A quick journey around the island (with my photos)

I've been thinking about this place, the Dominican Republic. The weather is fantastic, perfect, I couldn't ask for better weather. On the surface, not digging too deep, there are some amazing spots here. In my year and a half here I've explored quite a bit. There is still one more place I'd like to go before I leave, Monte Cristi, but all in all I've done a pretty good job seeing the beauty. Of course, under that surface there is a huge pile of burning plastics and trash, floating styrofoam, but right now I'm going to show you the beauty. The reality will come in time and my time here is coming to an end. You don't want to say never, but right now I can't imagine coming back here, there are just too many unexplored places on my world map.... For now, enjoy a short ride around the island.

Let's start in the Samana Pennisula. From Santo Domingo you'll need to drive east towards the airport but then north for a few hours.

This is Playa Bonita near Las Terrenas. Now that there is a new toll road the trip is pricer, but a lot quicker. You can stay in a little hotels right on the beach here. If you are in need of peace and quiet, calm waters, gentle breezes and palm trees this is your place.

Playa Bonita

Las Terrenas is a tiny town that has some good qualities. The French have settled there and they have started some programs to help vaccinate and tag stray dogs. You gotta love that. One of the big condo-resort places is called Balcones del Atlantico, and the beach in front of the resort is amazing. There is a coral reef here and the resort actually spends money to help protect the ecosystem. 

Las Terrenas

East of Las Terrenas all the way to the end of the Pennisula is Galeras. From here you can take a boat to the west and end up at Playa Rincon...

Playa Rincon

Take the boat in the other direction and turn around the bend a bit and you'll end up on Playa Fronton, heaven on earth. I'm lucky to be heading back there again in a week.

Playa Fronton

Now head back to the mainland. On a recent trip when we were just about to turn south from the pennisula I looked in the rear view mirror and saw this.

 After enjoying the view keep driving south and to the east and you'll end up in Bavaro, which is a town north of Punta Cana. This is resortville and filled with tourists and locals that all want a shot at your dollars. 

Bavaro Beach

From the east coast you'll need to head back towards Santo Domingo. Right outside the airport is La Caleta. The government has declared the waters here a marine national park. The coral reefs here are trying to be protected. This place is usually not quiet, on the weekends it's filled with local people, food and music.

La Caleta

Before passing through the city you could stop at a cave called Tres Ojos. Literally three eyes. Don't look too gringo or they'll try to rip you off. If you can get down in there with your wallet you'll see some amazing views.

Tres Ojos

Now you can keep driving through the city west to Las Salinas. This little spit of sand jets out and in the formation of a little bay you get a super windy side and a super calm side. Here's a shot from the calm side.

Las Salinas

Not to far out in the shallow waters is a coral reef in need of protection.

El Durrumbao

Get back in the car and drive towards the south western part of this side of the island and you'll get to Barahona. 

Barahona

This is usually a stop before continuing on the long desert journey to Bahia de las Agulias. Many people think this is the most beautiful place on the island. I don't disagree, but it's such a pain to get to that most people will never make it there.

Bahia de las Agulias 

Before we head back up to the coast let's stop in the mountains. The highest peak in the entire Caribbean is Pico Duarte. The trip takes 3 days minium, but here's one of my favorite photos from both trips.

View from La Comparticion

For a great, but somewhat risky adventure, you can head to 27 Waterfalls. This is just north of Santiago and the north coast.

27 Waterfalls

Driving north and going a bit west you'll end up in Punta Rucia. The Atlantic waters here are also filled with corals. 

Punta Rucia

From here drive a short distance east and you will encounter a protected area of manatees. A couple takes care of the area and you can rent kayaks and head out into the green organic waters in search of the sea cows.

Estero Hondo

On the north coast drive east to Caberete. This is actually my least favorite beach on the island. People love it because there are actually waves for surfing, and wind for wind surfing. The sand and water reminds me of North Carolina beaches, not the perfect paradise you think of here.

Caberete

You'll probably need to head back to the Capital to catch your flight...