Water Sports Options in Dominican Republic

The inviting rivers and cascading waterfalls of Dominican Republic are a challenge to the adventurous spirit. There are unlimited options for water sports in Dominican Republic. One can choose from the adrenalin pumping water skiing to smooth sailing, or just by quietly fishing. Here is a list of water sports options on the island;

1: Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
Most of the kayaking and whitewater rafting trips are done on the turbulent Rio Yaque del Norte, near the mountain resort of Jarabacoa. Most excursions open to the general public.

3: Fishing Fishing has been at the heart of most coastal towns. A number of fishing excursions are offered to the tourists. One can also learn how to fish from the shore, go out with a small boat and go fishing on the reefs, or go out with larger boats for some serious deep sea fishing. Fishing is practiced with success all year round, but the summer is the best time to do so, in terms of the variety and numbers of fish and calmer waters.

4: Sailing
Group day trips are offered on larger sailboats and catamarans through Tour Operators in most of the larger tourism destinations in the Dominican Republic, leaving from Puerto Plata, Luperón, Samaná and Bayahibe. There are also water sports clubs at many tourism destinations offering catamaran and/or dinghy rental for personal sailing use.

5: Scuba diving & Snorkeling

Whether experienced or not one is bound to enjoy underwater exploration, either snorkeling or diving in the reef areas found off the coasts of the Dominican Republic. You can see a spectacular array of colorful marine life in these incredibly clear Caribbean waters. In some areas, you can dive to underwater caves or shipwrecks that have been at the bottom of the sea for hundreds of years. The most popular spot for diving on the North Coast is the Sosua area, just 10 minutes from Puerto Plata International Airport. This area offers everything from shallow water reef dives to deep water wall dives. On the South Coast, there are good dive spots near Bahia de Neiba (east of Barahona), Isla Catalina (near La Romana), Isla Saona (east of Bayahibe), and Parque Nacional La Caleta (east of Santo Domingo). Whether you desire gear rental or PADI diving certification, a number of dive centers located in or near these destinations can help prepare you for your underwater adventure.

6: Surfing and Boogie-Boarding

The North Coast of the Dominican Republic is one of the best-spot for surfing. It’s Safe, clear, warm waters, and clean, uncrowned waves make this area excellent for surfing and body/boogie boarding. Playa Encuentro (near Cabarete), Playa Grande and Playa Preciosa (near Rio San Juan) and Playa Boba (near Nagua), are good surfing spots for beginners, as well as those looking for something a more challenging. The best time of year to surf is from mid-December to April, but surfing can be done all year round when various swells roll in. Surf lessons and board rental are available through Cabarete water sports clubs and Playa Encuentro surf clubs.

7: Waterskiing/Tubing/Jet skiing

In Dominican Republic Wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing and jet skiing are offered in tourism destinations where boating has been authorized because of being deemed safe (no reefs, other ocean or river traffic, etc.)

8: Whale watching

Each January through March, more than 10,000 incredible Humpback whales of the North Atlantic population, return to the waters surrounding the Dominican Republic to mate and breed. Marine guides will narrate your boat excursion, explaining mating and breeding information about the whales and their behavior. Witnessing these magnificent creatures, the most active of all whales, is definitely an experience of a lifetime.

9: Windsurfing

Windsurfing can be practiced all over the Dominican Republic. Cabarete is the premiere spot for this sport, Ranked among the 10 best locations in the world. Cabarete Bay and the surrounding area provide fantastic conditions for every level of sailor. The winds are light in the morning, which is perfect for beginners and light-wind sailing. As the day goes on, the winds pick up, providing waves and high-wind sailing conditions. The outer reef surrounding Cabarete Bay provides protection for those within the bay, as well as a playground for wave sailing and jumping, for those higher-level sailors. There are numerous windsurfing centers located right in the bay for easy rigging and direct launch from the beach. Many hotels and resorts at destinations all over the Dominican Republic offer beginner to intermediate level windsurfing gear for their guests. Many offer lessons/instruction as well.