DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Aug. 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In Dominican Republic, all worries disappear as you and your family experience the friendly, laidback atmosphere that permeates the Caribbean island nation located 800 miles south of Miami. Calm sunlit beaches, titillating tunes of Dominican Merengue and Bachata, exhilarating water sports, and breathtaking mountains, beaches and coastline make Dominican Republic a memorable, stress-free family vacation spot.
"Dominican Republic exceeds families' expectations with diverse eco-adventures, fascinating history, world-class beaches, and family-friendly accommodations and attractions," said Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "Bring your loved ones and enjoy astounding nature in our many national parks, stroll through charming towns filled with friendly locals, and delight in delicious Dominican cuisine. Our beautiful country really has it all."
Dominican Republic is a two to four hour direct flight from many major U.S. cities. Whether you want a relaxing day along palm tree lined-beaches or an adventure of a lifetime, the country has much to discover and offers something to satisfy every family member. The following are a just few of the excursions throughout the country suitable for family members of every age:
PUNTA CANA
Dolphin Island Park – Animal lovers can swim with dolphins, sharks, stingrays and sea lions in their natural habitat at Punta Cana's Dolphin Island Park. The park caters to every age as families experience the ocean's magic and the mystifying creatures within.
Sirenis Aquagames – Water lovers can find their inner fish at the recently opened Sirenis Aquagames, located at the Sirenis Cocotal Beach Resort Casino & Spa and the Sirenis Tropical Suites Casino & Spa. The first of its kind in the Caribbean, the impressive 14,400-square yard park provides entertainment and waterslides fit for the entire family. It includes a swimming pool, 4-land speed slides, a tower with multiple water tubes, two open toboggans and much more.
LA ROMANA
Cave of Wonders – Located between San Pedro de Macoris and La Romana, the Cave of Wonders captivates nature enthusiasts. The fascinating cave system contains hundreds of well-preserved pictographs, petroglyphs and engravings from the Taino Indians.
Shipwrecks – Wannabe pirates can search for hidden treasures at the shipwreck of Captain William Kidd, the Cara Merchant Pirate Ship, or the Underwater Archaeological Reserves near the coast of Bayahibe in La Romana. Shipwrecks dating back to the 18th century were recreated for snorkelers and divers to explore along the ocean's floor.
SANTO DOMINGO
Colonial City – The New World's first city, Santo Domingo, enchants history buffs and architecture aficionados. Visitors can take in the UNESCO-recognized Heritage Site's 16th century buildings and absorb information on the historic city's most outstanding monuments on Santo Domingo's tourist train, Chu Chu Colonial.
Dominican Baseball – Dominicans are passionate about baseball and talented players are sought by professional teams from the U.S. Baseball fans have the opportunity of a lifetime to attend this great pastime of Dominican culture at Santo Domingo's Quisqueya Ball Park. The Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League, which runs from October through January, consists of six teams and includes numerous Major League Baseball players who return home for the season, providing for a promising cultural experience.
PUERTO PLATA
Cabarete Beach – The North Coast's Cabarete Beach spoils adventurous families with perfect kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions. The hotspot is often referred to as the Kiteboarding Capital of the World as it hosts an array of competitions throughout the year. Shops and businesses along the coast provide amateur and pro riders with professional kiteboarding and windsurfing lessons and rentals.
Ocean World Adventure Park – Kids can experience Dominican Republic's underwater life by getting up close with the ocean's most interesting inhabitants, such as dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, tropical birds, sharks and more at Ocean World Adventure Park. Adults can also enjoy some playtime as they take a gamble at the complex's Las Vegas-style casino or dance the night away at the luxe discotheque overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
SAMAN Á PENINSULA
Cayo Levantado – Families seeking a more relaxing vacation can unwind at Dominican Republic's pristine, coconut palm-lined island, Cayo Levantado. Mouthwatering aromas of Dominican cuisine fill the air for lunchtime meals and thriving reefs lie off the beach for avid snorkelers and divers.
Whale Watching – Visitors come to Samaná Peninsula from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the 3,000 to 5,000 humpback whales that migrate to the warm crystalline waters of the Bay of Samaná at the Sanctuary for Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic. The gentle creatures retreat to the 200-square mile protected sanctuary every January through March and families who appreciate the outdoors are sure to enjoy the excursion.
About Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republic boasts 28 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. 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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Media Contact: Vanessa Welter, bvk>Word for Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, vwelter@bvk.com, phone: 414-247-3803, cell: 850-980-3760.
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