The Dominican Republic is a country where mild and warm summers await tourists all year round. This region enchants travelers and beckons them to spend 28, 90, or even 365 days a year on the island. Beautiful white beaches, secluded islands and the amazingly rich underwater world of the Caribbean Sea, the hospitality of the Dominicans, an abundance of natural and historical attractions, many cultural events – all this makes a vacation in the Dominican Republic impressive and unique.
The vibrant tropical nature will give impressions for the year ahead, the abundance of fruits and outlandish cocktails will improve the mood and relieve stress, sports entertainment and pleasant acquaintances will not let you get bored even for a minute. Everyone who has visited the Dominican Republic will certainly dream of coming back.
There are many reasons to visit the Dominican Republic travel blogs often gloss over. But on any list of the reasons to visit the Dominican Republic, the Dominicana islands will take the top spot for one reason: they look like paradise. And if you toured the Dominicana islands for weeks on end, you’d still not explore all of its wonders. For one, you would have beautiful Dominican Republic women making your stay fun, then the majestic scenery, fascinating culture, and delectable food will make you feel like a million bucks. So if you are ever in the Dominican Republic, don’t leave without dropping by at the following islands:
Cayo Arena
Nicknamed the paradise island, the Cayo Arena is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit as a tourist. It is a small, coral island located in front of the Dominican North-Western coast. There are so many beautiful coral reefs that you wouldn’t mind looking at all day long. But even if you aren’t mesmerized by greenery, there are so many things to do besides watching the beautiful scenery of Cayo Arena. You can go diving, snorkeling, or just kick back and relax at any of the budget resorts.
Punta Cana
The Punta Cana is both a paradise-like island and a place where nature shows off. The Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet on this island, so you can hop from beach to beach, exploring both water bodies at different times. There are eleven beaches spread across Punta Cana, and each one has a unique reference point.
If you are looking for a more private destination on Punta Cana island, you could go to the isolated Juanillo beach. For a golfer, this island is a dream come true with ten coastal golf courses. So if you decide to visit Punta Cana island while in the Dominican Republic, rest assured that there are many fun things to do there.
Although it is very difficult to get to the island from Punta Cana, it is a great place to visit if you are planning to visit other parts of the Dominican Republic. The island is just 7 square kilometers inhabited by sea turtles, crabs, and large species of sea snails. In addition, this island also has one of the smallest reptiles in the world, which is only 16 millimeters long. Although the colonial troops and pirates loved the island of Beata because of its location, today it is completely uninhabited.
Samana
Although popular because of its alleged history related to Christopher Columbus, Samana Island is one of the most preserved Dominicana islands. Samana is uninhabited, meaning this natural attraction with pure white sands and blue waters is usually clean all year round. But one of the most elegant yet awkward things to witness in Samana is the whale mating ritual. Every year, over 3000 whales migrate to the Dominican waters to mate, and if you are visiting between December and April, you can watch them.
Isla Cabritos
Also called Goat island, Isla Cabritos looks like a destination straight out of Western movies. This island is a two-hour drive from civilization, and you will find wildlife like crocodiles around the island. While Goat island might be a little scary to visit, it is truly a beauty to behold. Green trees, shrubs, and blue still waters give this destination a natural ambiance. And if you love wildlife, you can observe two endangered iguana species from a safe distance.
Isla Catalina
Catalina Island (not to be confused with Santa Catalina Island in Los Angeles, USA) is worth bragging about to your friends if you ever visit the destination. With still waters that invite you to snorkel, coral reefs that encourage underwater diving, and species of beautiful colorful fishes that you can see as you look into the waters, this place is worth the cost of traveling to it. Because of the gentle tides of the Caribbean Sea around Catalina, touring this island feels like floating on a lake and enjoying the view. What’s more? You can easily make your way to Punta Cana from Catalina Island if you feel like taking soothing water trips.
Cayo Linares
Like Samana island, Cayo Linares is well protected and preserved for tourists to enjoy for a while, after which nature takes over, sprouting greenery that will put most tropical destinations to shame. You will often find pure white sand on the beaches that glisten in the sun, making for a magnificent view. But unlike the Samana island, this island is not entirely uninhabited, as a tiny village located close by has inhabitants who sell wares you could buy as souvenirs.
Final thoughts
The Dominican Republic has so many beautiful islands that you could not visit and thoroughly explore all of them in one trip if you had the time and resources. You may have to spread out your vacation plan over a few years to enjoy the beauty of these islands fully. From the still waters of the Isla Cabritos to the mating rituals at the Samana, these islands are so beautiful that you will feel overwhelmed just by visiting them. And though you may feel tempted to stay back after experiencing the beauty of Dominicana islands, remember to return home so that other tourists can enjoy the glory of the Dominican Republic too.
Bio
Elaine Coleen is a renowned travel blogger and women’s rights supporter. She is a content manager at WomenandTravel who creates fascinating content for avid travelers and women looking to lead more exciting lives. Elaine uses her impeccable writing skills and vast knowledge of various countries and destinations to provide readers with valuable dating tips.