As one of the most popular holiday spots in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republichas a lot to offer travellers.
You can certainly follow the crowd and stay on the eastern side of the island in one of the many world-class resorts and more touristy areas, but to really experience this nation and its unique natural beauty, head west and spend your Dominican Republicholiday visiting the only tropical island desert in the world.
While there is not a lot of tourismover there, the town of Monte Cristi, which was founded in 1506 among desert-like surroundings on the north-western tip of the Dominican Republic, is a great place for a rather unusual yet exciting holiday.
There are a lot of good scuba diving spots at the nearby Cayo Cabrita and El Morro beaches.
Swim out about 300 metres from El Morro to Isla Cabrita where you can explore an island lighthouse.
Divers can also check out several shipwrecks around the islands, which include colonial-era galleons.
When done playing in the beautiful blue waters, enjoy Carnival with the locals of Monte Cristi during the days leading up to Easter Sunday and on 30th May which is the Patron Saint Festival which honours San Fernando.
LakeEnriquillois also another must-visit "off the beaten track" spot in the west.
It is a large lake covering 265 km and is the lowest point of any ocean island dipping 39 m below sea level.
This salt lake contains three islands: Isla Barbarita, Islita, and Isla Cabritos.
Isla Cabritos is the biggest and home to a National Park famous for its crocodiles and flamingos.
The islands become linked to each other by sandbars when water levels drop as a result of dry spells.
This region is typically hot and dry where desert plants and wildlife can be found.
To find the clearest waters and the most magnificent beach in the Dominican Republic, visit Jaragua National Park located on the Barahona Peninsula in the south-western part of the country.
While it requires a boat or 4x4 to scale the steep slope to reach the secluded bay below, it is worth the effort to find the pristine white, soft sand and warm waters that must be snorkelled to view the magnificent thriving sea life.
The park includes two islands, Beata and Alto Velo, and has plenty of natural beauty and diversity, including beaches, coral reefs, rocky shores, forests, wetlands, and sea grasses.
Enjoy watching the array of marine life, including sea turtles, as well as rock iguanas, and native migratory birds.
The most popular time to visit the island is during the winter and spring months.
However, if you are looking for better deals (and less crowded resorts) take your Dominican Republic holidays during September, October, and May.
You can certainly follow the crowd and stay on the eastern side of the island in one of the many world-class resorts and more touristy areas, but to really experience this nation and its unique natural beauty, head west and spend your Dominican Republicholiday visiting the only tropical island desert in the world.
While there is not a lot of tourismover there, the town of Monte Cristi, which was founded in 1506 among desert-like surroundings on the north-western tip of the Dominican Republic, is a great place for a rather unusual yet exciting holiday.
There are a lot of good scuba diving spots at the nearby Cayo Cabrita and El Morro beaches.
Swim out about 300 metres from El Morro to Isla Cabrita where you can explore an island lighthouse.
Divers can also check out several shipwrecks around the islands, which include colonial-era galleons.
When done playing in the beautiful blue waters, enjoy Carnival with the locals of Monte Cristi during the days leading up to Easter Sunday and on 30th May which is the Patron Saint Festival which honours San Fernando.
LakeEnriquillois also another must-visit "off the beaten track" spot in the west.
It is a large lake covering 265 km and is the lowest point of any ocean island dipping 39 m below sea level.
This salt lake contains three islands: Isla Barbarita, Islita, and Isla Cabritos.
Isla Cabritos is the biggest and home to a National Park famous for its crocodiles and flamingos.
The islands become linked to each other by sandbars when water levels drop as a result of dry spells.
This region is typically hot and dry where desert plants and wildlife can be found.
To find the clearest waters and the most magnificent beach in the Dominican Republic, visit Jaragua National Park located on the Barahona Peninsula in the south-western part of the country.
While it requires a boat or 4x4 to scale the steep slope to reach the secluded bay below, it is worth the effort to find the pristine white, soft sand and warm waters that must be snorkelled to view the magnificent thriving sea life.
The park includes two islands, Beata and Alto Velo, and has plenty of natural beauty and diversity, including beaches, coral reefs, rocky shores, forests, wetlands, and sea grasses.
Enjoy watching the array of marine life, including sea turtles, as well as rock iguanas, and native migratory birds.
The most popular time to visit the island is during the winter and spring months.
However, if you are looking for better deals (and less crowded resorts) take your Dominican Republic holidays during September, October, and May.
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