If you are planning a family vacation to the Dominican Republic, and you are worried that your villa rental may not include enough activity to keep kids satisfied, don’t despair. The Dominican Republic is a place of diversity and countless outdoor activities. So, whether it is a family getaway to the Dominican Republic or some time alone in a luxury villa, there are many adventures to enjoy.
Kiteboarding
Did you know that the Dominican Republic is a top spot for water sports? One of the most unique among them is kiteboarding, which is a blend of windsurfing, kite flying, and snowboarding. The Dominican Republic is actually a world center for this challenging activity and you can head to Cabarete in the north to enjoy lessons or simply watch the locals who have mastered this highly athletic activity. There are several schools in the town and they offer group or private lessons in the pristine kiteboarding conditions found there. Some of the top schools include Kitexcite, Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding School, Cabarete Kiteboarding and Destination Kiteboarding, among others.
Fun Fun Cave
The name sounds like something out of a children’s television show, but it is actually one of the most astonishing destinations you may ever visit. You will want to dedicate an entire day that begins with a horseback ride to the trailhead in the Los Haitises National Park. Visitors hike through a rain forest before rappeling into a cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. They then swim the river that takes them into the cave. The adventure does not end there because once inside, you see the ancient paintings left by the island’s original inhabitants, the Taino people. Equal parts history, ecology and cultural lesson, it is also a day of fun.
Monkey Jungle and Zip Line Adventures
Whether you are on a family vacation in the Dominican Republic or a getaway in a villa rental, you will want to enjoy the scenery and excitement of a day spent with this group. Guides take you through a seven station zip line course that allows you to see the jungles, navigate deep into hidden caves and walk through an old botanical garden that is populated with sweet little squirrel monkeys friendly enough to pop a pose for your camera. Your visit supports the community and preserves the natural beauty of the island.
Ciguapa Falls Cascading Tour
This is a wonderfully unique adventure into the islands Septentrional Mountains and visitors are guided along a 45-minute, uphill climb and then equipped for guided navigation back down the mountain. Their track is a series of cascading waterfalls, and most visitors get to do 12 different jumps into unique pools and unforgettable settings.
Taino Farm Permaculture Tour
A great deal more than a farm or educational tour, this half-day tour allows travelers to see just how the organic food movement in the Dominican Republic is doing. You get a fascinating tour of an aquaponic and organic farm and then you get to savor an adventure on the nearby Yasica River. This takes you to the shore where a delicious, organic lunch awaits. Visitors can book this directly through Taino Farm.
If your Dominican Republic vacation involves a villa rental, you will probably find all that you might need inside. However, you can really experience the Dominican Republic in a new and unforgettable way if you plan a one-day adventure such as those we described above. Don’t forget that there are also surfing schools, dune buggy rentals and tours, mountain biking guides, and whale watching opportunities in addition to so many other amazing outdoor activities and adventures on this gorgeous island destination.