Here are the best Dominican Republic Shore Excursions in 2024, whether you are staying at a resort or arriving by cruise ship. The Dominican Republic is the top destination in the Caribbean, even beating out The Bahamas. When visiting this island there are only a handful of main attractions, but they are so amazing that they keep tourists returning again and again.
Vacationing in the Dominican Republic
One reason I think the Dominican Republic is such a popular destination is because of its affordability. Not only is the island a popular stop for cruises, but they also have amazing deals at all-inclusive resorts.
The best location for staying in the Dominican Republic is Punta Cana. Here you’ll find a plethora of popular resorts such as the Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana, Hilton La Romana Resort and Spa, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Dreams Royal Beach, and Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa.
Pro-tip: Almost every shore excursion will provide pickup from all well-known resorts in Punta Cana.
Cruising to the Dominican Republic
I am a huge fan of cruising and visited the Dominican Republic while on a Tropical Caribbean cruise with Holland America. Every popular cruise line visits the Dominican Republic including Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, and MSC.
There are two main cruise ports in the Dominican Republic which are Amber Cove and La Romana. If you’re booking a cruise excursion, they will all meet outside of your cruise port and provide transportation to your excursion.
The Best Dominican Republic Shore Excursions
Whether you are staying at a resort or visiting from a cruise ship, you’ll find that most of the shore excursions and cruise excursions are the same. If I don’t book directly through the cruise ship, I always use Viator. Viator is a trusted source among travelers and cruisers. All of their shore excursions have reviews and travelers can also post pictures.
Here are the best Dominican Republic shore excursions and how to book them.
Monkeyland
My absolute favorite shore excursion in the Dominican Republic is Monkeyland. If you love wildlife, this is a bucket list excursion and my number one recommendation for the best thing to do in the Dominican Republic.
At Monkeyland you’ll have the opportunity to interact with adorable little squirrel monkeys which will hop and climb all over you. They will even sit on your head. During my visit, many of the monkeys even had little babies you could gently pet. The monkeys are incredibly friendly and the handlers bring them around several times throughout the visit. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
After spending about 30 minutes with the monkeys they also have a tasting where you’ll try fresh Dominican coffee, chocolate, and their special infused wine “Mamajuana”. I actually liked this wine so much I bought a bottle.
This shore excursion is available through most cruise lines and it is also available to book on Viator. Booking through Viator also provides a few additional options where you can combine activities such as visiting Monkeyland and going Ziplining. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, combining activities is the way to go.
Monkeyland visit: $70
Monkeyland & Zipling: $130
Adventure Bundle: Monkeyland, Ziplines & Buggies Punta Cana: $209
Damajagua Waterfalls
If you’re seeking adventure, the Damajagua Waterfalls are a series of 27 cascading waterfalls located in the Puerto Plata province of the Dominican Republic. Travelers will hike through lush tropical landscapes before reaching a series of 7-27 waterfalls which are dependent on the water levels. Once reaching these waterfalls, adventurers can jump off them, slide down them, and swim through various waterfall pools.
Many of these excursions also include lunch, as well as equipment such as life jackets and helmets.
7 Waterfalls of Damajagua: $60
27 Waterfalls for Cruise Ship Passengers / Amber Cove: $89
Visit the Water Caves (Cenotes)
Cenotes are beautiful natural water caves hidden in the rainforest which you can hike to and swim in. They are absolutely beautiful and several Dominican Republic shore excursions visit these wondrous caves.
ATV & Water Caves in Punta Cana with Hotel Pickup: $64.72
Horseback Riding + ATV + Cave with Hotel Pickup: $
What Else is the Dominican Republic Known For?
The Dominican Republic is also known for its coffee, chocolate, and Mamajuana wine. You will find that many excursions also offer a tasting of various local flavors and then offer opportunities to purchase their goods afterward. While I am not a fan of sales gimmicks, I actually did enjoy these samplings and found them to be great gifts to bring home. I, of course, brought back a bottle of the Mamajuana wine!
More Caribbean Travel Guides
About The Author
Sondra Barker is an established travel writer, photographer, and culinary enthusiast. She resides in Newport Beach, California one of the most beautiful beach towns in the country. Her favorite destinations include visiting various wine countries, cruises around the world, and fun theme parks like Disneyland.
Sondra Barker
