Adventure away! This Caribbean island is an unexpected paradise for thrill seekers, with everything from scuba diving to horseback riding

PUBLISHED: 08:50, 01 July 2022

If you want more from your getaway than a week of poolside relaxation, an adventure in the Caribbean could be just the ticket. The Dominican Republic has a wide range of activities and excursions to fit every active traveller, and afternoons can be spent doing anything from ziplining to caving, fishing to abseiling.

Whatever your budget or your bravery, you’re sure to discover a day out that’ll tick all your boxes, from all-out thrill-fests to active days out for the entire family.

Take a hike!

As the second largest territory in the Caribbean, and boasting one of its most diverse landscapes, the Dominican Republic is marbled with extraordinary hiking trails. The opportunities are endless. Throughout the year, you can roam and explore the island’s most secluded corners on foot. If you’re one for a more challenging venture, then a summer hike through the rains is sure to whet your appetite for a muddy expedition.

Hiking the Dominican Republic is the best way of exploring its wildlife, like here in Jarabacoa

Located in the lower south-eastern coast, Cotubanamá National Park features a range of subtropical forests and mangroves – not to mention the silver-sanded beaches. A few days spent wandering between the trees and along the shore is the perfect way of re-connecting with yourself while also appreciating the lush scenery.

Other hiking hotspots include Los Haitises National Park, famed for its majestic series of high karst rock formations, and Jarabacoa – home to Pico Duarte, the highest point in the Caribbean. As it towers over an astonishing 10,000ft tall over a dense forest, it can take anywhere between two and five days to reach its peak. To get the most from this challenging climb, you’ll need to plan your route carefully, gear up, and prepare yourself for what is arguably the best view on the island.

Shred some gnarly trails

Not only great for long walks, the island’s trails are also a favourite with mountain bikers. Hilly towns, mountainous villages and protected parks provide ample opportunities for mountain biking, where you can really tear up some dirt. All the equipment you need, from bikes to protective gear, are available to rent at most of the resort towns, like Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

A rider soaking up the view by the secluded town of Constanza, a popular spot with mountain bikers

Whatever your preferred style of riding, there’s sure to be a route to fit your liking. A fan of endurance rides? A ride through the Cabarete and Goleta Lagoons Natural Monument and up El Choco is an intense challenge that will put your legs to the test.

If you’re feeling ambitious, the central mountainous region between Jarabacoa and Costanza has breath-taking hidden gems to discover – with rivers and waterfalls for cooling off along the way. With a healthy amount of elevation gain, it’s an outing to tackle when the legs are feeling good. Then, if you’re seeking some magic, you can’t do better than Bayahíbe’s Cotubanamá National Park as it’s ideally close to the town’s white sand beaches and stunning islands.

Tee off in the tropics

If a casual afternoon of dignified sporting is more your style, then there’s always a chance to hop on the green. If you’re not an avid follower, then you may not know that the Dominican Republic is renowned for having not one, but several of the most magnificent golf courses in Latin America.

FORE! Have a swing at playing 18 holes under the Dominican sun

From La Romana to Punta Cana, Juan Dolio to Puerto Plata, the island’s courses feature 86 sea-facing holes and 39 ocean-side tees. You’d struggle to find a more picturesque backdrop against which to play your 18 holes. The best golfing architects – including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Sr. - have hand crafted the pedicured lawns, therefore you know it’ll be great gameplay.

The surf’s always up

Surrounded by bright blue oceans, you’ll definitely want to take to the waves at some point. The steady trade wins of Cabarete have earned the town its professional kitesurfing reputation, bustling with certified schools and instructors.

Even as a novice, a good instructor will have you flying in no time. An afternoon of sitting and witnessing the experts in action on Kite Beach makes for an exciting time, and seeing those who flock to Playa Encuentro ride the riptide might inspire you to pick it up as your new hobby.

Friends taking to the waves in Cabarete, Puerto Plata for a thrashing good time

Venture into the deep blue

Under the waters that surround the Dominican Republic is another world that’s full of life, with coral reefs, caves, remains of galleons, shipwrecks, and a world of kaleidoscopic marine life. If you’re lucky enough to dive below the surface between June and September, the visibility is just ideal. The calm summer waters allow you to see the busy, subaquatic paradise for yourself.

For those who have dived or snorkelled before, there are plenty of highlights to sink your goggles into. These include the 40-meter wall dives off the islands of Catalina and Saona, the spotting of turtles and sting rays in Las Galeras and swimming amongst the multi-coloured fish at Cayo Arena.

Under the sea awaits another world begging to be explored by any brave snorkeller

Get back in the saddle

Deeply entrenched in Dominican culture, horseback riding has an influence that stretches back centuries, all the way to colonial Spanish times. A horseback ride through the hills and colourful villages of the Republic is a popular pastime across the island, from Puerto Plata’s hills to Samana’s coconut-filled valleys.

If you’re looking for the best, La Romana’s Casa de Campo boasts one of the premier equestrian centres in the Caribbean and offers cattle ranch trails, as well expert-led lessons in Western-style riding and jumping. It also has the first polo field in the Dominican Republic, with three playing fields and a large number of polo ponies.

In Punta Cana, Cap Cana features the polo fields of Los Establos, Ciudad Ecuestre. The special stables are home to over a hundred polo horses. The broad training track and multitude of sticks, balls and training space makes for a perfect introduction to the sport, for both children and grown-ups.