The Most Unique Things to Do in Dominican Republic in 2025

Let me start by fully clarifying, the Dominican Republic is far more than an all-inclusive or party destination. In fact, it’s a little sad that so many people visit the country but barely see it at all.

Now, the infrastructure isn’t perfect and travelling around off your own back isn’t ideal here. But you can get around if you want to, and many of these hidden gems are within reach of the already popular tourist hotspots.

Another thing. My Dominican Republic hidden gems doesn’t include the most popular, necessarily best things like the 27 waterfalls, any of the boat trips to the islands, or whale watching in Samaná (this is an absolute must by the way).

Why? Because they are not hidden, they are easy to find. And I want to focus on only the unique things to do in Dominican Republic.

Ready? Here are some of the most incredible hidden gems, and you’ll go right off the beaten path in the Dominican Republic!

Overview: Things to Do in the Dominican Republic

Before going through the whole list of unique attractions in the Dominican Republic, let’s discuss a few elements that I wish I had known before coming.

If it’s actually worth visiting, if it’s safe, the hotels to stay, and more.

How to Get to the Dominican Republic?

Most travellers fly to the Dominican Republic. The major airports are in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata and receive international flights daily.

Direct flights are available from the US, Canada, Europe, and parts of Latin America. If you’re in the Caribbean, you can also get there by ferry from Puerto Rico. Book flights in advance for better deals. Also, remember that you might need a tourist card or visa exemption depending on your nationality.

Is the Dominican Republic Worth Visiting?

Yes, 100%. The Dominican Republic offers far more than beaches. While Punta Cana is world-famous, you can also visit Santo Domingo, enjoy Jarabacoa, and have a fun nightlife in resort towns.

You can spend your days unwinding by the sea, chasing adventure, or doing a bit of both. And you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy it!

Is the Dominican Republic Safe?

The Dominican Republic is generally safe, especially for tourists. But like anywhere, it’s best to stay alert. Stick to well-known tourist areas, use reputable transportation, and avoid flashing valuables.

Petty theft do happen in busy areas. For this reason, keep your belongings secure. Resorts tend to have strong security, and most visits are trouble-free. If you plan to explore local towns or cities, travel during the day and stay aware of your surroundings.

Hidden Gems Off The Beaten Path Dominican Republic

When most people think of the Dominican Republic, they picture the resorts in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. But there’s a whole other side to the country that many never see.

Super quiet beaches, small mountain towns, and local spots full of character. These hidden gems offer a more authentic experience, away from the usual tourist trail. I had the time of my life in the Dominican Republic, and I’m sure you will too!

Kayaking in Espaillat

I’m starting with by far one of my favourite activities. The area of Espaillat is a beautiful region off the beaten track, between Santiago and Cabarete in the North of the island. This makes it within easy reach of Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. Cabarete incidentally is probably my favourite place to stay in the Dominican Republic.

We took a kayaking tour with Jamao Ecotours, a relatively new company but one that looks after the environment they so much rely on. They also offer hiking and canyoning tours, if that’s more your cup of tea. We went kayaking along the River Yasica.

It’s a pretty laid-back adventure and not too physically demanding. It’s probably one of the most relaxed kayaking trips I’ve had, with stunning scenery all round.

It’s worth noting that this part of Santo Domingo is known for the humpback whales, so you might see them around the Samaná Boardwalk early in the morning. If you time available in the country, I recommend adding it to your itinerary!

Stay here: Cabarete was one of the best places to stay on my trip. It has a kitesurfing vibe and laid back bars and restaurants. I recommend staying at Hotel Villa Taina and eating/drinking at Onno’s Bar.

Where to Stay in Puerto Plata?

If you go kayaking in Espaillat, your best option to is to stay in Puerto Plata, specifically in San Felipe de Puerto Plata. It’s a touristy place, but it’s gorgeous. And as you can expect, there are plenty of accommodation options. The ones below are some of the best you can stay at.

