Adventures, adrenaline junkies are invited to go Dominican

Dominican Republic, June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — There’smore to Dominican Republic than postcard-perfect beaches and sunshine. Thissummer, the country invites adrenaline seekers to explore its expansiveterrains and nine distinct ecological zones and try their hand at conqueringthe great outdoors.

The country’s diverse geography – home to both the highestand lowest points in the Caribbean – makes it the perfect travel destinationfor those who like to break a sweat. "While Dominican Republic is best knownfor our world-class beaches and resorts, we offer extensive options fortravelers looking to mix adventure into their getaway," said MagalyToribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism."We are working not only to promote the diversity of our tourismofferings, but continue to develop our adventure travel segment so that we soonbecome as well-known for adventure as we are for our sunshine."

The varying regions and in-country destinations offer awide range of options for thrill-seeking and active travel enthusiasts alike:

Wild Watersports: Between the Atlantic Ocean in the northand the Caribbean Sea in the south, travelers looking for watersports will notbe disappointed. Barahona, Punta Cana and Samaná beckon to travelers huntingfor waves, with the northern province of Puerto Plata in particular boastingapproximately 110 miles (180 km) of coast, offering some of the most famouswaves in the Caribbean. The choppy Atlantic waves of the north coast are knownthe world over and frequented by professional international and localwatersport athletes – the province’s town of Cabarete has earned a reputationas the Kiteboarding Capital of the World thanks to its ideal conditions forkiteboarders. Those partial to land-based activities can also venture up PuertoPlata’s Mount Isabel del Torres, or visit the Saltos de Damajagua, a collectionof 27 individual waterfalls that can be reached in just over an hour. Adventureseekers can explore the Saltos de Damajagua by either jumping from one to theother, or sliding down natural slides into the water below.

Mountain Challenges: The country’s diverse geography allowsvisitors to experience both the lowest point in the Caribbean as well as thehighest elevation, with the central mountain region offering high-altitudethrills in areas such as Jarabacoa and Constanza. Guests making the triptowards the center of the island are met by the Cordillera Central MountainRange, home to Pico Duarte, towering over the area at over 10,000 feet (3,087meters) as the Caribbean’s tallest peak. The top of the peak is reachable in atwo, three or four-day excursion depending on the route chosen – all of whichguarantee stunning views of tropical, pine, mountain broadleaf and cloudforests. This area also has some of the best river rafting in the Caribbean,with the Yaque Del Norte River waiting with its rushing white waters. Mountainbike routes are set out all throughout the mountain areas, with paragliding,rappelling and horseback riding also available.

Underwater Treasures: The country’s crystal-clear turquoisewaters are a diver’s dream. Full of hidden treasures and wildlife – includingbright coral, technicolor fish, mysterious caverns, marine national parks andeven ocean sculpture gardens – the country offers many riches under its surfacein areas such as Punta Cana, La Romana, Samaná and Montecristi. Catalina Islandoff La Romana’s shores is a hotspot for divers drawn in by "TheWall," a 100-foot drop with unparalleled views of rich reef life. LaCaleta National Marine Park – the first protected Marine Park in the country,considered one of the top dive sites in Dominican Republic – draws divers in withshipwrecks and sculptures.

When will you discover Dominican Republic’s wild side? Formore information on adventure opportunities on both land and sea in DominicanRepublic, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.