EXPLORING THE BEST OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: NORTH COAST

Dominican Republic

I recently had the opportunity to explore the best of Dominican Republic on the north coast with Dominican Republic Ministry Tourism. I had one of the most memorable experiences learning about sustainable travel in the Dominican and have fallen in love with the country. This was my second time visiting the Dominican Republic but my first time exploring Samana, Las Terrenas, Cabarete, and Sosua.

The north coast is surrounded by pristine beaches along the Atlantic ocean, lush tropical forests and of course an abundance of tropical fruits I enjoyed every day. While you could easily spend a few weeks exploring the north coast, I was able to experience the best of the north coast in six days. Here are my highlights of things you absolutely cannot miss!

SAMANA & LAS TERRENAS

WHERE TO STAY

I stayed at Sublime Samana, a luxury beach resort with beautiful cabanas, a stunning pool, and a private beach.

Sublime Samana

WHAT TO DO

El Limon Waterfall – An adventure you cannot miss! Our group had a tour which includes a horseback ride to the waterfall. El Limon Waterfall drops 130 feet from the top of Sierra Samana.

El Limon

El Limon Waterfall

El Limon Waterfall

Whale Watching & Cayo Levantado – We were lucky to have the opportunity to observe humpback whales during mating season and listen to the male humpback’s solitary courting song. It’s an experience of a lifetime from Jan 15 – Mar 31. Make sure to check the site for future dates.

Whale Watching

Photo by: @nickargires

Make a stop on the island of Cayo Levantado for lunch after whale watching, explore the island and drink as much fresh coconuts as possible. They’re seriously my favorite!

Cayo Levantado

Las Terrenas town – spend an evening or two exploring the cute town of Las Terrenas. It’s full of colorful buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars. Make sure to have dinner at Mi Corazon and drinks at El Mosquito Art Bar.

Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas

CABARETE & SOSUA

WHERE TO STAY

I was lucky enough to stay at an eco-friendly luxury villa at Sea Horse Ranch where they have their own organic farm and equestrian center.

Sea Horse Ranch

Dominican Republic

Photo by: @nickargires

Our group spent a few hours to explore Extreme Hotel, one of the leading ecologically sustainable boutique hotels. They grow their own food to sell to local vendors and use for their in house farm-to-table restaurant. Do not leave without trying their delicious mojitos! The hotel is quite unique, it has a fitness center, flying trapeze, circus school, yoga classes and so much more! The hotel is located on kite beach – home to the world’s premier kitesurfing destinations and kiteboarding school.

Extreme Hotel

Kite Beach

WHAT TO DO

27 Waterfalls – Take an adventure and hike up the mountain with Iguana Mama Tours to jump and slide down the 27 waterfalls. Our group decided to do a half day hike and experienced 12 waterfalls which I thought was the perfect amount.

27 Waterfalls

Snorkel in Sosua – Book an excursion to explore the largest coral reef on the north coast. Spend the afternoon snorkeling and getting some sun!

Sosua

Explore Cabarete town – Situated along the beach, the town has plenty of great shops, restaurants, and bars. Spend the day having drinks along the beach and watch a sunset.

Cabarete

WHERE TO EAT

Natura Restaurant – My favorite meal of the entire trip! It’s also known to be “one of the country’s best places to eat” by Forbes. I totally agree because the flavors were phenomenal and every single dish was amazing. The restaurant is located at Natura Cabana Hotel.

Natura Restaurant

Natura Restaurant

La Casita de Papi – Amazing seafood and located right on the beach!

Fresh Fresh – Healthy smoothie and juice bar. I love my fresh smoothies so I couldn’t resist trying it.

My experience on the North Coast of Dominican Republic was absolutely amazing! I hope I’ve inspired you to plan your next vacation to experience the culture, cuisine, stunning beaches and learn about eco-tourism in the Dominican Republic.

RELATED DOMINICAN REPUBLIC POSTS:

Dominican Republic: 6 Day Bachelorette Itinerary

Luxury Beach Resort at Sublime Samana

Luxury Villas at Sea Horse Ranch

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This post was written in partnership with the Dominican Republic Tourism Board.
As always, all honest opinions are my own.

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18 comments

  • Jesse

    April 3, 2017 at 1:21 am

    The waterfall was stunning! Looks like you had an amazing time. I would surely wish to visit one day!

    1. Tour de Lust

      April 3, 2017 at 8:27 am

      Thanks Jesse! Hope you can visit soon as well!

  • Sherri King

    April 3, 2017 at 9:05 pm

    This is such a great post! I want to visit Dominican Republic now. The places you stayed look amazing, as does the food and fresh seafood. 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      April 3, 2017 at 9:17 pm

      It was all so good!!! You would love it!

  • Reshma Narasing

    April 4, 2017 at 12:07 am

    The north coast of Dominican Republic looks wonderful. Loved the luxury resorts. The food looks yummy too. I especially liked the waterfalls, so spectacular!

    1. Tour de Lust

      April 4, 2017 at 8:24 am

      Thanks Reshma! I loved their waterfalls!

  • Greg

    April 4, 2017 at 11:41 am

    The horseback riding looks like a blast!

    1. Tour de Lust

      April 4, 2017 at 5:21 pm

      Thanks! It was my first time and it was so fun!

  • Carmelisse

    April 4, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Great post Christine! Love the photos with you on the horse and Natura Restaurant was my faaaave, yum!

    1. Tour de Lust

      April 4, 2017 at 10:49 pm

      Thanks Carmelisse!! That restaurant was so good!

  • Danijela WorldGlimpses

    April 5, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    When you mentioned Dominican Republic, I expected to see beaches and maybe snorkeling, and nothing more. But wow – those waterfalls! Didn’t even know that there are sites like that. It’s on my bucket list, so thanks! 😉

    1. Tour de Lust

      April 10, 2017 at 11:59 pm

      Yesss there is so much more then beaches! =)

  • Chiara

    April 5, 2017 at 11:22 pm

    I loved Dominican Republic when I went there, thank you for remindinng me how beautiful the place is 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      April 10, 2017 at 11:59 pm

      You’re welcome Chiara!

  • Iga Motylska

    April 7, 2017 at 12:10 am

    My family that’s living in Poland have been to the Dominican Republic twice now and are planning their third trip. They keep telling me how amazing it is (because I am a travel writer by profession) and I never understood why they would want to visit the same place so many times, when there’s so much to see around the world. But their stories and your experiences and photos make me understand why! 🙂 I love adventure travel so El Limon Waterfall, 27 Waterfalls and scuba diving are exactly the kind of things I’d love to do. Plus the cliffs near Sea Horse ranch look spectacular, lovely beaches too.

    1. Tour de Lust

      April 11, 2017 at 12:01 am

      I agree with you! There is so much to see around the world but when you fall in love with a country you always want to go back because there is always so much more to explore as well. You will love all of the activities!

  • Vicki Karl

    August 16, 2017 at 9:31 am

    how did you get from Sousa to las terranas?

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 16, 2017 at 10:15 am

      Hi Vicki we had a private car.

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