SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A vacation in Dominican Republic isn’t limited to rest and relaxation on the beach. Many tourists are flocking to the island in pursuit of active adventures to keep their pulses pumping while exploring the country’s diverse natural beauty.
“Dominican Republic is a one-of-a-kind destination for travelers who love to break a sweat,” said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “Our varied natural landscape offers a unique playground for adventure lovers, whether you’re conquering the waves on the coast or climbing to the tallest elevation in the Caribbean at Pico Duarte.”
With national parks and scientific protected areas covering 25 percent of the island’s landscape and a tropical climate that lends itself to outdoor activity all year round, the options for adrenaline junkies are endless in water, on land and even in the air.
A Watersports Wonderland
It’s easy to find the perfect wave in Dominican Republic. The northern province of Puerto Plata is world-renowned among surfers and kite boarders. The choppy Atlantic waves attract professional and amateur watersport athletes alike, and the town of Cabarete has earned the moniker of Kiteboarding Capital of the World. On the southwest coast, beautiful Barahona’s panoramic views make it a prime destination for surfers and for international surf competitions.
Divers will be enchanted by the country’s colorful coral reefs, underwater animal life, shipwrecks, comfortable water temperatures and high underwater visibility. La Caleta Underwater National Park is an ideal dive site for beginners and pros staying near the capital city of Santo Domingo. Swim past schools of multicolor fish and explore an underwater museum of submerged mud and clay statues of different Taino gods. Divers with a penchant for shipwrecks should head to Bayahibe on the southeast coast to explore the Atlantic Princess and St. George wrecks. Montecristi, in the northwest of the country, is a favorite among experienced divers. Home to dozens of shipwrecks from the Spanish Navy and dazzling sea life, Montecristi is a gold mine of subaquatic adventure.
Dominican Republic is also home to some of the Caribbean’s best river rafting. In centrally located Jarabacoa, a popular mountain resort area, the Yaque Del Norte River awaits thrill-seeking tourists with its rushing white waters. The level-2 rapids are suitable for both novice and experienced rafters, with local outfitters providing guided excursions down the river, complete with all the necessary gear.
Conquering the Terrain
Mountain bike routes wind through the stunning landscape of Dominican Republic’s mountainous central regions of Jarabacoa and Constanza. For a family-friendly bike ride through Constanza, follow a local bike route through town that remains on mostly flat terrain while offering an exhilarating ride through the country’s agricultural heart. On the north coast, outfitters take adventurers out on rides geared for all levels, ranging from short breezy jaunts suitable for families, to 30-mile feats of endurance that take experienced bikers on thrilling off-road adventures.
For a challenge on foot, hikers can trek up Pico Duarte—the highest point in the Caribbean, standing tall at 10,125 feet. The top of the peak is reachable in a two, three or four-day excursion departing from Jarabacoa, depending on the route chosen. The hike’s stunning views of tropical, pine, mountain broadleaf and cloud forests make for an unforgettable journey. In nearby Constanza, the Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve beckons to hikers with its well-preserved green ebony forest. The trails are filled with hundreds of species of native plants, flowers and birds, and hikers are rewarded at the end of the trail with a chance to jump in the refreshing waters of the picturesque lagoon that awaits near the Fernando Dominguez Visitors Center.
Flying High
Paragliding in Dominican Republic is the ultimate adrenaline fix for extreme sports aficionados. Local outfitters in Jarabacoa provide the equipment and organize your transportation up to the take-off point and back from the landing zone. First-time paragliders can fly tandem with an experienced pro for a front-row seat to breathtaking aerial views of the mountains, villages and agriculture that lie thousands of feet below.
Throughout the country, visitors can enjoy a birds-eye view via zip line or by rappelling to new heights. In Punta Cana, a sunrise hot air balloon tour takes visitors up into the air for magnificent views of the countryside and the coast, set against a backdrop of colorful morning sky.
To learn more and begin planning your own Caribbean adventure across land, sea and sky, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
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About Dominican Republic
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.
Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.
Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
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