cabrera is the national park of Cabo Francis and at the foot of this park is this beautiful beach perfect for swimming, playing, searching for sea shells and snorkeling.
- Orchid Bay Beach – Within the Orchid Bay community is a large public beach seldom used by anyone but the residents in the villas of Orchid Bay. Very picturesque and swimmable in a couple of choice locations.
- Playa Diamonte – A very pretty beach that is formed from an estuary where an underground river sends sweet fresh water into the ocean. The result is a broad beach that is very shallow for up to 100 meters into the ocean. Excellent for going to the beach with the kids.
- Playa Entrada – One of the longest beaches on the north coast that has been largely too remote for many years. The beach is exceptionally pristine and unspoiled, the site of several movies who have taken advantage of the remote look. Only a few minutes from Cabrera.
- DuDu Lake – Just off the main road hidden in the trees is a large sweet water lake made from the underground river coming to the surface. The lake is so deep that scuba divers go down regularly but rumor has it no one has ever located the bottom. Great rope swings and really cold water throughout the year. (fee)
- Blue Lake – Similar to DuDu but not as dramatic. Swimmable and picturesque. (fee)
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Deep Sea Fishing |
A perennial favorite among many is deep sea sport fishing, and the Dominican Republic is one of the best places to enjoy it. Your villa concierge will be happy to arrange a deep sea expedition to help you land that once in a lifetime catch…or explain how it got away! Please inquire before you arrive so we can reserve the boat for you. |
Scuba / Snorkeling |
Imagine scuba diving along the north coast of the Dominican Republic near where famous Spanish galleons were sunk hundreds of years ago. Who knows, you may discover a new one yourself! Scuba diving is coordinated through Northern Coast Divers, a 5-star PADI certified dive operation. Snorkeling can be done at the beach near the foot of the villa or we can guide you to some truly amazing opportunities in the local area. |
Wind Surfing &
Kite Boarding |
If you are a windsurfer or a kiteboarder, you will want to visit Cabarete, about one hour away and the site of the world championships for both of these sports. An amazing beachfront community, Cabarete boasts one of the best sites in the world for catching the perfect blend of surf and wind. Also, under a special arrangement with Velero Beach Resort, we can help you secure a room for the evening if you want to stay overnight and enjoy the beach town nightlife. |
Jeep Safari |
An increasingly popular diversion for visitors to the Dominican Republic, the Jeep Safari will bring you back into the "campo" (countryside) to visit with and experience the life here in the Dominican Republic. Grab this opportunity to meet these wonderful people, buy some local crafts from them and visit their homes while sipping a beverage. |
City Tours |
Your personal villa concierge will be happy to suggest from a wide variety of tours available while you are here. You can trek down to Santo Domingo to visit the grave of Christopher Columbus, take a shopping expedition to one of the tourist towns or, our personal favorite, go back into the hills and countryside to meet the wonderful people of the Dominican Republic. |
Casinos |
Feel like gambling a little while you are here in the Dominican Republic? If you do, there are many choices for you to consider. Only 25 minutes away is the popular casino at Bahia Principie, a beautiful all-inclusive hotel with a special arrangement to allow external guests to the casino. Or take another 30 minutes to go to Cabarete where two casinos await your pleasure! |
Whale Watching
(seasonal) |
Every year between January and March the majestic humpback whales of the Atlantic converge in Samana Bay. The migration is an amazing spectacle you will want to experience. As an added bonus, you will probably see some of the whales right from the villa as they make their way to Samana. For a day trip, ask the villa concierge to organize an excursion to visit Samana to go out on the whale watching boats. This is truly magical! |
Ocean World |
Not too far from Puerto Plata, where you will probably arrive by airplane, is the increasingly popular Ocean World Adventure Park. Swim with dolphins or get a kiss from a sea lion! Ocean World is operated by marine experts with years of experience to help these wonderful creatures meet us all. Definitely a destination you should visit! |
ATV Rentals |
Head for the hills for an exciting time on an all-terrain vehicle rented from one of the local excursion companies. These are guided tours with lots of adventure, excitement and fun for everyone. Ask the villa concierge for more information. |
Whitewater Rafting |
Located a few hours away from the villa, in the heart of the Dominican Republic, is the highest mountain range in the entire Caribbean. Thanks to the abundant rainfall in the country, the rivers cascade down from the mountains and high hills in a torrent. Over in Jarabacoa is one of the most exciting whitewater rafting excursions in the Caribbean. Make a day of it and enjoy yourselves. |
Cigar Making Tour |
The Dominican Republic is known for the high quality cigars it produces. Here in the local area is a small cigar factory operated by one of the rollers from the famous Arturo Fuentes factories. Her cigars are a wonderful blend designed to meet or exceed the tastes of even the most discriminating cigar aficionado. |
