Best Dominican Republic shore excursions for cruise visitors
Cruise excursions in the Dominican Republic* vary as much as the landscape itself, but you want to be sure you're booking the right one for you during your time in port. Here are the best shore excursions offered by Marella Cruises.
The Dominican Republic unfurls coconut groves, cotton-white sands and wildlife aplenty to wanderlusting visitors, and taking a cruise there means you can relish multiple sun-drenched, palm-fringed destinations without ever having to make the trek between them yourself.
Marella Cruises' Caribbean voyages often start on this half of Hispaniola (Haiti occupies the other side of the island) so you might even want to consider tacking on a pre-cruise stay in the Dominican Republic to make the most of your time here.
We've looked at the five ports TUI's popular all-inclusive line sails to (although not all feature on every Caribbean cruise) so you can see what adventures await. Maybe start practising your rum drinking now, just in case...
Getting to the Dominican Republic: sail into one of the nation's various ports on a great value Caribbean cruise with Marella*. Browse the latest offers on itineraries to the Dominican Republic* today.
Main ports in the Dominican Republic
Amber Cove
Amber Cove* is the cruise terminal for Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic; although it's changed a bit since Christopher Columbus rocked up back in 1492 and built one of the first forts in the Americas.
Today the port serves up shops, restaurants and even an 'Aqua Zone' water park, but we hear you if you have more exciting things in mind. To unearth more of the city's history there are rum factories, museums, cathedrals and art galleries to be discovered.
If walking doesn't appeal, Marella offers a panoramic drive excursion which packs in multiple sights, from beaches to fortresses, and also gives you some shopping time.
To actually get on to the sands, there's a 'Sightseeing and Sunbathing' option, which includes a spot of swotting up on historic Puerto Plata and then time to kick back on Cabarete Beach, although it's one of the best windsurfing locations in the world so you might want to see if you can tackle the big blue as well.
La Romana
La Romana*, a bustling port city on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a common starting point for many itineraries and serves as a gateway to manifold attractions.
Tempted by time travel but don't want to commit? Butterscotch-toned Altos de Chavón is a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village and features on one of the more unusual excursions.
Film fans might recognise scenes from hit movies Apocalypse Now, Rambo and Jurassic Park on the ensuing ride down the Chavon River; think thick rainforest and towering cliff faces.
There are more thrills to be had on a whopping 8x8 monster truck ride excursion if you're keen to explore the Dominican Republic's wild side (literally).
Alternatively, there's a more sedate tour to the quaint fishing village of Bayahibe where you can lap up the amenities of a four-star resort and a Blue Flag private beach, lunch and drinks included.
Isla Catalina
From La Romana, you can also visit nearby Isla Catalina, a small, forest-covered island off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic. It's all about soaking up the sun and getting close to the exciting marine life in this sand-ringed hotspot. Expect coral stone formations, mangrove swamps and sand dunes.
Set sail aboard a catamaran here to admire the coastal views, sip on rum and snorkel the deep to admire pretty corals and exotic fish. Fun fact: the Republic's longest reef lies in these limpid waters; best get that underwater camera ready!
Samana
Samana* cruise port is located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, although, note you'll be heading ashore by tender. Whales are your sea friends here; some say this is the best place in the world to see them.
If you're cruising with Marella, there's the obligatory Caribbean beach break as you head to El Rincon beach for a slice of Robinson Crusoe-esque, secluded paradise.
If you like getting active in the outdoors, you might prefer the Caves & Mangroves Exploration*: speedboat ride over to Los Haitises National Park, a wildlife reserve showcasing the Dominican Republic's natural beauty; hello underwater rivers and secret pirate caves. You'll still get some downtime on idyllic Bacardi Island, though.
Don't worry, there's a history tour too if you've had your fill of sun, sea and sand. Tick off local sites before quenching your thirst with a fresh piña colada, served in a pineapple no less (beer also available).
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo* is the capital of the Dominican Republic and one of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlements in the Americas. It boasts a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Colonial Zone, brimming with majestic architecture, cobblestone streets and historic landmarks such as the Alcázar de Colón.
Delve into it all on Marella's panoramic walking excursion, visiting 16th-century highlights and the gold-tinted Cathedral de Santa Maria la Menor all before heading to, you guessed it, the beach.
For more sunbathing time there's a half beach day taking in Boca Chica, blessed with white sand and a strong natural tropical pool vibe.
For something a bit (well, very) different, there's a trip to Kahkow, a chocolate laboratory in the centre of Santo Domingo. Get stuck in at the sensory lab as you taste and make chocolate, and, if you make a mess of it, there's always the soap lab where you can learn all about soap-making. Not a skill you expected to discover in the Caribbean, we wager.
Climate in the Dominican Republic
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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The above guide shows the climate in Santo Domingo. Find out more about conditions across the island nation in our complete guide to the climate in the Dominican Republic.
Ready to book your exciting day trip? Discover the latest offers on Caribbean itineraries from Marella Cruises.
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