If you’d rather pick your own place to stay, you can browse all the hotels on Booking or Expedia and choose the one that suits you best.

Luxury: Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada (Rated 8/10)

Mid-range: BlueBay Villas Doradas Adults Only (Rated 7.6/10)

Mid-Range: Gaia Residence Deluxe (Rated 10/10)

Travelling on a budget? Check out budget hotels on Expedia

See the Damajagua Waterfalls and Go Ziplining

If you’re up for a proper adrenaline rush, the Damajagua Waterfalls (locals call it the “27 Charcos”) are hard to beat. It’s basically a mix of hiking through jungle, climbing over rocks, and plunging into fresh water.

You’ll see a series of waterfalls, each one different from the last. You jump in some, slide in others, and others you just float away.

It’s the kind of day where you’ll burn a ton of energy without even realising it, because every few minutes you’re laughing, screaming, or just standing there taking it all in.

My recommendation is joining a tour, not only because you’re with a local guide, but because it includes Dominican rum shots, Mamajuana shots, and organic coffee and chocolate tasting!

By the time you wrap up, you’re starving. And that’s where the included Dominican-style lunch comes in. Expect rice, beans, fresh salad, and tender meat cooked with a ton of flavour.

Dudu Lagoon Cenote

If you’ve been to Mexico, you’ll be familiar with what a cenote is. In a nutshell it’s a natural sink hole that exposes ground water and results in a huge cave and pool.

The Dudu Lagoon is a stunning cenote on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, just off the main coastal road.

Conveniently it’s the road you’d take from Cabarete to Las Terrenas or Samana (where you can go whale watching). There are also plenty of viewpoints and white sand beaches with clear waters on the way too.

If you have the time, you can hop between beaches on the way to the cenote, then onwards to Las Terrenas. And yes, you’re guaranteed a unique experience.

The best bit about the Lagoon is there are literally no tourists here! It seems to be relatively unknown (until now, sorry!). There is a fun zipline that drops you into the lagoon and a more chilled out second pool too.

The best and most convenient way to visit is by booking a guided tour, which includes lunch and an experienced guide, and that is always nice to have!

Cycling Tour, Santo Domingo

For me there wasn’t a great deal to see in Santo Domingo once you’ve checked out the Colonial Zone or Boca Chica. Then there’s the driving, which is crazy. Honestly only hire a car if you are a very confident driver, efforts are being made to improve them but the roads are very dangerous.

The reason this cycling tour made my list is because it was a total surprise. On the outskirts of Santo Domingo, in the area of El Higuero you can take an e-bike tour through the local villages and see palm trees everywhere. I couldn’t believe what stunning nature there was within easy reach of the city.

We cycled for a couple of hours, were welcomed by some incredible locals, and had a delicious fresh lunch after. For an additional tips, close by is a culture and heritage tour in the neighbourhood of Los Morenos worth seeing too. You can also check out the Botanical Garden whilst you’re in town.

Sleep here: In Santo Domingo Stay at Casa Sanchez, a beautiful adult only “chic boutique” hotel in the heart of the colonial zone. This hotel was honestly amazing and the staff are some of the nicest people you’ll meet. There’s also a hot tub on the roof, just an FYI.

Check out all the hotels in Santo Domingo on Booking or Expedia.

La Aurora Cigar Factory, Santiago

Just outside of Santiago de los Caballeros, so on the way to the north coast and Cabarete from the capital Santo Domingo is a cigar factory with a great history.

Now, this won’t be for everyone that’s for sure, but we loved learning about the history behind these famous cigars. They were founded in 1903 and have a proud history that rivals the Cuban cigar. There is an amazing selection that included many handmade cigars.

We had a fantastic guide who was probably as passionate as you’ll get about his cigars! Then, if you’re in Santiago you must spend some time exploring the street art and murals, before heading to the Peace Monument for sunset.

A word of warning however, it’s still advised to travel around Santiago with a trusted guide, and not safe to go out alone at night. So perhaps you can spend the day here and head north for your overnight hotel.

