Activities Guide
Top 20 Things to Do on the North Coast
From kiteboarding and waterfall hikes to cigar factories and cave exploration — the best experiences ranked by locals.
The North Coast is not a "sit on the beach for a week" destination (although you could). It's a place where you can jump off waterfalls in the morning, surf in the afternoon, and dance bachata at night. Here are the 20 experiences that define this part of the DR.
Kiteboarding at Kite Beach, Cabarete
Cabarete is one of the top kiteboarding destinations on the planet, and Kite Beach is ground zero. Consistent trade winds blow cross-shore almost every afternoon from June through September, with good conditions year-round. Dozens of schools offer beginner courses starting at around US$60-80 for a 2-hour lesson. Even if you never touch a kite, watching from the beach with a cold drink is world-class entertainment.
27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
The single most popular excursion on the North Coast, and it earns every bit of hype. You hike uphill through lush jungle to the top of a series of limestone waterfalls, then make your way back down by jumping, sliding, and swimming through the cascading pools. You can choose to do 7, 12, or all 27 falls. The guides are experienced and fun, and the whole experience is exhilarating. Wear water shoes and leave anything valuable behind.
River Tubing on Río Yasica
Float down the Río Yasica on an inner tube through the Dominican countryside — past farms, under tree canopies, and through small rapids. RAW River and Woods runs the best operation: they include a short hike, the tubing trip, and a stop at a rope swing along the way. It's about 2 hours of pure bliss and one of the most relaxing things you can do here. Great for families with older kids too.
Surfing at Playa Encuentro
The best surf on the North Coast breaks over four distinct reef breaks at Encuentro, about 5 minutes west of Cabarete. Waves are consistent year-round with the biggest swells from November through March. Multiple surf schools cater to beginners on the inside breaks, while experienced surfers head to Coco Pipe and the outer reefs. Board and instructor packages run about US$45-60 per session.
Whale Watching in Samaná
Every year from January through March, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Samaná Bay to breed and calve. Boat tours take you out into the bay where you'll see breaching, tail slaps, and mothers with calves. It's about a 2.5-hour drive from Sosúa, so most people do it as a full-day trip or combine it with a visit to Playa Cosón or Las Terrenas. Book through a reputable operator — the experience is regulated to protect the whales.
Teleférico Cable Car, Puerto Plata
The only cable car in the Caribbean takes you 793 meters up Mount Isabel de Torres for panoramic views of Puerto Plata, the coast, and the Cibao Valley. At the top there's a botanical garden, a replica of Christ the Redeemer statue, and a small restaurant. On clear days the views stretch for miles. Go early in the morning before the clouds roll in — afternoons are often socked in.
Fort San Felipe
Built in 1577, this is the oldest European-built fortress in the New World. The Spanish constructed it to defend Puerto Plata from pirates and rival colonial powers. It's small but well-preserved, with thick walls, a moat, and a museum inside with colonial artifacts. The waterfront location on the malecón makes it easy to combine with a walk along the coast.
Snorkeling at Three Rocks, Sosúa
The best snorkeling on the North Coast. Three Rocks is a cluster of underwater rock formations off the eastern end of Sosúa Bay, accessible by a short swim or a glass-bottom boat ride. The reef is alive with parrotfish, angelfish, trumpet fish, barracuda, and the occasional sea turtle. Visibility is best in the morning before the winds pick up. Rent gear on the beach for RD$300-500 or bring your own.
ATV Tours Through the Countryside
Hop on a quad bike and tear through the Dominican countryside — red dirt roads, river crossings, sugarcane fields, and small villages. Most tours last 3-4 hours and include a stop at a local home for coffee and cacao tasting. It's dusty, loud, and an absolute blast. Several operators run tours from both Sosúa and Cabarete.
Amber Museum, Puerto Plata
The Dominican Republic produces some of the world's finest amber, including rare blue amber found nowhere else. This small but excellent museum in a restored Victorian house displays stunning specimens — some with perfectly preserved insects millions of years old. You'll learn about amber formation, Dominican mining, and yes, the Jurassic Park connection is real (Dominican amber inspired the movie).
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Several ranches along the North Coast offer guided horseback rides that go through the hills and end up on a beach. The horses are gentle and the guides patient — no experience needed. Most rides last 1.5-2 hours and wind through palm groves, small farms, and down to a quiet stretch of coastline. An unforgettable way to see the landscape.
Ziplining at Monkey Jungle
A combination zipline course and wildlife sanctuary near Sosúa. The ziplines run through the jungle canopy with views of the coast, and the resident squirrel monkeys are free-roaming and will climb right onto you. Kids absolutely love it. The course includes about 8 ziplines of varying lengths and a hanging bridge.
La Aurora Cigar Factory Tour
The DR is the world's largest exporter of cigars, and La Aurora (founded 1903) is the country's oldest factory. The Santiago facility is about 1.5 hours from the coast, but cigar lovers will find the trip worthwhile. Watch skilled torcedores hand-roll cigars, learn about tobacco cultivation, and sample the product. The gift shop prices are better than anywhere on the coast.
Canyoning at Baiguate, Jarabacoa
For the adrenaline seekers. Canyoning at the Baiguate waterfall involves rappelling down a 25-meter cascade, jumping into pools, scrambling over rocks, and swimming through a narrow canyon. The setting is spectacular — deep in the Central Mountains near Jarabacoa. The full trip from the coast takes a day but it's one of the most thrilling things you can do in the DR.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Board a catamaran in Sosúa or Puerto Plata and sail along the coast as the sun drops into the hills behind Puerto Plata. Most cruises include an open bar, snacks, music, and a snorkeling stop. The 2-3 hour trips run in the late afternoon and the views of the coastline from the water at golden hour are spectacular. Book at least a day in advance during high season.
Walk the Malecón in Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata's waterfront boardwalk stretches for several kilometers along the coast. In the late afternoon and evening it comes alive with families, joggers, street food vendors, and merengue music. Start at Fort San Felipe, walk east past the Victorian gingerbread houses, and end up at one of the open-air bars near the cruise port. This is Dominican life at its most vibrant — and it's completely free.
Charcos de los Militares
A series of natural freshwater pools hidden in the hills between Sosúa and Cabarete. The turquoise pools are fed by a river that has carved through limestone over millennia, creating a series of swimming holes connected by small waterfalls. It's a moderate hike to reach them (about 30-40 minutes) but the reward is a natural infinity pool in the jungle. Bring water shoes and insect repellent.
Cacao Plantation Tour
The DR is one of the world's top cacao producers, and several plantations near the coast offer tours where you see the entire chocolate-making process — from pod to bar. You'll crack open cacao pods, taste raw cacao nibs, grind beans by hand, and sample artisanal Dominican chocolate. Some tours include a full Dominican lunch. A sweet half-day activity, especially if it's raining.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Cabarete
Cabarete Bay in the calm morning hours (before the wind picks up around noon) is perfect for SUP. Rent a board from one of the beach shops for around US$15-20/hour and paddle along the coastline, looking down into the clear water. It's a peaceful way to start the day and a solid core workout. More experienced paddlers can try the Cabarete lagoon for flat-water cruising.
Exploring the Caves at Cabarete
Just outside Cabarete, a network of limestone caves holds Taino petroglyphs, stalactites, and underground pools. El Choco National Park is the main access point, with guided cave tours that take you through the formations with headlamps. One cave has a freshwater pool you can swim in. It's a cool (literally — the temperature drops significantly underground) escape from the beach scene and a fascinating look at the island's geological and indigenous history.
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