It was spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and today the Dominican Republic is a fast-growing vacation destination, with miles of beaches, tropical forests and the tallest mountain in the Caribbean. And you can still get there in time for the whale-watching season or next month’s Cabarete Kite Show, which doesn’t involve something you fly on a string in the park.
www.activecabarete.com
Try out kiteboarding at the beach city of Cabarete which the “Activities” page proclaims as the Adventure Capital of the Caribbean. Kiteboarding, also known as kite surfing, involves riding a surfboard being towed by an airfoil-shaped “kite.” This year’s Cabarete Kite Show, according to “What’s Happening,” is set for March 31-April 3. There’s even a new hotel, eXtreme Cabarete, that caters to kiteboarders and other extreme sports addicts.
www.caribbeanfreeflying.com www.drpure.com
If you like the kite idea but not getting wet, the Dominican Republic also has paragliding, like hang gliding under a flexible wing. Dominican Adventures has suggestions for other high-energy pursuits ranging from rock climbing and “canyoning” top scuba diving and cave exploring.
www.samana.net/sn-english.html
East from Cabarete along the popular north coast, the Samana Peninsula offers a little of everything from coral reefs to rainforest-covered mountains. Click on “Attractions” for links to outfits that advertise whale-watching boat tours. And if you have time, browse through their extensive photo gallery.
www.hispaniola.com
Learn about the other major beaches, resort centers and inland cities by clicking on “Destination Guide” at the Dominican Republic Travel Guide and playing with their interactive map. And be sure to explore “Things to Do” for tips on activities.
www.dominicanrepublic.com
Get acquainted with the nation’s history, culture and widely diverse geography by visiting Dominican Republic Information and then click on “Baseball, National Passion” to see what the residents care about. This is also one of the many sites on the Web that provide a basic directory of hotels and resorts.
www.drindex.com
Get a brief introduction to the island’s cuisine at Dominican Republic Index and learn about public transportation, including the “gua-gua” or “voladora” minibus. Then take a minute to listen to short clips of the local “bachata” music. While you’re there, check out their maps of the country.
dominicanbreeze.com/santodomingo
If you need a break from the beach, the historic capitol city of Santo Domingo has picturesque colonial architecture, museums and the Columbus Lighthouse, believed to house the remains of Christopher Columbus.
Roger Petterson, Associated Press
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