Another good way to visit is to book a private tour around the Dominican Countryside, which also includes a stop at the cigar factory, which is awesome! Plus, it’s affordable – Check it out here below.

Additional tip: stop for a local Quisqueya beer in Casa Bader, one of the most famous bars in the Dominican Republic.

Laguna de Oviedo & Las Aguilas

I’ve honestly saved the best for last here, so I hope you’ve made it this far! This hidden gem is also a two for one. Because this area is pretty far from anywhere else, close to the border with Haiti, you’ll need to stay at least one night at Rancho Tipico (more below).

This eco-lodge is also a short boat trip away from one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen, Bahia de las Aguilas. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Talking about eco-lodge and things out of the usual, this area is also perfect for a night of glamping. You get cosy safari-style tents with real beds, fresh linens, and just enough comforts to make it feel special without losing that close-to-nature vibe.

Then you have the main attraction, in my opinion; Laguna de Oviedo. Both Bahia de las Aguilas and Laguna de Oviedo fall into Jaragua National Park. Now this whole area felt so untouched considering how amazing it was. Imagine a stunning 25km square saltwater lake, green in colour full or salts and minerals.

The lake has three times more salt in it than the sea, and it sits higher than sea level. It’s famous for birdwatching as alongside the pink flamingos, you can spot herons, gulls, the great egret, roseate spoonbills, sandpipers, pelicans and parrots.

And in case that’s not enough wildlife, they have a endemic species of iguana; the Rhinoceros iguana and Ricord’s iguana. They have lived on the islands for hundreds of thousands of years and look like little dinosaurs.

Due to this existence they have no fear for humans, which is helped by tourists feeding them fruit. However you feel about this, it gives you a great opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

It’s worth noting that there’s a guided tour to Oviedo Lagoon & Bahia de las Aguilas, and it’s the best way to visit. Yes, you won’t be on your own the whole day, but you’ll be with a knowledgeable guide that’ll show you all the hidden spots and animals!

Sleep here: Rancho Tipico, a stunning eco lodge with private glamping tents that look right on to the beach, with some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see (see the last photo in this article!).

Saona Island Tour from Punta Cana

If you’re dreaming of that perfect “I’m never leaving” kind of beach day, Saona Island is your place.

I’m talking water so clear you can see your toes, sand that feels like powdered sugar, and that island vibe that makes you forget what day it is.

On the island, you’ll swing by Mano Juan, a tiny fishing village that’s as authentic as it gets. You can also visit the turtle sanctuary and maybe spot a few hatchlings getting ready for their first swim.

I recommend joining this tour from Punta Cana, so you leave in the morning, have the time of your life, and go back to your cosy hotel at the end. That’s as convenient as it gets.

Check out the hotels on Booking or Expedia.

3-in1 Tour

That being said, if you’re the kind of person who likes to pack as much into a day as possible, the 3-in-1 combo is the best option.

First stop, Montaña Redonda. It’s basically a hill with a view so good they’ve put swings and hammocks at the top so you can just hang out and take it all in.

Next, you’ll head into Los Haitises National Park, a maze of mangroves, caves, and rock formations that feel like something straight out of a movie. Finally, it’s off to Yanigua Waterfall for a swim in cool, fresh water before heading back sun-kissed and grinning.

The tour is quite long, 12 to 14 hours in total, but believe me when I say it’s worth every minute! You’re not in the Dominican Republic every day, so might as well make the most of it.

Conclusion – Off The Beaten Path Dominican Republic

So there you have it, alongside my video you have some real hidden gems of the Dominican Republic. On my next visit I plan see Salto Alto, Leaping Jalda, and Pico Duarte for hiking.

I am always looking for more hidden gems, have you been to the Dominican Republic? What can you recommend? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.  

My trip to the Dominican Republic was supported by Go Dominican Republic, please take a moment to explore their website. Nonetheless all opinions are my own (as always).